C.R. South 4 C.B. South 1

Council Rock South earned a chance to defend its SHSHL national Division title with the win over the Titans Wednesday night at Grundy Arena. Illia Murkhin, Gavin Niseznon, Evan Mostoller, and Jake Weiner all scored goals for the second-seeded Golden Hawks 19-1, who will face Pennridge Thursday night at Hatfield Ice (7:45 start). They will try to become the first team in six years to successfully defend a National Division title.

“C.B. South played a good game,” said C.R. South coach Joe Houk, “but we had a little more firepower.”

Ryan Frey scored for the third-seeded Titans (13-9-1) in the second period.

“Our defensive zone play was great,” said Titan coach Shaun McGinty. “Transition killed us.”

C .B. South 0 1 0—1

C.R. South 2 1 1—4

First-period goals: Illia Murkhin (CRS) from Peter Pereborow, 8:32; Gavin Niseznon (CRS) from Chase Tovsky, 13:46

Second-period goals: Evan Mostoller (CRS) From Nikita Volobuievm 1:26; Ryan Frey (CBS) From Sean Cutter, 4:15

Third-period goal: Jake Weiner (CRS) from Kevin Koles, 16:13 (en)

Shots: C.B. South 14, CR South 40; Saves: Nathan Napolitano (CBS) 36, Trevor Raksawski 13

Pennridge 10 C.B. East 0

Pennridge overwhelmed shorthanded Central Bucks East Wednesday night and rolled to the win in a SHSHL National Division semifinal at Hatfield Ice that was halted with 5:48 remaining in the third period.

Kevin Pico had a five-point night for the top-seeded Rams (18-1-2) with three goals and two assists. Andrew Savona contributed two goals and two assists.

Shane Dachowski, Ian Brouse, Josh Kelly, James Rush, and James Embert also scored goals.

The fourth-seeded Patriots (12-6-2) were without several players and coach Jeff Mitchell because of suspensions and injuries.

“We knew they were going to be down,” said Pennridge coach Jeff Montagna, “but we knew we could not look past them. We played very well and got scoring from all four lines.

Pennridge will face Council Rock South for the National Division title Thursday night at Hatfield Ice. Game time is 7:45.

C.B. East 0 0 0—0

Pennridge 4 4 2—10

First-period goals: Andrew Savona (P) unassisted, 5:22; Savona from Kevin Pico, 8:46 (pp); Pico from Savona and Shane Dachowski, 12:24; James Rush (P) from Jared Garber and Pico, 14:28

Second-period goals: Dachowski (P) from John Mikulich and Savona, 1:04; Ian Brouse (P) from Dhilan Howard and Ryan Mikhulich, 4:08; Josh Kelly (P) gtom Dachowski and John Mikulich, 5:50; Pico from Dachowski and Tyler Manto, 10:14

Third-period goals: James Embert (P) from Nathan McKean and Kelly, 8:16; Pico (P) unassisted, 11:12

Game terminated with 5:48 remaining in the third period

Shots: C.B. Est 11, Pennridge 67 Saves: Cole Breen (CBE) 57, Jacob Winton (P) 11

Bensalem 5 Plymouth Whitemarsh 3

When a goaltender steps up, a lot of people notice. So it was at Hatfield Ice Monday night.

Ricky Gonzalez made 53 saves in the Bensalem net and his teammates played inspired hockey in front of him as the Owns overcame a 3-2 third-period deficit to post a 5-3 win over Plymouth Whitemarsh in the SHSHL American Division finale.

Alex Hood scored four goals for the third-seeded Owls (14-3) who claimed the first SHSHL title in school history but it was the senior netminder Gonzalez who was the difference in the game.

Bensalem, which had only 10 skaters available due to suspensions, was outshot 56-21.

“I have no words right now, said Bensalem coach Bill Hood. “I’m very proud of these kids.

“Obviously, we had a short bench; we had three kid suspended. And these kids, all year long, they just never quit.”

Gonzalez credited his teammates for their support.

“If it wasn’t for Alex and my brother (Lucas Gonzalez) and the rest of the team it wouldn’t have even been close,” he said. Everybody stood their ground tonight and we came up with the victory.

