The 19th CPIHL regular season has concluded, with some of the tightest races in league history foreshadowing what should be a highly competitive postseason. There were virtual ties at the top in Tiers I and II.
The playoffs get underway in all three tiers Friday night (weather permitting). Tier III has not only picked up a new name for its hardware – the Rothrock Cup – but the flight’s 4-team field will be double-elimination for the first time, joining the format enjoyed by the other tiers.
Click here to view the Rothrock Cup bracket
Here’s the take on what to be watching for on the ice in Tier III:
TIER III ROTHROCK CUP
Defending champion: York Suburban/Irish
It’s a similar tale in Tier III as in Tier II, with the defending champs from York Suburban/York Catholic suffering through a dreadful winless campaign. So we’ll have a new champ to raise the newly-christened Rothrock Cup. Double-elimination makes its debut here.
Carlisle/Cedar Cliff (13-1-4, 30 points) lost just once during the campaign, to Northern/Shamrocks on Dec. 14. But the “Thundering Colts” tied four other games – a circuit high. This club is certainly capable of putting opponents away, but the ties suggest issues with closing out tight games. The Triple C’s boast great scoring ability, led by Nick Wagner’s 44 goals and 16 points for 60 points. Sam Buran, at 21-20-41, is also a top threat to find the back of the net. The most intriguing thing – and the biggest question – about Carlisle/Cedar Cliff is their straight platoon in net this winter. Nate Prazenica (3.44 GAA, .840 save %) and Quinn Poirier (3.33, .847) split the duties right down middle, and capably. The old hockey axiom goes if you’ve got two goaltenders, you have none. Don’t believe that’s the case here, but who gets the call come Friday? And if he’s hot, do you stick with him? Questions, questions. Hell, may not matter.
Middletown/CD East (13-4-1, 27) is great story this winter, taking in hockey refugee Justin Temple when West Perry’s program folded last year. Temple rewarded that faith with a blockbuster 40-33-73 campaign. Zach Strachan (35-30-65) adds juice and Richie Koontz (15-11-26) can find the net from the blue line. Unheralded Robbie Allen had a solid season in the crease, with a 3.00 GAA and .870 stop average. If you’re wondering, the “Blue Panthers” (just rolled that one out) were 0-3-1 against the “Thundering Colts” -- including a wild 7-7 tie back on Jan. 9. That suggests some matchup problems. But that’s why the play the postseason. It’s a chance to turn those tables. This team can certainly do that.
Susquehannock/Kennard-Dale (9-8-1, 19) has the biggest gun in the bracket in big Alex Smith, who potted an ungodly 53 goals, 17 assists for a 70-point season. Whenever you’ve got a weapon like that, you’re a threat. But Smith will need help. Kiah Wood can supply it (14-22-36), and Nic Prego is a solid puck-hunting defenseman. But there’s a big dropoff behind that. Alex Prego had a 4.50 GAA with a .868 save percentage
Goalie Jared Locke has stopped 85 of the last 86 shots he’s seen. Read that again. That alone gives Northern/Shamrocks (9-8-1, 19) ashot. A hot goalie heading into the postseason can carry a club. But this team sorely needs to find some offense, and those things don’t magically manufacture themselves. The club’s leading scorer was A.J. Zdanowicz at 10-12-22. Asking Locke (3.16 GAA, .914) to stand on his head for a few more games might be asking a bit much. But sharp play in the crease can keep you hanging around
Carlisle/Cedar Cliff has to be the pick here. Middletown/East has rocked everyone else, but three of their four losses were to the front-runners. Game on.
The Pick: Carlisle/Cedar Cliff
In the mix: Middletown/CD East
Longshots: Northern/Shamrocks, Susquehannock/Kennard-Dale
TWITTER: @Jeff_Dewees
More:
CPIHL Playoff Preview: Tier I Bears Cup
CPIHL Playoff Preview: Tier II Viola Cup
CPIHL Playoff Preview: Tier III Rothrock Cup