The Gateway hockey team took big steps forward last season with winning results on the ice.
The Gators, playing at the junior varsity level, never lost in the regular season, finishing with 15 wins and one tie to claim the Division 3 title in JV Tier 3.
Gateway then was moved up to the JV Tier 2 postseason tournament where it saw its season come to a sudden end with a 5-3 loss to Bethel Park in the first round.
While five graduates moved on from last year’s team, nine seniors are ready to lead the team into the 2024-25 season. That experience, coupled with last year’s success, translated into a move for the Gators in the offseason back to the varsity level for the first time in nearly a decade.
“We had an idea that this would be the year,” Gateway coach Justin Evans said.
“With an older team like we have and with what our record was last year, we were kind of expected to move up. It also was because of the amount of talent we have. We are pretty confident we will do well back in varsity.”
Gateway finds itself at the three-division D2 level. The Gators will skate in Division White with Neshannock and Wilmington, both located near New Castle, as well as Connellsville and Ringgold.
Gateway will play each division team at least twice — Wilmington and Connellsville three times — as well as one game against the teams from the other two divisions — Trinity, Carrick, Bishop Canevin, Central Valley, Morgantown, Burrell, Knoch, Deer Lakes, Elizabeth Forward and Sewickley Academy — for a total of 20 games.
“We suggested moving up,” Evans said.
“We went to the PIHL and made our intentions clear that we wanted to play varsity. It was something we talked about before the season started. The general vibe last year among the team members, especially the seniors, was that we didn’t think we were ready just yet to move up. But as the season started and got going, they realized how much they had improved and felt that maybe we should’ve moved up. We have been improving every year.
“I’ve made it clear to the kids that this is a big deal. Alumni who I have talked to are planning to come to the games because they hear ‘varsity’ and it brings up more interest.”
Gateway was slated to kick off its season Thursday against Elizabeth Forward.
The Gators return to action Monday (Oct. 14) at 6:30 p.m. against Neshannock at Palmer Imaging Arena.
Evans said there will be a few long road trips, including the ones to play Neshannock and Wilmington at Hess Ice Rink in Neshannock Township, and he hopes to make arrangements to get a bus to take the team to those games.
“I think it would be a great opportunity for the kids to bond,” Evans said.
Evans said D2 will be pretty competitive this year, and with the move up to varsity, several Gateway players will get the chance to be recognized for their play with weekly awards.
“I think we can be in the running for those fairly often if we are able to repeat the scoring from last year,” Evans said.
Gateway last year scored 109 goals in 16 regular-season games — an average of 6.8 a game — and surrendered just 32.
The Gators’ top five scorers, who accounted for 70 of the 109 goals, are back. All five are seniors.
CJ Evans, a forward, led the way with 32 goals and 19 assists.
“The excitement level for this season is incredible,” CJ Evans said.
“We scrimmaged Norwin a couple of weeks ago, and it was a very good game. They are two divisions above us, but we kept up with them for most of the game. We have a lot of good experience, and I think that will help us score a lot of goals and just overall be a great team this year.”
CJ Evans is the captain for the Gators, while Brendan Luptak (11 goals, eight assists in 2023-24), Tommy Tuskan (10 goals, three assists) and Connor Olson (nine goals, 10 assists) will get the chance to wear the alternate captain ‘A’ on their jerseys throughout the season.
Senior Jakob Williams also returns after scoring eight goals and adding eight assists.
“It’s not just the scoring but how well they get along with each other,” coach Evans said.
“It’s also about playing well defensively, moving the puck with speed out of the zone. If we exit with speed, we can be pretty dangerous. That is something we really stress in practice.”
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Last year’s main starting goaltender, Seth Hunkele, who finished 11-0 between the pipes, moved on because of graduation. Coach Evans said Dakota Montedoro, a senior who was 4-0-1 last year, will get the starting nod and will share duties with freshman Tristan Cole.
“Tristan is quick in the net and takes up a lot of space,” coach Evans said.
“Dakota had our only shutout last year. He has really improved his game. He also has more confidence, and he trusts the guys in front of him.”
Also back from last year are junior defenseman Gavin Grant, senior forward Ian Steiner, junior forward Caleb Sonafelt, junior forward Reed Davis, sophomore defenseman Torin Rhea, senior forward Parker Williams, sophomore forward Canyon Hines, senior forward Hayden Nadeau and junior forward Chance Wilson.
“We have a lot of versatility and a lot of depth this year,” coach Evans said.
“We know so many different combinations can be deadly out there. We’re anxious to get the season going to see what we can do.”