Penn Hills’ Mike Ulyas helps Burrell hockey team reach PIHL Division 2 championship game

By: Josh Rizzo
Sunday, March 23, 2025 | 11:01 AM

Previous Next

Mike Ulyas never felt like an outsider on the Burrell hockey team. The Penn Hills senior hopped onboard to play with a group that returned a lot of skaters who played for the PIHL’s Division 2 championship.

“It feels like I was here last year even though I wasn’t,” Ulyas said. “I’m grateful. Everyone has accepted me pretty well. It’s nice to feel welcome on a new team.”

In addition to Burrell, the Buccaneers have players from Valley, Highlands and Riverview.

Ulyas rotated between forward and defense for Burrell. The Buccaneers reached the Division 2 championship game for the second consecutive season, but fell to Morgantown (W.Va.), 5-1, in the final March 18.

Burrell coach Drew Burkett said after the team’s semifinal win against Deer Lakes that Ulyas’ previous experience with the team made for an easy transition.

“He actually came and practiced with us in the second half of the season last year,” Burkett said. “We had a full roster and couldn’t get him on. He was a great addition, and it wasn’t awkward or anything for him coming in since he was a practice player last year. He fit right in and knew the systems we were running.”

Ulyas filled a depth role for the Buccaneers. He contributed seven points, a goal and six assists. Ulyas plays dek hockey and also previously played ice hockey for the Allegheny Badgers.

“I didn’t play ice hockey until my sophomore year,” Ulyas said. “I played dek hockey for a long time. I kind of just spent the first two years developing on club teams until I got the opportunity to play here.”

Ulyas is always around the game, as he works at the Palmer Imaging Arena in Delmont. Burkett said Ulyas is versatile.

“I’ll call him my Swiss Army knife,” Burkett said. “I rotate him constantly from forward to defense. He doesn’t question it at all; he just plays the game. He knows both positions very well.”

Because Morgantown isn’t a Pennsylvania team, they didn’t earn the PIHL’s spot in the Pennsylvania Cup. Burrell played in the state championship game instead.

The Buccaneers also will play at nationals. Ulyas said Burrell’s success this season was something he thought he would be a part of.

“This was about what I expected,” Ulyas said. “I don’t think I was very hesitant. I really wanted to play, but there were a couple decisions to make about whether or not this was too much.”

Tags: Burrell, Penn Hills