Plum’s physical play got to Armstrong on the ice last night, helping the Mustangs have more than a dozen power-play opportunities and get the victory and season sweep.
by Jonathan Weaver
Winners of the past three games to solidify their section title, Armstrong hoped to make a statement in their last game of the season but Plum rolled over the River Hawks 6-1.
Armstrong Couch Doug Anthony said Plum’s physical game plan rattled the River Hawks
“It was a ‘me’ team. They didn’t play for the team tonight. Got beaten to a lot of pucks, Coach Anthony said.
“Plum got in their heads and they couldn’t handle it. Rough game – hopefully we learn from it and it’s a team attitude.”
After the team took more than a dozen two-minute penalties, Plum scored two power-play goals and registered 34 shots on Goaltender Jacob Lorigan.
Seniors Zane and Donovan Wichowski, who are both twins and defensemen, were disappointed with the final score during their last regular-season home game.
Both originally Kittanning Wildcats, the twins said they have to quickly prepare for next week’s playoff game.
“We have to put this behind us and move on to playoffs. We have to start practicing harder,” Donovan said.
Team Captain and Senior Luke Gross also noted that most of his scoring chances were deflected to the outside by the Plum goaltender.
First-year Plum Head Coach Vinnie Somma said that was indeed the plan.
“I thought our kids just came out and played hard,” Somma said. “We stuck to our system – (Armstrong) had a few good chances, and our goalie was just unbelievable. We played pretty well in front of him, kept most of the shots to the outside and I think it’s just about sticking to our game plan.”
Gross still enjoyed the home playoff-like atmosphere during Senior Night.
“I’ve been playing here since I started so it’s nice to see everyone here. It was great to see everyone come out,” Gross said. “It kind-of stunk we didn’t get a win for them, but it was nice to see everyone out here and the student section.”
Plum, who finished in third place in Class AA’s Eastern Conference, said last night’s victory also helped them prepare to play Mars in the playoffs next week.
Belmont Complex Director Gary Montebell revealed before the game that both Armstrong and Freeport will play on home-ice during their first-round playoff game next Thursday.