Tigers Top Panthers In A Shootout
By: Jared Barton
The North Allegheny ice hockey team earned a critical 4-3 shootout road victory over Franklin Regional Monday night at the Palmer Imaging Arena.
The game seesawed back and forth through the periods. Franklin Regional opened the scoring just over three minutes into the contest with an even-strength marker by Ryan Crouse. About 10 minutes later, Tigers junior Joey Mitchell found the back of the net on a goal assisted by senior Justin Hai and sophomore Anthony Lucas.
The lone goal scored in the second frame was courtesy of the Panthers’ Joey Casella assisted by Brian Compton.
NA found the game-tying goal just over five minutes into the third period from Mitchell’s second of the contest, assisted by Lucas and junior Alex Costa. FR regained the lead thanks to another Casella goal assisted by Nick Matus and Crouse. With less than six minutes remaining in the period, NA earned a powerplay off a Tyler Spears roughing minor and cashed in to tie the game once more. Senior William Kasunich lit the lamp on the special teams marker assisted by fellow senior Gianni Lochiatto.
North Allegheny took the victory via a shootout after a five-minute overtime frame with goals by Mitchell and junior Noah Logan.
Senior Cam Junker earned the win in net for NA, stopping 21 shots. Ashton Rothrauff took the loss for FR after making 24 saves.
The win improves the Tigers’ record to 7-5 overall, good enough for sixth place in the AAA Division with small breathing room in front of Franklin Regional and Upper St. Clair.
Ice Hockey Summary vs. Franklin Regional, 1-13-25
| SCORE BY PERIODS | 1ST | 2ND | 3RD | OT | SO | FINAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Allegheny | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| Franklin Regional | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
