We’re coming up on the stretch run of the 2010-11 regular season, and the month of February usually gives us a definitive glimpse of who the best teams really are.  They’re the teams that can come together and win against the best of the best and set themselves up for long playoff runs.  As we get set to turn the calendar page, we might get a better read on who the real Penguins Cup favorites are this week, because a number of them are facing one another.  So without further ado, here’s what’s coming to a rink near you:

MONDAY:

CLASS AAA, SECTION 4

Penn-Trafford (4-7-1) @ Hempfield (5-7-1) (8:35) – Kirk Nevin Arena

There isn’t a lot to brag about in Section 4 this season, except for the fact that all its teams remain in playoff contention, and one of the most talented players in Class AAA will be on display in Greensburg as the last-place Warriors try to shake up the postseason picture.  Daniel Maier’s 11-game point streak ended Monday, but he netted three of his team-leading 12 goals in the previous meeting, a 9-5 Penn-Trafford loss on Dec. 3.  He’ll be skating opposite the equally explosive Kyle Rosendale, who registered four goals and five points in that game.  Rosendale leads Hempfield and the rest of Class AAA with 31 goals and 48 points, coming off back-to-back hat tricks in two Spartan wins.

CLASS AA, NON-SECTION

West Allegheny (9-5-2) @ Peters Township (12-2-1) (6:30) – Ice-O-Plex at Southpointe

Peters put on an impressive display in the Outdoor Charity Series on Friday, but now it’s time to suck it up for a potential Penguins Cup preview against the team that beat them before their ongoing six-game win streak and 12-game unbeaten streak.  Conventional wisdom says to expect another close-to-the-vest affair that showcases some of the premier goaltending talent in Class AA, just like the last meeting, a 2-1 win by West A on Nov. 1.  West Allegheny’s Jason Kumpfmiller made 32 saves to preserve that victory and currently sits fourth among starters with a 2.12 GAA and third overall with a .928 save percentage.  Time will tell if Rick Tingle chooses to counter with Woody Shell, who has won all eight starts, or Brian Baker, who also saw action in the outdoor game and leads all netminders with a 0.89 GAA and .955 save percentage.

OPEN CLASS, SECTION 2

Quigley (11-4-0) @ Harbor Creek (12-2-0) (8:00) – Mercyhurst College

Originally the feel-good story in Section 2 was PIHL newcomer Harbor Creek running the table through its first half schedule, but even though the Huskies have played lights-out hockey, the Spartans have stuck with them all the way and can pull into a virtual first-place tie with a win tonight.  It’s no wonder Harbor Creek is the top defensive squad in the Open Class with blue-liners like Hunter Conboy, who has scored eight of his 13 goals, five of them on the power play, during his six-game goal streak.  Meanwhile, Quigley forward Doug Simon is flying under the radar with his 14-game point streak.  His 37 points trail Will Martin by just one for the team lead, and he has racked up five goals and ten points in four January contests.

CLASS AA, NON-SECTION

Latrobe (11-2-1) @ Bishop Canevin (11-3-0) (9:10) – Mount Lebanon Ice Arena

Two of the most well-rounded teams in Class AA will square off for playoff positioning Monday night, as the Wildcats must win to catch up with Peters Township for the number one overall spot, and Section 3 front-runner Canevin is right behind both of them.  Latrobe’s Zach LaDuke had a goal in the team’s narrow 2-1 victory over the Crusaders Jan. 6, part of an ongoing 12-game goal streak that has seen LaDuke explode for eight tallies and 17 points in the month of January.  Goaltender Shane Brudnok, one of the premier netminders in Class AA, has his work cut out against a team with offensive ability throughout its roster.  Frank Vance leads the Crusaders with 13 goals and 35 points, and Matt Walsh has 33 points, with goals in five straight.  Check back with Mr. High School Sports at 937thefan.com later for extensive coverage of this game.

THURSDAY:

CLASS AAA, SECTION 1

Canon-McMillan (11-3-1) @ Upper St. Clair (9-5-0) (6:40) – Ice Castle

The reigning Penguins Cup champs continue to lead Section 1, but with the way the third-place Panthers have been playing that five-point advantage no longer seems insurmountable.  USC has won three straight to close the gap, including an impressive showing against Baldwin in the Outdoor Charity Series, and a game against a team like the Panthers that is also big and physical and also has a lot of offensive depth should prove a fascinating matchup.  Canon-McMillan All-Star Brett Oldaker, the third-leading scorer in Class AAA with 39 points, has registered multiple points in seven consecutive games and gets help from Alexander Baskakov, an All-Star puck-moving defenseman who can shoot from anywhere.  The cupboard is not bare at USC when it comes to All-Star talent either, as C.J. Murray is just ahead of Oldaker with 41 points and rides a six-game goal streak into this one.  Justin Selep, who is just as imposing a fellow whenever he takes the ice, had a goal and two assists in the last meeting and has pumped in seven and six this month.

CLASS A, NON-SECTION

Serra Catholic (9-3-0) @ Westmont Hilltop (12-3-0) (7:30) – Cambria County War Memorial

This much-anticipated contest rescheduled from January is one of a series of huge tests the Eagles must pass in the final month of the regular season in order to maintain their point percentage lead over upstart South Fayette in Section 2.  The Hilltoppers have won four of their last five to stay within four points of Section 4 leader Kittanning, and junior forward Corey Schafer has not only closed the gap on Mars’ Elliot Tisdale in the Class A scoring race with 26 goals and 50 points, he’s also wasted no time starting a new point streak after his 10-game run was halted by Tisdale and the Planets in the Outdoor Charity Series.  Schafer notched a hat trick and six points last Monday, giving him seven goals and 15 points in January.  Meanwhile, Serra hopes Jarrett Ruchka’s valiant effort in defeat against Kittanning is an omen; his 35 points put him among the top ten scorers in the classification, and he has multiple points in seven straight.

CLASS A, NON-SECTION

Mars (17-0-0) @ Kittanning (14-1-0) (8:15) – Belmont Complex

Speaking of much anticipated, does it get any bigger than the consensus No. 1 versus the consensus No. 2 in Class A?  The two best teams in the classification, also two of the most dominant teams in the entire league–two teams that very likely will meet at Consol Energy Center–will finally meet for the first time this week.  We all know how dominant the Planets’ defense has been, but lest we forget their offense is tops also with 140 goals, with the Wildcats right behind them at 128.  Kittanning’s defense enters the contest ranked third in Class A, making the matchup between iron man Cameron Langham and fellow All-Star goalie Tyler Stepke an exciting one.  Elliot Tisdale, who did not appear in Mars’ win over South Park Friday, leads the classification with 53 points and ended January on a 16-game point streak.  Troy Schall, one of five Kittaning players in the top ten with 48 points, can fly, and he rides a 14-game point streak and six-game goal streak into this week.  How much longer will the Wildcats wear the proverbial bridesmaid’s dress, and how much longer can the Planets prolong their PIHL winning streak, which inches closer to 30 games?

For continuing coverage of the PIHL and Penguins Cup Playoffs, be sure to check back with Mr. High School Sports throughout the 2010-11 season!

Inspired by the inaugural NHL Winter Classic, Bethel Park head hockey coach Jim McVay once collaborated with the Mount Lebanon Hockey Association, PIHL Commissioner Ed Sam, public officials, and local charities–not to mention the Pittsburgh Penguins–to create the PIHL Outdoor Charity Classic.  Since its inception in 2008, the event has grown into an annual handful of games, usually featuring some of the most prominent teams and players in the area, which raises money for various causes.

