Cranberry Twp. PA – The North Catholic Trojans had their home opener at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex this past Tuesday against the Butler Golden Tornadoes. The Trojans were looking for redemption after starting off the season with a loss to the Avonworth Antelopes 11-6. The Lopes converted on all 6 power plays, while North Catholic went 0 for 3 on the man-advantage. Junior G Wyatt Cleveland and Freshman G Darren Riley split time in net averaging a .744 SV% stopping 32 of 43 shots. On the other side, Butler was coming off a tight overtime loss to the Hampton Talbots 5-4. Despite going 2 for 2 on the power play, the Tornadoes were unable to hall in a win.
The Game:
1st Period – Butler would take 4 penalties in the 1st period, leading to 3 goals (3 for 4) for the Trojans to gain the early lead 3-0. Senior F Beckett Dunn, Senior D Ryder Graff, and Junior F Anthony Neely would all find the back of the net. Neely struck again for an even-strength goal at the end of the period giving North Catholic a commanding 4-0 lead.
2nd Period – Junior F Carson Paglia continued the scoring making it 5-0. The Trojans would take 2 penalties for cross-checking, but Butler was unable to generate any opportunities on the power play.
3rd Period – Another flood of penalties from both teams kicked off the final frame. The Trojans went to the box twice before Sophomore F Renzo Sylvester scored to make it 6-0. At the end of the game, both Anthony Neely and Butler F Ashtyen Skiba earned game misconducts for checking from behind. Wyatt Cleveland posted a shutout, stopping all 28 shots faced.
Analysis – This was a matter of special teams for North Catholic as the team went 3 for 5 on the power play (60.0%). The Trojans had 7 different contributors on the score sheet that helped seal victory with Beckett Dunn leading the way with a 4-point night. North Catholic was also a perfect 4 for 4 on the penalty kill, leaving Butler scoreless. After the win, the Trojans sit 6th in the Varsity A Blue Division with a record of 1-1-0. Their next game is Tuesday, October 15 at Wheeling Park at 7:20pm.
