The Fox Chapel hockey team has gotten a good look at what the level of competition is like in the PIHL’s Class 3A. Foxes coach Ryan Loebig believes his team has learned plenty of lessons.
Fox Chapel most recently lost 4-1 on the road to Upper St. Clair.
The Foxes have lost six consecutive games, but three of the defeats have come by one goal.
“I’ve been pretty pleased with the way we’ve been playing,” Loebig said. “The results haven’t come. We’ve been competing. We’re improving with individual skills and as a team.”
The Foxes (5-13), who reached the Class 2A Penguins Cup final last year, were brought up to 3A as part of the PIHL’s promotion/relegation system. Throughout the season, Fox Chapel has battled with making adjustments to being in the highest classification.
“Adapting to the speed of the game is something we’ve had to get our heads around,” Loebig said. “We’re getting better at being physical. I’m not sure we always brought the physicality that the game requires. That’s where we can fall short.”
Loebig said that each challenge on the schedule has provided a learning experience for Fox Chapel. When it comes to being physical, Loebig thought the Foxes did better with it when they saw the benefits of playing that way.
“It shows them that when they bring that physicality to the game and have success, it’s a light-bulb moment for them,” Loebig said. “It got better. We couldn’t expect anything to change overnight.”
Tucker Cullen has led the team offensively, scoring 14 goals and handing out 11 assists. Loebig said he appreciates Cullen’s desire to contribute all over the ice.
“He is one of the most competitive guys we have,” Loebig said. “He’s got quite a bit of offensive skill. He shows up to compete every night, and that’s important out of a scorer. When you think of a stereotypical scorer, he’s not just a guy who just stickhandles all over the place. He works hard.”
Spencer Goehring is second on the team with five goals and is one of three Fox Chapel players with 10 points. Parker Hanley (2 goals- assists) and Keita Komatsu (2-8) have also hit double figures.
Loebig said he believes Fox Chapel picked up a lot of valuable experience. He is excited to see what the program will be able to do moving forward.
“We’ve competed throughout,” Loebig said. “One thing I harp on is having a competitive soul and keeping that in practice and how we approach games. Every shift is a battle. We want to show up to the rink and compete.”