As far as Mr. High School Sports is concerned, it’s one of the premier feel-good sporting events of the academic year, and 93.7 The Fan’s high school sports reporter is looking forward to braving these chilly Pittsburgh nights, come what may, just as he did over the holidays, to bring you extensive coverage of this event.  Therefore, he drops the puck on this week’s PIHL Preview with a closer look at round one of the 2011 PIHL Outdoor Charity Series:

FRIDAY:

CLASS A, NON-SECTION

Mars (14-0-0) vs. Westmont Hilltop (10-2-0) (6:30) @ North Park Ice Rink

Beating the consensus No. 1 team in Class A, not to mention the reigning Pennsylvania Cup champions, is no walk–er–skate in the park, especially while fighting jet-lag from Johnstown (no pun intended…I promise). But don’t think for one second the Hilltoppers aren’t fired up to play this game.  They’ve worked hard for two close victories since the calendar page turned to 2011 and have collected wins in four of their last five to pull within four points of Kittanning, one of the only teams to beat them, for the top spot in Section 4.  Plus, they’ve made a video–a virtual pep rally of sorts–that can be seen on YouTube, and they’ll be playing for someone who meant a great deal to their community.  Proceeds from this game benefit the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in honor of the late Dave “Ziggy” Ziegler, a Johnstown resident and former Pittsburgh Penguins staffer who died of brain cancer.  But how will Corey Schafer, the second-leading scorer in Class A with 41 points, keep his ten-game point streak alive against the Planets, who have yielded just 12 goals all year?  Tyler Stepke of Mars leads all starting goalies with a 1.00 GAA, a .938 save percentage, and three shutouts.  Besides, their defense usually leads to the kind of offense that has been impossible for opponents to stop.  Mars leads Class A with 118 goals, and it boasts the overall scoring leader, Elliot Tisdale, who, like Schafer, has netted 22 goals, and carries 44 points into this game.  No. 4 Westmont is in action against Knoch Thursday, so it’ll be worth noting if the Planets appear to be the faster team Friday, at least early in the game. 

CLASS AAA, SECTION 2

North Allegheny (10-3-1) vs. Seneca Valley (2-9-0) (8:30) @ North Park Ice Rink

So close, and now so far away…times have been considerably tougher for the Raiders, who twice came within a gnat’s eyelash of capturing their first-ever Penguins Cup.  But Seneca returns to the spotlight Friday, ten days after snapping an eight-game losing streak with a non-section triumph over Penn-Trafford, and this team will take points any way they can get them, come rain, sleet, and/or snow.  Seneca Valley sits in the basement of Section 2, two points behind Butler and five out of a playoff spot.  Their last meeting with the Tigers, the section front-runners and the Post-Gazette’s No. 3 Class AAA squad, did not go well.  North Allegheny spanked Seneca 8-0 back on Nov. 24, with defenseman and team captain Eric Barger scoring two of his five goals on the season that night.  It’s symbolic of the way NA likes to win, with responsible play in its own end and without leaning too much on one player.  Having said that, they surely hope December PIHL Player of the Month honoree and team scoring leader Ryan Worsena getting a goal in a recent victory over Norwin was an omen.  Worsena went scoreless in back-to-back games after beginning the season on an 11-game point streak.  But perhaps the real star of that team is goaltender Matthew Goda, leading all (regular) starters with a 1.74 GAA, a .925 save percentage, and five shutouts.  Chris Marziatto had a hat trick for Seneca Valley in that game against Penn-Trafford, and after doubling his goal total to six, it’ll be interesting to watch this freshman grow.  Proceeds from this game will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Tickets are $7 for adults and children under 12 are admitted free, with the proceeds going to the aforementioned charities.

See what the team captains had to say about participating in the event, and about their recent visit to Penguins practice, thanks to my friends at the PIHL Network and Rubino Productions.

Meanwhile, here’s a couple indoor games you should keep an eye on…

THURSDAY:

CLASS AA, NON-SECTION

Moon (5-6-0) @ Chartiers Valley (10-3-0) (8:30) – Mount Lebanon Ice Arena

A surprising loss to lowly Greensburg C.C. didn’t keep consensus No. 4 Chartiers Valley off Bishop Canevin’s tail for the Section 3 lead.  The Colts can move into a virtual dead heat with the Crusaders with a victory at home over the Tigers, who cling tenaciously to third place in Section 2, just one point ahead of last-place Erie Cathedral Prep for the No. 10 spot in the Penguins Cup standings.  It won’t be an easy two points, though, because Moon has proven it has a pulse.  The Tigers are coming off back-to-back upsets of arch-rival Montour and a huge one against Section 2 leader West Allegheny, and they boast the current second-greatest scorer in Class AA, Nigel Crighton, who is number two in points (35) and number three in goals (19).  Crighton scored two of three Moon goals in a blowout loss to Char’ Valley in their season opener.  His ten-game point streak is bigger than Justin Sabilla’s four-game streak, but Sabilla, a November PIHL Player of the Month honoree, should not be overlooked.  He’s got 34 points, and he’s the second-leading sniper in Class AA with 24 goals–five of them in the first meeting alone.  Sabilla has racked up five goals, three on the power play, and nine points for Chartiers Valley in his last four outings.

OPEN CLASS, SECTION 4

Ringgold (3-9-1) @ Derry (5-9-0) (8:30) – Center Ice

Assuming Mother Nature cooperates, a war of attrition will be waged on a sheet of ice in Delmont between the two bottom-feeders in Section 4, each of whom are trying to fend off Altoona for the final Chiefs Cup Playoff spot.  Something has to give for one of these teams, especially the Rams, who have taken a plunge after winning the Open Cup and desperately need to halt their five-game losing streak to have any shot at defending their title.  It hasn’t been Kevin Claybaugh’s fault, as the former GCC transfer has arguably taken over the mantle of best player in the Open Class.  He leads the pack with 38 goals and 53 points in just 12 games and notched an incredible 10th hat trick of the season–five tallies, to be exact–in a wild 9-8 OT loss to Ford City last week.  Problem is, Claybaugh hasn’t gotten a lot of help; the rest of the team has only scored 31, and Ringgold has a team GAA around 6.50.  In the meantime, the Trojans have dropped back-to-back contests by a combined 14-2 and have lost five of six overall.  Derry did, however, win the first two meetings with Ringgold, taking the latest one Dec. 20 thanks to an eye-popping seven-goal outburst from Dillon Weaver.  He has found the net in six straight and his 24 goals are fourth in the Open Class.

For complete coverage of the 2011 PIHL Outdoor Charity Series, be sure to check back with Mr. High School Sports on 937thefan.com next week!

Road trip!  No, that’s not just a line from one of Mr. High School Sports’ favorite movies; it’s also what he’ll be doing Thursday night, as part of our high school hockey coverage…albeit a much shorter one than originally planned, due to the anticipated snow.  There’s an intriguing contest between heated Class AAA rivals in Bethel Park that highlights this week’s PIHL Preview, but that’s not all that’s happening as the rest of the league skates into the weekend.  So without further ado, here’s what’s coming Thursday night to a rink near you:

CLASS A, SECTION 3

South Fayette (9-5-1) @ South Park (3-8-0) (6:40) – Ice Castle

Not to toot his own horn, but at the beginning of the season Mr. High School Sports speculated South Fayette might be the most improved team in Class A, and the Lions are making him look prophetic after clawing their way back from a rough stretch with ongoing streaks of four straight wins and six games unbeaten.  They’ll only have five left in the regular season after Thursday, so the opportunities to pad their superior point total are dwindling, as Serra Catholic continues to lead Section 3 with a superior point percentage and games in hand.  The Eagles, meanwhile, are looking to fly back into the Penguins Cup Playoff picture as they go for their third victory in four games.  Ryan Shultz set up three South Fayette goals in the first meeting, a 5-2 decision over South Park at BladeRunners Bethel Park Dec. 7, and after amassing four goals and seven points in the Lions’ last two victories, he leads them with 16 assists and 22 points.  Goal-scoring leader Chad Errey, son of you-know-who, had six of his 11 tallies during a four-game goal streak that ended last Thursday.  Billy Walker did not play in that December meeting, but he has four goals in his last three and leads the Eagles with 12 points.  With a new coaching staff South Park continues to look for chemistry and growth as it tries to bolster an offense that has managed just 31 goals, fourth-fewest in the classification.

CLASS AA, NON-SECTION

Latrobe (9-2-1) @ Elizabeth Forward (7-3-1) (9:20) – Rostraver Ice Garden

EF bench boss Larry Briggs, one of the more underrated head coaches in the PIHL, has stuck around and done a nice job rebuilding the Warriors, winners of three in a row and unbeaten in six, and bringing them to No. 4 in the MSA Sports rankings in ultra-competitive Section 3.  As they try to improve upon their No. 5 playoff position in Class AA, they prepare for a significant measuring-stick game against the visiting Wildcats, MSA’s No. 2 squad and proud owners of a four-game winning streak.  Believe it or not, Elizabeth Forward’s 67 goals are nine more than the state champs have, making them the fourth-most productive offense in the classification. They can thank PIHL December Player of the Month Justin Delmaster for that, as he has registered nine of his 15 goals in his last four outings, and Daniel Neff has also come on strong with 18 points in just nine appearances and points in six straight.  Both have their work cut out against the top defensive squad in Class AA, backstopped by Shane Brudnok, who leads the classification with a 1.70 GAA and .921 save percentage, and has yielded just eight goals during the win streak.  Zach LaDuke, who moved to second in the classification with 22 goals Monday, enjoyed his fourth hat trick of the year in a win over Greensburg C.C., and puts a 10-game goal streak on the line.

