Fox Chapel senior builds chemistry with linemate, grows as leader

By: Josh Rizzo
Saturday, January 20, 2024 | 11:01 AM

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Grady Cullen wants to keep an eye out for wherever Killian Kissane is on the ice. While the Fox Chapel senior enjoys setting up all of his teammates to score goals, Cullen has developed a strong chemistry with his linemate, Kissane.

Kissane has scored eight goals in 12 games this season.

“I really like setting my teammates up for scoring situations,” Cullen said. “I’ve never been the one to go in and do it all myself. I like supporting everyone on my team and passing and getting assists. Playing with Kilian, he gets the puck and goes and scores.”

Fox Chapel has been trying to create opportunities for each other as the Foxes have bumped up from Class A to 2A. Cullen has recorded seven assists this season and also has six goals.

“Grady was always one of our more skilled guys,” Fox Chapel coach Cam Raidna said. “Maybe it was time and place, but he worked on getting chemistry with other players. This year, he’s shot off with offensive ability and leadership ability. I think he has done a great job of putting himself in a leadership position.”

What has helped Cullen find himself in a leadership position, despite not being a captain, is how he fits in with every class. Grady’s brother, Tucker, is a freshman on the team. Tucker has scored eight goals and contributed 11 assists.

“I feel like I’m a bridge in terms of leadership,” Grady said. “I feel like it’s not a full-fledged leadership role. My brother is a freshman, so I have friends who are freshmen and I have a few friends that are sophomores. I have relationships with nearly everyone on the team.”

Fox Chapel, which lost in the Class A Penguins Cup final last season, is 8-5-1 this season and is sitting in sixth place in the standings. The Foxes have outscored their opponents 70-61.

Fox Chapel is working on how to defend against some of the top teams. The Foxes recently lost 4-3 to first-place Thomas Jefferson and also have a 6-3 loss to Norwin and a 7-2 loss to South Fayette on their schedule.

Raidna said he feels like the defense has started to make the right adjustments. He’s hoping chemistry will be able to carry them.

Liam Wiseman leads Fox Chapel with 16 goals, while Dom Casile has added 12.

“The adjustment has been that we have to realize all 15 of us have to be going at the same time,” Raidna said. “We have to have our whole team ready to go. I think they’ve come together nicely.”

Tags: Fox Chapel