Latrobe, Hempfield among teams in way of Franklin Regional PIHL 3-peat

By: HSSN Staff
Sunday, March 4, 2018 | 6:09 PM

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Technically, there will be no “three-peat” for Franklin Regional's hockey team this year though the Panthers can win a third consecutive PIHL Penguins Cup.

That's because Franklin Regional moved up to Class 2A this season after capturing back-to-back Class A championships. Nevertheless, the Panthers begin their postseason quest Monday against Mars as the puck drops on the Penguins Cup playoffs.

The Panthers face a crowed Class 2A field. Latrobe and Hempfield are contenders as well.

Another title for Franklin Regional?

Unlike the past two seasons when the Panthers were among the favorites in Class A, they open the Class 2A tournament as the No. 4 seed from the South/East Division and have a play-in game against the Planets at 7 p.m. at Center Ice Arena in Delmont. The winner draws Armstrong on Thursday at 7 p.m. at Belmont.

“Playoff hockey is just like a whole new season,” Franklin Regional goaltender Dan Soltesz said. “We played really well against Mars earlier in the year. Hopefully, we come out with the same effort. We're looking forward to getting a second chance at Armstrong.”

While the Panthers (11-8-0) finished tied for the second-most points (22) in the South/East Division, they came close to missing the postseason as a huge logjam kept teams on edge through the final game. Four points separated six teams.

“Luckily, we were able to get in that fourth spot,” Soltesz said. “Now, we realize anything can happen. My freshman year (2016), we weren't supposed to be in the championship and we were. Basically, it's anyone's game. Everyone was so close in the standings. Basically, it's just whoever has the best game and battles the hardest has the best chance to win. We have a lot of experience, and we hope that helps.”

Olda Virag (36 points) and Nicholas Carretta (31) are two of the team's most-experienced players and pace the offense. Mathieu Silva (25), Ethan Yohe (22), Kevin Cakanac (17), Thomas Rafferty (16), Jason Haines (14) and Trent Lunden (13) have been top contributors. Soltesz and the defense have allowed the fewest goals (55) in Class 2A.

“The defense is getting pucks out and the younger guys are stepping up. I am happy with it,” Soltesz said. “We were in a little slump, but we're starting to come together as a team and play the game that everyone wanted us to play.”

Latrobe wants more

Latrobe surprised some teams last season as the Wildcats (12-10-1) posted three wins, including a pair of upsets over top-seeded Moon and Quaker Valley, to reach the Penguins Cup championship. Plum ended Latrobe's season with a 6-1 triumph.

This year, the Wildcats (13-6-0) captured the South/East Division title and await the winner of Monday's Quaker Valley-Shaler game. Latrobe plays Wednesday at 7:15 p.m. at Kirk S. Nevin Arena.

“It's nice to win the division, definitely. It's a step in the direction of where we want to be going into the playoffs,” Latrobe coach Josh Werner said. “We've had two-and-a-half weeks off. We're doing some things internally to keep that competitive edge and make sure we're ready to go.

“Our guys are up-tempo. Every drill in practice is at full speed. They are challenging each other. It's a long season with a lot of practices. These guys are motivated. They see a little light at the end of the tunnel. They understand we have more work to do, but we're getting to where we want to be.”

Last season, Latrobe had little pressure as one the lower seeds. This year, the Wildcats are one of the favorites as they finished second in points (26) to Armstrong (32).

“We used our experiences from last year to catapult what we want to do this year. We're keeping it in the back of our heads that we were the underdogs last year, and we were the ones who beat Moon, which had a No. 1 seed,” Werner said. “We'll use those playoff games last year to our advantage this year in making sure we're ready to play a tough game.”

J.T. Schimizzi leads the team in scoring with 17 goals and 38 points. The Wildcats finished second with 96 goals. Greg Ferri (27), Blake Rossi (27), Brantley Miller (20), Cole Noval (17), Jason Defelice (17), Jarred Stein (15), Paxton Knupp (14) and Lane Ruffner (11) all have double-digit points.

“Last year and this year, I think we have a good advantage with our depth. Everyone is scoring. It's definitely a team effort. Everyone is going to have to pitch in at some point. It's all coming together at the right time,” Werner said. “It's really anyone's league here in double-A. Everyone has beaten everyone. It's crazy. It just shows you have to bring your ‘A' game every night, and you still won't know what will happen.”

Spartans are contenders

Last year, Hempfield lost to Plum in the semifinals, 5-2. The Spartans want to take another step this season. They are 11-8-0 and play Pine-Richland on Wednesday at 9 p.m. at Baierl Ice Complex.

“Coming into the season, we had a bunch of younger faces and newer people on the team. We wondered how things would be, but it's been a great season,” Hempfield coach Denny Zeravica said. “You're always hoping to finish first in your division, but double-A is so close. There was not one easy game on the schedule. We had to come ready to play every night. If you're not ready to play, it could cost you, and that's what happened to us a couple times.

“I like our chances against anybody we'll be playing. I bet the other coaches feel the same way. It'll come down to who executes better that night and makes the least amount of mistakes.”

Jared Gerger leads the team with 39 points. Trent Gray (25), Dominic Schimizzi (18), Kane Mills (17), Matt Bartus (16), Nick Koziara (14), Christian Konieczka (11) and Jacob Anderson (11) all produced double-digit scoring for Hempfield.

“I think balance has been a staple of the team,” Zeravica said. “Different games, we've had different kids in and out of the lineup. But, when we have everyone there and have our full depth, that's when we're at our best. They are scoring up and down the lineup. That's what you want as a coach.”

The Spartans rely on goaltender Nolen Ferree to anchor the defense.

“We're progressing. We've learned from our mistakes, which is what we want to do,” Zeravica said. “We count on our goaltender to make big saves and we have one of, if not the best in the league.”

Joe Sager is a freelance writer.

Tags: Franklin Regional, Hempfield Area, Latrobe