It might still be humid and hot outside, but for the NA Hockey Team that’s no excuse to stay off the ice.

Coming off of the Penguins Cup championship, the Tigers are keen to defend their title this season, and it all began last week at the St. Margaret’s Tournament in Harmarville, PA. Winning all three games in the first round, the boys are proud of their start.

“Watching our team in these last three games, we are one of the fastest teams in the league,” said Tyler Putnam, who is currently on injured reserve. “No doubt in my mind we will be a force in our league with the scoring potential we have and the defense we got.”

The team has worked hard to be in the best shape in the league, as the varsity squad has practiced all summer and works out every Tuesday and Thursday. 

In the first round of St. Margaret’s, the defense and goaltending allowed only seven goals in three games.  On Wednesday night, seven defensemen dressed, sparking a battle for a cemented spot in the lineup. The bottom half of the roster remains mostly up for grabs. Head Coach Mike Bagnato referred to the tournament as prime time to prove that players are worthy for ice time on this tight 23-man roster.  The offense was just as powerful. Under offensive coach Andrew Siess, they racked up an outstanding 21 goals in just three games.

“We played complete games, and I’m very proud of the effort,” Bagnato said.

In the first game, the Tigers defeated the Latrobe Wildcats 6-4. Tyler Sippel recorded a hat-trick in a four-point night. Freshman Trey Gallo was named MVP of the game.  In the second game of the tournament, the Tigers defeated Shaler in a blowout 7-0. Vince Abel scored twice in an electric offensive night. Abel was named player of the game. The third game of the tournament was another blowout, with the Tigers defeating Upper Saint Clair 8-3.  Abel recorded a hat trick in another offensive night. Josh Bailey was awarded MVP of the game. 

“I’m excited this season to see the younger kids become better and the team as a whole become better,” senior forward Collin O’Neill said.

The offseason loss of star goaltender Richie Karapandi and nine other graduated seniors was a large blow to the core of the squad over the summer. Yet many young new players now look to cement their spots on the varsity team. New players flocked to tryouts for a varsity spot, making the selection process a difficult task for the coaching staff. The team is made up of nine seniors, two of whom are new to varsity. The remaining fourteen players are made up of seven juniors, six sophomores, and freshman, Trey Gallo. However, Bagnato has kept the expectations high. 

Those expectations will be tested tonight at 5pm, as the Tigers advance to the St. Margaret’s semifinal on the ice in Harmarville.  They will face Canon-Mac, hoping advance to the finals later tonight at 9:30.