PIHL Notebook – 01/31/2017

By: HSSN Staff
Tuesday, January 31, 2017 | 1:39 PM

This past weekend was a showcase for the PIHL, as the league hosted four All-Star games at the Alpha Ice Complex in Harmarville on Sunday. With the exhibitions of skill in the rear-view mirror, though, the stretch run for the postseason has officially arrived. MSA Sports will have comprehensive coverage of the 2017 playoffs, as well. But first, here’s a look at the latest happenings around the league.

Melting the Ice (the longest unbeaten streak in each classification)

AAA: Erie Cathedral Prep (7-0-1) – The Ramblers were near the bottom of the standings around Thanksgiving, but thanks to their surge, they now are tied for third place in the highest classification. The team last tasted defeat in mid-November, to North Allegheny, but ECP has been red hot since then, including an 8-1 victory against Pine-Richland on Thursday. Central Catholic’s current streak isn’t far behind, as the first-place Vikings have won their last seven tilts.

AA: Moon (10-0-1) – The Tigers continue to claw their way to the top of Class AA, as Moon extended its lengthy streak with a crucial 3-2 overtime win against Mount Lebanon last night. Subsequently, Moon sits three points ahead of second-place Plum in the class, and four points ahead of Mount Lebanon in the West Division. This Friday, though, the Tigers’ streak could be in jeopardy, as they travel to face Plum.

A: Franklin Regional (15-0-0) – Another week, another shutout win for the Panthers. Last night, Franklin Regional blasted Greensburg Salem 13-0, the fifth-consecutive game the Panthers held their opposition scoreless. FR was also slated to play Bishop McCort last week, but the game was postponed, and is scheduled to be made up in late February. Next up for the Panthers is Kiski Area and the Cavaliers’ potent offense.

D2: Meadville (16-0-1) – The Bulldogs had two huge tests in the past week, and while Meadville is still unbeaten, its winning streak is no more. In a showdown of arguably the top two teams in the classification last Tuesday, the Bulldogs pounded Kennedy Catholic 9-4. Last night, though, the host Bulldogs had their hands full with Burrell, as the contest ended tied 3-3, as the Bucs scored the equalizer with seven minutes left in the third. Meadville still sits head and shoulders above the rest of the teams in the standings, but a path to the championship certainly won’t be easy for the Bulldogs.

Under Review (weekly team spotlight)

Baldwin – Last season, the Highlanders qualified for the final spot in the Class AA postseason tournament, despite a losing record. This year, Baldwin dropped to Class A, and the Highlanders have been one of the strongest teams. Baldwin is tied for second place with South Fayette in the West Division, although the Highlanders have a game in hand over the Lions.

The Highlanders’ offense has been in the middle of the pack this campaign, but forward Paul Knerr has been one of the league’s best scorers. Knerr boasts 35 points, including 23 goals, both marks that rank in the top seven of Class A. Behind him, five other players have reached double figures in scoring, including forwards Lucas Kirk, Dominic Carlino and Ross Zofcin. Meanwhile, blueliners Nicholas Antonio and Dan Figura have put up impressive points totals.

In the net, Cole Shannon has received the lion’s share of playing time, as he’s appeared in nine contests, with a 3.60 goals against average and .865 save percentage. Behind him, Dylan DeSimone has posted impressive numbers, as he boasts a GAA of 1.99, with a .925 save percentage.

With first-year coach Justin Glock guiding the way, the Highlanders have an opportunity for a strong finish to the regular slate. Baldwin’s next three affairs are against teams near the bottom of the standings – Wheeling Catholic, Wheeling Park and Beaver – before the season finale at South Fayette.

Quotable (excerpt from a recent center stage)

“I didn’t see it go in actually. I just went for the top right corner, (it) happened to go in. It was all luck, but it went in.”

Moon’s Joe Sell, on his overtime winning goal with one second left against Mount Lebanon on Jan. 30. The interview is in its entirety below:

Top-Shelf Trivia

When was the last year that Penguins Cup representatives swept the Pennsylvania Cup? The answer will be revealed in next week’s notebook.

Last week’s trivia answer: Carrick, in 2014-15

Slapshots on Slate (upcoming MSA Sports broadcasts)

Thursday, Feb. 2: North Hills vs Greater Latrobe at Kirk Nevin Arena in Greensburg at 7:15 with Matt Vandriak and Lou Rood – The matchup in Class AA pits two teams that reside in the fourth spot of their respective divisions. The Indians have 16 points in 16 games, four behind third-place Quaker Valley, while the host IceCats have compiled 15 points in 15 contests, two points behind third-place Shaler. Despite the teams having similar records, the goal differential is clearly in favor of Greater Latrobe, as the IceCats are +33, one of the best marks in Class AA. This tilt will represent the only meeting between the teams in 2016-17.

Monday, Feb. 6: Plum vs Mount Lebanon at the Mount Lebanon Ice Arena at 7:10 with Bob Orkwis and Steve Nagler – Two of the best teams in the classification will square off, as the East-leading Mustangs visit the Blue Devils, who are second in the West Division. Plum has been streaking lately, as it has won four straight games, including a lopsided victory against Hampton to give Plum the inside track for the top spot in the division. Conversely, Mount Lebanon came up short in overtime against Moon, so the Blue Devils sit four points behind the Tigers for first in the West. This game will be the only time the Mustangs and Blue Devils square off in regular-season play this campaign.

That’s all for this installment of the PIHL Notebook, but check back every Tuesday for the latest edition. Additionally, this week’s Chatham University PIHL Power Play Show will include an interview with Kennedy Catholic forward Darrin Smith. Sean Meyers and Kevin Zielmanski host the show, which commences at 8 p.m Wednesday.