Louie McLinden got a hat trick, including the game-winning goal less than two minutes into the third period, and Bethel Park squeaked by Pine Richland, 3-2.

BP trailed 2-1 after the second intermission. However, McLinden got a goal on a power play 42 seconds into the third period after Pine Richland’s Joey Ditullio got penalized for holding. At the 1:59 mark, McLinden got another goal. Scoring ceased until the game ended.

McLinden first scored after 8:39 passed in the first period. His first goal was assisted by Spencer Bawcom, while his final goal was assisted by Evan Oakley and Antonio Esposito. McLinden scored his second goal unassisted.

The game’s scoring started in favor of Pine Richland (6-11-1). Ben Meyer started the scoring at the 3:44 mark with his goal, even with his team being a man down after Jack Drury was penalized for hooking. The goal was assisted by Matt Cole. Pine Richland’s other goal was added after 20 seconds after the second period started. This goal was also scored by Meyer, but was assisted by Matt Cole and Nate Carnovale.

Bethel Park (12-5-2) was helped tremendously by goalie William Lowe III, who saved 10 out of 12 shots. In addition, the team did not allow a goal during Pine Richland’s five penalty plays.

For Pine Richland, goalie Isaac Stephens stopped 30 of 33 shots in goal.

Pine Richland had 14 penalty minutes on seven penalties, while BP had six penalties and 12 penalty minutes.