Gonzalez spent much of the evening under heavy incoming fire but being busy is to his liking.

“It gives me so much confidence,” he said. “Seeing that (shot total) up there, but there were three (Colonial goals) on 40 shots. In the third period, that kept me going.

Justin Borne got the Owls going with the evening’s first goal 5:09 into the opening frame, David Branigan and Blake Ambler responded for the top-seeded Colonials (13-4) to give their side a 2-1 lead with 2:06 left in the opening session.

Hood and Branigan traded goals in the second period, leading to Hood’s game-tying goal 2:24 into the final period.

Hood’s game winner, which came at the 7:49 mark, came off a dash down left the left wing. His shot along the ice beat Plymouth Whitemarsh goaltender Julian Lucks inside the right post and immediately caromed back into play. The referee on the play immediately blew his whistle and signaled a goal.

Hood later put an exclamation point on the game by scoring into an empty net just before the final buzzer.

Still later, he could be found in his team’s dress room, hugging the championship trophy with all the energy at his command and reflecting on what he and his teammates have accomplished.

“It’s a big family,” he said. “we’ve battled through the past three years. Everybody counted us out. It doesn’t matter how far down we are, we found a way today.”

Plymouth Whitemarsh coach Dave Cox was unavailable following the game.

Ice chips: Both teams will compete in the Flyers Cup. Plymouth Whitemarsh will gave Unionville in a Class A first-round game on March 4. Bensalem will go against Pennridge in a Class AA first-round game on March 5.

Bensalem 1 1 3—5

Plymouth Whitemarsh 2 1 0—3

First period goals: Justin Rapone (B) from Matt Rowan and Brandon Stahl, 5:09; David Branigan (PW) from Jason Yoder, 8:19; Blake Ambler (PW) from Chris London, 14:54

Second-period goals: Alex Hood (B) unassisted, 8:55; Branigan (PW) from Dylan Novitsky, 10:56

Third-period goals: Hood (B) unassisted, 2:24; Hood (B) unassisted, 7:49; Hood (B) from Rowan, 16:59 (en)

Shots: Bensalem 21, PW 56 Saves: Ricky Gonzalez (B) 53, Julian Lucks (PW) 16

Playoff Ponderings SHSHL 2-27-24

Wednesday, February 28

National Division Semifinals

Pennridge vs. 4. Central Bucks East

8:45 at Hatfield Ice

Pennridge (17-1-2)

The Rams will put one of the most potent lines in SHSHL history on ice. Kevin Pico has scored 28 goals and added 47 assists for 75 points. Andrew Savona has added 40 goals and 31 assists for 71 points while Shane Dachowski has provided 27 goals and 33 assists for 60 points. The trio finished first, third, and fifth respectively in the SHSHL in regular-season scoring.

Goaltender Jacob Winton carries an .897 save percentage and a 2.64 GAA.

Pennridge went 1-0-1 against East this season.

Central Bucks East 12-5-2

The Patriots will be without three players and Head Coach Jeff Mitchell Wednesday night due to suspensions but they will have the services of Corey Kosick who has scored 27 goals and added 12 assists for 39 points. Jaden Young has provided 10 goals and added 16 assists.

Goaltender Cole Breen carries an .895 save percentage and a 3.43 GAA.

The Patriots are hoping to get a chance to play for their first SHSHL title since 2011.

2. Council Rock South vs. 3. Central Bucks South

7:20 at Grundy Arena

Council Rock South (18-1)

The Golden Hawks are hoping for a chance to successfully defend their division title, something no National Division team has done since Central Bucks South won four straight division crowns from 2015-18.

Kevin Koles leads his team in scoring with 24 goals and 26 assists for 50 points. Jake Weiner is next with 28 goals and 20 assists for 48 points while Blaize Pepe has contributed 16 goals and 27 assists for 43 points.

Trevor Rakszawski is the probable starter in goal. He’s maintaining a 2.34 GAA with an .876 save percentage.

The Golden Hawks own two wins over the Titans this season.

Central Bucks South (13-7-1)

It’s been six years since the Titans last won an SHSHL title; they’re looking for a chance to play for another.

