Montour Ice Hockey News
UPDATED - 05.08.05 - 3:45 PM

The Pittsburgh Post Gazette in fact decided not to publish the Regional Stellar 6 for unspecified reasons.

A thank you goes out to PA Hockey for selecting the Regional Stellar 6 Players and giving the players the recognition they deserve. Follow all Pennsylvania hockey on PA HOCKEY!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL OF PA HOCKEY'S REGIONAL STELLAR 6 PROFILES ONLY ON PA HOCKEY! Congratulations to all of the players.

 

TEAM MONTOUR 2004-2005 WEST DIVISION CHAMPS
(Front): Jeff Peters, Brian Dugan, Zach Perry, Mario Panucci, Paul Ciotti
(Middle): Joe Clarke, Aaron Siegel, Nick Gialloreto, Ross Polk, Ed Elbel, Ed Altvater, Chad Talotta
(Back): Adam Rizza, Dan Shiwarski, Aaron Williams, Josh York, Kevin Bishop, Head Coach Dan Siegel

 

TEAM PITTSBURGH TO THE FROZEN 4!

2005 CHICAGO SHOWCASE

Congratulations to Team Pittsburgh for its successful run to the Frozen 4 of the 2005 Chicago Showcase. Team Pittsburgh competed against the likes of North Dakota, Wisconsin, Northern New England, California, & Minnesota in what was the best high school hockey event in the nation. Read PA Hockey's game summaries to see how Team Pittsburgh was able to advance to the Frozen Four by clicking HERE. You can also click HERE to see condensed highlights of each game.

CLICK HERE FOR CHICAGO SHOWCASE RESULTS & STATS

 

I would also like to say thanks to all of the Team Montour Hockey Fans, Parents, and the countless number of Supporters who helped make this season great. I would especially like to thank the Montour Coaching Staff (Mr. Dan Siegel, Mr. Dustin Kerr, Mr. Joe Perpetua, Mr. George Raumbaugh, Mr. Bruce Balazs, & Mr. Mike Arch for providing photos throughout the past few years), Mr. Uram, Mr. Rippole, & Mr. Gil Clements for their generosity and constant dedication to Team Montour. I would also like to thank Mr. Jeff Mauro, Mr. Earl Bugaile, and Canon McMillan Head Coach Dave Fryer for their extensive media coverage and support of Team Montour and all of High School Hockey. I graciously thank you all for another tremendous season. It was a blast! See you at the Team Montour Banquet!
-Justin Panucci
 

To the Players:

I want to thank all of you for this special season. I can’t express how thankful I am for your total and complete effort. You are a true championship TEAM and seeing you take the ice was spectacular each and every time. You have been able to put together the greatest and unequivocally most remarkable runs in TEAM Montour Hockey history. Keep your heads high. One game does not a season make. They say, “Hockey is life”. If there is one thing that you can compare hockey and life with is that there are highs and lows and despite the situation you have or may encounter, it's best to keep on ‘skating’.

The amount of heart and will power that you all emitted is something that only very few can appreciate. The commitment to be the best was portrayed not only on the ice but off the ice as well. I have faith in each and every one of you that you will be successful throughout life. If you put forth as much effort as you have this season (and seasons past), you will all only benefit greatly from the hard work and effort. Remember, if you give it your all every time you will always be successful.

I stared in awe following your final game as I witnessed the team bond, team chemistry, and team commitment that you all have. The sorrowful and emotional atmosphere following the game can only be appreciated & respected. It proves and shows the closeness, cohesion, and maturity along with the amount of heart and work ethic you all possess that formed a family. All that matters is that YOU all know what a great and special brotherhood you have created. It doesn’t matter what others may say, you know what you have created. You must remember that the heart and faith in each other is what created the success. You all had faith in one another win or lose and you never quit. I admire the heart, effort, blood, sweat, & tears that was put forth by you all and I will never forget it. You are champions and no one can ever take that away. I have the utmost respect for you all and I am privileged and honored to have been a part of it. If you ever need anything don’t hesitate to call. I’ll have the poker chips ready. Thanks for everything and best of luck in the future.

 

 

 

PIHL PLAYOFFS FIRST ROUND

MONTOUR vs. CHARTIERS VALLEY

FRIDAY, MARCH 4th, 2005 @ RMU ISC - 7:30 PM

Listen to the game ARCHIVED on the MSA SPORTS NETWORK Click here or on the microphone to the left to listen LIVE!

 

FINAL

MONTOUR DEFEATED BLACKHAWK 8-0 TONIGHT @ THE RMU ISLAND SPORTS CENTER.....

8 MONTOUR vs. BLACKHAWK 0

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28th, 2005 @ RMU ISC - 9:15 PM

NEXT UP? PLAYOFFS.
TEAM MONTOUR AWAITS RESULT OF CV/SOMERSET

Montour defeated Blackhawk by the score of 8-0 on Monday night at the RMU Island Sports Center. Montour clinched the 3rd place seeding for the PIHL AA Playoffs and will face the winner of Wednesday night's play-in game between Somerset & Chartiers Valley.

Montour's Jeff Peters scored twice, Zach Perry & Mario Panucci each scored and added 2 assists. Dan Shiwarski scored and added an assist. Chad Talotta scored on a nice wrist shot as he skated it out of the corner and shot it past the Blackhawk goaltender to give Montour a 4-0 lead.

Zach Perry began the scoring as Shiwarski moved the puck to Panucci who in turn quickly passed it over to Perry for the early Montour lead.

Jeff Peters would then score Montour's next two. Peters' scored his first goal on a rebound after Brian Dugan's initial shot on goal. Peters' second goal was a nice wrist shot that found its way over the top left shoulder of Blackhawk's goaltender. The play was set up nicely by Adam Rizza and Paul Ciotti.

Midway through the second period, Mario Panucci took a pass from Zach Perry and centered the puck to Dan Shiwarski in the slot. Shiwarski would finish it off for his 11th goal of the season and give Montour a 5-0 advantage.

