Penn-Trafford hockey off to hot start

By: Paul Schofield
Sunday, October 27, 2024 | 11:01 AM

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When teams average six goals per game and have solid goaltending, they are going to win a lot of hockey games.

That’s the formula the Penn-Trafford hockey team has used to start the 2024-25 season 3-0.

The team is scoring goals, playing solid defense and getting outstanding goaltending from Tyler Funk and Carson Weishorn. Funk has posted shutouts against Hempfield and Bishop McCort and has stopped all 51 shots he’s faced.

“It’s never easy to win in Johnstown and Erie,” Penn-Trafford first-year coach Brian Zagorac said. “They have a playbook they like to follow, and they usually have good players. But we negated their plan with our aggressive style and took it to them.

“We’re still trying to develop an identity and trying to play fast and aggressive. Scoring six goals per game is tough to beat.”

Especially with the defense and goaltending the Warriors have been getting.

The line of center Kyler Doran and wingers Aiden Drotos and Brock Bienemann have combined to score 26 points. Bienemann has seven goals and 11 points, Doran two goals and six assists, and Drotos two goals and five assists.

Cam Kiste and Robert Thatcher each has two goals.

“They are turning the defense into offense,” Zagorac said. “We are getting production from a lot of players.”

Penn-Trafford is still missing a few players. Senior forward Drew Hall is out with an injury and a couple other players are dealing with suspensions.

“We’re dealing with being shorthanded,” Zagorac said. “But that gives other players opportunities, which should help our depth.”

Zagorac could not be happier with his goaltending, especially Funk.

“He’s a big and physical kid,” Zagorac said. “He’s been impressive.”

Penn-Trafford returned to action Oct. 28 against Canon-McMillan. Zagorac said he expects his team will be challenged. The Warriors also face Baldwin at Palmer Imaging Arena at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 4.

The Warriors own wins against Hempfield (6-0), Cathedral Prep (6-4) and Bishop McCort (6-0).

“This year, we play Hempfield and Bishop McCort three times,” Zagorac said. “We return to Johnstown on Nov. 7. I expect a tougher game because they and Cathedral Prep have high-end talent.”

One of the top players on the defensive side is Kiste.

“Everyone is buying into the system of aggressive hockey,” Zagorac said. “Solid defense leads to better offense,”

Others contributing on the score sheet include T.J. Ferguson (one goal), Lorvens Huber (one goal), Roman Catello (one goal, one assist ), Rylan Kiste (three assists), Marco Ferraccio (one assist), Mason Driskill (one assist) and Gavin Patterson (two assists).

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