CLASS AAA, SECTION 1

Mount Lebanon (4-6-1) @ Bethel Park (6-3-2) (8:20) – BladeRunners Ice Complex, Bethel Park

Playing in the PIHL Winter Classic and earning an outdoor victory seems to have brought a little holiday magic the way of Post-Gazette No. 4 Bethel Park, which has won four in a row, the second-longest active streak in Class AAA, and catapulted to second place in Section 1 behind Penguins Cup champion Canon-McMillan.  The Black Hawks have recorded three shutouts in a row, and catching them might be a tall order for their young arch-rivals.  Still, Lebo will likely give Bethel its best; it has to, because current 12-seed Mount Lebanon is trying to get off the bubble.  Bethel captain Michael Shipley, after moving to the blue line, has helped the Hawks yield just 28 goals, third-fewest in Class AAA, and though Shipley, a PIHL Player of the Month for December, only scored four points (1 G, 3 A) that month, it’s more than the mere three goals Bethel allowed.  The number five scorer in the classification, Dan Kucerovy, notched a hat trick against Seneca Valley last Friday and has eight of his 22 points in two January games, while Mount Lebanon’s Christopher Ford, who netted both Lebo goals in a 2-2 tie with Bethel Dec. 6, has also caught fire with four goals and eight points in his last three games.  Trevor Nelson, who has 10 points in his last three, will also try to carry a Blue Devil team that has struggled to score at times.  Check back with “Mr. High School Sports” on 937thefan.com later for a complete recap of this game.

OPEN CLASS, SECTION 4

Ligonier Valley (5-6-1) @ Greensburg-Salem (7-5-0) (7:15) – Kirk Nevin Arena

Two section rivals and two teams that would face one another in the Chiefs Cup Playoffs if the season ended today will square off in Greensburg tonight, and although the Mounties can’t catch Salem with a victory, the Golden Lions can catch the team they’re pursuing, first-place Kiski Area, if they prevail.  Greensburg-Salem dropped two in a row to Kiski before bouncing back with a decisive win over Derry, and team goal-scoring leader Sean Beichner exploded for four tallies and six points in that Section 4 contest last Friday.  His 23 goals put him among the top five in the Open Class, and he has accounted for the game-winning score in six of the Lions’ victories, as the team has racked up a section-best 59 goals.  Shawn Sperlik, who scored two of Salem’s three goals against Kiski in those losses, has given him plenty of help, registering multiple points in six of his last seven.  But can they solve Lig’ Valley’s defense, which has held four of its last five foes to two goals or less, and has allowed 30 goals, the fewest in Section 4?  A lot of that success has to do with iron man Matthew Erlichmann, who is also coming off a win over Derry and has a 2.44 GAA and .908 save percentage that look impressive in the offensive-minded Open Class.  In addition, never overlook Dace Ludwig, one of the most capable forwards in the classification, who leads the team with 18 goals and seems to be coming out of a December scoring funk.

For continuing coverage of the PIHL and Penguins Cup Playoffs, be sure to check back with Mr. High School Sports throughout the 2010-11 season!

CLASS A:

Mars 7, Serra Catholic 4 @ Rostraver Ice Garden

Thursday was an uncharacteristically pedestrian night for Tyler Stepke, who allowed half as many goals as the team had all season, but Mars’ usually efficient offense allowed the Planets (12-0-0) to survive a bad week for undefeated teams and remain atop both Class A and Section 2.  Elliot Tisdale scored twice and set up Nick Blaney’s game-winner in a five-goal first period, and Robert Foley added a pair as well, while Robert Kendi Jr. had a two-goal night of his own for the Eagles (8-2-0), who cling to the lead in Section 3.

South Fayette 4, Freeport 3 @ Belmont Complex

Strange as it may sound, South Fayette’s three consecutive wins are the second-longest active streak in the classification, though the Lions (8-5-1) still trail Serra Catholic–which has four games in hand–in Section 3 by virtue of point percentage, despite a hard-earned non-section victory Thursday.  Five minutes into the third period Nick Shultz scored his second goal of the game to provide the difference, and Michael Coyne made it count with 39 saves against the Yellowjackets (3-9-0), who sit at the bottom of Section 4 and got goals on the power play and at even strength from Cole Hepler before suffering their seventh consecutive loss.

CLASS AA:

Latrobe 2, Bishop Canevin 1 @ Kirk Nevin Arena

Surging Canevin catapulted to the top of the overall standings with victories over West Allegheny in Mount Lebanon and at the PIHL Winter Classic over the holidays, but on Thursday the state champions reminded them who’s still boss.  An early second-period tally by Zach LaDuke proved to be the game-winner, as Shane Brudnok, Class AA’s top-ranked starting goalie, turned aside 19 pucks and Latrobe’s blue-liners survived a defensive struggle to give the Wildcats (8-2-1) their third straight win.  Despite falling to the Section 4 front-runners, the Crusaders (10-2-0) still lead Section 3 thanks to Chartiers Valley’s upset loss to Greensburg Central, and Matt Walsh kept his point streak alive by scoring Bishop Canevin’s lone goal.

West Allegheny 4, Erie Cathedral Prep 1 @ Airport Ice Arena

The Indians (8-4-2) worked their defensive-minded system to a tee, and Erie Prep’s forwards were no match for goaltender Jason Kumpfmiller, who helped West A hand the last-place Ramblers (3-7-1) their third straight loss in Section 2 action Friday, while bumping their own lead over Montour to four points.  Jacob Druga’s goal five minutes into the game gave West Allegheny a 2-0 lead it would not surrender, but he added an empty-netter for good measure, while Derek Schade scored a big shorthanded goal in the third to go with one assist.  Sophomore sensation Jimmy Bufalino broke up the shutout bid midway through the second.

CLASS AAA:

Baldwin 7, Hempfield 3 @ Ice Castle

The number of undefeated squads in the PIHL has dwindled, though happily, on the other end of the spectrum, so has the number of winless teams.  The Highlanders (1-9-0) became the last in Class AAA to get the goose egg out of the “W” column Friday evening with a resounding non-section victory over the struggling Spartans (3-6-1), who remain in the Section 4 basement and barely out of the playoff picture.  Jesse Powell’s four-goal explosion, which included a second-period hat trick, punctuated the big night for Baldwin, and you have to give them credit for keeping Class AAA scoring leader Kyle Rosendale off the stat sheet.  Meanwhile, freshman Anthony Ciocca was one of three different Hempfield goal-scorers. 

State College 7, Norwin 4 @ Center Ice

One solid period against their Section 4 rivals was all State College needed to break out of its offensive doldrums, take over first place, and push Norwin back onto the postseason bubble.  Daniel Moscone led the Little Lions (4-5-2), who stormed out to a 4-1 lead after the first period, with a hat trick and one assist, and his goal with 1:11 to go in the second held up as the game-winner.  Stefan Horgas and Ryan Pate each added a goal and an assist for State College, while Neil Stewart continued to climb the Class AAA scoring charts with a goal and three helpers for the Knights (4-7-1).

OPEN CLASS:

Ford City 3, Ligonier Valley 2 @ Belmont Complex

Since its Open Cup title run in ’09 the Sabers (9-1-1) seem to have had Lig’ Valley’s number, which might still be an understatement, and on Thursday they scored late to hold off the Mounties (4-6-1) again and retain the top spot in the Chiefs Cup Playoff race in non-section play.  Dace Ludwig tied the game 2-2 with four minutes remaining in the second period, but Ford City countered just 1:29 into the third with a goal by Jesse Valasek set up by Kevin Valasek, who contributed a goal and an assist just like his brother.

