Westmoreland County Senior Spotlight: Penn-Trafford’s Kyler Doran

By: Anthony DiFilippo
Monday, December 2, 2024 | 2:04 PM

Last year, Penn-Trafford finished 7-9, eighth in the PIHL’s Class 2A division.

This year, the Warriors have turned it around, matching their previous season’s win total in just nine games, along with jumping out to the division lead.

“It definitely has improved from last year. We still haven’t played our best,” senior forward Kyler Doran said. “We have so much opportunity this year, so much talent on our team. Once we figure it out, I don’t think we’ll be able to get stopped.”

One of Penn-Trafford’s losses came to Fox Chapel, which joined Class 2A this year along with Norwin and North Hills.

Doran elaborated on Penn-Trafford’s new opponents.

“Honestly, every team’s a challenge, but these new ones, you don’t know what they’re coming with,” he said. “It all just comes down to film and who really shows up to play.”

In all of Class 2A, Doran has the most assists with 12. He certainly benefits from playing with Brock Bienemann, the top scorer in the division.

“I like to help guys around me, support them and try to be a leader,” Doran said of his style of play. “And just find guys when they’re open.”

Penn-Trafford’s special teams have been a mixed bag, excelling on the penalty kill while struggling on the power play.

Through their first nine games, they have allowed just two power play goals in 25 opportunities. However, they have managed to score only two of their own.

“It really comes down to the guys. They’re all hard workers,” Doran said of the penalty kill. “It all comes down to who wants it the most.”

A lot of that penalty kill success starts in the crease.

The goaltending trio of Tyler Funk, Jackson Narchus and Carson Weishorn have a combined .940 save percentage, more than 30 points higher than the next-best team in the division.

Doran might play club hockey at IUP next year, and he i’s undecided on a major.

This week, Doran took some time for a Senior Spotlight Q&A:

How did you get started with hockey?

When I was 3 or 4, I started playing dek hockey with my brother. When he transferred over to ice hockey, that’s when I did, too.

What are your team and personal goals for the rest of the year?

Our team goals are to get to the state championship. My personal goals are just to make sure the team gets there, and, hopefully, it all works out.

What can you say about Penn-Trafford’s goaltending?

All three goalies have been playing amazing. Tyler Funk is playing his best. Jackson Narchus, whenever he’s in, he’s locked down. Carson Weishorn, he has a shutout under his belt. Our goaltending, it’s elite. It’s top of the league. Maybe even best in all of high school hockey in PA.

Is there a certain player in the pros you try to emulate or look up to?

Not even being from Pittsburgh but Sidney Crosby, he’s just my favorite. He’s a forechecker, backchecker and he leads the team. He can pass, he can score, he wins almost every faceoff and if he needs to fight, he can. He’s always the guy to get the team going.

What’s one thing that people don’t know about you?

I just love being around family and friends. Just having a fun time, living in the moment.

Tags: Penn-Trafford