A-K Valley Senior Spotlight: Fox Chapel’s Trip Goehring

By: Ted Sarneso
Monday, March 10, 2025 | 10:09 AM

Fox Chapel senior defenseman Trip Goehring has learned to never take playing ice hockey for granted.

A major injury tends to refocus an individual.

Goehring lost his entire junior year due to a torn ACL, and he knows exactly how long he was away from the game he loves.

“Four-hundred-and-eight days,” Goehring said. “That’s how long it took for me to get back to playing hockey. I went through nine months of physical therapy. I also host a kid for my traveling team, the Pittsburgh Stars, and I had to drive him to games, even though I couldn’t participate.”

Goehring’s return helped the Foxes claim the top seed for the Class 2A playoffs.

“It’s really helpful to have home ice throughout the playoffs,” Goehring said. “It would be really great if we won it all this year.”

During the regular season, Goehring was third on the team in scoring with 35 points (6 goals, 29 assists) and had a blast playing with offensive standouts Tucker Cullen and Dominic Casile.

“Playing with them is really fun,” Goehring said. “Especially on the power play. They help to keep the games fast paced.”

Goehring’s largest output of the season came in a win over Norwin on Dec. 12. He scored three goals and had seven assists for a 10-point game.

“He can carry the puck all the way and make something happen in the offensive zone just as well as he can play shutdown defense,” coach Ryan Loebig said. “He brings a unique talent you don’t get all the time.”

While he was off all last year, he spent most of his time shooting a lot of pucks. After his team’s practices, he usually is the last one off the ice.

“I’m typically working on my puck handling,” Goehring said. “On the ice, it’s about maintaining your skills throughout the season. Off the ice, a lot of running and lifting.”

Goehring, who was a PIHL all-star selection his sophomore year, has become a solid, consistent hockey player, and that has come through his preparation, hard work and dedication.

“It starts during the week,” Goehring said. “Showing up to practice, doing the same things at practice. Getting to the games early so you can get ready. My experience with my club team has also helped me grow up a lot. The coaches there keep us disciplined.”

Goehring took some time for a Senior Spotlight Q&A:

How did you get started playing hockey?

My family lives 10 minutes from Alpha Ice skating rink, and when we were younger, my parents would take us down for a learn-to-skate.

Do you see yourself as an offensive defenseman or defensive defenseman?

More of a two-way defenseman.

How have you found a balance to your style of play?

Reading the play and knowing when to make a play or when not to at certain times of the game.

How do you think being a leader who tends to keep the atmosphere light benefits your teammates?

Sometimes, if they get too down on themselves, it helps to keep them level-headed. If they get down, it helps to bring them back up.

How do you prepare for games?

I like listening to music beforehand and talking with my friends.

What part of your game were you looking to improve on this season?

My offensive side, being able to help the team on that side of the ice.

What were your goals for the season?

To win a Pens Cup.

Favorite hobbies?

I like running and working out. I plan on participating in the half marathon in May. I also play lacrosse. I used to play club lacrosse before I got hurt, so now I focus on hockey.

Will that be your first time running in a marathon?

Yeah. After surgery, I started running a lot more, so this will be my first time this year.

Post-high school plans?

I haven’t decided between going to college next year or playing junior hockey. I’m still thinking about it.

What’s one piece of advice you’d want to leave your teammates?

Don’t take it for granted. At any moment, it could be your last on the ice.