D.J. Lindenmuth paces the team in scoring with 22 goals and 15 assists for 37 points. Sean Cutter has added nine goals and 19 assists for 28 points. Nathan Napolitano carries an .883 save percentage and a 2.75 GAA in goal.

Dom Varacallo maintains an .880 save percentage and a 3.08 GAA.

The two semifinal winners will play for the National Division title Thursday night at a site and at a time TBD.

All four semifinalists will move on to the Class AA Flyers Cup on March 5

1.Pennridge will play 16. Bensalem

2. Council Rock South will play 15. Spring Ford

6. Central Bucks South will play 11. Avon Grove

8. Central Bucks East will play 9. Downingtown East

American Division Final

Plymouth Whitemarsh vs. 3. Bensalem

6:50 at Hatfield Ice

Plymouth Whitemarsh (13-3)

The Colonials will be trying for their first American Division title since 2020. David Branigan leads the team in scoring with 23 goals and 16 assists for 39 points. Dylan Novitski is next with 19 goals and 12 assists for 31 points. Jason Segal has contributed 14 goal and 16 assists for 30 points.

Goaltender Julian Lucks carries an .882 save percentage and a 3.21 GAA into the final.

The Colonials won two of three meetings with Bensalem during the regular season.

Bensalem (13-3)

The Owls will try and make history Wednesday night as they seek their first SHSHL title. Alex Hood was second in scoring in the entire SHSHL during the regular season; he’s scored 53 goals and added 20 assists for 73 points. Bensalem will be without second-leading scorer Alex Bazylevich who is serving a suspension but Lucas Gonzales has contributed 12 goal and 19 assists for 31 points.

Goaltender Ricky Gonzalez maintains a .907 save percentage and a 2.87 GAA.

Both teams are assured of moving on to the Flyers Cup. The Colonials are seeded eighth in the Class A field and will face Unionville on March 4. The Owls are seeded 16^th in the Class AA field and will go against Pennridge on March 5.

C.B. East 3 North Penn 2

The storm struck suddenly, seemingly without warning. Corey Kosick and Jaden Young scored goals 32 seconds apart in the opening moments of the third period as Central Bucks East overcame a one-goal deficit to post a 3-2 win over North Penn Thursday night in a SHSHL National Division quarterfinal at Hatfield Ice.

Young scored two goals for the fourth-seeded Patriots (12-5-2) who will face top-seeded Pennridge in next Wednesday’s semifinal round. Fifth-seeded North Penn (10-8-1) will wait and see where it is seeded for the upcoming Flyers Cup tournament.

But both teams will pay a toll for their efforts Thursday night. An altercation following the final buzzer involved several players from both teams. As this story was being written, the two referees were reviewing video of the incident and adjudicating penalties. If fighting penalties and/or misconducts are accessed, the players involved will be suspended.

The incident did not diminish the performance of East goaltender Cole Breen. The Patriots were outshot 41-19 but Breen, for the most part, kept the Knights at bay with 39 saves.

Breen said the key was maintaining his concentration.

“Mainly just focusing on every shot at a time,” he said “Worrying about myself and doing my job. The team got it done also.”

The two teams held each other scoreless for nearly all of two periods before Nolan Shingle beat Boyle from close range to give the Knights 1-0 advantage with 1:32 left in the second frame.

At that point, North Penn seemingly had the upper hand.

“For the first two period I thought we absolutely controlled the play,” said North Penn coach Kevin Vaitis, “and did everything we wanted.

“Their goalie was playing great, we were getting chances, we just couldn’t put it behind him.”

But early in the third stanza, things changed, seemingly in the blink of an eye.

First, Kosick went in on North Penn goaltender Aidan Quigley and found the back of the net just 49 seconds into the period. Thirty-two seconds later it was Young’s turn; the junior gave his team a lead it would not relinquish.

“Over intermission [before the third period] we devised some of our plan,” Young said. “We knew we had to [apply] pressure to turn some of the momentum and gain an advantage, and that’s what we did.”

“They had two quick goals there,” Vaitis said, “on two quick shifts unfortunately.”

Young’s second goal was a shorthanded effort that came at the 6:24 mark and made it a 3-1 game.