Defenseman Josh York scored as he slapped a shot after Dan Butler dished off a pass for his first point as a Spartan. Panucci scored next as Kevin Bishop and Perry assisted on the goal (all five Spartans touched the puck on the play). Ross Polk finished off the scoring for his 11th goal of the year as he rebounded a Chad Talotta shot.

The Montour defense played extremely well and helped get their team yet another shutout. Goaltender Aaron Williams started the game and played the first period for the Spartans making 5 saves. Nick Gialloreto played the second and third periods stopping 12 shots.

 

FINAL
7 MONTOUR vs. BISHOP CANEVIN 0

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21st, 2005 @ RMU ISC - 9:15 PM

MONTOUR WRAPS UP DIVISION TITLE

In another late game at the RMU Island Sports Center, Montour (16-4-1) defeated Bishop Canevin (8-11-2) by the score of 7-0 on Monday night and was able to clinch the PIHL AA West Division Title at home for the second year in a row. The Montour players seemed just as fired up after the game as they had during it as they remained on the ice following the win to receive their West Division Banner that was provided by Mr. Regis Uram. TEAM MONTOUR would like to thank him for doing so.

Mario Panucci notched a goal and 4 assists, Zach Perry scored twice while dishing out 2 assists, & Dan Shiwarski scored the Spartans first goal and also had 2 nice assists. Defenseman Kevin Bishop scored his 3rd of the season while Adam Rizza and Chad Talotta scored power play goals for the Spartans. Brian Dugan, Jeff Peters, Joe Clarke, and Ross Polk all assisted on goals.

Montour took control quickly as Zach Perry passed a puck through the neutral zone to Mario Panucci. Panucci skated the puck deep into the Canevin zone and sent a pass to Dan Shiwarski, who then one timed it into the net for his 10th of the season. A short time later, Zach Perry was the next to strike for Montour as he took a pass from Mario Panucci and buried it past Canevin goalie Joe Ziemianski.

Panucci scored five-hole on a breakaway after a lead pass from Shiwarski to make the score 3-0. Zach Perry would strike again off feeds from Panucci and Shiwarski to give Montour a commanding 4-0 lead. Defenseman Kevin Bishop scored with just 1 second remaining in the second period as he rebounded Panucci's initial shot on goal.

Meanwhile, it's beginning to sound like a broken record when stating that the Montour defense once again clamped shut the opposition and goaltender Nick Gialloreto made some key saves to keep Canevin off the scoreboard. Gialloreto would eventually stop every shot he faced for his 11th win and 6th shutout of the season. The defense has played remarkably well and has proven it game after game.

In the third period, Montour would tally two power play goals to finish off the night's scoring. On the first goal, Brian Dugan moved the puck over Jeff Peters. Peters took the shot from the right side and Adam Rizza deflected it home. On the final goal of the game, Joe Clarke dumped the puck behind the net to Ross Polk. Polk then centered a pass to Chad Talotta in front where Talotta then snapped a shot past Ziemianski.

Montour will look to finish off the regular season as it hosts Blackhawk on Monday, February 28th - 9:15 PM at the RMU Island Sports Center.

 

FINAL
6 MONTOUR @ WEST ALLEGHENY 4

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17th, 2005 @ AIRPORT ICE ARENA - 9:00 PM


Click on the microphone to listen to the game ARCHIVED on the MSA SPORTS NETWORK!

Listen to the game ARCHIVED on the MSA SPORTS NETWORK by clicking on the link below:
MSA Sports Network MONTOUR @ WEST ALLEGHENY

AN INSTANT CLASSIC
MONTOUR BATTLES BACK; TAKES REIGNS OF DIVISION

Montour and West Allegheny battled for tops in the AA West Division and it was Montour who prevailed 6-4 in an instant classic that had a playoff game atmosphere. It was a packed house with a wide variety of fans consisting of reporters, coaches, Justin & the 4 Spartans, teachers, students, trick-or-treaters, former NHLers, and parents hanging from the walls and rafters at the Airport Ice Arena in Moon Township and they witnessed one of the great games of the PIHL season.

It was Montour who struck first as Mario Panucci scored shorthanded off a slap shot from the right wing for his 26th goal of the season. Brian Dugan would give Montour an important two goal lead on the power play as he took a pass from Chad Talotta and slapped it past Kuzio.

West Allegheny would not falter and answered with a late goal in the first period when Tony Lutz dished a pass to Ed Jankoski who then put a shot on net that bounced off of Aaron Williams' blocker. The puck popped up into the air where it was deflected into the net to cut the Montour lead in half at the end of one.

The Indians would strike again quickly to start the second period. Marek Polidor's initial shot was stopped by Montour's Williams but Ryne Savisky was camped out in the right spot and scored his 25th of the season off the rebound to tie the game at two.

Midway through the second, Chad Talotta sent a lead pass to Ross Polk, who skated along the far side and wristed a shot past the glove side of Kuzio for the 3-2 Montour lead. Yet again, West Allegheny would answer the call. On a 5 on 3, Marek Polidor slapped a shot from the right side to tie the game at three with 5:40 remaining in period two. West Allegheny weathered a Montour storm late in the second as both Joe Clarke and Kevin Bishop nearly gave Montour the lead.

The third period began frantically with Montour generating some scoring chances on a few power plays. Dan Shiwarski slapped a shot just wide. Panucci and Perry also had a few shots but they were turned away by Mortimer, who had replaced Dan Kuzio in net.  However, West Allegheny was able to kill off the remainder of the penalties.

Ryan Kumpfmiller scored on the power play after he was set up by Marek Polidor to give West Allegheny the 4-3 lead.

Although, Montour's flurry of three goals in 2:18 would answer the Kumpfmiller goal and ultimately give the Spartans a lead they would never relinquish. Only a minute and a half after Kumpfmiller's goal, Zach Perry (3 assists on the night) stole the puck behind the West Allegheny net and threaded a pass to Mario Panucci in the slot, who then snapped a shot stick-side past Mortimer to tie the game at four with 10 minutes to play. Less than a minute later, Ross Polk would score the go-ahead goal and his second goal of the game as he slid a rebound along the ice off of cousin Joe Clarke's initial wrist shot on goal.

