CRANBERRY TWP., PA — Sophomores Alex Thomas and Mario Cavallaro scored twice while Owen Burmeister stopped all 22 shots he faced as the Norwin Knights secured their first Penguins Cup in association history 5-0 over the McDowell Trojans at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex on Monday night. Norwin, the second highest scoring team in Class-1A this year played in their first Penguins Cup in 38 years, used speed to their advantage to stretch the McDowell offense thin and create multiple odd-man opportunities.
Cavallaro opened up the scoring at 4:49 of the first period before the Knights battled through penalty trouble in the second, but were able to capitalize on the third Trojans opportunity as Logan Fear fired a short handed shot over Cam Baniewicz at 10:07. After their second consecutive too many skaters penalty Norwin was given reprieve in the form of Nico Catalde’s second minor and Thomas’ shot from the circle gave them a 3-0 lead. Thomas’ and Cavallaro’s second goal in the third period sealed the deal for the Knights.
Burmeister, looking poised and collected throughout the game, earned his third shutout of the season on a myriad of opportunities by the high-octane McDowell offense. Baniewicz stopped 22-of-27 in the loss for the Trojans.
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West Chester East Vikings awaits the Norwin Knights on March 26 at Ice Line in West Chester after their 6-2 victory over Springfield in the Flyers Cup on Monday Night.