North Penn got an opportunity when the Patriots’ Patrick O’Brien drew a cross-checking penalty with 4:26 to go. Down two goals at that point, Vaitis considered lifting Quigley.

“I thought about it,” Vaitis said. “We were getting a lot of good chances on the power play. We were hoping we were going to be able to capitalize on one there.”

With the North Penn net empty, Samuel Norton scored the Knights’ second goal with 64 seconds left in regulation.

The final buzzer served as a match that set off the subsequent fireworks.

“Not a smart play by us, by any means” Vaitis said. “Unfortunately, for us, if we get selected, our next game would be in the Flyers Cup and we’re probably going to be missing some guys for that.

“But there’s no need for that. We’ve got to be smarter and skate away from it.”

Central Bucks East Jeff Mitchell knows he will be without at least one player for the National Division semifinal; Carter Keiser was sent to the locker room 7:36 into the third period when he received his fourth penalty.

Mitchell would like to see the SHSHL utilize the four-person officiating system for playoff games.

“I don’t fault anybody [if] a kid looks at another kid the wrong way, or somebody feels like they’re wronged,” he said. “I get it. I was 18 once too.

“An eye for an eye, I’m all for it obviously, but I think we need a little bit more supervision … when it comes to situations like this.”

This story will be updated as more information become available

North Penn 0 1 2—2

C.B. East 0 0 3—3

Second-period goals: Nolan Shingle (NP) from John Stinson and James Boyle, 15:28

Third-period goals: Corey Kosick (CBE) from Dave Brown, :49; Jaden Young (CBE) unassisted, 1:21; Young (CBE) 6:24 (sh); Samuel Norton (NP) from Cole Pluck and Joe Savotti, 15:56

Shots: North Penn 41, C.B. East 19 Saves: Aidan Quigley (NP) 16, Cole Breen (CBE) 39

SHSHL Playoff Recap 2-21-24

C.B. South 6, Souderton 2

Aidan Linso scored two goals and four other players scored one goal each Wednesday night as the third-seeded Titans bested the sixth-seeded Big Red at Hatfield Ice to earn a place in the National Division semifinals.

Colin Mendham, D.J. Lindenmuth, Sean Cutter, and Ryan Frey all scored for South (13-7-1) which took command in the first period when Linso scored his two goals and Mendham scored in between.

Nathan Napolitano got the win in goal.

Nick Smith and Seth Grossman scored goals for Souderton (7-12).

“We won three periods,” said South coach Shaun McGinty.

Our D-zone play was much better tonight and needs to be as we move forward. We had steady goaltending and capitalized on opportunities. It was a solid effort from both teams and showed the depth of our league.”

The Titans will second-seeded Council Rock South next Wednesday in the semifinals.

Souderton 0 1 1—2

C.B. South 3 1 2—6

First-period goals: Aidan Linso (CBS) from Ryan Frey, :30; Colin Mendham (CBS) from Sean Cutter, 12:11; Linso (CBS) from Mendham, 14:41

Second-period goals: D.J. Lindenmuth (CBS) from Joey Sobodorian, 11:00; Nick Smith (S) from Seth Grossman, 16:48

Third-period goals: Cutter (CBS) from Jeff Kvecher, 1:57; Frey (CBS) from Lindenmuth, 8:12; Grossman (S) from Snith and Max Ryon, 9:03

Shots: Souderton 30, C.B. South 42; Saves: Connor Paulus (S) 36, Nathan Napolitano (CBS) 28

Bensalem 3, Abington 0

The second-seeded Owls (13-3) advanced to the American Division championship game with the win over the third-seeded Galloping Ghosts (6-10-1) in Wednesday night’s semifinal at Grundy Arena.

Lucas Gonzalez gave his team a 1-0 lead 5:17 into the opening period. He extended Bensalem’s lead when he scored his second goal of the night with 3:40 left in the third period. Alex Hood added a goal of his own with 16 seconds remaining.

An altercation following Hood’s goal and another following the final buzzer led to five players being accessed a total of 77 minutes in penalties.

Bensalem will face Plymouth Whitemarsh net Wednesday in the American Division finale.

