Penn-Trafford prepares for Penguins Cup playoff run

By: Paul Schofield
Sunday, February 23, 2025 | 11:01 AM

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Penn-Trafford’s ice hockey team did not end the regular season exactly how it wanted, but first-year coach Brian Zagorac was proud of his team’s effort.

The Warriors were hoping to cap the regular season with wins against Latrobe and first-place Fox Chapel.

They got a 3-1 win against Latrobe but dropped a 3-2 decision to Fox Chapel on Feb. 17.

Now the team can prepare for the start of the PIHL Penguins Cup playoffs which will begin in March.

The only thing the Warriors know for sure is that they will host a first-round game, and they won’t win the Class 2A regular-season title.

“We have two weeks to get ready for the playoffs and we plan to work on things,” Zagorac said. “It will be like a playoff training camp. We need to work on the little things like the fundamentals, be strong on defense, be better on faceoffs and better back-checking.

“Fox Chapel got off to a quick start against us. Their third goal was a little wacky, but the team responded, and we had a chance with a power play in the final two minutes. Fox Chapel did a good job not allowing us many chances.”

Zagorac said Fox Chapel runs a good system and has good offensive players.

The Foxes defeated the Warriors in both meetings this season, so Zagorac hopes a third meeting would be the charm.

Last year the Warriors were seeded eighth in the playoffs, and they reached the finals of the Penguins Cup against Thomas Jefferson.

The team upset No. 1 South Fayette and No. 4 Norwin in the postseason.

This year, Zagorac said the team can finish between second and fourth. Fox Chapel has 49 points and has clinched first place. The Warriors (14-4-1-1) are second with 45 points. Cathedral Prep (12-4-2-0) is third with 40 points and Latrobe (13-5-0-0) is fourth with 29.

“Erie Prep and Latrobe both have the tiebreakers on us,” Zagorac said. “How we finish defends on what they do in their final two games.”

Penn-Trafford returned numerous players this season, but two sophomores — Aiden Drotos and Brock Bienemann — helped pick up the scoring the team lost to graduation.

Drotos has 21 goals and 18 assists and Bienemann 16 goals and 19 assists.

Senior Cam Kiste has chipped with 16 goals and 18 assists.

“We had a good group returning and we knew that Aiden was playing less travel hockey,” Zagorac said. “We knew both he and Brock’s potential. The team jelled. Now we must continue to stay focused on the job at hand.”

Penn-Trafford will also welcome the return of defenseman Gavin Paterson, who was injured in an accident.

Zagorac said getting him back for the playoffs is a plus.

“He may not show up on the scoresheet, but he shows up every game and makes plays,” Zagorac said. “He is physical and has a presence on the ice. He sets the tone with his physical play.”

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