Montour would complete the flurry of goals as Mario Panucci skated the puck around the West Allegheny net and centered a backhand pass in front to Dan Shiwarski who roofed his 9th of the year and gave Montour the crucial two goal lead.

Aaron Williams, who made some great saves throughout the night, saved his best for last as he stuffed a late charge by West Allegheny. Williams made a great save on Tony Lutz's golden chance in front of the Montour net to keep the score 6-4. Williams would make 29 saves on 33 West Allegheny shots.

 

FINAL

2 MONTOUR @ MOON 0

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15th, 2005

AIRPORT ICE ARENA

9:00 PM

Montour and Moon have a history of close games and tonight was no different. The classic and physical rivalry provided a great game with an eerily similar outcome from games past. Moon's Andrew Slifkin was outstanding in net and stood on his head to stop 39 of Montour's 41 shots. However, it was not enough as Montour solved Slifkin in the third period for 2 goals and the 2-0 win.

Mario Panucci struck twice in the third to score both of Montour's goals while goaltender Aaron Williams preserved the shutout for the win.

Slifkin stoned the Montour offense time after time throughout the first two periods, making several sprawling saves. Meanwhile, the Montour defense clamped shut Moon's offense once again to limit Moon's scoring chances.

With the game scoreless in the third period, Mario Panucci took a pass from Zach Perry through the neutral zone. Panucci skated into the Moon zone, wound up, and slapped a shot that found its way under Slifkin's glove for the 1-0 Montour lead.

Late in the third, Dan Shiwarski out-skated a Moon defenseman along the boards deep inside the Moon zone. Shiwarski centered a pass where Panucci one-timed it into the net for the 2-0 lead and eventual final score.

Montour will next play versus West Allegheny at the Airport Ice Arena on Thursday, February 17th at 9:00PM.

 

FINAL
10 MONTOUR vs. AMBRIDGE 0

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7th, 2005

RMU ISLAND SPORTS CENTER

9:15 PM

Montour dominated from the beginning and defeated visiting Ambridge by the score of 10-0 tonight at the RMU Island Sports Center.

Mario Panucci scored the hat trick and 2 assists while Zach Perry notched a hat trick of his own. Dan Shiwarski dished out 4 assists and Paul Ciotti scored 2 goals. Ross Polk, Josh York, Aaron Siegel scored singles. Goaltender Nick Gialloreto picked up his 5th shutout and 10th win of the year.

Defensemen Brian Dugan, Kevin Bishop, Ed Elbel, Aaron Siegel, and Josh York once again combined their efforts to shut down the Ambridge offense and limited Ambridge to just 10 shots on goal.

With the win Montour improves to 13-4-1 on the season and will next face Moon on February 15th 9:00PM at the Airport Ice Arena.

 

FINAL

SENIOR NIGHT

7 MONTOUR vs. PETERS TWP. 4

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4th, 2005
RMU ISLAND SPORTS CENTER
SENIOR NIGHT CEREMONY BEGINS AT 6:00 PM

Montour avenged last month's 8-1 debacle of a loss with a solid effort on Senior Night and defeated the visiting Peters Township Indians by the score of 7-4 at the RMU Island Sports Center. Prior to the game Montour Seniors were acknowledged for their commitment & achievement.

Congratulations to the 2004-2005 Senior Class:

Ed Altvater, Joe Clarke, Brian Dugan, Ed Elbel, Ryan McGregor, Mario Panucci, Ross Polk, Dan Shiwarski, Bryan Sutermaster, Chad Talotta, Aaron Williams

Montour opened up play early and took a quick 1-0 lead when Senior Ross Polk scored his 8th goal of the year on a deflection following a shot by Brian Dugan from the point which found its way past Peters Township goalie Justin Mahramas.

Ross Polk deflects home a Brian Dugan shot for Montour's first goal.

Montour would add another quick goal at the beginning of the second period as Jeff Peters threw a shot on net and Paul Ciotti scored off the rebound from in front to give Montour a 2-0 lead.

Following his crucial goal in the first period Paul Ciotti is congratulated by Brian Dugan, Ed Elbel, Adam Rizza, & Jeff Peters. Dugan would later add a power play goal of his own that would give the Spartans momentum.

Dustin Roux would answer for Peters Township with 3 goals in a row for the natural hat trick and a Peters Township 3-2 lead. Trailing 3-2 in the second, Montour's Chad Talotta was interfered with twice in a short time span and Montour was awarded a 4 on 3 man advantage. Senior defenseman Brian Dugan answered on the power play with a shot from the point to tie the game at 3 and ultimately gave the momentum to Montour for the remainder of the night. On the play, Joe Clarke fed a pass back to defenseman Kevin Bishop at the point, who in turn sent one across to Dugan. Dugan settled the puck and slapped it low blocker side for the goal.

Brian Dugan and Kevin Bishop celebrate Dugan's power play goal that tied the game at 3.

Montour would regain the lead for good when Adam Rizza took a shot on the Peter's net, Mahramas had seemingly gloved it but the puck stayed free, leaving Jeff Peters to jam it into a wide open net for the goal.

Jeff Peters takes a well deserved rest after scoring to give Montour a 4-3 lead that would never be relinquished.

Midway through the third period, Zach Perry put home what would become the game winning goal. Perry one-timed a clearing attempt by Peter's Township and the puck found its way into the top corner of the net, catching Peters Township and the entire crowd off guard.

Mario Panucci, Dan Shiwarski, & Ed Elbel storm Zach Perry following what would be the eventual game winning goal. Perry would add another giving him 21 for the season.

With a little more than seven minutes to go, Mario Panucci would add to Montour's lead with his 20th of the year to put the game on ice. Panucci passed the puck to Dan Shiwarski in the neutral zone. Shiwarski then saw Panucci creeping in near the top of the circles, and fed Panucci the puck on a give and go. Panucci played it off his skate and beat Mahramas with a snap shot to the far-top corner of the net.