Abington 0 0 0—0

Bensalem 1 0 2—3

First-period goal: Lucas Gonzalez (B) from Alex Hood, 5:17

Third-period goals: Gonzalez (B) from Cole Salayda and Hood, 12:40; Hood (B) unassisted (en)

Pennridge 7 C.B. South 1

The last pieces of the SHSHL playoff puzzle are now in place.

Pennridge turned in a solid, workmanlike, effort Wednesday night, en route to a 7-1 win over Central Bucks South at Hatfield Ice.

The Rams closed the SHSHL regular season at 16-1-1 in divisional play (17-1-2 overall) and will be seeded first when the National Division playoffs commence next week.

Andrew Savona once more occupied center stage, scoring four goals and assisting on another.

His linemate, Kevin Pico, assisted on three goals while Shane Dachowski, the third member of the trio, scored two goals and assisted on another.

Pico spoke to the significance of the win with the playoffs at hand.

“It was huge,” he said. “Our last game of the season. To put up that many goals and get that first seed locked in.

Pennridge coach Jeff Montagna noted his team’s effort over the full 51 minutes.

“Tonight was probably our best game of the year,” he said. “One thing this team does really well is, when the goal is in front of them and they know what they’re playing for, they take it to a different level. They’ve done that for three years, they did that tonight. It was a great game all around.”

Dachowski gave the Rams the lead with 2:26 left in the opening period. In the second session, the floodgates opened when Savona, James Rush, and Savona again, scored three unanswered goals in a span of 11 minutes, 21 seconds. The first two were shorthanded, the third, Savona’s second coming just as a South penalty expired. For all intents and purposes it was game, set, and match Pennridge at that point.

The Titans (12-5-1 in the division, 12-7-1 overall), who will be seeded third for the playoffs never really got things started. Their only goal came off the stick of Ryan Montagna with 6:36 left in the third period.

“You’ve got to show up,” said South coach Shaun McGinty. “We lost three periods in a row. Defensively, we weren’t there. We gave up two shorthanded goals on four power plays. I said to the boys, ’There’s no mathematical equation that’s going to issue a W.

“You lose three periods in a row, you can’t win a game; you’ve got to take it one period at a time.”

The Rams, who were Class AA Flyers Cup finalists a year ago, and Flyers Cup and state champions the tear before, will now have a week-long break before beginning another postseason challenge.

“I think it will be a good week to have off,” Pico said, “resting up and then get going again.

“Some of our guys’ club seasons are over so now that we have [only] high school, it’s definitely a nice time that we can rest. Looking forward to playoffs, definitely.”

Ice chips: Pico leads the entire SHSHL in scoring with 28 goals and 47 assists for 75 points. Savona is next with 40 goals and 31 assists for 71 points, followed by Shane Dachowski (27-33-60).

“You can watch high-school hockey for a long time,” Montagna said. “You’re not going to find a better line than those three. It’s amazing, some of the things they do on the ice.”

C.B. South 0 0 1—1

Pennridge 1 4 2—7

First-period goal: Shane Dachowski (P) from Kevin Pico, 14:34

Second-period goals: Andrew Savona (P) from Pico, 1:47 (sh); James Rush, unassisted, 2:04; Savona (P) from Pico and Colin Dachowki, 13:08; Savona (P) from Nick Young, 16:05

Third-period goals: Savona (P) unassisted, 8:18; Ryan Montagna (CBS) from Colin Mendham and Sean Cutter, 10:24; Shane Dachowski (P) from Savona, 15:08

Shots: C.B. South 31, Pennridge 37; Saves: Nathan Neapolitan (CBS) 30, Jacob Winston (P) 30

Hockey Happenings is looking for individuals interested in supporting our coverage of the upcoming SHSHL playoffs. Contact us at the link above or at rwoelfel2013@gmail.com for details.

SHSHL Playoff Schedule Set

With all the playoff qualifiers having been determined, game times and sites have been set for the first phase of the SHSHL Playoffs.

The Class AA (National Division) quarterfinals are set for Wednesday, February 21 at Hatfield Ice with third-seeded Central Bucks South taking on sixth-seeded Souderton (7:20). The same night in the same building, fourth-seeded Central Bucks East will face number-five North Penn (8:30).

