Penn-Trafford blanks Norwin, looks to challenge for PIHL Class 2A title

By: Paul Schofield
Sunday, October 5, 2025 | 11:01 AM

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Even though the Penn-Trafford hockey team graduated nine seniors and its leading scorer decided not to play, coach Brian Zagorac is not worried.

The return of numerous starters combined with a talented group of underclassmen has Zagorac expecting another strong season.

Penn-Trafford finished third (14-4-1-1, 45 points) behind Cathedral Prep and Fox Chapel during the regular season last year, and after a semifinal exit against Fox Chapel, the Warriors should be in the mix for the PIHL Class 2A title again.

Things started off well for the Warriors.

Veteran goalie Tyler Funk made 30 saves, and freshman Jordan Tucek scored two goals and had an assist in Penn-Trafford’s 5-0 shutout of rival Norwin. Freshman defenseman Liam Lehneke, sophomore forward Brock Bienemann and sophomore forward Zach Grkman also scored.

“It was a good start,” Zagorac said. “We reloaded with a talented freshmen group and players from the junior varsity team.

“When you have a player like Tyler, who I think is the best goaltender in the PIHL, you are going to be tough to beat.”

Funk, a junior, is backed up by junior Carson Weishorn (4-0-0) and sophomore Levi Driskill.

Though the Warriors graduated their top three defensemen — Cam Kiste, Gavin Patterson and Robert Thatcher — they return seniors Jake Lenart, Brody Parsons and Mason Driskill and junior Rylan Kiste.

Other key losses were center Kyle Doran, forward Marco Ferraccio and the team’s leading scorer, sophomore Aiden Drotos (21 goals, 18 assists), who decided to focus on baseball.

Zagorac must replace some scoring, including Cam Kiste (16 goals, 18 assists), Thatcher (9 goals, 17 assists), Doran (2 goals, 21 assists), Ferraccio (5 goals, 14 assists) and Drew Hall (9 goals, 4 assists).

Back are sophomore Bienemann (16 goals, 19 assists), junior forward Roman Catello (7 goals, 5 assists) and senior forward Ben Zierski (5 goals, 8 assists).

“The defense in front of our goalies look strong,” Zagorac said. “Brock returns, and Jordan is exceptionally talented. We saw Jordan’s potential in middle school.”

The other players Zagorac hopes can increase their scoring include senior forward Lorvens Huber, Zierski, Catello, junior forward Nico Castelli, Lehneke and Grkman

“I am excited to see how this team comes together,” Zagorac said. “Fox Chapel, which has been our Kryptonite, has moved up to Class 3A. I expect (Cathedral) Prep, McCort, Latrobe and Hempfield to be strong.

“Even though we are young, youth bring energy. We have a lot good young talent. They just need varsity experience.”

Penn-Trafford returned to action Oct. 9 at Shaler. It travels to newcomer Wheeling Park on Oct. 16 and plays its first home game at 7:10 p.m. Oct. 27 against Armstrong.

Other newcomers to Class 2A include Shaler and Bethel Park.

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: Penn-Trafford