The Peters Township hockey association has reinstated longtime varsity head coach Rick Tingle, Pittsburgh Hockey Digest has learned.
Tingle, who has led the Indians to two state playoff titles and consistent regular-season success in his 16 seasons in charge of the program, was relieved of his duties by the board last Thursday in a move that sent shockwaves throughout the local hockey community.
PHD learned in the interim that Tingle’s contract was not renewed after the board consulted with alumni and departing seniors as part of a general survey, although specific reasons for the initial decision to let Tingle go remain unknown. The hockey association operates independently of the Peters Township school district.
Reasons for the board’s reversal were not immediately evident Monday afternoon, when multiple sources confirmed to PHD that Tingle would indeed be back for the 2021-22 season after all. Peters Township was the No. 1 seed in the PIHL Class AAA standings last season, going 15-4, before falling in the semifinal round to eventual Penguins Cup champion North Allegheny.
Under Tingle’s guidance, Peters Township has become one of the most reliable title contenders in the PIHL. The Indians earned both western Pennsylvania and state championships in 2014 and 2017, plus a pair of consecutive berths in the Penguins Cup final in 2018 and ’19. They have reached at least the Penguins Cup semifinals in seven straight seasons.
More on this story coming later on PHD.