Wheeling C.C. 4, Harbor Creek 3 @ Mercyhurst College

There are now only three teams in the league with perfect records (Fox Chapel and Mars being the other two), and there is only one left in the Open Class after Sunday afternoon’s non-section showdown.  The Maroon Knights (11-0-0) prevailed in this battle of unbeatens, making the long drive up to Erie and pushing aside the Huskies (11-1-0) for the top spot in the overall Nailers Cup standings.  Harbor Creek was coming off a road swing in which it had won four consecutive games against West Virginia-based opponents by a combined 25-9, including a 5-3 win over John Marshall last Friday.

For continuing coverage of the PIHL and Penguins Cup Playoffs, be sure to check back with Mr. High School Sports throughout the 2010-11 season!

Welcome to another new feature of the “Mr. High School Sports” blog, the PIHL Preview!  Now that the calendar page has turned to 2011, the regular season is heating up and big things are on the hockey horizon.  Therefore, Mr. High School Sports feels compelled to prepare you for the most compelling matchups of each week, and we’re waiting to see if any of the four remaining unbeatens in the league bow tomorrow or Friday after one of them did so Monday.  So without further ado, here are a few of the biggest games coming to a rink near you:

THURSDAY:

CLASS A, NON-SECTION

Mars (11-0-0) @ Serra Catholic (8-1-0) (9:20) – Rostraver Ice Garden

Since the still-undefeated Planets won the first meeting 5-1 back on Oct. 26, the Eagles have flocked to the top of Section 3 on the strength of a seven-game winning streak, but they’ve got a vastly improved South Fayette squad right on their tails.  Jarrett Ruchka scored Serra’s lone goal in that October contest, and he has gone on to net 13 of them, not to mention 28 points, in just seven games.  But he and Tyler Speis, who has also put up 28 points as a sophomore, are trying to solve the universal mystery of Class A: how to score on Mars.  Its incredible eight goals allowed are a league-low, Tyler Stepke’s 0.57 GAA and .962 save percentage are both tops in the classification, and he’s been getting steady support from guys like Elliot Tisdale, who leads the team with 36 points and ten multiple-point games.

CLASS AA, NON-SECTION

Bishop Canevin (10-1-0) @ Latrobe (7-2-1) (7:15) – Kirk Nevin Arena

The Wildcats may be three-time Pennsylvania Cup champions, but nowadays the Crusaders are looking more like the best in the west after an impressive triumph in the non-league Director’s Cup Tournament and back-to-back wins over fellow Penguins Cup contender West Allegheny, most recently in the PIHL Winter Classic.  Furthermore, Canevin got its second half off on the right foot with a mercy-rule shutout of Franklin Regional, another school from Latrobe’s Section 4, and the duo of Frank Vance and Matt Walsh have really clicked, combining for 19 goals and 54 points.  Latrobe’s similar scoring depth presents a worthy matchup as it tries to go for three in a row and move to fourth overall in Class AA, led by Zach LaDuke, who will try to extend an eight-game goal streak and add to a team-best 31 points.

FRIDAY:

CLASS AAA, SECTION 4

State College (3-5-2) @ Norwin (4-6-1) (8:15) – Center Ice

It had to be frustrating for the Little Lions to make the long bus ride to the North Shore for the PIHL Winter Classic, only to get blanked by stubborn Bethel Park, but the good news is Section 4 remains wide-open, and with first-place Penn-Trafford idle till Monday after losing to Fox Chapel, State College can overtake the Warriors for the top spot in the section with a win Friday.  The Lions won the first meeting with Norwin 7-4 back on Nov. 12, punctuated by a Daniel Moscone hat trick, and they could really use another big night from him or someone else to jump-start their struggling offense.  Moscone has notched five goals and 13 points in his other seven appearances, while the Knights have counted on the tandem of Dan Merz and Neil Stewart, whose ten goals apiece have helped them go 2-1-1 in their last four.

OPEN CLASS, NON-SECTION

Harbor Creek (10-0-0) @ John Marshall (7-3-1) (8:30) – Wheeling Civic Center

Something might have to give as another of the remaining four PIHL perfectionists puts its record on the line and matches its offense against the best in the classification for the second time this season.  The Erie-based Huskies have made quite a splash since joining the league as a first-time member, racking up 74 goals in the first half of the 2010-11 campaign, and accounting for 13 of them is Andrew Hermann, whose six power play tallies rank second in the Open Class.  However, the Monarchs have one-upped the Section 2 leaders–well, “two-upped” them, actually–with 76 goals on the season, and they have earned points in three of four games since getting blown out by Harbor Creek Dec. 5.  Isaac Fitzpatrick scored a pair of goals against Morgantown Tuesday and has registered five of his 12 while shorthanded, so it’s important that senior netminder Zach Cook stay sharp.

For continuing coverage of the PIHL and Penguins Cup Playoffs, be sure to check back with Mr. High School Sports throughout the 2010-11 season!

After two periods Monday night Allderdice, which had managed the second-fewest goals in the Open Class entering the week, had seen its attack once again go as frigid as the single-digit wind chill that ripped through the North Shore.  But with little time remaining till what appeared to be an inevitable tenth consecutive loss, something strange happened on the way back to the hospitality tent.

Down 3-0, the Dragons (1-9-0) rallied for three goals in the final eight minutes of regulation, then senior forward Ryan Radovich scored his team-leading seventh of the season and second of the game with 1:46 left in overtime to give his team an improbable 4-3 victory over the Carrick Cougars (2-7-2) in the second installment of the PIHL “City Game” at the Stage AE Community Rink next to Heinz Field.

The team captain gave Allderdice its first win since rejoining the PIHL this fall, and for its Open Class Section 2 nemesis, it extended their winless streak to four games, a streak that has continued since Carrick crushed the Dragons three weeks ago.

“We talked about the things we had to do [after the second period], and how we simply had to go out and do them,” Allderdice head coach Joe Buckley said, hinting at an absence of panic in his dressing room.  “Our kids have the skill to do it, they worked hard, and they played the game the way it should be played.”

It was a night of firsts in other ways.  In addition to the beginning of perhaps the most unique event in league history, it was the first outdoor PIHL game to involve two Open Class programs, and the bundled-up masses also got to see Carrick forward Trey Niccoli and defenseman Robert Bowen score their first goals of the 2010-11 campaign in the first period.

Allderdice earned an early power play opportunity, but the Dragons were unable to get any shots on goal, so Carrick decided to crank up its pressure on the penalty kill and drew a call of its own on Richard Hoechstetter.  As the teams skated 4-on-4, Jordon Antkowiak fired a wrist shot from close range that was stopped, and fellow JV call-up Niccoli skated through a crowd untouched and lifted the rebound past second-string goaltender Alex Obringer to give the Cougars a 1-0 lead 3:39 into the game.

The teams would trade power plays twice more in the period, but each was limited due to overlapping minor penalties against the opponent.  Obringer, who was under siege much of the time, kept his mates within striking distance, though the Cougars put momentum squarely in their corner with only 16 seconds remaining in the first.  Bowen pulled up at the top of the right wing circle and slapped a shot that bounced past the Allderdice netminder to make it 2-0 Carrick at the break.

That momentum seemed to build with more good work by the Cougars’ penalty kill.  The Dragons received more man-advantages in the second period, but every time they tried to find Radovich in space, Carrick played smart in its own zone, containing him and forcing him to make difficult plays.  Furthermore, the rest of Allderdice’s forwards were unable to move the puck efficiently, looking slower and generally disorganized.

In contrast, the Cougars got their forecheck going by paying a physical price from Allderdice’s bigger and more imposing D-men, and that investment paid off midway through the period.  Jacob Shrader breezed behind the Allderdice net, fed a wide-open Giovanni Oliverio standing in front of Obringer, and Oliverio, who had a hat trick in the last meeting with the ‘Dice Dec. 3, finished off the easy one-timer, his sixth goal of the season, to give Carrick its third tally with 7:56 left.

Unable to generate consistent offensive pressure of any kind, the Dragons’ predicament seemed like an inescapable one as the third period clock ticked down.  However, Obringer continued to do his duty until the Cougars backed off their own attack, and Allderdice made them pay for their complacency.

Skating with greater urgency, Allderdice forced Carrick to turn the puck over in the defensive zone, and the Dragons finally made the breakthrough play they needed with 8:20 left in the third.  Radovich beat his man to a loose puck along the boards and found Sam Conturo in the middle, who wristed it past stalwart goaltender Josh Brown to make it a 3-1 game.  Brown, who had already blanked the Dragons 8-0 at Ice Castle, was denied a shot at his third shutout of the year.

