After a disappointing season last year, the Hawks look to return to the playoffs. Last season, the Hawks had a relatively inexperienced group, with only 10 players having varsity experience. This season, however, the Hawks come in with 16 players who have played at least one game in a varsity uniform. 

After a good summer on and off the ice, the Hawks began their season at the annual St. Margaret’s Fall Face-Off where they went 2-1 with wins against Canon-Mac and Greater Latrobe. The Hawks proved that they are not here to mess around this year and plan on competing for the Penguins Cup. 

The Hawks (2-1) began their regular season with a 3-2 victory over Canon-Mac on Tuesday, Oct. 3.

They started the game off a little slow but changed the momentum with 4:46 left in the first period with an unassisted goal from senior Will Alborg.

The Hawks kept the pressure on, scoring another goal late in the second period. The goal was scored by senior Kylan Bedner and was assisted by sophomore Peter Velisaris. This goal gave them a good cushion going into what would be a very entertaining third period.

In the third period, the Hawks would yield two early goals to the Big Macs, tying the game at 2-2. From here, the physicality really picked up and both teams were hungry for the win to start off the year.

With 5:04 remaining on the clock, senior, Captain Ethan Cooley came up clutch with a rebound goal assisted by senior Anthony Karner. It would be all but smooth sailing the rest of the way for the Hawks, as Canon-Mac was determined to win with a late, last-minute push to tie up the score.

Sophomore Goalie Kevin Teamann had other plans though. Teamann, a first-year varsity starter, proved he can play with the “big boys,” stopping 29 of 31 shots to seal the deal for the Hawks.

On Thursday, Oct. 5, the Hawks traveled to Alpha Ice Complex to battle with the Central Catholic Vikings. The Vikings goaltender had a good night stopping all 27 shots from the Hawks. Despite a 3-0 loss, the Hawks outworked the other team, but they were unable to find the back of the net.

The Hawks rebounded on Tuesday, Oct. 10 with a 4-1 win over Cathedral Prep. Scoring for the Hawks in the victory were Ethan Cooley, Ian Majernik (assisted by Ryland Jones and Caden Busch), and Doug Hartman (first goal assisted by Zach Mazzacone and second goal scored on an empty net).

Next up is Baldwin on Thursday, Oct. 19 at the Spencer Family YMCA at 9 p.m.

For a complete schedule and stats, click here.