Pennridge and Council Rock South, who are assured of the top two seeds (Order of finish TBD) have byes into the semifinals the week of February 28.

The one-game Class A (American Division) semifinal is set for that same night, Wednesday, February 21 with second seed Bensalem hosting number-three Abington at Grundy Arena (7:20).

The winner will face top-seeded Plymouth Whitemarsh the week of February 28.

The results of the playoffs will have no impact on the selections and seedings for the Flyers Cup tournament, which will be announced February 25.

Check out the latest Hockey Happenings podcast

C.B. South 6 C.B. East 2

Like the pieces of a puzzle fitting together, The SHSHL’s National Division playoff mosaic is taking shape, with a huge assist from Central Bucks South,

Six different players scored goals as the Titans downed Central Bucks East 6-2 Thursday night at Hatfield Ice, a result that solidifies the division’s playoff bracket.

With the win, South (12-4-1 in the division, 12-5-1 overall) is assured of finishing third in the division standings while the Patriots (10-5-2 overall and in the division) will finish fourth. Both will see action in the opening round of the playoffs in two weeks.

On Thursday night, the Titans. heightened their focus, and turned in a workmanlike, no-frills, effort. D.J. Lindenmuth, their captain, scored a goal and assisted on three others.

The senior noted the importance of the veterans on the roster setting the right tone for their teammates.

“The younger guys look up to the veterans,” he said. “Of we’re not leading by example, or going out and stat padding, or going out and playing for ourselves, no one is going to win a game like that because it’s a team sport.

Tyan Frey, with help from Lindenmuth, and Grant Boyne, gave South a 2-0 first-period lead.

Corey Kosick scored for East 4:42 into the second period to make it a one-goal game for a time but Lindenmuth answered with 2:38 left in the period.

Jaden Young’s tally 4:42 into the third frame made things interesting but the Titans left in the Patriots in their wake when Sean Cutter, Jeff Kvectcher, and Joey Slobodrian scored goals in a two-and-a-half minute span.

South coach Shaun McGinty expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance.

“The boys needed that,” he said. “I thought it was three good periods.

“We definitely got to work, getting the puck deep, playing the physicality.”

McGinty stressed the importance if his team playing quality five-on-five hockey.

“I said to [his players] ‘You have an identity, you have to play that way,” he said. “You can’t sway into other teams’ ways and you can’t sway into individual high-powered offense.

“You stay five on five and play our way, pucks deep, playing physical. I thought our defense was much better than it had been the last two games.

“All in all, it was definitely a good team win, something that they needed.”

Lindenmuth says that with the postseason approaching, he and his teammates are focusing on what is to come.

“We’re definitely dialed in,” he said, “focusing on the path ahead, realizing it’s important to win these games, but not just game.

“Every period, every shift, every point, every goal, everything matters.”

Ice chips: The final order of finish in the National Division; Pennridge and Council Rock South are assured of the top two spots, the final order will be determined next week.

The next four spots will belong to Central Bucks South, Central Bucks East, North Penn, and Souderton in that order.

C.B. South 2 1 3—6

C.B. East 0 11—2

First-period goals: Ryan Frey (CBS) from DJ. Lindenmuth, 5:49; Grant Boyne (CBS) from Peter Herring, 11:34

Second-period goals: Corey Kosick (CBE) from Ethan Cenci and David Brown, 4:42; Lindenmuth (CBS) unassisted, 14:22

Third-period goals: Jaden Young (CBE) from Drew Trask and Gavin Widmer, 4:42; Sean Cutter (CBS) from Lindenmuth, 5:49; Jeff Kvectcher (CBS) from Logan Hood and Keith Waldron, 6:48; Joey Slobodrian (CBS) from Lindenmuth, 8:21

Shots: C.B. South 45, C.B. East 21; Saves: Nate Napolitano (CBS) 19, Cole Breen (CBE) 39

C.R. South 8 Pennridge 7 OT

Grundy Arena was a theatre of the unexpected Wednesday night. With first place in the SHSHL’s National Division at stake as well as the top seed in the upcoming playoffs, both Pennridge and Council Rock South came out with guns blazing.

