PIHL High School Hockey Notebook – Open Class Preview

By: Bruce Markey
Tuesday, October 30, 2012 | 4:42 PM

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Welcome to another installment of “PIHL Notebook” as we celebrate the drop of the puck across the league tonight by wrapping out season preview four-pack with a look inside the Open Class. This is slated to be the final year of existence for what was called an experiment from the beginning, with teams slated to be absorbed into the three major classifications a year from now. At first glance, one might think a new Nailers and Open Cup champion is guaranteed since Quigley is not part of the landscape, but the Spartans have merged with Ambridge, so not so fast. One might also think the inclusion of Canon-McMillan is a typo, but again not the case as the Big Macs had so many kids at tryouts they decided to create a “farm team” if you will. These are just two of the storylines which should make the final bow for the Open Class one to remember.

(Teams listed in order of 2011-12 winning percentage)

SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE

SECTION 1:

Morgantown Mohigans

2011-12 record: 13-6-1; 1^st Section 1

2011-12 playoffs: Lost in Semifinals

Key departures: Blake Karolcik (7 G, 15 A); Zach Taylor (7-6-1, 2.88 GAA, 0.866 SV %)

Key projected returns: Ryan Patrick (22 G, 16 A); Keinan Batlin (13 G, 15 A)

The skinny: Morgantown was in the top half of the league statistically, ranking eighth with 94 goals scored and fourth with 52 allowed. There were also only four seniors on the roster, so most of the group which made the semis is back, including leading scorer Patrick, who will only be a sophomore. In fact, eight out of ten double-digit point getters are still in the lineup. Between the pipes is where the Mohigans will have questions to answer with Taylor graduating. Of the two backups, Keegan Fall (4-0-0, 3.00 GAA, 0.869 SV %, 1 SO) played more minutes and put up respectable numbers.

John Marshall Monarchs

2011-12 record: 12-6-2; 2^nd Section 1

2011-12 playoffs: Lost in Quarterfinals

Key departures: Isaac Fitzpatrick (50 G, 16 A); Alan Games (9 G, 33 A)

Key projected returns: Josh Merriman (13 G, 19 A); Logan Landis (7 G, 11 A)

The skinny: The Monarchs finished sixth offensively with 98 goals and tied for seventh on defense with 67 allowed. Not bad, but certainly not what the defending Open Cup champions had hoped for. Despite only losing five seniors, all played key roles, including sniper and fourth leading scorer Fitzpatrick along with playmaker Games. Also gone is starting goaltender Drew Balcar (7-6-2, 3.74 GAA, 0.863 SV %), but now sophomore Kyle Patrick (5-0-0, 2.06 GAA, 0.874 SV %) appears equal to the task.

Wheeling Park Patriots

2011-12 record: 11-8-1; 3^rd Section 1

2011-12 playoffs: Lost in Semifinals

Key departures: Dominique Doty (4 G, 9 A); Derek Hunter (2 G, 7 A)

Key projected returns: Nicco Catalano (36 G, 25 A); Ian McArdle (24 G, 26 A)

The skinny: Third-best offense in the class with 119 goals certainly propelled the Patriots within one step of the Nailers Cup Final. Having the seventh-worst defense with 91 allowed, though, is probably what kept them taking that step. The good news is the offense remains essentially intact, including top ten scorers Catalano and McArdle, with the only two seniors on the squad being the gentlemen listed above. The question will be whether the three-man platoon of backstops can improve, led by now junior Devlin Graves (4-9-0, 6.79 GAA, 0.715 SV %, 1 SO).

Wheeling Central Catholic Maroon Knights

2011-12 record: 10-10-0; 4^th Section 1

2011-12 playoffs: Lost in Quarterfinals

Key departures: Anthony Tighe (13 G, 15 A); Gyenhyung Lee (5 G, 18 A)

Key projected returns: Parker Henry (24 G, 15 A); Michael Tighe (16 G, 19 A)

The skinny: Wheeling Central finished in the bottom half of the bracket in both goals for (77) and against (73), thus the 0.500 record. Six seniors on that roster means the Maroon Knights have a good chunk of continuity this time around, but will miss two of their four 20-point producers in Anthony Tighe and Lee. Far as the goaltending, John McFarland (10-10-0, 3.92 GAA, 0.905 SV %, 4 SO) returns for his senior campaign after an iron man performance with solid stats, leading the class in shutouts and all starters in save percentage.

