Hockey steps into spotlight in 3 things to watch Thursday in high school athletics

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, November 7, 2018 | 7:42 PM

Two days before the state playoffs resume in soccer, volleyball and field hockey and one day before the WPIAL football playoffs continue with semifinals and quarterfinals action, high school hockey jumps into the spotlight.

The marquee matchup in the PIHL is in Class AA as Pine-Richland faces rival Mars in a battle for first place in the North/West conference.

Both the Rams and Fightin’ Planets are off to 5-0 starts thanks to strong defenses.

Pine-Richland has allowed only five goals while Mars has yielded eight.

Only Montour and South Fayette have perfect records just over a month into the season.

More hockey

Peters Township in Class AAA and Armstrong in Class AA were Penguins Cup finalists a year ago.

Both are off to sluggish starts as they hit the ice on Thursday.

Peters Township is 3-2 and will square off against winless Cathedral Prep (0-4).

Last year, the Indians finished first in Class AAA while the Ramblers were right behind in second.

Armstrong is off to a 1-4 start as it faces Shaler on Thursday.

Somebody has to win

Wheeling has a great tradition of hockey. However, the two local high school teams have struggled out of the gates.

On Thursday, Wheeling Central Catholic takes on rival Wheeling Park.

The two teams are a combined 0-6 this season.

The two other PIHL Class A games on Thursday have West Allegheny facing Freeport and Deer Lakes taking on Blackhawk.

Tags: Armstrong, Mars, Peters Township, Pine-Richland