Armstrong Hockey Defeats Upper St. Clair

by Jake DeLuca

Even though the River Hawks (3-2-0) were out-shot Monday night 36-17 they were still able to come away with a victory thanks to some early goals and their goaltender Jacob Lorigan.

The River Hawks were able to jump out to a lead in the first minute of play when Tyler Choncek found the back of the net thanks to assists from Jacob Gross and Zachary Kutch. Armstrong wasn’t finished in the first though as Nicholas Benvenuti found Jace Rearic for the 2-0 lead.

Upper St. Clair (2-4-0) scored late in the first, but Armstrong answered after the break. Zachary Kutch picked up his second assist and Jace Rearic also assisted on a goal scored by Easton Hooks in the first minute of the second period.

Jacob Gross scored almost two minutes later with a goal of his own (assisted by Nicholas Benvenuti and Easton Hooks) to give Armstrong a 4-1 lead.

Upper St. Clair didn’t give up though as they would score in the third to make it 4-2, but it was too little too late as Armstrong finished the game without allowing another goal.

River Hawks goalie Jacob Lorigan was on top of his game Monday night. Lorigan made 34 saves on 36 shots as he frustrated Upper St. Clair all night.

Armstrong will be back at the Belmont for their next game on Thursday at 7:00 PM against Pine-Richland (3-2-1).