Trinity Hillers

2011-12 record: 5-15-0; 5^th Section 1

2011-12 playoffs: N/A

Key departures: Jacob Ferguson (7 G, 7 A); Brooke Webber (5 G, 8 A)

Key projected returns: Dean Hodgdon (7 G, 3 A); Camden Allison (1 G, 6 A)

The skinny: Apologies to Sam Hall for having to point this out, but the Hillers ranked last in the standings with 34 goals for, and only three teams let more in. It was a relatively young bunch with seven seniors gone, but two of those were leading scorers Ferguson and Webber. Also part of that group was Andrew Mack (5-10-0, 5.35 GAA, 0.863 SV %), whose numbers were not what you might expect on a team which allowed north of 100 goals.

Canon-McMillan Big Macs

2011-12 record: N/A

The skinny: See our Class AAA preview for how the main program did last season, but this “farm team” is the first of what could be others in future seasons. We may have to come up with a nickname to help differentiate, though, like the Little Macs or Baby Macs. Perhaps a poll on the homepage is in order, Mr. Rebel.

SECTION 2:

Ambridge Bridgers

2011-12 record: 16-3-1, 1^st Section 2

2011-12 playoffs: Won Nailers & Open Cups

Key departures: Doug Simon (47 G, 41 A); Troy Emig (22 G, 36 A)

Key projected returns: Nicholas Santiago (46 G, 26 A); Preston Charlton (16-3-1, 3.33 GAA, 0.868 SV %, 1 SO)

The skinny: We could have left out the above statistics since Ambridge has existed separate from Quigley in the past, but the joining of the two is a fact and should be treated accordingly. If you are wondering, though, the Bridgers posted a 10-9-1 record last time they were part of the PIHL varsity landscape in ‘07-‘08. Far as this new amalgamation, the Spartans led the class with 150 goals and ranked seventh with 67 allowed. Yes, the departure of scoring champion Simon, not to mention seventh-ranked Emig, will sting quite a bit. However, Santiago finished third among his peers with 72 points and will be a senior along with Charlton, who led the field with 16 victories. Throw in personnel from the Ambridge side to balance out the roster, and nobody should bet against this group.

Harbor Creek Huskies

2011-12 record: 13-7-0; 2^nd Section 2

2011-12 playoffs: Lost in Finals

Key departures: Josh Green (20 G, 27 A); Zak Tomblin (14 G, 21 A)

Key projected returns: Nick Jenkins (27 G, 28 A); Logan Conboy (15 G, 16 A)

The skinny: The Huskies scored 107 goals, good for fifth in the class, and ranked ninth with 72 allowed. On a side note, the latter number illustrates how good overall the defenses were in the top half of the standings. It wasn’t enough to capture the gold medal, but Harbor Creek should have enough to reload for another run. Leading scorer Jenkins (eighth in the class) returns while Green headlines the seven players who graduated. Between the pipes, junior Tyler Manna (8-6-0, 4.98 GAA, 0.826 SV %, 1 SO) will need to prove he learned from his mistakes as a sophomore.

Blackhawk Cougars

2011-12 record: 7-11-2; 3^rd Section 2

2011-12 playoffs: Lost in Quarterfinals

Key departures: Matthew Kimmel (8 G, 5 A); Alec Rowe (0 G, 6 A)

Key projected returns: Daren Braudis (27 G, 7 A); Kyle Schaefer (11 G, 14 A)

The skinny: The Cougars’ roar was audible if not overpowering in ’11-’12 with middle-of-the-road numbers on offense (77 GF) and defense (83 GA). On the plus side, most of the key players are coming back, including the top five scorers on the roster. The starting goalie should again be Grant Rombold (6-11-2, 4.14 GAA, 0.855 SV %), who will need to show growth for Blackhawk to go deeper in the playoffs.

Central Valley Warriors

2011-12 record: 6-13-1; 4^th Section 2

2011-12 playoffs: Lost in Quarterfinals

Key departures: Craig Fairley (8 G, 21 A); Kevin Guzak (12 G, 11 A)

Key projected returns: Anthony Molinaro (8 G, 8 A); Jacob Cowie (6-13-1, 5.71 GAA, 0.819 SV %, 2 SO)

The skinny: Only three teams scored fewer goals than the Warriors (58), though seven allowed more (88). Both areas will need to improve if the hockey team wants to duplicate the success of Central Valley’s football program. It will be a young group which faces this challenge with 10 seniors gone. Molinaro and Cowie will have to improve their individual performances while also providing senior leadership as the only two on the roster.

