Trib HSSN athletes of the week: Armstrong’s Ryan Bowser, Bishop Canevin’s Bri Allen

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, March 28, 2018 | 9:03 PM

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Ryan Bowser

School: Armstrong

Sport: Hockey

Class: Sophomore

Claim to fame: Ryan Bowser was a backup goaltender as a freshman at Armstrong last year. Little did he know his 2017-18 sophomore season would be super. After losing his first game as a varsity starter in October, a 9-4 loss to Upper St. Clair, Bowser helped the River Hawks win their next 11 in a row on their way to first place in the PIHL's Class AA with a 16-3 record. He then registered a 2.00 goals-against with a .919 save percentage in three Penguins Cup playoffs wins, capped off by 25 saves in a shutout of Quaker Valley in the championship game. However, what Bowser did four days later in the Pennsylvania Cup title game was even more impressive. He stopped 43 of 46 shots in 93 and a half minutes of play as Armstrong fell 3-2 to Downingtown East in five overtimes.

Even though the result was not what you wanted, how does it feel to be part of one of the most historic games in Pennsylvania high school hockey history?

It's certainly special, and I couldn't be any more proud of my teammates for putting it all out there.

Unlike forwards and defenseman who can catch a breather on line changes, you are out there focused the entire game. Was it tougher on you physically or mentally during the game and then afterward?

The state championship game is something I'll never forget. It was the most physically draining experience of my life, and mentally having to go to Philadelphia and play in the opposing team's rink was a challenge, let alone to try and stay focused while their student section cheered was difficult.

What was it like getting a shutout in the finals against Quaker Valley.

It was the most complete game we played as a team, and the defense did a great job of letting me see all the shots and avoiding odd-man breaks.

There is a great passion for high school hockey in the Kittanning area. What was it like, after some close calls, to bring another Penguins Cup title home to Armstrong County for the first time in nearly three decades?

It means a lot. It's something that hasn't happened in a long time, and I think the community recognized that and made it really special for us players.

This was your first year as the No. 1 goalie and you yielded nine goals and lost your first game. Then you bounced back to win 11 in a row. How do you think your season went overall?

I think it was consistent improvement throughout the year and just getting more comfortable not only for me in net but the team playing together.

At what age did you start playing hockey and why goaltending?

I started playing hockey at age 6, but I didn't start playing goalie ‘till I was 12. I started goalie because when I moved up to play middle school hockey they didn't have a goalie so I thought I'd give it a try, and I really enjoyed the constant action and intensity of being a goalie and never want to give that up.

Will the Pittsburgh Penguins win a third straight Stanley Cup?

I think they do because of the Penguins' depth and coaching. No one thought they could win it back to back, so why not three-peat.

Brionna Allen

School: Bishop Canevin

Sport: Basketball

Class: Senior

Claim to fame: It was another terrific season for Bishop Canevin girls basketball as the Crusaders captured a third straight district championship and brought silver home from Hershey for a second consecutive campaign. Leading the Crusaders was senior Brionna Allen, who averaged 15.4 points. In the state semifinals last week, Allen was held to four points in the first half only to explode and end up with 24 as Bishop Canevin advanced to the PIAA finals with a 67-52 triumph over East Allegheny. She was held in check in the championship game earlier this week as the Crusaders fell for a second straight year to Neumann-Goretti, 63-46

Another great season ends for Bishop Canevin with a loss to Neumann-Goretti in Hershey. Is it easy or tough to think of all the positive things accomplished this season when you lose your final game?

Honestly, at first it was very hard to accept the loss. But after everyone around me brought to my attention of all that the team and I have accomplished in these four years, it made me notice that there is nothing to really be upset about but instead celebrate all the good that we experienced together as a team.

Going into Monday's state finals, you knew that win or lose this would be your final game in a Bishop Canevin uniform. While focusing on the game, did you allow yourself to let that idea sink in a little bit?

It all didn't sink in until the ride but home from Hershey, and as I was looking out the windows I realized like wow that was my last high school game.

We have heard from many adults on the topic of Diamond Johnson's transfer to Neumann-Goretti right before the start of the District 12 playoffs. As a player and opponent, do you think that transfer should have been allowed?

I mean to me it shouldn't since she played her regular season at another school then all of a sudden decided to join their team at the end of the season where it really counts. I just don't think that should be allowed. But it was, so you really can't do nothing about it but play your game.

How does it feel to be part of the most successful run in Bishop Canevin history with three straight WPIAL championships, along with three district or state runner-up silver medals?

It feels amazing to be honest, because some athletes don't even get the chance to win WPIAL three years in a row and go to state two years in row, so it is definitely a blessing that I got to play on an amazing team with amazing players and coaches.

You played under coach Scott Dibble this year and three years with coach Tim Joyce. Was it a big adjustment for you and your team? What were some of the biggest differences between the two?

No not really, we all adjusted well since we already knew coach Dibble and his coaching style, so there really wasn't a big adjustment. But the difference between the two would be the way they both ran practices and the way they both coach.

What are some of the things you like to do with family and friends away from the hardwood?

I like to hang out with my cousins and close friends. And just spend time with my family and boyfriend.

Is UConn's dominance good or bad for women's college basketball?

I think it's good, because it keeps other teams wanting to beat them. And it's also good for UConn, like who doesn't want to be on a team that dominant almost every game.

Don Rebel is a TribLive High School Sports Network broadcaster and staff writer. Reach him at drebel@tribweb.com.

Tags: Armstrong, Bishop Canevin