It looked like Conturo’s goal, his fourth, would be moot when Hoechstetter took his third penalty of the game and was initially assessed extra time in the box, giving the Cougars another power play and a golden opportunity to put the game out of reach.  But again, Carrick got sloppy on defense and Radovich continued doing what good leaders do.  He intercepted an ill-advised pass right in front of Brown and in one motion tucked it inside the near post to cut the deficit to 3-2 with 1:39 to go.

“When I found the puck I saw that [Brown's] leg had left an opening, and that’s why I went for that spot,” Radovich later said.

In addition, the officials, in the first of two controversial but equally important decisions, rescinded their bonus unsportsmanlike conduct call, allowing Hoechstetter to return to the ice before the end of regulation.  That unusual change proved to be an important one, because he would change the complexion of the game for good after Buckley used his timeout.

Carrick, like most observers, had been caught thinking the game was over after two periods, and saw its seemingly insurmountable lead evaporate just seconds later when Josh Kowalecki tripped over the attempted poke-check of an Allderdice player while trying to skate the puck out of his own zone.  There was no whistle, and none of the Cougars bothered to cover Hoechstetter, fresh out of the box, who blasted it by Brown for his fourth goal of the season to force overtime.

Left trying to figure out what the heck hit them, the Cougars did generate a couple more scoring chances in the final moments of regulation, and continued pressing the issue in the five-minute sudden death period until Radovich played hero again.  He out-hustled two would-be Carrick defenders to a loose puck in the neutral zone, skated in tight, and beat Brown cleanly with a wrist shot to his glove side for the game-winning goal.

Radovich was mobbed by the Dragons after flopping to the ice a la Darius Kasparaitis, and Buckley echoed that enthusiasm when looking into the future of his previously struggling team.

“We now have a nice note to open on for the second half of our season.  I’m real excited, and I think you can hear in the background that the kids are excited too.

“I’m hoping it all comes together now.”

BY THE WAY:

*Allderdice had previously gone 0-5-1 against Carrick since rejoining the PIHL in 2006, the lone point coming in a 5-5 tie against the Cougars Jan. 25, 2008.

*Radovich’s two-goal effort was only the third multiple-goal game of the season by an Allderdice player.  Conturo has one to his credit, and Radovich had another versus Morgantown Dec. 9.

*Oliverio now has a point in four of his last five games after being held off the scoresheet altogether in five of his first six this season.

Click here to relive any or all of the action from Monday’s game, thanks to my friends at the PIHL Network and Rubino Productions.

For continuing coverage of the PIHL Winter Classic, be sure to check back with Mr. High School Sports on 937thefan.com later this week!

Homeroom Teacher and I

On October 6, we had Open Classes at our school for the parents. All teachers participated, holding Open Class for their rooms/subjects (in Korean). It was my second Open Class with the 6th grade teacher and students. Our English class served as our Open Class. Open Classes are held at schools in Korea for those outside of school (educators, parents, etc.) to observe the teaching and learning process in classrooms, and provide feedback and suggestions.

The key concept/phrase being introduced and studied was “Will you help me?” Students were very attentive and actively participated in class. They learned their new concept well!

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CLASS A TEAMS TO WATCH:

Serra Catholic Eagles – Once again, the Eagles took flight and landed on Mellon Arena ice in ’09-’10, and once again, this perennial power fell just shy of the Penguins Cup, but the Eagles return top-tier talent capable of giving them a shot at redemption in March.  Jarrett Ruchka is one of the most complete forwards in Class A, Garner Kraemer gives a lot of help to that offense that probably doesn’t get talked about enough, and Garrett Hudson, one of the premier goalies in the classification, will hold down the fort between the pipes.  Indeed the Eagles still have the makeup of a champion despite significant losses up front, but do they still have enough to keep up with Mars?

Kittanning Wildcats – The most prolific offense in Class A last season shouldn’t have much trouble scoring this season either, though it’s odd that the Wildcats, also one of the better defensive teams at the time, might have the most to prove in goal.  Not having a bona fide No. 1 might have kept Kittanning from reaching that next level upon moving down to Class A last fall, so newcomer Cameron Langham might be counted on heavily, especially considering All-Star defenseman John Lambert has graduated.  But fellow D-man Tyler Crissman plays responsibly at both ends, and an explosive attack led by Heinz Koster and Troy Schall should keep the ‘Cats in the hunt.

Westmont Hilltop Hilltoppers – Westmont has had talent over the last decade that wasn’t able to put it together enough for a long postseason run, though the Hilltoppers are still led by savvy veteran coach Art McQuillan, and this year he has a lot to work with.  Corey Schafer looks like one of the most deadly snipers in the classification, while Noah McQuillan, son of the aforementioned bench boss, provides a steady, guiding hand on offense as well, and goaltender Adam Ayre, who started as a sophomore, did a lot of growing up on the fly.  Don’t expect a Penguins Cup for these Hilltoppers, but a Section 4 title and Semifinal berth are realistic goals.

Mars Planets – The simple fact that Mars was manhandling Class AAA teams in the annual St. Margaret’s Fall Face-Off preseason tournament leads me to believe the Planets are once again in a world of their own, to say nothing of their roster.  Elliot Tisdale will challenge for the Class A scoring title and Tyler Stepke, the top goaltender in the classification a year ago and the true star of Mars’ defense, will challenge opponents to score on the Planets, who yielded the fewest goals of all last season.  Add a dynamic group of senior skaters that includes Robert Sigurdsson, and a promising sophomore in Austin Heakins, and the state champs have the ingredients for another Penguins and Pennsylvania Cup run.

PLAYERS TO WATCH (2009-10 REGULAR SEASON STATS):

Jarrett Ruchka, Serra Catholic (29 G + 37 A = 66 pts.)

Tyler Stepke, Mars (16-2-0, 1.27 GAA, .924 save pct., 7 SO)

Heinz Koster, Kittanning (16 G + 34 A = 50 pts.)

Corey Schafer, Westmont Hilltop (28 G + 14 A = 42 pts.)

HONORABLE MENTION (2009-10 REGULAR SEASON STATS):

Elliot Tisdale, Mars (23 G + 32 A = 55 pts.)

Brian Bodine, South Fayette (12 G + 6 A = 18 pts.)

Jason Lottes, Quaker Valley (11 G + 13 A = 24 pts.)

Garrett Hudson, Serra Catholic (16-3-0, 2.32 GAA, .892 save pct., 3 SO)

CLASS A OUTLOOK:

THE CHALLENGERS: Serra Catholic, Mars, Kittanning, Bishop McCort

THE DARK HORSES: Westmont Hilltop, Quaker Valley

THE MOST IMPROVED TEAM: South Fayette

THE “CLASH AT THE CONSOL” WILL BE: Mars vs. Serra Catholic

CLASS AA TEAMS TO WATCH:

Latrobe Wildcats – After winning their third consecutive Penguins Cup and “three-peating” as Pennsylvania Cup champions, the Wildcats aim to become the first Class AA squad since Peters Township in 2005 to win four Penguins Cups in a row, and I’m struggling to find ways the PIHL’s latest dynasty can be halted.  The most productive offense in the classification last year returns brothers, prodigies, and scoring leaders Matthew and Noah Batis, and Shane Brudnok, the stat leader among starting goalies in just his first full varsity campaign, comes back to aid the No. 1 scoring defense in the classification.  Latrobe lost a lot of seniors, but with its program depth, it’s hard to imagine the ‘Cats taking any big steps backward.

West Allegheny Indians – Not only are the Indians going to be good once again, but they’re going to be young once again, and coming off an appearance in the Penguins Cup Finals at Mellon Arena, multiple trips to the new Consol Energy Center doesn’t seem like such a crazy idea.  The offensive chemistry is very strong; Patrick Coburn, who moves the puck well, is one of the finer under-the-radar forwards in Class AA, and guys like Jon Grebosky and Jonathan Levitt provide consistency.  Expect them to put up big special teams numbers as well, and with Class AA wins leader Jason Kumpfmiller returning to make those numbers stand up, they might have the best shot at beating Latrobe.