Mario Panucci following his 20th goal of the season after roofing a top shelf shot, giving Montour a 6-3 lead.

Montour players following a late goal versus Peters Township.

Montour would finish off its scoring, when a puck popped loose in the far left corner of the Peters Townships zone. Perry passed the puck to Panucci in front of the net but Mahramas closed up the five-hole to make the initial save. However, Zach Perry would follow the play and put home the rebound for his second goal of the game.

Senior goaltender Aaron Williams played well and picked up his 3rd victory of the season and made 22 saves on 26 shots on goal to help preserve the Montour victory.

Dustin Roux played remarkably well and would later add his 4th goal of the game for Peters Township to finish off all scoring as he slid a puck short side along the ice and tucked it just inside the left post.

(Photos complements of the Montour Hockey Team & Mike Arch)

 

2004-2005 Team Montour All-Stars

Mario Panucci, Brian Dugan, Nick Gialloreto, Dan Shiwarski, Chad Talotta

 

Congratulations to Brian Dugan, Nick Gialloreto, Mario Panucci, Dan Shiwarski, and Chad Talotta for being selected to represent Montour in the 2004-2005 PIHL AA All-Star Game.

2005 PIHL ALL-STAR GAMES

Sunday, January 30th, 2005

Ice Castle Castle Shannon

Listen to each game LIVE on the MSA Sports Network!
CLICK ON EACH GAME TO LISTEN

FACE-OFFS:
Northeast A All-Stars vs. Southwest A All-Stars
Northeast AA All-Stars vs. Southwest AA All-Stars
Northeast AAA All-Stars vs. Southwest AAA All-Stars
Northeast OPEN All-Stars vs. Southwest OPEN All-Stars

 

FINAL
5 MONTOUR vs. SOMERSET 2
MONDAY, JANUARY 24th, 2005
RMU ISLAND SPORTS CENTER - 7:15PM

Despite another sparse crowd at home, Montour (11-4-1) skated past Somerset (3-11-0) Monday night at the RMU Island Sports Center for a 5-2 final. Montour's Zach Perry scored 2 goals while Mario Panucci, Jeff Peters, and Aaron Siegel had a goal apiece in the victory.

The game began quickly as Montour's Zach Perry scored only 17 seconds into the game in the slot off a feed from Dan Shiwarski.

A short time later, Perry seemingly scored again from in front but the goal was inexplicably waived off. Somerset was then able to keep it close and tied the game before the end of the first period.

Montour scored the go ahead goal when Mario Panucci took a centering pass from Perry and wristed a shot past the Somerset goaltender's low stick side to give Montour the 2-1 lead. However, Somerset would not give up and answered with a goal of its own to tie the game at two in the third period.

Montour would put themselves ahead for good when Zach Perry was given a lead pass from Mario Panucci midway through the third period. Perry took the pass and skated ahead of the Somerset defensemen, deked left, and then put it home past the goalie's glove side.

Jeff Peters would soon score for Montour and put the game on ice. Peters possessed the puck from in front of the Somerset net and roofed a great looking shot over the shoulder of the goaltender to shatter the hopes of a Somerset comeback.

Defenseman Aaron Siegel completed the scoring for his second goal of the year (on a slap shot from the point) that found its way along the ice and through the five-hole for the goal and the 5-2 Montour win.

Following the All-Star Break, Montour will attempt to knock off Peters Township on Senior Night and avenge the loss from their first meeting. The game will be played on Friday, February 4th at 6:30PM @ the RMU Island Sports Center.

 

6 MONTOUR @ PINE RICHLAND 2

SUNDAY, JANUARY 16th, 2005

Ice Connection of Pittsburgh - 8:15PM

Montour got back on track tonight with an impressive 6-2 victory versus Pine Richland at the Ice Connection of Pittsburgh. Montour came out early with big hits, sharp passing, and quick skating.

Montour took an early lead when Paul Ciotti scored from the slot. Montour quickly made the game 2-0 when Dan Shiwarski centered a pass from behind the Pine Richland net where Zach Perry was waiting and put the puck home for the goal. Adam Rizza made the game 3-0 as Zach Perry passed the puck up to Rizza, who in turn slid the puck five hole on the backhand past Pine Richland goalie Thomas Zajac.

Pine Richland added some pressure in the second period and would answer twice on the power play to cut the Montour lead in half at the end of two. Pine Richland's first goal was scored by Jordan Yoklic when he put a wraparound past Montour goalie Aaron Williams. Pine Richland's second goal came off a rebound by Steven Adams. However, Pine Richland would not score for the rest of the night.

In the second period, Mario Panucci took a great pass from Dan Shiwarski as they entered the Pine Richland zone. Panucci waited and wristed a shot short side for his 17th goal of the season.

The Montour defense stepped it up and stifled the Pine Richland offense throughout the night. Defenseman Brian Dugan played tough and played the body well. Defensemen Kevin Bishop, Aaron Siegel, Josh York, Ed Elbel played great as well and cleared the zone in front of goalie Aaron Williams, who picked up his second win on the season.

Midway through the third period, Chad Talotta would take a lead pass from Joe Clarke and score five-hole on the breakaway to make the score 5-2 in favor of Montour. Talotta played aggressively all night and skated extremely well. Mario Panucci would later score his second goal of the game after he put a huge hit on a Pine Richland forward at center ice and then threw the puck the length of the ice into the empty net for his 18th goal of the season for the 6-2 final.

 

FINAL OT
2 MONTOUR @ KITTANNING 3
THURSDAY, JANUARY 13th, 2005
BELMONT ICE ARENA - 7:35 PM
Montour once again couldn't shake the demons of Belmont as they visited Kittanning and lost in overtime by the score of 3-2. Josh Spano took a pass from Jeff Peters and scored his first goal of the season. Zach Perry scored his 16th goal of the year that was assisted by Ross Polk. Montour had a great chance to capitalize with a two man advantage in the third period but couldn't score the go ahead goal.