Beaver Bobcats

2011-12 record: 3-17-0; 5^th Section 2

2011-12 playoffs: N/A

Key departures: Ben Zorich (9 G, 10 A); Andrew Daniels (7 G, 6 A)

Key projected returns: Kevin Orndorf (3 G, 3 A); Anthony Suchanec (2 G, 2 A)

The skinny: The Bobcats found themselves near the bottom of the classification statistically speaking (38 GF, 133 GA), and rebuilding the dam in ’12-’13 will be no easy task. The top five scorers in last year’s lineup all got their diplomas, so the youngsters simply have to step up in order to turn Beaver’s fortunes around. Senior Tara Treloar (3-17-0, 7.70 GAA, 0.816 SV %) will also need to improve and help provide senior leadership.

NORTHEAST CONFERENCE

SECTION 3:

Ford City Sabers

2011-12 record: 17-2-1; 1^st Section 3

2011-12 playoffs: Lost in Semifinals

Key departures: Kevin Valasek (28 G, 34 A); Jeremiah Rowe (6 G, 9 A)

Key projected returns: Jesse Valasek (29 G, 28 A); Eric Lindey (25 G, 22 A)

The skinny: The Sabers paced the Chiefs Cup bracket with 139 goals scored while leading the class with just 39 allowed. Unfortunately, such gaudy numbers did not guarantee a thing, and Ford City failed to reach the championship game. One brother named Valasek who finished among the top ten scorers headlines the seven seniors who left, but the other Valasek brother on that same list remains to lead the way. As for that number one defense, the tandem of Adam Cogley (8-0-0, 1.63 GAA, 0.892 SV %, 1 SO) and Zach Latorre (9-2-1, 2.15 GAA, 0.891 SV %, 1 SO) remains intact as seniors.

Indiana Little Indians

2011-12 record: 15-5-0; 2^nd Section 3

2011-12 playoffs: Won Chiefs Cup; Lost Open Cup

Key departures: Michael Cochran (16 G, 13 A); Logan Lazor (15 G, 12 A)

Key projected returns: Patrick Hunter (18 G, 13 A); Austin Moody (15-3-0, 2.54 GAA, 0.892 SV %, 2 SO)

The skinny: Only six teams scored more than Indiana’s 97 goals, but it was a defense which allowed 51 (third in the class) propelling the program to a Chiefs Cup victory. The Indians only lose six seniors, though the offensive contributions of Cochran, Lazor and Patrick Kuta (13 G, 10 A) will be missed. On the plus side, leading scorer Hunter remains to defend the gold medals along with senior backstop Moody.

Hollidaysburg Golden Tigers

2011-12 record: 7-12-1; 3^rd Section 3

2011-12 playoffs: Lost in Quarterfinals

Key departures: Alex Satkunas (8 G, 9 A); Tanner Sidehamer (6 G, 8 A)

Key projected returns: Brandon Ritchey (14 G, 18 A); Brent Heaton (16 G, 13 A)

The skinny: The Golden Tigers finished in the bottom half of the standings with 65 goals for and 88 against. The former number in particular is not one this program is used to struggling with. Thinking positively, though, top two scorers Ritchey and Heaton return for their sophomore and senior seasons respectively. There were also only three seniors on the roster last year. Set to graduate in June will be starting goalie Matt Gregory (6-8-1, 4.48 GAA, 0.865 SV %, 1 SO), who will surely aim to make his final run the best.

Connellsville Falcons

2011-12 record: 1-19-0; 5^th Section 3

2011-12 playoffs: N/A

Key departures: Timothy Brown (34 G, 11 A); Robert Coffman (13 G, 19 A)

Key projected returns: Jacob Miller (4 G, 3 A); Tyler Hough (1 G, 5 A)

The skinny: The worst defense in the class might view losing eight seniors, including Devin Kalp (1-19-0, 7.98 GAA, 0.834 SV %), as something of a clean slate. At the other end, while the offense was actually not bad for a one-win team with 60 goals, half of those came off the stick of Brown. Any way you look at it, this will be a rebuilding year for the Falcons.

Altoona Mountain Lions

2011-12 record: N/A

The skinny: The Mountain Lions return to varsity competition after taking last season off to rebuild at the junior varsity level. The results were very respectable with a 10-5-3 finish in Section 3, good for third place while scoring 90 goals and allowing just 42. How this translates to improving Altoona’s ’10-’11 varsity record of 3-17-0 remains to be seen, but there is good cause for excitement from the fan base.

