Warriors lose key PIHL road game, 8-1
Elizabeth Forward was unable to clinch a PIHL D2 Division playoff berth Monday with an 8-1 road loss at Deer Lakes.
The Warriors (9-9-0-0-0) entered the final week of the season needing to win or tie one of their two final games, or have Connellsville lose its season finale Tuesday night, to secure the fourth and final playoff berth.
Elizabeth Forward closes the season on Thursday at Burrell (15-3-0-0-0).
The loss keeps the Falcons (8-9-0-0-1) in the hunt for the playoff spot. Connellsville plays at Trinity Tuesday night to stay alive. The Falcons hold the tiebreaker after they swept the two-game series with 6-3 and 4-1 wins.
Deer Lakes (12-6-0-1-0) scored the first three goals of the game. Ryan Grunden (2:25), Mason Cervone (8:49), and Eliot Belli (10:49) spotted the Lancers the lead.
Elizabeth Forward’s Josh Hill slowed the run with a goal at 15:15.
Deer Lakes’ advantage grew to 5-1 in the second period on Ryan Grunden’s power play goal and RJ Noullet’s goal.
Noulett completed his natural hat trick with the first two goals of the third period. Carter Catalano closed the scoring with 10陆 minutes left in the game.
Elizabeth Forward’s Andrew Weir stopped 30 shots. Deer Lakes’ Aaron Haney made 20 saves.