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Sewickley Academy hockey victorious in return from hiatus
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By Doug Gulasy
Published: Wednesday, December 12, 2012, 8:54 p.m.
Updated: Monday, February 4, 2013
With just 12 players on the roster to begin with, the Sewickley Academy hockey team doesn't have much depth.
That depth was compromised even further when three players sat out the team's opener last week with injuries, but it ended up not hurting in the end.
Competing with just nine healthy players, the Panthers opened their season with an 11-4 victory over Western Reserve Academy Dec. 5 at Robert Morris' Island Sports Center.
“It was a good game,” coach Ryan Patrick said. “The team played well — we were a little short-handed because we had some injuries, but all the guys came together and played well.”
A balanced attack led Sewickley Academy to its first win since Feb. 14, 2011 — the team sat out last season.
Patrick said several players scored multiple goals in the game, and the defense also put up a good performance in the victory.
What impressed Patrick the most, however, was the team's effort with three players sidelined.
“The guys put in a full effort,” he said. “They didn't take any shifts off, and they were after it every shift. It was good to see.”
While Patrick found himself pleased overall with the victory, he added there were things the team could improve on as it moves forward this season — namely its play on the penalty kill.
The team hadn't focused on penalty killing much in practice before the game against Western Reserve, Patrick said, but that will change after giving up some chances while shorthanded last week.
“I just noticed guys not being in the correct spots on the ice,” he said. “That's something we'll work on.”
While the Panthers are competing mostly in the Independent School Hockey League this season, they took a step outside the league Tuesday with a game against West Allegheny Tuesday at Airport Ice Arena in Moon. The game ended past the deadline for this week's edition.
West Allegheny, which competes in Class AA of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League, won the Penguins Cup championship in 2011-12 but was 1-4-1 heading into Tuesday's contest.
Patrick said he expected a good test from the Indians.
“They have graduated some players (from last season),” Patrick said. “I know the coach, so I thought it would be a good matchup for us. I think the kids are excited to play a team close by.”
Doug Gulasy is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at dgulasy@tribweb.com.
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