SECTION 4:

Baldwin Highlanders

2011-12 record: 15-4-1; 1^st Section 4

2011-12 playoffs: Lost in Semifinals

Key departures: Jesse Powell (36 G, 10 A); Zach Christman (13-4-1, 2.42 GAA, 0.900 SV %)

Key projected returns: Dakota Becker (15 G, 19 A); Brian Dee (12 G, 10 A)

The skinny: The Highlanders ranked ninth in the class offensively (92 GF) and second defensively (50 GA). Both helped Baldwin reach the semis, but both areas took significant graduation hits in leading scorer Powell and starting goalie Christman. It will fall on sophomore Becker along with unproven senior Ryan Beerman (3-0-0, 3.00 GAA, 0.870 SV %) to take the reins and keep their team in the championship conversation.

Greensburg Salem Golden Lions

2011-12 record: 15-5-0; 2^nd Section 4

2011-12 playoffs: Lost in Finals

Key departures: Sean Beichner (51 G, 22 A); Andrew Boschert (13-5-0, 2.79 GAA, 0.868 SV %)

Key projected returns: Cody Austad (17 G, 27 A); Logan Davis (14 G, 13 A)

The skinny: The Golden Lions placed fifth in the class both offensively (117 GF) and defensively (57 GA), providing a well-balanced team which nearly took the Chiefs Cup. The roster was also light on seniors with four, but then again Beichner was second in the class with 73 points while Boschert ranked third in victories. Austad can probably pick up the offensive slack. The real question is whether junior Dakota Sheetz (1-0-0, 3.52 GAA, 0.813 SV %) is ready for the spotlight.

Carrick Cougars

2011-12 record: 12-8-0; 3^rd Section 4

2011-12 playoffs: Lost in Quarterfinals

Key departures: Nico Aggazio (15 G, 12 A); Josh Brown (11-8-0, 3.13 GAA, 0.889 SV %, 1 SO)

Key projected returns: Mark Granatire (17 G, 8 A); Joe Brinton (4 G, 14 A)

The skinny: The Cougars finished in the bottom half with 74 goals scored. A real shame, too, because the defense finished sixth with 60 allowed. Probably better than a first-round finish in the postseason. Carrick will have to improve the offense without leading scorer Aggazio while also needing to find a new goaltender since Brown started all but one game last season. It was a relatively small senior class with six, so time will tell if the continuity in the lineup pays dividends.

Keystone Oaks Golden Eagles

2011-12 record: 8-12-0; 4^th Section 4

2011-12 playoffs: Lost in Quarterfinals

Key departures: Devyn Reddy (7 G, 4 A); Daniel Smee (8-11-0, 4.99 GAA, 0.843 SV %)

Key projected returns: Bryton Tomko (23 G, 16 A); Ryan Rosato (21 G, 18 A)

The skinny: The Golden Eagles had a decent offense with 89 goals, but the defense let in 101, which probably helped bring about an early playoff exit. The offense should remain in good shape with the team’s top five scorers all back. The defense will face a stiff challenge replacing Smee between the pipes, though, since he played most of the minutes last year.

Ringgold Rams

2011-12 record: 3-16-1; 5^th Section 4

2011-12 playoffs: N/A

Key departures: William Sutyak (20 G, 13 A); Evan Yanketis (12 G, 10 A)

Key projected returns: Alex Nageli (5 G, 2 A); Dustin Zimmerman (1 G, 3 A)

The skinny: Two years removed from winning the Open Cup, the Ringgold program is still looking to reload. Only two teams scored fewer goals than the Rams last season, and only Connellsville allowed more. It definitely hurts that Sutyak and Yanketis accounted for 32 of the 50 goals, so the young guys simply have to step up. Same rule applies to the goaltending as Scott Bellavance (1-6-0, 7.62 GAA, 0.786 SV %) takes over for Cody Kuhel (2-10-1, 6.26 GAA, 0.815 SV %).

Frazier Commodores

2011-12 record: N/A

The skinny: This is a brand new program at any level for the PIHL far as we know, so allow us to simply say welcome and good luck to the Frazier Commodores.
 

This concludes our annual PIHL season preview, but we will begin our regular weekly installments of “PIHL Notebook” on Monday, December 3. Then tune in at 8:00 PM on Wednesday, December 5 for the seventh season premiere of “The PIHL Power Play,” airing weekly through March. Your home for the 2013 Penguins Cup Playoffs is the MSA Sports Network!

 

Tags: Altoona, Ambridge, Baldwin, Beaver, Blackhawk, Canon-McMillan, Carrick, Central Valley, Connellsville, Ford City, Frazier, Greensburg Salem, Harbor Creek, Hollidaysburg, Indiana, John Marshall (WV), Keystone Oaks, Wheeling Central Catholic (WV), Wheeling Park