Ice Hockey News

By: Jared Barton 

North Allegheny ice hockey added three critical points with a 5-3 regulation win over Franklin Regional Thursday night from the Baierl Ice Complex. The victory propels the Tigers over Thomas Jefferson in the standings and places them tied for third place with Central Catholic for now.

The fast-paced first period was filled with scoring, as the Panthers broke the ice less than three minutes into the contest. Brendan Yohe scored a goal from a rebound assisted by Tyler Spears. NA clapped back less than 30 seconds later as senior Gianni Lochiatto scored assisted by fellow senior William Kasunich. About two minutes later, Franklin Regional responded with another goal off a rebound, this time from Ryan Crouse. Senior Justin Hai had an answer for the Tigers about two minutes after on a goal assisted by junior Joey Mitchell. NA found the first lead in the game courtesy of a breakaway goal. Junior Jonnie Castillo moved swiftly through the neutral zone, leading to a two-on-one advantage. Castillo attempted a shot that turned into a feed to sophomore Brady Hornyak who buried his first varsity goal of his career. The Tigers led 3-2 after one period.

The Panthers started the second frame strong and found the equalizer within the first six minutes. Carter Yohe scored assisted by Nick Matus and JJ Tensuan. Seven minutes later, North Allegheny had the eventual game-winner on another breakaway. This time, sophomore Cedric Otey received a pass from senior Brock Murphy at the red line and blazed past two defenders for a matchup against FR netminder Ashton Rothrauff. Otey took a wrist shot that went bar down to take a 4-3 lead. 

North Allegheny added an insurance marker on the power play roughly four minutes into the third period. Starting off from behind their own net, the Tigers left the puck for junior Noah Logan, who took long strides with the puck into neutral ice. After passing in motion with junior Ravi Desai and senior Marc Joyson, the puck found Logan’s stick in the high slot and he snapped a laser into the back of the net.

Senior Cam Junker had another strong night in net, making 19 saves for the win. Hornyak earned Wright Automotive Player of the Game laurels for scoring his first varsity marker. 

The Tigers head to South Bend, Indiana for the Hoosier Cup Hockey Tournament February 8th-10th before returning to western Pennsylvania for a road matchup with Thomas Jefferson on February 17th.

Ice Hockey Summary vs. Franklin Regional, 2-6-25

SCORE BY PERIODS	1st	2nd	3rd	FINAL
Franklin Regional	2	1	0	3
North Allegheny	3	1	1	5