Montour skated without forward Mario Panucci and defenseman Kevin Bishop. Joel Shriver had 2 goals for the Wildcats and Justin Kovatch scored the game winner in overtime with only 8 seconds remaining.

 

1 MONTOUR @ PETERS TOWNSHIP 8
MONDAY, JANUARY 10TH, 2005
BETHEL PARK BLADERUNNER'S - 7:00 PM

Click on the microphone to listen to the game on FOX SPORTS Radio 970 AM!!
Listen to the game on MSA Sports or FOX SPORTS RADIO 970 AM ... CLICK HERE.

 

FINAL

4 MONTOUR vs. CANON MCMILLAN 4

FRIDAY, JANUARY 7th, 2005

ISLAND SPORTS CENTER - 6:30 PM

RMU ISLAND SPORTS CENTER - Montour (9-2-1) and visiting Canon McMillan (12-0-1) skated to a 4-4 tie on Friday night. A slow and choppy game turned into a wild and highly competitive game in the third period. Montour found itself trailing 3-1 after two periods. Two goals from Justin Cormack and a goal from Eric Lang gave Canon McMillan the early lead while a goal from Montour's Chad Talotta was all the Spartans could conjure up in the first 2 periods. Canon McMillan had a goal waived off when the referee lost sight of the puck and blew the whistle. Montour was able to limit the Canon McMillan offense for the rest of the second period and would come out firing in the third period.

Montour would answer in the third period on two goals by Joe Clarke to tie the game at three. There were very questionable calls and delays throughout the game for both teams which caused the game play to disintegrate. Each team would take severe hits to their offensive attack throughout the game. Montour lost Mario Panucci in the first period to injury while Montour's Chad Talotta and Canon McMillan's Justin Cormack were each given misconduct penalties.

Montour would take a 4-3 lead with 53 seconds to play when an initial shot hit off the boards and bounced in front of the Canon McMillan net. Zach Perry put home his shot for the go-ahead goal.

Following the goal, Canon McMillan pulled goalie Drew Stanton for the extra attacker. Montour's Dan Shiwarski put a great check on a Canon McMillan defender and the puck bounced free. Shiwarski attempted on a backhand for the empty net but the shot caromed off the post and out of the Canon McMillan zone. Canon McMillan moved the puck up ice and Montour nearly cleared the puck for the win. However, Josh Tohey kept the play alive and put a shot on a screened net. Jesse Patnesky found the loose puck and turned with a shot that found its way along the ice just inside the right post past Nick Gialloreto to tie the game at 4 with just 5 seconds to play.

Overtime began just as quickly as the third period had ended. Dan Shiwarski found himself behind the Canon McMillan defense and was pulled down by a Canon McMillan defender. Canon McMillan was whistled for a tripping penalty but it was a Montour power play chance that would not exist.

The game was curfewed, leaving the entire crowd in disbelief and dissatisfied with the outcome.

 

9th WPCHA DIRECTORS' CUP TOURNAMENT

3 MONTOUR VS. NORTH ALLEGHENY 3
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28th, 2004

Center Ice Arena - Delmont, PA - 8:30AM

CENTER ICE ARENA - Montour and North Allegheny skated to a 3-3 tie today in a spectacular and exciting game played at the WPCHA Directors' Cup at Delmont.

NA came out quickly & physically and took a 2-0 lead while stifling the Montour offense in the neutral zone. Montour found itself shorthanded several times in the first and it was costly. However, Paul Ciotti, Mario Panucci, and Brian Dugan did a nice job on the penalty kill.

Montour bounced back in the second period and began to gain some momentum and play their style of game. Montour picked up the hitting and was able to get around the tough defense of North Allegheny. Montour got on the board when Zach Perry put home a crucial rebound from in front of the NA net to cut the NA lead in half at the end of two.

The Montour defense picked it up and began to play the body and moved the puck well along the boards. Kevin Bishop, Ed Elbel, Josh York, Brian Dugan, & Aaron Siegel stood tough and began to turn the tide, and now frustrated the NA offensive breakout attempts. NA still continued to cycle the puck and play solid and positional hockey.

Montour came out even faster in the third with some early scoring chances by Dan Shiwarski & Mario Panucci. Montour's Ross Polk, Joe Clarke, and Chad Talotta continued to fore check and put pressure on NA. With Montour trailing and shorthanded midway through the third, Chad Talotta intercepted an NA pass out of the zone and scored a short-handed goal five hole on NA goalie Jeff Kristan on a breakaway to tie it at two.

NA would not waver when Matt Pekins answered to give NA a 3-2 lead. It looked as if NA would hold onto the lead.

However, Senior defenseman Brian Dugan possessed the puck from the right point with 14 seconds to play and took a nice low slap shot that found its way through a screen and into the back of the net to tie the game at three apiece.

Montour goalie Nick Gialloreto weathered a last ditch effort by NA in overtime and made several saves within the last few minutes to preserve the tie. NA goalie Jeff Kristan made 20 saves on the night.

Shots for the game were North Allegheny 30, Montour 23.

 

9th WPCHA DIRECTORS' CUP TOURNAMENT

9 MONTOUR VS. PLUM 2
MONDAY, DECEMBER 27th, 2004
Center Ice Arena - Delmont, PA - 5:30PM

CENTER ICE ARENA - Montour overcame a hangover-like output versus South Park last night and crushed the #3 ranked AAA Plum Mustangs tonight by the score of 9-2. Mario Panucci scored 4 goals while Dan Shiwarski, Zach Perry, Paul Ciotti, Joe Clarke, & Brian Dugan each had a goal to finish off the Mustangs.

Montour came out flying and set the tone early. Montour found itself ahead 4-0 when Plum finally scored. However, Montour would answer quickly and put Plum away for good.

Montour will now play AAA North Allegheny in a heavily awaited match up, tomorrow (12/28) at 8:30AM at Center Ice Arena.

