The Paul VI hockey team is gearing up for a run at the playoffs. The Panthers, coached by Bill Harrington (second season), currently weigh-in with an overall record of 3-4, in the Northern Virginia Scholastic Hockey League.

Both Paul VI and Ireton are members of the N.V.S.H.L. "Dogwood" Division along with Stone Bridge, Broad Run, Potomac Falls and a squad comprised of players from Loudoun County/Loudoun Valley/Heritage High Schools.

The Panthers have defeated: Ireton, Potomac Falls and Loudoun County/Valley/Heritage thus far this season.

"Ireton has a real good goaltender, but we knew that if we got off as many shots as possible that we could win that game. Against Potomac Falls, we played very well as a team. In the Loudoun County/Valley/Heritage contest, everyone had the drive and the desire to win that game. The kids really persevered," said Harrington.

The typical PVI starting lineup includes: junior Nick Humphries in goal, senior captain Sam Delman and junior Nick Sutton as defensemen, senior Michael Segna at center and fellow seniors Brendan Simpers and Ryan Baldini at wing. (Simpers and Baldini are both designated as "alternate" captains by Coach Harrington).

"Sam (Delman) is very strong, very physical and definitely intimidating on the defensive end. Brendan (Simpers) gives 100 percent, is very aggressive and responds well to the coaching. Ryan (Baldini) plays under control, sees the ice well, is unselfish and will find the open man" said Harrington.

Sophomore Chris Kopsick is the PVI backup goaltender. Fellow sophomores Eric Stiber and Tim Schlagenhauf are backup defensemen. Senior Patrick Summers, junior Michael Rutledge, sophomore Kenny Kerrigan and/or freshman Matt Stevenson comprise the "second offensive line".

Rutledge (six goals/four assists), Segna (four/four) and Stevenson (three/three) - currently lead the Panthers offense in scoring this season.

"At the beginning of the season - our goal was not only to make the playoffs, but to win at least one playoff game. Even though we are 3-4 right now - I feel that we can win our three remaining regular season contests. The remainder of the season is in the players hands. As long as our goaltending is good - we can play with anyone [on our schedule]" said Harrington

PVI concludes the regular season with games vs. Woodson (Feb. 4), Yorktown (Feb. 6) and Oakton (Feb. 13). The playoffs will commence the following week. In addition, Paul VI will face off against New Jersey Paul VI at Reston Ice Arena on March 13 in the second annual "Paul VI versus Paul VI Hockey Tournament."

Ireton Struggles with Young Squad

Ireton is struggling somewhat this season with one of its youngest teams in school history. The Cardinals, coached by Franz (Fritz) Friton (first season), weigh-in with an overall record of 2-6.

Only three of the "Cardinal and Gold" players are seniors). Ireton has defeated: a combined Lake Braddock/West Potomac squad as well as Potomac Falls.

"We trailed Lake Braddock/West Potomac 2-0 early on. Brandon Hoole scored our first goal and then Matt St. Pierre added a "hat trick" (three goals) - on the way to defeating Lake Braddock/West Potomac" said coach Friton.

"In the win versus Potomac Falls we started off a little bit rusty. However, our offense got stronger as the game went on. We worked real hard in that contest," said Cardinal senior Patrick Perlmutter.

The typical Ireton starting lineup includes: senior Nino Sita in goal, senior/alternate captain Patrick Perlmutter and junior captain Brandon Hoole as defensemen, sophomore Matt St. Pierre at center and junior Justin Smith and freshman Tim Dean at wing. (Sita is also a standout lacrosse goalkeeper).

"Nino (Sita) has been keeping us in a lot of games. He's got a very quick reaction. He really keeps his eye on the puck. He can really recover quickly to deflect their second and third shots. Brandon (Hoole) really backs up the entire team. He is able to anticipate what is going to happen on the ice. By staying back on the ice. He really is a very good defenseman. Matt (St. Pierre) is a talented young man. He has excellent puck handling skills" said coach Friton.

Backup defensemen include: senior/alternate captain Zack Etzel, sophomore Kevin Warnke and freshman Kevin Schreiber. Backup centers/wingers include: senior [female] Marion Cavan, junior [female] Carla Infurnari, juniors Nick Ruehe, Nick Slabinski, John Pierce, Adam Kasold, Ben Monroe - as well as sophomore Alex Perlmutter and freshmen Ben Guidry and Dan Donovan.

Sita, Patrick Perlmutter and Cavan are four year varsity players). St. Pierre (11 goals/one assist), Smith (three/three) and Hoole (three/one) - currently lead the Cardinals offense in scoring this season.

"Ireton is a small school and doesn't have quite the numbers that some other schools have. As a first year coach - I'm kind of learning as I go along. We've got a large number of younger players, so I'm having to teach both the tactics and the techniques as we go along. If we win these next two games, we've got a shot at the playoffs," said Friton.

Ireton concludes the regular season with games vs. Woodbridge (Feb. 6) and vs. a combined Garfield/Potomac/Colonial Forge squad (Feb. 11).