Carnegie-area hockey teams send collection to all-star games
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Thursday, January 17, 2019 | 8:00 PM
When the PIHL All-Star rosters were released, South Fayette coach Frank Certo wasn’t surprised by the selections from his squad.
Senior forward Ian Kumar and junior goalie Bruce Hardman will represent the Lions in the Class A game. The duo has helped South Fayette (11-1) become one of the top teams in the PIHL.
“They’re both great examples of leadership for the team,” Certo said. “They are hard-working kids and great examples for the team.”
Kumar has been the leader for the South Fayette offense throughout the season. The senior has recorded 13 goals and 11 assists this season and ranks 17th in points in Class A.
“He is a pretty complete player,” Certo said. “He really pushes himself. He is a good example for all of our kids.”
Hardman has been a brick wall in front of the net for the Lions. The junior has Class A’s best save percentage (.944). He has allowed 12 goals on 215 shots, recorded five shutouts and built a 9-1 record.
“In our first game in the Greensburg tournament in the preseason, I knew he would be among the top goalies in the league,” Certo said. “He has worked so hard the last couple of years.
“It is a shame he isn’t a freshman. I would like to have him for four more years.”
Certo said he was disappointed a third member of the team didn’t make the roster: defenseman Augie Bishop. The senior was an all-star selection last season. While he only has 10 points, Bishop is a major cog in a defense that has allowed 17 goals — the lowest total in Class A.
“Watching him and understanding his game, I think he is playing at a higher level,” Certo said. “He is a defenseman who doesn’t get a lot of points. With so many teams in Class A, I don’t think some coaches have seen us play.”
The Colts (5-7) had only one player selected for the Class A game: senior defenseman Trevor Stevenson, who has six goals and two assists.
It is the second straight season Stevenson will play in the all-star game.
The Crusaders (2-9) will be represented by a pair of players in the Division II game. Junior forward Cameron Ropchock was selected for the event. He leads Bishop Canevin in goals (10) and points (16). Senior defenseman Darius Legleitner also was selected. He has three assists.
The four all-star games are set for Jan. 27 at Robert Morris Island Sports Complex on Neville Island. The Division II game will kick off the showcase at noon. Class A will follow at 2 p.m., Class AA at 4 p.m. and Class AAA at 6 p.m.
All four can be heard on the TribLive High School Sports Network.
Nathan Smith is a freelance writer.
Tags: Bishop Canevin, Chartiers Valley
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