In August, I sent out a questionnaire to the coaches in the PIHL. Between the questionnaire and watching games during the St. Margaret and Greensburg-Salem tournaments we were able to get enough information from over half of the associations to make a legitimate assessment of the associations. Only associations viewed and returned emails receive previews.
PREVIEWS: Class-B – Class-A – Class-AA – Class-AAA – PREDICTIONS
TOP TWO TEAMS FROM EACH DIVISION ADVANCE TO THE POSTSEASON
NORTHWEST
Beaver
Home Rink: Brady’s Run, Beaver
Blackhawk
Home Rink: Brady’s Run, Beaver
North Catholic
Home Rink: UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex, Cranberry
Sewickley Academy
Home Rink: RMU Island Sports Center, Neville Township
SOUTHWEST
Chartiers Valley
Coach Paul Bonetti’s squad is much younger than recent years, as Jackson Fodor, Luke Vaughn and Trevor Colberg are the only returning varsity players. Logan Marnik and Sam Watchek are set to split time in net- unless one takes the reins and runs the crease.
Home Rink: Mt. Lebanon Ice Center, Mt. Lebanon
North Hills
Seven critical graduating seniors left Kevin Pawlos squad with openings in major areas, but are bringing in skilled players to fill those gaps. Ethan Isaly looks to continue stellar play in net, and will be spelled by sophomore Tyler Manfred. Ryan Kosylo, Teddy Kiger, Tyler Rodney, Zach Miller and Brandon Bliss will be joined by skilled defender Owen Sroka, Anthony Kiger and Alec Feigel.
Home Rink: RMU Island Sports Center, Neville Township
South Park
The Eagles were another team that took a hit from graduation, especially a class that won its first playoff game in three season. Shane Peremba will get the lions share of the starts, and Justin Metrick returns on offense for Daniel LaBarbera.
Home Rink: Ice Castle Arena, Castle Shannon
Thomas Jefferson
Bill Crousey welcomes back a number of varsity players, led by senior Eric Burnstein. A large junior class will be relied upon to compete as one of the top teams in the classification this season. Luke Repepi returns for season 3 as the only goaltender on the roster.
Thomas Jefferson will compete in the finals of the Greensburg Salem Tournament at Kirk S. Nevin Arena on Monday at 7:15.
Home Rink: Ice Castle Arena, Castle Shannon
NORTHEAST
Fox Chapel
Home Rink: Alpha Ice Complex, Harmar Township
Freeport
As the second team that fell to the ice issues at the Belmont Complex, the Yellowjackets are taking the show on the road for at least the first month of the season. Karter Halleran returns for his senior season, and junior Jack Mason wears the ‘C’ for the squad. Nate Legin starts in net for a very young squad that Jack Mason, Addison Stewart, Nico DiSanti, Paul Zecca return to.
Home Rink: Belmont Complex, Kittaning
Indiana
The Indians return Eisenhower, Nettleton, Williams, and newly-minted captain Owen Lydick. Four year starter Madison Barker’s graduation leads the way for Murdick to start this season.
Home Rink: S&T Bank Arena, White Township
Kiski
The Cavaliers start season two of a pseudo-rebuild with a much deeper bench. Michael Rayburg and Jon Ayers head into their junior years as the core of an offense with potential.
Home Rink: Center Ice Arena, Delmont
SOUTHEAST
Bishop McCort
Home Rink: 1st Summit Arena, Johnstown
Greensburg Salem
Another team that enjoying depth in the upcoming season are the Golden Lions. Cole McNair and Brendon Linderman take over the leadership this season, the only two seniors on the squad. Colin Kruth and Cullen Carney are returning juniors, and the two netminders, Andrew Stead and Cameron Caretti sophomores.
Home Rink: Kirk S. Nevin Arena, Greensburg
Norwin
The Knights head into the season as the most populous class-A team, coach Adam Tokarski believes they have a great opportunity in the wide-open league. Jake Dalley, Logan Connelly and Logan Pivarnik are back as the top line. Eric Miscampbell takes over in the crease for the young squad.
Home Rink: Center Ice Arena, Delmont
Westmont Hilltop
Home Rink: 1st Summit Arena, Johnstown
Wheeling Park and Wheeling Catholic are in their own division, and not eligible for the PIHL postseason. They will play out of Wesbanco Arena.