 

9th WPCHA DIRECTORS' CUP TOURNAMENT

3 MONTOUR VS. SOUTH PARK 4
No game summary.

 

FINAL
5 MONTOUR @ BLACKHAWK 0
BEAVER ICE ARENA
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23rd, 2004 - 8:05PM
BEAVER ICE ARENA - Montour came out skating quickly and defeated Blackhawk by the score of 5-0 on Thursday night at the Beaver Ice Arena. Montour's 9 game win streak has catapulted them to the top of the PIHL AA West Division heading into the Christmas Break.

Mario Panucci scored the natural hat trick and added an assist in the first period. Dan Shiwarski skated well and had a goal and assist in the first period as well. Shiwarski & Zach Perry dished out some great passes as the first line cycled the puck around and through the Blackhawk defense all night long. Perry & Brian Dugan notched 2 assists apiece for the Spartans.

The line of Ross Polk, Chad Talotta, and Joe Clarke played consistently well again, as they controlled the puck and grinded deep in the Blackhawk defensive zone for most of the night.

The line of Paul Ciotti, Adam Rizza, and Jeff Peters have stepped it up and have played great, "grind it out" hockey on a consistent basis.

Following a flurry of a goals in the first period, Montour seemingly laid back and concentrated on their defensive efforts for goalie Nick Gialloreto's 4th shutout of the season. The Montour defense clamped shut the Blackhawk offense and allowed only 7 shots as Montour peppered Blackhawk with 40.

Brian Dugan, Josh York, Aaron Siegel, Kevin Bishop, Ed Elbel, & Ryan McGregor stymied Blackhawk and frustrated them throughout the game. McGregor and Josh Spano contributed very well, as their opportunity has arrived.

Montour defenseman Aaron Siegel finished off the scoring in the second period with his first goal of the season on a slap shot from the point following setup passes from Paul Ciotti and Brian Dugan.

Montour heads into the break with a 9-2 overall record and will next play in the PA Hockey Scholastic Showcase on December 26, 27, & 28. Montour will next play in the regular season and looks to cease the Canon McMillan perfect record at the Island Sports Center -  6:30PM on January 7th.

 

FINAL

4 MONTOUR VS. WEST ALLEGHENY 3

RMU ISLAND SPORTS CENTER

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17th, 2004 - 6:30PM

RMU ISLAND SPORTS CENTER -- Montour and West Allegheny's highly anticipated contest lived up to the hype with the Spartans prevailing by the score of 4-3 over the Indians. A closely played, scoreless first period was followed by 2 periods of momentum-sustained hockey that made the game a classic and a game in which any fan would enjoy. Mario Panucci scored 2 shorthanded goals, while Chad Talotta played an excellent game and started the scoring for the Spartans. Ed Elbel had a nice slap shot from the point for the Spartans 3rd goal and helped give them some room to work with.

Montour took a 1-0 lead in the second period when Chad Talotta found a loose puck and got behind the defense on a clearing attempt by West Allegheny. Talotta stole the puck and put it into an empty net for the first goal of the game. Talotta continued to create several scoring chances and made some great plays in the offensive zone. Marek Polidor would later answer for West Allegheny when he found a loose puck in front of Montour goalie Nick Gialloreto and tied the game at one apiece.

Montour's Mario Panucci and West Allegheny's Ian Skacan played physically and added some great hits along the boards and came out firing early.

Panucci also scored on a quick snap shot from the right side that found its way over WA goalie Dan Kuzio's shoulder. The first of his two shorthanded goals gave the Spartans a spark and Ed Elbel soon scored on a slap shot from the point to give the Spartans a 3-1 cushion.

Panucci would later add another shorthanded goal when he hopped on a loose puck at the blue line, beat a defenseman, and scored on his own rebound, top shelf for the 4-1 lead.

Montour's Ross Polk played solid two-way hockey and grinded his way to two key assists and played excellent on the penalty kills. Joe Clarke, Brian Dugan, Ed Elbel, & Paul Ciotti all had crucial playing time and came through in crunch time with key assists in what seemed like a playoff game atmosphere.

However, West Allegheny would would not waver and nearly made a great comeback. With under 10 minutes to play, West A answered on the power play when Ryan Kumpfmiller scored on a low slap shot glove side, following a nice pass from Ian Skacan, to bring the Indians within 2 goals. West Allegheny's Ryne Savisky then scored less than two minutes later off a draw deep in the Spartans zone to make the score 4-3 in favor of Montour.

Montour however, was able to weather the storm behind the great defensive efforts of Brian Dugan, Josh York, Ed Elbel, Aaron Siegel, Kevin Bishop, all of whom played spectacular games. Montour goalie Nick Gialloreto played admirably in net and made nearly every save he was asked to while Dan Kuzio made several glove saves and played very well in net for West Allegheny.

With its 8th straight win, Montour improves to 8-2 and has taken sole position of first place in the West Division. Montour will next play at Blackhawk while West Allegheny faces a crucial match up against Pine Richland.

 

FINAL

7 MONTOUR @ ELIZ. FORWARD 1

ROSTRAVER ICE GARDEN
MONDAY, DECEMBER 13th, 2004 - 9:10PM

ROSTRAVER ICE GARDEN -- Montour extended its win streak to 7 games tonight at the Rostraver Ice Garden versus Elizabeth Forward in a very important game prior to the heavily awaited matchup versus the West Allegheny Indians.

Zach Perry notched the hat trick, Jeff Peters scored 2 crucial goals, Mario Panucci had a goal and 2 assists, Dan Shiwarski tallied 2 more assists, and Adam Rizza played strong while scoring a very important goal for the visiting Spartans. Paul Ciotti played very well and assisted on a few Montour goals.

Defenseman Brian Dugan, Josh York, Aaron Siegel, Ed Elbel, & Kevin Bishop played extremely well and helped stifle the Warriors offense. The line of Chad Talotta, Ross Polk, & Joe Clarke continued their grinding process and wore out the Warriors while creating several scoring opportunities in the Elizabeth Forward defensive zone. Montour goalie Nick Gialloreto made several saves and was nearly perfect in net.

Jeremy Delmaster scored Elizabeth Forward's lone goal.

Montour (7-2) will next play versus West Allegheny (8-1) on Friday, December 17th at the Island Sports Center @ 6:30 PM. This is one hot ticket this season! DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS ONE!

