ATTENTION EVERYONE: IT IS TIME TO PACK THE BAIERL ICE CENTER AGAIN.

Yes, North Allegheny’s Ice Hockey Team has begun its season, and they will try to redeem last year’s loss to Seneca Valley in the PIHL Semifinals 1-2. With head coach Andrew Seiss leading the way and great leadership among the seniors, the Tigers seem to be in great position to reach the end of the tunnel as the season goes down. 

Their season started off against the Mt. Lebanon Blue Devils, who scored their only goal throughout the whole game early as they took the lead, 1-0.

Then, senior defenseman Trey Gallo kicked off the scoring with a goal that was assisted by senior forward Luke Evans. The first goal led to three more as Seniors Matt Irvin and Brett Baker, along with Sophomore Travis Lamark were able to successfully extend the lead. NA won 4-1 and then traveled to Alpha Ice Complex a week later to take on the Central Catholic Vikings.

Luke Evans began the scoring as he cashed in a goal assisted by junior Loan Cerqua. Junior Evan Perrote, in the third period, was able to break off a 1-1 tie as his goal gave the Tigers an edge 2-1. The Vikings were able to score before the end of regulation as the two teams went into overtime. In a crazy period, both teams were unable to score, resulting in a shootout. The Vikings managed to win, defeating the Tigers and handing them their first loss of the season. Senior goalie Rylan Murphy, despite giving up a goal during the shootout, had a total of 32 saves, an extremely positive sign for the team going forward. 

A week later, the Tigers prepared themselves for their fiercest rival — the Pine Richland Rams.  And not only did they win, but they dominated.

Junior Evan Perrote scored five minutes into the game and took the lead for the Tigers, but that did not last long as the Rams finished off the first period with three straight goals. Knowing that it was time to turn it up, Luke Evans, who continues to impress many in his first varsity year, added a score to the Tigers as they trailed 4-2 going into intermission. Going into the second half, the Tigers prevailed, cashing in six straight goals. 

The team’s most recent game was at the Mt. Lebanon Ice Center, as the Blue Devils searched for revenge after a disappointing season opener. However, they ended up losing even worse. With goals from Trey Gallo, Lorenzo Colaizzi, Ryan Jackman, Luke Evans, and Evan Perrotte, the Tigers proved to be too much for the Blue Devils as they improved to 3-1. 

Everything seems to be heading in the right direction for the team, but the toughest stretches are yet to come. The Tigers will take on Cathedral Prep this Thursday at the Baierl Ice Center for what is going to be an intriguing matchup.

Will Tigers Ice Hockey exceed expectations and be able to come back from what was a heartbreaking exit in the semifinals last year?