Peters Hockey on Cruise Control Toward Playoffs

Peters varsity hockey continued their roll to the PIHL Penguins Cup playoff Thursday night with a 9-2 win over Greensburg Central Catholic at Kirk S. Nevin Arena in Greensburg.

Even though it was the Indians' 10th straight win, improving their overall record to 15-2-1 (best in the entire AA division of the league), head coach Rick Tingle still has concerns about being ready when the playoffs open in two weeks.

“We have eight days off before our next game and we are going to have to find a way to stay sharp and be ready,” he said.

Not that a 9-2 win is a bad thing, but Greensburg Central entered last night’s game with a 3-15-0 record in the AA Section 4, while the Indians have clinched first place in the division, and will be assured of a first round bye when the playoffs begin. After next Friday’s Thomas Jefferson game, they will have at least four days off before taking on their first challenger.

Home ice advantage not withstanding in the quarterfinal round, Tingle said he hopes to find some serious competition in a scrimmage that will have the team ready.

“We had a scrimmage game lined up for this past Monday night against North Allegheny and that would have been perfect,” Tingle said. “Unfortunately it snowed and the game was canceled.” 

“Even if we lose our next [regular season] game with Thomas Jefferson, we still have the tie-breaker with Greater Latrobe to clinch first place and the bye,” Tingle said.

“That’s not what’s on our mind right now. We have to get ready for some very stiff competition in the playoffs quarterfinal round.”

Tingle said he will continue to find a quality scrimmage opponent between now and the start of the playoffs. “I don’t know how much success we’ll have at this point, because we not only have to find a top level team, but ice to play the game. Otherwise we’ll have to get ready using practice. That’s just the luck of it.”

In their blowout over Greensburg Central Catholic Thursday night, Taylor Cox had a five-point night with two goals and three assists, Cole Snyder had two goals and two assists, and Mike Glicksman had three assists to earn a playmaker award.

The Indians jumped out to a five-goal lead in the first period on two goals by Snyder, one by Cox and goals by Jacob Brown and Aaron McDonough.

Goals by Cox, David Rex, Alex DeBolt and Hayden Edmunds opened up a 7-0 lead for the Indians in the second period, setting the running clock in motion.

The Indians took only two shots on goal in the third period, electing to pass the puck and avoid running up the score.

Peters Township finished the game by out-shooting Greensburg Central 27-6.

The Indians have not lost a game since a Nov. 1 loss to West Allegheny. The only tie came on Dec. 9, when the Indians and Elizabeth Forward played to a 7-7 tie.