The MANIACS had best be out in full force!

 

FINAL
7 MONTOUR @ AMBRIDGE 0
WARRENDALE BLADERUNNER'S
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2004 - 6:00PM

WARRENDALE BLADERUNNER'S -- Montour traveled to play Ambridge and defeated the Bridgers by the score of 7-0 for its 6th consecutive victory. Mario Panucci & Zach Perry each had 2 goals. Dan Shiwarski, Ross Polk, & Chad Talotta each had a goal a piece. Goalie Nick Gialloreto earned his 3rd shutout of the season.


FINAL

12 MONTOUR vs. HAMPTON 1

RMU ISLAND SPORTS CENTER

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2004 - 6:30PM

ISLAND SPORTS CENTER -- A seemingly great game for Montour turned ugly in the third period as several Hampton players were ejected following a series of hits from behind throughout the game. Despite a penalty filled game, a third period fight, and the fact the game was called with nearly 7 minutes to play, Montour managed a 12-1 victory over the visiting Hampton Talbots.

Montour's first line seemed unstoppable and combined for 6 goals as Hampton had no answer for the Montour offense. Dan Shiwarski notched the hat trick, Mario Panucci had 2 goals to go along with 4 assists, and Zach Perry had a goal while dishing out 5 assists.

Jeff Peters began the 2nd period scoring as he took possession of the puck and roofed a nice shot over the shoulder of the Hampton goalie. Adam Rizza would soon score his first goal as a Spartan on a breakaway.

Several Spartans continued to score as well. Chad Talotta scored and has found the back of the net on several occasions as of late while dishing out a couple of assists tonight. Joe Clarke and Brian Dugan each scored their 6th goals of the year as the Montour offensive onslaught continued. Just before the game ending fight, Kevin Bishop once again added the icing on top of the cake for Montour's 12th and final goal of the game.

Montour's goaltender Nick Gialloreto made 12 saves on 13 shots for the night to help preserve the victory.

*NOTE: Montour has outscored its opponents 46-4 in its last five games while the Montour defense and goalie Nick Gialloreto have limited opposing offenses. "You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet."

 

FINAL
10 MONTOUR vs. MOON 0
RMU ISLAND SPORTS CENTER
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2004 - 9:15PM
No Game Summary.


CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST ARTICLE WRITTEN BY MARKY BILLSON OF THE PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE!

 

FINAL
5 MONTOUR @ THOMAS JEFFERSON 2

@ ROSTRAVER ICE GARDEN

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2004 - 7:05PM
ROSTRAVER ICE GARDEN -- Montour defeated Thomas Jefferson by the score of 5-2 tonight at Rostraver Ice Garden. Montour jumped out to an early 3-0 first period lead behind 2 goals scored by Zach Perry which were both assisted by Mario Panucci. Montour senior Dan Shiwarski assisted on Perry's second goal. Jeff Peters scored a big goal to put Montour ahead 3-0 late in the first period. Montour applied offensive pressure throughout the game and the Montour defense limited Thomas Jefferson's offensive production.

Montour's Joe Clarke quickly answered Gary Bucci's 2nd period goal, making it a 4-1 lead for Montour in the third period off a nice pass from Chad Talotta. Bucci would later score on a controversial goal for TJ in the third to cut the Montour lead to 4-2. However, Chad Talotta would give Ross Polk a nice pass as they entered the Thomas Jefferson zone with two minutes to play. Polk took the pass and slapped a nice shot from the top of the faceoff circle for Montour's fifth goal of the game.

Montour looks to extend its winning streak to 4 when they play rival Moon next Monday, November 29th at the Island Sports Center.

 

MONTOUR LOST TO UPPER ST. CLAIR ON SUNDAY BY THE SCORE OF 3-1.

MONTOUR DEFEATED HOLY GHOST PREP ON SATURDAY 3-1.

MONTOUR LOST 3-2 ON SATURDAY MORNING TO ORCHARD PARK. MONTOUR HELD A 2-1 LEAD HEADING INTO THE THIRD. BUT COULDN'T HOLD ON FOR THE VICTORY.

MONTOUR
TIED MEADVILLE 1 -1 ON FRIDAY NIGHT IN ITS FIRST GAME OF THE CENTRAL CATHOLIC INVITATIONAL AT HARMARVILLE BLADERUNNERS.

 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 16TH ANNUAL CENTRAL CATHOLIC INVITATIONAL SCHEDULE
(NOVEMBER 19, 20, 21)

 

FINAL
 5 MONTOUR vs. SOUTH PARK 1
RMU ISLAND SPORTS CENTER
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2004 - 9:15 PM

Montour is beginning to play the way it was expected to prior to opening season losses to Indiana and Greensburg Central Catholic and it could mean trouble for the rest of the PIHL. Montour put forth another great effort as it solidly defeated visiting undefeated South Park by the score of 5-1.

Joe Clarke began the scoring for the Spartans midway through the second period as he took a pass from Ross Polk, and wristed a shot low, stick side past South Park goalie Shane Bickar. Chad Talotta also assisted on the play. Later in the second period, Zach Perry scored his 6th goal of the year following setup passes from Mario Panucci and Dan Shiwarski to give the Spartans a 2-1 lead. Perry took the pass, skated the puck in along the boards, and roofed a shot for the goal.

Early in the third period, Mario Panucci scored on the power play as he took a great pass by Dan Shiwarski at the top of the circles, deked a South Park defenseman, and scored five-hole past Bickar to make the game 3-1. Ross Polk and Chad Talotta then connected on a nice 2 on 1 to give the Spartans an insurmountable 4-1 lead. Polk's goal was his 4th of the year and put the game well out of reach for South Park.

Kevin Bishop added icing on the cake with a minute to play with a nice low slap shot from the point on the power play for his first goal of the year. Ed Elbel and Zach Perry assisted on the goal.

Montour will travel to Thomas Jefferson on Monday, November 22nd - 7:05PM.

