Top-seeded Armstrong capitalizes on turnovers, tops Franklin Regional in Class AA playoffs

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, March 8, 2018 | 9:45 PM

Armstrong was the highest scoring team in PIHL Class AA during the regular season, and the River Hawks continued their goal scoring assault in the first round of the Penguins Cup playoffs, ending Franklin Regional's season.

Easton Hooks had four goals and Jace Rearic recorded a hat trick to lead No. 1 Armstrong to a 8-2 victory over No. 4 Franklin Regional on Thursday night at Belmont Complex.

The River Hawks (17-3) advanced to play the winner of Upper St. Clair and Hampton in the semifinals at 7 p.m. Wednesday at RMU Island Sports Center. Franklin Regional, which had won the previous two Class A Penguins Cup championships before moving up in class this season, finished 12-9.

Armstrong, which averages six goals per game, came out of the gate buzzing in front of a packed house, showcasing its speed up front and out shot the Panthers, 8-2, in the first few minutes.

The River Hawks turned their early zone dominance into goals, starting when Zachary Kutch forced a turnover that led to a 2-on-1 and passed to Rearic, who buried a shot past Panthers goalie Daniel Soltesz.

Hooks went end to end a couple of minutes later to score and then added another goal five minutes later to make it 3-0.

“We just weren't ready for their speed and we didn't manage the puck well,” Panthers coach Brian Kurtz said. “We turned it over on their first couple of goals, and you just can't do that against this team.”

Though Armstrong built a comfortable lead, it got into penalty trouble late in the first period and allowed Franklin Regional to get back within striking distance.

After Kutch was given a minor for boarding from behind and a 10-minute misconduct, Nick Carretta converted on the power play to get Franklin Regional on the board.

As time expired in the first, Armstrong's Jake Gross was called for head contact and given a minor and a 10-minute misconduct. Matt Silva cashed in with the man advantage 13 seconds into the second period, which cut the deficit to 3-2.

“Even when we were down early we knew it was a long game,” Kurtz said. “We felt pretty good in our situation when it was 3-2, but we just had too many turnovers.”

Armstrong limited Franklin Regional's chances once it became a one-goal game and eventually put its offense attack back into high gear.

Hooks tallied his third of the game with the River Hawks on the power play midway through the second. And then the River Hawks scored a pair of backbreakers, with Rearick and Jesse Toy scoring 11 seconds apart with two minutes remaining in the second to make it 6-2.

Kutch and Rearick added goals in the third period.

Franklin Regional graduates six seniors. The Panthers enjoyed the challenge of moving up in class this season.

“The move up was welcomed by us, and we were happy with how we competed,” Kurtz said. “There wasn't a big gap from first to seventh place in our section, so every night was a competitive game, and that's what you want.”

Jerin Steele is a freelance writer.

Tags: Armstrong, Franklin Regional