Sewickley Academy hockey showing improvement, turns eye to playoffs

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, December 18, 2017 | 11:00 PM

The Sewickley Academy hockey team is off to a 7-3 start and are tied for seventh out of 21 teams in the Varsity A division in the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League.

“I am pleased with how we have been playing so far, but we are not where we want to be just yet,” coach Chris Chiusano said. “We are winning games that we should win but have not been able to finish on those close games, which we will work on.”

Said senior center Michael Hertzberg: “We are progressing every game, which will help in the long run. We are getting off to good starts which it is always easier to play with a lead, and we just need to focus on finishing some of them, but that will come.”

The Panthers have scored 50 goals and allowed 24 goals thus far. They also have played disciplined hockey with just 78 penalty minutes, the second least in their division.

“I think we have been defensively sound. We are not taking bad penalties, and we have been taking advantage on the power play,” Chiusano said. “We need to focus on getting more shots on net and simply executing more on chances.”

Hertzberg said: “Our special teams are working right now, and we like our depth, with all four lines contributing. If we can work on our puck movement to create more chances for ourselves, we will be able to put ourselves in position to win those close games.”

Hertzberg has been dominant for the Panthers, leading the team with 15 goals, seven assists and 22 points.

“Michael is one of the best, not just in our division but the whole PIHL league,” Chiusano said. “He's strong with the puck. He works both the power play and penalty kill and only knows one speed, whether it is in a game or practice.”

Added Hertzberg: “As a team, we all work well together and all have the same goal in mind. We are all able to be hard on each other when something needs done. When you are able to do that, there is no miscommunication. It works for us.”

Sewickley Academy has improved after going 9-10 last season. The focus now is giving itself a chance come playoff time.

“We want to continue to focus on developing. There is always room for improvement,” Chiusano said. “The goal is always to make the playoffs and give ourselves a chance to compete. Anything can happen at that point.”

Said Hertzberg: “Right now, we just want to continue to win and take it one game at a time. We have put ourselves in a good position for a playoff run, but we still have work to do.”

Sewickley Academy has a long break until their next game, 7 p.m. Jan. 4 at Freeport.

Cody Scott is a freelance writer.

Tags: Sewickley Academy