 

FINAL
14 MONTOUR @ JOHNSTOWN 0

AT JOHNSTOWN - CAMBRIA COUNTY WAR MEMORIAL

Thursday, November 11, 2004 - 7:30 PM

Montour showed its true colors tonight and defeated Johnstown 14-0 at the Cambria County War Memorial on Thursday night. Montour peppered Johnstown with 75 shots on goal while the Spartans only surrendered 3 shots on goal.

Zach Perry scored 5 goals as Mario Panucci tallied 1 goal and 6 assists of his own. Dan Shiwarski continued his scoring way as well with a goal and 3 assists. Chad Talotta added a goal and 2 assists while defenseman Brian Dugan scored twice. Joe Clarke, Ross Polk, and Paul Ciotti each had a goal and an assist. Josh York scored his first goal as a Montour Spartan, Jeff Peters tallied 2 assists, Aaron Siegel notched 2 assists of his own, and Kevin Bishop posted an assist as well. Junior Goalie Nick Gialloreto preserved the shutout win for Montour.

Johnstown goalies Mike Inman & Justin Richardson faced 75 shots against for the game, making 61 saves for the Trojans.

 

FINAL

3 MONTOUR vs. GREENSBURG C.C. 5

RMU ISLAND SPORTS CENTER

Monday, November 8, 2004 - 7:15 PM

Montour came out quickly against Greensburg Central Catholic and took an early 1-0 lead off a goal from Mario Panucci. However, Montour went flat after the first period and proved to be costly, losing by the score of 5-3.

Greensburg Central would eventually take a 3-1 lead and stifled the Montour offense for most of the game. Montour's Ross Polk would answer and scored his first goal of the season as he wristed a shot past the G.C.C. goalie to make the score 3-2 in favor of G.C.C.

Montour found itself trailing 3-2 late in third and seemingly tied the game after the puck slid behind Greensburg Central goalie Ryan Homanics, however the goal was waived off. Greensburg Central answered a short time later for another goal and led 4-2.

Montour's Dan Shiwarski scored on a slapshot and pulled the Spartans within one with 30 seconds to play following a centering pass from Mario Panucci but Greensburg Central would later score on an empty net for the 5-3 final.

Kevin Bishop, Ed Elbel, Mario Panucci, Zach Perry, Ross Polk, & Dan Shiwarski all tallied assists on the Montour goals.

 

FINAL
4 MONTOUR @ INDIANA 5 - O.T.

at INDIANA

Wednesday, November 3, 2004 - 8:15 PM

No Game Summary.

 

PRE-SEASON
5  MONTOUR @ CANON MCMILLAN  3
ICE-O-PLEX - Southpointe
Sunday, October 24th, 2004 - 7:40 PM
Despite a penalty-littered game, Montour took advantage of a quick four goal lead and held on for the 5-3 victory versus Canon McMillan at the Ice-O-Plex at Southpointe on Sunday night. Once again, several Spartans figured in on the decision.

Dan Shiwarski began the scoring early by roofing a shot (glove side) following a drop pass from Mario Panucci. Shiwarski skated very well and scored two goals to help give the Spartans an early cushion. Shiwarski wristed a quick shot on his second goal and found the back of the net following another setup pass from Ross Polk. Panucci would later add a goal of his own on a one-timer after a nice feed from Talotta on a two-on-one break. Talotta also found the back of the net following great passing between Joe Clarke and Mario Panucci. Paul Ciotti capped the scoring when he skated the puck from behind the Canon Mac goal and back-handed a shot past the Canon Mac goalie.

Montour goalies Nick Gialloreto and Aaron Williams played solidly in net and stifled the Canon McMillan offense throughout the game.


PRE-SEASON

11 MONTOUR v. CANON MCMILLAN 2

RMU Island Sports Center
Wednesday, October 20th, 2004 - 8:15 PM
Montour put together another impressive showing in its second pre-season game with an 11-2 victory over Canon McMillan at the RMU Island Sports Center on Wednesday night. Montour made it a total team effort and out-shot the Big Macs while the Montour defense limited Canon McMillan's offense. Mario Panucci scored 4 goals while Chad Talotta, Joe Clarke, Ed Elbel, Brian Dugan, Adam Rizza, Ross Polk, and Dan Shiwarski all tallied goals for the Montour win.

Montour's next pre-season game is on Sunday October 24th, 2004 at 7:40PM @ The Ice-O-Plex in Southpointe for a re-match versus Canon McMillan.

 

Montour finished as the runner-up at the Empire State Showdown, losing to the Webster Cyclones by the score of 3-1. Webster added an empty netter to close out the game. Montour defeated Webster 2-1 yesterday.

Montour defeated the Ohio Prospects 4-0 on Saturday night at the Empire State Showdown to advance to the championship game. Montour will play against the Webster Cyclones tomorrow (10.17.04) at 11:30 AM.

Montour defeated the Webster Cyclones by the score of 2-1 on Saturday at the Empire State Showdown. Montour will play again, tonight (Saturday 10.16.04) @ 9:30PM.

Montour defeated Monroe County by the score of 7-0 on Friday night at the Empire State Showdown in New York. Montour will play the Webster Cyclones on Saturday at 3:20 PM.

 

PRE-SEASON
4 MONTOUR @ SHALER 1
Harmarville Bladerunner's
October 5th, 2004 - 7:00 PM

Montour started things off right this pre-season with a convincing win over AAA Shaler at Harmarville Bladerunner's tonight by the score of 4-1. Four separate Spartans tallied all of the goals. The Spartans who scored were Chad Talotta, Mario Panucci, Ross Polk, and Dan Shiwarski . Montour senior defenseman Brian Dugan tallied 2 assists for the Spartans as well. Goalie Nick Gialloreto shut out Shaler through the first period and a half . Montour peppered Shaler's goalie, Ben Burns , with several shots. Burns played an excellent game and kept Shaler close. Al Gore played solidly for the Titans, creating some scoring chances.

CLICK HERE FOR ARCHIVED INFO. FOR THE 2003-04 SEASON!

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws

1

1