The boys varsity ice hockey team played Central Catholic on Monday, March 4. The Hawks emerged victorious, with a 6-3 win over the Vikings. This was the first round of the 2019 PIHL Playoffs and the first playoff victory for the Hawks in nearly five years.

The game started off slowly with the Hawks leading 1-0, going into the second period. This goal came from captain Vince Vituccio, who came to play.

Then the Vikings tied it up in the second and kept up the pressure.

The game was tied 1-1 going into the third period. The third period is where the game took off, after trailing 2-1 to the Vikings, senior forward JC Bele went to work.

The senior scored four goals and certainly helped his team gain and keep their lead. Also, junior forward Sean Mearkle netted his first goal of the season to give the Hawks a more comfortable lead. The game ended 6-3 in favor of the Hawks.

After the game, senior JC Bele credited his four goals to, “My teammates, I wouldn’t have been able to do it without them.”

The Hawks’ next game is Thursday, March 14 with a match-up against North Allegheny. The Hawks have split their games with North Allegheny 1-1 in the 2019 season. The game is at RMU Island Sports Center at 9 p.m.

So, come support your Bethel Park Black Hawks as they continue their playoff run.