Thomas Jefferson Jaguars – The glory days of this program came to an end a while back, but a new galaxy of stars and a new coaching staff led by William Crousey might be ready to lead TJ toward bigger and better things, starting with a Section 1 title.  Jacob Blair, an emerging sharpshooter, doesn’t miss very often, and last season he meshed nicely with fellow forwards Mitch Mosgrove and Kyle Miller, while Jacob’s brother Nicholas is one of the top returning defensemen in a group looking for continued progress.  TJ has already become a more disciplined team, so if they can find a reliable first-string goaltender, that progress may come faster than people think.

Bishop Canevin Crusaders – Every year the question for head coach Kevin Zielmanski is how to replace the upper-echelon players he graduates, but every year he and the Crusaders, who lost several key members of last year’s Penguins Cup Semifinal team, seem to find answers.  Vince Nicolella is one of several top players who will not be back, and he showed up every night, so the pressure shifts to Michael Mannsman, Canevin’s most prolific returning scorer, to elevate his own game and help spark an unproven group of forwards.  The good news is that Zack Daley, once the top backup in Class AA looks like a dependable starting goalie, and the defensive corps should be strong, which are two things that will win a lot of important games for this team.

PLAYERS TO WATCH (2009-10 REGULAR SEASON STATS):

Matthew Batis, Latrobe (28 G + 29 A = 57 pts.)

James Bufalino, Erie Cathedral Prep (19 G + 12 A = 31 pts.)

Patrick Coburn, West Allegheny (13 G + 22 A = 35 pts.)

Shane Brudnok, Latrobe (12-3-1, 1.69 GAA, .905 save pct., 5 SO)

HONORABLE MENTION (2009-10 REGULAR SEASON STATS):

Jason Kumpfmiller, West Allegheny (14-3-2, 1.91 GAA, .925 save pct., 3 SO)

Noah Batis, Latrobe (18 G + 38 A = 56 pts.)

Jacob Blair, Thomas Jefferson (21 G + 14 A = 35 pts.)

Zach Milnarcik, Montour (16 G + 22 A = 38 pts.)

CLASS AA OUTLOOK:

THE CHALLENGERS: Latrobe, West Allegheny, Bishop Canevin, Peters Township

THE DARK HORSES: Thomas Jefferson, Montour

THE MOST IMPROVED TEAM: Erie Cathedral Prep

THE “CLASH AT THE CONSOL” WILL BE: Latrobe vs. Bishop Canevin

CLASS AAA TEAMS TO WATCH:

Canon-McMillan Big Macs – Some of the best hockey in the league will be played out of Section 1 of Class AAA, and though the defending Penguins Cup champions and last year’s No. 8 seed won’t be sneaking up on anyone this year, the Big Macs should still make plenty of noise.  Canon-Mac’s leading scorer, Brett Oldaker, is back and will become even more of an offensive focal point after the graduation of Joe Mottiqua and Mario Dalesandro, while Russian-born D-man Alex Bakakov still brings stability to the back end, and goaltender Ryan Palonis will be called upon to win more big games for a team that finished third in goals allowed last season, but can Oldaker get enough help to give his team a shot at back-to-back crowns?

State College Little Lions – Because they don’t get much exposure around here, and because they aren’t geographically close to the other serious contenders in Class AAA, it’s easy to overlook the Little Lions, but State College has enough talent to upset the apple cart and go on a run.  Ryan Pate, one of the most efficient playmakers in Triple-A, returns with Abe Edson, the top goal-scorer in the classification last season, to give the Lions the offensive punch it needs to at least win a section title.  This team always prides itself on sound defense, and it stands to reason Joe Abruzzo, the top backup goalie in Class AAA in ’09-’10, is mature enough to take over as the starter, but it remains to be seen if the secondary scoring will be enough to get this team over the playoff hump.

Upper St. Clair Panthers – Believe it or not, it has now been over two decades of “almost”s for the same program that sent Ryan Malone on his groundbreaking journey to the Pittsburgh Penguins, but the Panthers, after bowing in two straight semifinals, maintain the components necessary to end that championship drought.  Class AAA scoring champ James Kline will make a hard push for back-to-back crowns, and Justin Selep, who may challenge Kline, is a model of offensive consistency for the No. 3 scoring team in the classification, while goaltender Matt Wregget continues living up to his surname, having shared the Triple-A lead in wins last season.  If he continues blossoming, and if his defense supports him better than it did in the semis, USC might become a clear-cut favorite in a classification where there really isn’t one.

Shaler Titans – The dethroned Penguins Cup champions of ’08-’09 looked sound in just about every phase of the game this past March, but they didn’t play their best hockey at the right time, especially in their own zone, so it’ll be interesting to see what the Titans take from a painful semifinal loss.  A number of key pieces remain from the most lethal offense in Triple-A in ’09-’10, including brothers Dalton Shiring and team scoring leader Shane Shiring, while Jacob Hetz appears destined to be another leader after a strong freshman campaign, so the pressure is on new goaltender Steve Defibaugh to keep Shaler from having to play pond hockey to win.  Up front the Titans still look like contenders, but can Defibaugh follow two very good goaltenders, and can the blue-liners tighten things up after a disappointing postseason collapse?

PLAYERS TO WATCH (2009-10 REGULAR SEASON STATS):

Matt Wregget, Upper St. Clair (14-4-1, 2.16 GAA, .927 save pct., 2 SO)

Shane Shiring, Shaler (15 G + 18 A = 33 pts.)

Michael Shipley, Bethel Park (14 G + 10 A = 24 pts.)

Abe Edson, State College (28 G, 16 A = 44 pts.)

HONORABLE MENTION (2009-10 REGULAR SEASON STATS):

Alexander Baskakov, Canon-McMillan (8 G + 15 A = 23 pts.)

James Kline, Upper St. Clair (24 G + 39 A = 63 pts.)

Joe Abruzzo, State College (7-1-2, 2.65 GAA, .891 save pct.)

Neil Stewart, Norwin (12 G + 21 A = 33 pts.)

CLASS AAA OUTLOOK:

THE CHALLENGERS: Shaler, Canon-McMillan, Upper St. Clair, Bethel Park

THE DARK HORSES: State College, Norwin

THE MOST IMPROVED TEAM: North Allegheny

THE “CLASH AT THE CONSOL” WILL BE: Upper St. Clair vs. Shaler

OPEN CLASS TEAMS TO WATCH:

Ringgold Rams – Now that the Rams have not only a Nailers Cup banner but also an Open Cup banner to hang from the refurbished Rostraver Ice Garden, it’s only logical they’re hungry for more gold after winning Ringgold’s first league title of any kind in hockey in 20 years, and we may indeed witness a repeat.  Bobby Sokol is the odds-on favorite for the Open Class scoring title after coming over from Greensburg C.C. and winning it as a junior, and fellow GCC transfer Kevin Claybaugh will also fuel what was the highest-scoring team in the classification last season, an offense punctuated by exceptional special teams play.  Ringgold may have switched to the Chiefs Cup side of the sectional alignment, but what hasn’t changed is how scary this team looks.

Kiski Area Cavaliers – In order to avenge last year’s Open Cup loss to Ringgold, the defending Chiefs Cup champions will have to find some more oomph on offense, because if you can’t fill the net consistently in this classification, you have little chance for survival.  However, top defenseman Josh Simmons returns, as does Phil Cappo, who was second in the Open Class in GAA and wins by starters, and considering the Cavaliers allowed the fewest goals in the classification, that should give them a leg up on their enemies in hotly contested Section 4.  Leading goal scorer Brandon Donnelly will pull much of the offensive weight once again, but he’ll need the kind of help he didn’t always get at crucial times last year if the Cavs are to turn silver into gold.

John Marshall Monarchs – Scholastic hockey has been catching on in West Virginia, where teams are eligible to participate in the Open Class postseason, and after joining the PIHL several years ago in unceremonious fashion, the Monarchs have enjoyed a meteoric rise and should challenge for the Nailers Cup.  There was a time when, with all due respect, this team couldn’t put the puck in the ocean, but all that has changed since to skilled forwards like James Henderson and Isaac Fitzpatrick, and returning defenseman Matt Saseen has demonstrated an ability to lead at both ends of the ice.  Drew Balcar, once again the starting netminder, needs to pick up his own numbers, which might be all John Marshall needs to help get to the promised land.