The 15^th goal of the evenings settled matters. Nikita Volobuiev scored 26 seconds into overtime to give the Golden Hawks an 8-7 win.

The result leaves the teams deadlocked at the top of the division standings. The Golden Hawks improved to 17-1 overall and 16-1 in the division. The loss was the first this season for the Rams, who now stand at 15-1-1 in the division and 16-1-1 overall. Because loss was in overtime, Pennridge receives a point in the standings. Both teams have 31 points. If both win their regular-season finales next week, the Rams, who defeated the Hawks 7-3 on December 13, would be granted the top seed for the divisional playoffs.

Volobuiev’s winning goal was his fourth goal of the evening in a game that featured numerous instances where defense seemed to be an afterthought.

The teams combined for seven goals in the first period, five of which were scored before the contest was nine minutes old.

The Golden Gawks led 4-3 after the first frame on the strength of two goals from Volobuiev and goals from Gavin Nisenzon, and Illia Mukhin.

Andrew Savona scored twice for the Rams in the opening session; Shane Dachowski also scored for Pennridge.

It was more of the same in the middle period, which concluded with the teams deadlocked at 6-6. By that point Trey Prozzillo was in the South goal in relief of starter Trevor Rakszawski and Pennridge goaltender Jacob Winton was feeling the effects of the incoming fire.

The Golden Hawks’ Chase Tovsky, who assisted on Nisenzon’s first-period goal noted the first two periods were not conducted in the manner he, his teammates, and, more to the point, South coach Joe Houk, would have preferred.

“I think games like that happen,” he said. “But, it says a lot about the team you have when you’re not playing your best, you’re not getting calls or bounces, and you’re able to keep playing your game and keep putting the puck in the net.”

Volobuiev and Pico traded third-period goals; the game was tied seven with 11:55 remaining.

With just under seven minutes left, South’s penalty killers came up big. With 6:43 left, Volobuiev was called for tripping. Thirty-two seconds later Jake Mauer was whistled for same infraction, giving the Rams a two-man advantage for 88 seconds. Matched against the highest scoring offense in the division apart from its own, South held firm.

“We had to step up for [Houk],” said South’s Kevin Koles, “our team, our goalies. Everybody did their jobs and killed it off and we got back to work.”

Even amidst the plethora of goals, Koles said he and his teammates maintained their focus.

“We knew we had to come out hard,” he said. “we knew what this team was about and we stepped up.”

Volobuiev’s winning goal saw him get past Colin Dachowski with a great individual move in the middle of the ice before beating Winton.

Pennridge coach Jeff Montagna was philosophical about the loss.

“That’s what happens when you have high-end offensive talent playing against each other,” he said. “I thought it would be a little lower scoring. But there were some great offensive players.”

Pennridge 3 3 1 0—7

C.R. South 4 2 1 1—8

First-period goals: Andrew Savona (Pr) from Shane Dachowski and Kevin Pico, 3:23; Gavin Nisenzon (CRS) from Jake Weiner and Chase Tovsky, 4:21 (pp); Shane Dachowski (Pr) from Pico, 5:08 (pp); Nikita Volobuiev (CRS) from Illia Mukhin, 6:34, Mikhin (CRS) from Ilya Kudzinau and Volobuiev, 8:58; Savona (Pr) from James Rush, 14:14; Volobuiev (CRS) from Peter Pereborow and Jordan Sarne, 15:04

Second-period goals: John Mikulich (Pr) from Pico and Savona, :44; Savona (Pr) from Colin Dachowski and Shane Dachowski, 2:01 (pp); Tovsky (CRS) from Blaize Pepe, 5:30; Nisenzon (CRS) from Kevon Koles, 16:41 (pp); Pico (Pr from Shane Dachowski and Savona, 16:50

Third-period goals: Volobuiev (CRS) unassisted, 2:39; Pico (Pr) from Colin Dachowski, 5:05

Overtime goal: Volobuiev (CRS) unassisted, :26

Shots: Pennridge 39, C.R. South 43; Saves: Jacob Winton (Pr) 35, Trevor Rakszawski 15 and Trey Prozzillo (CRS) 21