MT. LEBANON, Pa. — The Mt. Lebanon Blue Devils led for all but the first five minutes of the game against the Central Catholic Vikings Monday at Mt. Lebanon Ice Center and took a 4-3 victory to improve to 1-1 on the season.
The Blue Devils came out of the gate fast, scoring two goals in 36 seconds to take a 2-0 lead over Central Catholic. Marcus Simmonds jammed one home from a wrap around before Aidan Weaver rifled a shot past Vikings netminder Jakob Doid.
Mt. Lebanon added a third goal in the second period off the stick of Sam Mitchell just two minutes in to take a commanding 3-0 lead. The Vikings were not about to go away quietly. Less than two minutes after that third Blue Devil goal, Graham Cornelius got called for slashing and Central Catholic took only 20 seconds to net the power play goal to get on the board, 3-1.
The rest of the second period went quietly, much to Mt. Lebanon’s dismay; Sam Mitchell scored his second goal of the game just 22 seconds into the third period to put the Blue Devils up 4-1. Less than a minute later, Alex Paluso added a goal for Central Catholic to trim the lead to 4-2.
Facchiano further trimmed the lead and scored his second of the game with 4:39 left in the third period as the Vikings furiously fought for a comeback that ultimately did not come to fruition. The Blue Devils survived, taking the 4-3 win. Central Catholic dropped to 1-1 on the season as Mt. Lebanon improved to 1-1.
Junior goaltender Bradley Weaver stopped 24 of 27 shots for Mt. Lebanon. Central Catholic goaltender Jakob Doid stooped 19 of 23.
Each team’s next game will be against North Allegheny. Mt. Lebanon will face the Tigers on a short week on Thursday Oct. 10 at 9:10 p.m. at Baierl Ice Complex. Central Catholic gets a 10-day break before their game against North Allegheny on Thursday Oct. 17 at 9:10 p.m., also at Baierl Ice Complex.
MAJOR FOCUS: Mt. Lebanon outlasts Central Catholic rally (FULL GALLERY)
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