Warwick’s ice hockey offense dominated while its defense shut down Dallastown’s scorers on a Monday night in December 2014, as the Warriors beat the Wildcats 9-2 at the Lancaster Ice Rink.
Two Warwick forwards scored twice apiece, and the Warriors’ goalie made 26 saves. The win improved Warwick to 2-5 in Central Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League (CPIHL) Tier 1 play and 3-5 overall.
Three unassisted goals in the first
Warwick opened the scoring at 12:49 of the first period, beating Dallastown’s goalie for a 1-0 lead. The Warriors added a second goal at the 4:40 mark and a third with just 44 seconds left in the period. All three goals were unassisted, and Warwick went to the locker room leading 3-0.
Five more in the second
The Warriors were even more aggressive in the second period, scoring five goals. They made it 4-0 at 11:14 and 5-0 at 9:02.
Warwick’s goalie held Dallastown scoreless for more than 32 minutes before the Wildcats finally scored at 7:26 of the second period, cutting the lead to 5-1.
Warwick answered just 13 seconds later to make it 6-1. Dallastown replied less than a minute later for a 6-2 score, but the Warriors scored at 2:32 and again with 1:11 left in the period to lead 8-2 at the second intermission.
The third period produced only one goal, an unassisted Warwick tally that completed the 9-2 final.
Goaltending and penalty killing
Although Dallastown outshot Warwick 28-23, the Warriors’ goalie stood tall, holding several of Tier 1’s top scorers to a single goal between them.
Warwick’s penalty kill was just as impressive. Dallastown failed to score on any of its seven power plays, including a two-man advantage in the first period.
Dallastown fell to 2-3-2 in Tier 1 and 3-3-2 overall.
Balanced scoring
Eight different Warriors scored in the win, and several players recorded multiple points. One forward finished with two goals and an assist, while a defenseman picked up two assists.
About high school hockey in Lancaster County
High school ice hockey in central Pennsylvania is played as a club sport through the CPIHL rather than through the PIAA. Teams like Warwick’s are typically funded by players’ families and booster clubs, which cover ice time, equipment and officials. Games are often scheduled late in the evening at area rinks, including the Lancaster Ice Rink, which has served as home ice for several county programs.
Despite the late start times, Warwick’s games regularly draw parents, students and alumni, and Tier 1 represents the league’s top level of competition.
Up next
Warwick’s next game was scheduled for Monday, December 22, against Palmyra at the Lancaster Ice Rink, with an 8:15 p.m. face-off. That game ended in a 3-3 tie after the Warriors pulled their goalie and scored with 17 seconds left.
High school hockey in central Pennsylvania
High school ice hockey in Pennsylvania is organized largely through club leagues rather than the PIAA, with teams representing their schools while managing ice time, travel and costs. Players and families commit to early-morning and late-night practices at regional rinks. Despite the challenges, the sport has a devoted following, and rivalries between nearby schools draw lively crowds.
Special teams
Penalty killing is one of the hardest jobs in hockey, requiring discipline, shot blocking and quick clears, and a perfect night shorthanded can be as important as goals.
Lopsided wins also give coaches a chance to give younger players valuable ice time against league competition.
The win gave the Warriors confidence heading into the rest of the league schedule and the busy holiday stretch.
This article was originally published in December 2014.