Franklin Regional hockey gets off to quick start under new coach

By: Paul Schofield
Saturday, October 19, 2024 | 11:01 AM

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Franklin Regional hockey coach Brian Bearley isn’t surprised by his team’s 3-0 start.

While others might be surprised because the team moved up to Class 3A from Class 2A this season, the first-year coach expected it because of the players returning.

“I expect us to win every game,” Bearley said. “Many of these guys were on last year’s Class 2A team that reached the semifinals, and they know what it takes to win.”

Bearley replaced longtime coach John Winebrenner. Bearley was on Winebrenner’s staff and wanted to keep a lot of things the same.

The Panthers opened the season with a 2-1 victory against Class 2A champion Thomas Jefferson.

They followed with an impressive 7-2 victory against Central Catholic and then capped off the run by defeating former Class 2A nemesis South Fayette, 5-4. Thomas Jefferson, South Fayette and Franklin Regional were elevated to Class 3A this season following their years of success in Class 2A.

Nick Matus had three goals and an assist, Max Williams two goals and an assist, and Ryan Crouse two goals and an assist in the win against Central Catholic.

“We played really well against Central Catholic,” Bearley said. “We prepare hard for every game. We take every game seriously.

“We hadn’t beaten South Fayette in a couple years, but we never quit. We never got down on ourselves. We just continued to play our style, play our game and came out on top.”

The Panthers rallied from deficits of 2-0 and 4-2 to defeat South Fayette.

Five players scored goals with Brendan Yohe, Joey Casella and Williams each scoring in the third period. Williams had the game-winner at 11:31.

Tyler Spears and Luke Anderchak scored in the first period to erase a 2-0 deficit.

Grant Novotny made 17 saves against South Fayette and Ashton Rothrauff had 19 saves at Central Catholic.

“Grant started slowly, but the team rallied around him picked him up,” Bearley said. “Everyone came together and kept fighting. The home crowd also helped. They gave us a lift.”

Matus and Williams each had three goals, while Anderchak had four assists this season. Casella had a goal and three assists.

Bearley considers Williams the best skater in the league and added that sophomore defenseman Ryland Kase has opened some eyes among his coaching staff.

The Panthers are in the middle of a busy stretch. They were scheduled to play at Upper St. Clair on Oct. 21 and at Mt. Lebanon on Halloween night.

The players want Bearley to dress up for that game, but he hasn’t decided what he’ll do.

Ultimately, Bearley said he wants his team to collect as many wins as possible and they are off to a good start.

Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.

Tags: Franklin Regional