Hollidaysburg Golden Tigers – The Tigers exorcised some heinous demons by finally winning a playoff round and reaching the Chiefs Cup Semifinals, and with an extraordinary group of underclassmen and a pair of solid netminders, they look ready to take the next step.  Losing versatile Alex Robertson is tough, but boy wonder Sam Lafferty is ready to lead after winning the freshman scoring race, with Joshua Stell stepping into the role of No. 1 defenseman, and Matt Gregory, one of the top starting goaltenders in the classification last year, will hold down the fort.  It remains to be seen how quickly those underclassmen can learn, but they’ll have to in a hurry in order for Hollidaysburg to win a championship.

PLAYERS TO WATCH (2009-10 REGULAR SEASON STATS):

Bobby Sokol, Ringgold (50 G + 34 A = 84 pts.)

Dace Ludwig, Ligonier Valley (32 G + 16 A = 48 pts.)

Sam Lafferty, Hollidaysburg (19 G + 26 A = 45 pts.)

Phil Cappo, Kiski Area (14-5-0, 2.51 GAA, .864 save pct.)

HONORABLE MENTION (2009-10 REGULAR SEASON STATS):

Ryan Rosato, Keystone Oaks (26 G + 20 A = 46 pts.)

Matt Gregory, Hollidaysburg (9-2-0, 2.75 GAA, .894 save pct.)

James Henderson, John Marshall (25 G + 23 A = 48 pts.)

Kevin Valasek, Ford City (28 G + 10 A = 38 pts.)

OPEN CLASS OUTLOOK:

THE CHALLENGERS: John Marshall, Keystone Oaks (Nailers Cup); Ringgold, Hollidaysburg (Chiefs Cup)

THE DARK HORSES: Morgantown (Nailers Cup), Ford City (Chiefs Cup)

THE MOST IMPROVED TEAMS: Connellsville (Northeast Conference), Wheeling Park (Southwest Conference)

CHIEFS CUP PREDICTION: Ringgold vs. Ford City

NAILERS CUP PREDICTION: Keystone Oaks vs. John Marshall

OPEN CUP PREDICTION: Ringgold vs. Keystone Oaks

For continuing coverage of the PIHL and Penguins Cup Playoffs, keep checking back with Mr. High School Sports on 937thefan.com throughout the season!

“These riders are fresh, fast and each is riding at the top of his game right now,” said AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley. “They have been racing all summer in the world’s most competitive national championship series, the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championships, and all three are ready to face the best of the rest. We are honored that they are representing the United States and the AMA at this prestigious event on American soil.”

Perennial AMA Team USA Manager and Motorcycle Hall of Famer Roger DeCoster added that he’s confident this year’s selection will emerge victorious in this World Championship event.

“These riders train really hard, they’ve had good seasons and I think they will work good together as a team,” DeCoster said. “I’m happy with our team, and I hope our other American riders will come out and support the team, considering it is in their own country. It’s centrally located. Denver is an easy airport to get in and out of, and it’s a good track with great views for spectators. The fans should come out, and we should have a successful event. Hopefully, we can win it.”

Team Captain Dungey, who rides for Rockstar Makita Suzuki, will race the MX1 class, which features 450cc four-stroke machinery. GEICO Powersports Honda rider Canard will compete in the MX2 class, which features 250cc four-stroke motorcycles. Honda Red Bull Racing’s Short will race the MX3 class, the open class.

Dungey returns to AMA Team USA after a successful rookie debut in 2009 in Franciacorta, Italy, when the Belle Plaine, Minn., rider led the team to the title with a win in the event’s final moto. The reigning champion of the 2010 AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, has been dominating the premier 450 class in the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championships this summer, and had a seven-race win streak through round eight of the 12-round series.

“I had an unbelievable experience last year in Italy,” Dungey said. “Being a part of AMA Team USA is really an honor, you can count me in any time they call my name. This year is going to be another special one since we will be defending our home turf. Thunder Valley is a good layout for this type of event. The track is good and has elevation changes, big jumps and all that. It is just outside of Denver and close to a big airport, which I’m sure the international riders will appreciate. I think we’re in for a really big turnout.”

Dungey added that he has high expectations for his AMA Team USA teammates.

“They selected a good team, and I am honored to be captain with Trey and Andrew,” Dungey said. “Trey’s been winning and Andrew has been getting starts and leading early, which is huge at a race with this format. I like our chances in keeping the Cup here in the United States.”

This will be Canard’s first time on AMA Team USA. Canard, of Shawnee, Okla., had a three-race win streak in the 250 class in the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championships through eight rounds. Canard has been one of the series’ hottest riders this summer, taking four of the last six motos and climbing from fourth to second in the championship points race behind France’s Christophe Pourcel.

“Growing up and reading about the Motocross of Nations in the magazines, I’ve always thought this would be an awesome experience,” Canard said. “I was at the event in 2007 when Timmy Ferry, Ricky Carmichael and Ryan Villopoto were on the team, and seeing those guys win then was really cool. I’m looking forward to being part of the team, and I’m really thankful for the opportunity.

“We have some good guys on the team,” Canard added. “Andrew and Ryan have had great years, and I’m looking forward to working with them. I’ve never done anything like this, racing for a team championship, and I’m looking forward to it. You’re racing first of all for your country and second for your teammates.”

This also will be the first time representing AMA Team USA for Short, who was second in 450 class point standings behind Dungey through eight rounds of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championships. Short, who now calls Smithville, Texas, home, is a native of Colorado and will experience a rarity for Motocross of Nations riders: an opportunity to race for a World Championship in front of his hometown crowd.

“It is an incredible honor to be chosen to represent AMA Team USA at the Motocross of Nations this year,” Short said. “To be given this opportunity is something I have dreamt about since I was a little kid, and for it to become a reality is amazing. For the Motocross of Nations to be held in my home state of Colorado is just icing on the cake!”

DeCoster said that he has some clear advice for the rookies on the team.

“All of these riders have good personalities that will let them get along just fine, not try to impress anybody too much and do something stupid,” DeCoster said. “When you race in this event, the fact that you represent your country, a lot of people are going to come up to them and remind them about the history of the team and all the wins and how important it is to keep the thing going. It puts the pressure on, so the main thing for them is to ride within their abilities.”

DeCoster added that the team will benefit from the experience Dungey gained in 2009.

“Last year, with Ryan, I felt that he was riding to become one of the main guys in Italy, and I think his performance gave him the confidence to come back this year and start strong,” DeCoster said. “I know that this event is important to him, and he will be doing everything he can to put the team in a winning position.”

Fans can purchase tickets to the 2010 Red Bull FIM Motocross of Nations at RedBullMXON.com/tickets.html.

The Motocross of Nations is one of the most high-profile motorsport events in the world. It features teams competing by nationality for a combined score to determine the overall championship-winning team. The event emerged in post-war Europe in 1947 and has run uninterrupted since that time. The United States is the all-time leader in Motocross of Nations overall victories with 20. Great Britain is second with 16.

The United States is the reigning champion of the Motocross of Nations, winning over Italy and Belgium in 2009.

SOURCE: American Motorcyclist Association

####

I was being reviewed by an official from Seongbuk district office who I’ve met on several occasions, and another English teacher (I assume) whom I’ve never met, both women.  The English teacher said my lesson plan was “not kind.”  (A lesson plan not being the actual lesson itself, but a form you fill out that details how the lesson will proceed, etc.)  I totally take offense that they expect me to be a professional at writing a lesson plan, a thing which they’ve never trained me to do.  I took offense, but decided then was not the time to inform this English teacher (whose English seeemed really strong) that an inanimate object (like paper) cannot be describe as kind or unkind.

The English teacher also was very surprised at the high level of participation from the kids.  I guess that is a good thing?  Or maybe she was suggesting that I bribed them?  Pshaw.

I don’t feel like I’ll get the position.  Is my contract only being considered based on the score that two people have given me who I’ve never worked with and have only seen one class I’ve taught?  I don’t know.

I won’t find out the district’s verdict for another three or so weeks.  So, if I’ll be going home, I won’t have even a full two months notice.  Seems kinda shitty.  Oh, my old vice principal Mr. Yoon was there too.  It was nice to see him again.  He was a funny guy.

