LaSalle Routs Cathedral Prep as Flyers Cup Champs Sweep PA Cup

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, March 19, 2016 | 7:42 PM

It took the LaSalle Explorers less than a minute to show how explosive they could be offensively. In fact, it took just 38 seconds for LaSalle to score in the Class AAA Pennsylvania Cup Championship, and LaSalle took command in the second period as the Explorers defeated Erie Cathedral Prep 7-1. With the triumph, LaSalle claims its fourth state title, and first since 2012. In the process, the Explorers completed the sweep for Flyers Cup winners, who bested in Penguins Cup representatives in all three games.

Joseph Mancuso struck in the game’s first minute, as he slide a shot from the far circle inside the far post, past Cathedral Prep’s sophomore goaltender Jacob Kucharski.

The early lead did not last for the Explorers, however, as LaSalle was called for a pair of penalties just more than one minute apart. Although the Ramblers didn’t officially score on the five-on-three advantage, they did tally just one second after the first penalty expired. ECP’s Joe Sala netted the power play marker to deadlock the score less than six minutes into the contest.

Special teams were again at the forefront just more than four minutes later, as the Explorers cashed in on their only man advantage of the frame. David Mester pounced on a loose puck, and deposited it past Kucharski just 13 seconds into the power play.

In the second period, LaSalle added to its advantage, as the Explorers began to dominate play. After being outshot decisively in the opening stanza, the Explorers peppered shots towards the ECP net, and consequently, scored two goals in the second. With 12:48 left in the frame, Coty Thomas notched a goal on a rebound, lifting a shot over Kucharski, who could not recover after he made a stellar initial save on Mancuso.

Less than four minutes later, Austin Master entered the Ramblers’ zone two-on-one, and placed a shot just inside the far post. The goal marked the end of the night for Kucharski, who was replaced by Trent Faulkner. The senior netminder was immediately greeted by a flurry of Explorers’ chances, but he held strong to keep his team’s deficit at 4-1.

Early in the third stanza, LaSalle increased its lead, as Henry Kaechelin unleashed a wrist shot from the right side that whistled past Faulkner and found the twine. He scored again with just less than five minutes remaining, as he receiving a centering pass in the high slot, and fired it past Faulkner. Tyler Pohlig capped the terrific performance for LaSalle, as he netted the team’s seventh goal to conclude the scoring.

Although overshadowed by his team’s offensive onslaught, LaSalle’s Harrison Feeney made several impressive stops, as he recorded 25 saves in the triumph.

Although Erie Cathedral Prep came up short in the Pennsylvania Cup, the Ramblers did secure their second straight Penguins Cup. A season after prevailing in Class AA, ECP defeated Seneca Valley, Central Catholic and North Allegheny to claim Penguins Cup gold.

Scoring Summary:

Management Science Associates Three Stars:
3. L – Tyler Pohlig
2. L – Joseph Mancuso
1. L – Coty Thomas

Tags: Erie Cathedral Prep