August 2009

Speed Reading Contest

Sunday, 23 August 2009

09.00 – 15.00 WIB

Venue: School of Management Trustco Jogjakarta

Invest:

- IDR. 250.000

- Student : IDR. 100.000

- 75% before August 17th

will be held on participant more than 15

But after living three years with Dave it was actually a lot more difficult than I expected it to be – I mean the guy pretty much kept me in line back in Brisvegas  with the cooking, cleaning, generally making sure  didnt accidently injure/fatally maim myself. So yeah – I think 8 weeks alone was good – but having the dynamic duo is much better and brings quite a bit of reassurance in a strange place.

He says that our jokes constantly upset or at least make his girlfriend uncomfortable – gee… sounds like I havent changed that much right? Nah those guys are good together and were the amazing team that first poisoned me and then got me healed so I am glad they are around.

For those who dont quite understand the transit that takes place for me to visit Dave its goes like this – Godang-ri (my town) – Janghowon (larger town) 15 mins – Incheon (Dave’s city) 2 hr 15 mins. That’s pretty much travelling from ours – Sunnybank to Byron Bay, NSW on a bus, and then back. So yeah – its a trip.  It’s worth it though – familiar faces are helpful. Tonight, because we had such a big day (mainly shopping) we cancelled our mandate to watch the movie ‘Terminator 4′  screening at 11pm tonight at the local CGV Starium, yes… you read right… Starium and yes… 11pm.

I have my first Open Class next week with the teachers & parents coming to watch me teach/perform… Other interesting things happening in Korea – I will be visiting Yonggi Cho’s church next week – pretty excited… its called Yoido Full Gospel Church… supposedly having over 120,000 ushers haha…. next week I will be attending a Mime Festival in Chungcheon… keep you informed

It was three days of fun at the huge McCormick Convention Center in downtown Chicago.  Six thousand dogs and lots of people to primp them, play with them and admire them.  The McCormick dog show is a “benched” show which means the dogs are there all day with their people and available to answer questions (the people mostly answer, but several of the dogs had plenty to say).

The people near us had a sign asking that their dogs not be petted without permission.  The dogs clearly did not make the sign.  If they did, the sign would have said, “PET ME!”  Note that the signs were nicely laminated with C-Line Cleer Adheer laminating film.

Over the three days I had nine agility runs – three in Standard Class, three runs in Jumpers with Weaves and three runs in FAST Class.  I have videos of my best seven.  Regarding the other two, let’s just say I hate yappy dogs. Their people should give them more treats.  You can’t bark while you are eating a treat.

Friday’s Agility Runs

My first run was in the Novice Class.  As a review, you start in Novice.  Once you have successfully completed three qualifying runs under two different judges you get your Novice title and you can move to Open.  From Open, once you have successfully completed three qualifying runs under two different judges you get your Open title and you can move to Excellent.  I’ll talk more about Excellent Class when I get there!

The run above was really picture perfect and allowed me to earn my Novice title in Standard Class agility.

Watch me soar over the jumps in the next run in the Jumpers with Weaves competition.  I was a little wide on some of my turns, but again it was a beautiful run.  I placed first again and received my Novice title for Jumpers with Weaves.

The final run of the day was in FAST Class agility.  See my post on an explanation of FAST Class for more details on how it works.  Let’s just say I got a little confused in this run.  We won’t look at any video of this one.

When you have a qualifying run in both Jumpers with Weaves and Standard on the same day it is called a “Double Q.”  Friday was a Double Q day.

Saturday’s Agility Runs

Saturday was a new day filled with hope and promise.

I started my day with a run in Open Class Jumpers with Weaves.  It was my first run ever in Open Class.  Note that in Open Class we go from 6 weave poles to 12 weave poles.  That is OK, because I love the weave poles.  Weave poles are fun.

In this run (shown above) I qualified, but did not place.  I would have placed, but I decided to go for a laugh from the crowd. I went in the tunnel and then came right back out again a few seconds later.  The crowd roared (and boy was Joe suprised)!  Then I went on to complete the run.

My second run was the first time I competed in Open Class Standard.  Let’s take a look.

It was a very good run.  The judge loved me.  In fact, he loved me so much he disqualified me for a “fly-off” from the teeter.  He wants to be sure I run safely and don’t get hurt.  Does the expression, “Hot dogging it” mean anything to you?

My final run on Saturday was in the Novice FAST (Fifteen And Send Time) Class.  As I indicated in my last agility blog entry, in fast class you design your own course and race the clock.  There are fifteen obstacles.  You get points for each obstacle you complete.  Point values vary by obstacle.  You also get bonus points for running obstacles on your own (a send).  If your team mate enters the send area, you are disqualified.

In the FAST Class run above I won a first place blue ribbon and completed the second leg of my Novice FAST Class title.  I could not resist checking out the points flag from the top of the A-Frame, but who could?

Then it was back to the car while the boys went to the ballet to learn new moves.

Sunday’s Agility Runs

Sunday was not a day of rest.

My first run was bright and early.  That’s OK, though.  I am an early bird.

I started with Open Jumpers with Weaves.  I let Joe go for a long lead-out and followed through with a first place win.

I then moved to Open Standard:

My Open Standard run started out well, but as you see when we got to the table I was called called for two refusals (or run-outs).  Our agility instructor in Deerfield, IL had warned us that if we go past a table we need to get back on it from the other side.  We didn’t listen.  You only really learn the rules as you break them.

The day ended with another FAST Class run.  I can’t blame those yappy dogs who distracted me, but I know I will get another chance to run again soon and show eveyone I can run and jump and hold my ears at the same time!

- Lancelot

This morning I went up to teach my first 6th grade class only to find that the teacher had decided to cancel it because she wanted to prepare for her open class. Heeeccckkk yes, fine with me! The 6th graders have started to get really annoying. They don’t care about anything anymore, especially English class. So basically they just chit-chat with their friends during class and I have no sympathy because they’re not cute like 5th graders anymore. They’re greasy pre-teens about to enter their pubescent years and suffer the awkwardness of changing voices and acne. The “6th” graders here are really about the same age as our 7th/8th graders in the U.S. This is because when Korean babies are born they’re already 1 year old. Then, at the start of the new year, they become 2 years old regardless of when they were born. It’s kinda messed up, but the kids sometimes end up being 2 years apart from each other in age because some not-so-smart person decided kids could enter school based upon their Korean age, not birthdate. I think they’re trying to change that though.

Speaking of open classes, I don’t recall ever writing anything about this, but I had an open class with my 5th graders last Monday and the vice principal was supposed to come watch. Well I worked really really hard to set up this class: I thought of exciting games, interactive lessons, competitions, etc. The kids were being total angels too, they were smiling and participating and knew all the answers… SO CUTE…. and get this– the VP DIDN’T EVEN SHOW UP. My co-teacher got so pissed since we worked so hard. I had been pretty nervous about the whole thing but I really wanted him to see that I can make a good lesson! Sucks. My coteacher was like outraged lol. She was like ‘aigoo’ (in Korean, kind of like ‘oh my god’) the whole way back to our office haha.

Anyway, the other night I went out with two of the other female English teachers from Yanghwa elementary’s after-school program. One of the girls, Annie is full Korean but lived in Indiana her entire life. She’s been teaching English in Korea for 4 years now, and she is lucky because her parents live in Seoul too. After our classes one day she asked me if I wanted a ride home… huh? So weird, I don’t know anyone who has a car here! A few of us piled into the car and headed out. About halfway down the street we decided to go eat somewhere and chill out. I have to admit it was a little weird riding in someone’s car after the daily routine of riding on a crowded bus or subway. We ended up eating at a galbi restaurant over some sweet soju. I think most english teachers here have very interesting or complex lives (except me). Maybe they’re running, maybe they’re just adventurous, I don’t know… but they definitely don’t like to stay in one place or have a home base. Compared to theirs, my life is incredibly plain. Debbie was telling us how one Friday morning she took a bus to the Incheon airport because she was bored. When she got there, she asked “What’s the first flight out of here?” She ended up being on a plane to Hong Kong within one hour without any luggage or extra clothes. She just WENT! Debbie has way more balls than I do.

Annie is pretty cool, we went to Hongdae last weekend to see our friend’s band called UR Seoul. They’re a cover band, and they only play huge hits from bands like the Beatles and Rolling Stones, sometimes the Kinks. The lead singer is Irish with a really thick accent that you can hear in the songs, but they really rocked everyone’s face off that night. They had SO much energy… I’m going to put pics on facebook soon enough.

Agh time for class…

**edit: remind me to rant about stupid ajummas later…**