The Knoch Hockey Team is back in action, and they want you to pack the barn! 

The Knights are off to a 1-2 start this season, after losing a tough game to Morgantown High School out of West Virginia, a 6-4  win over Connellsville, and a loss to Elizabeth Forward. 

Last year they finished with a 12-4 record and a first round loss to Upper St. Clair in the playoffs. This year is a little different. They will be making the jump from junior varsity to varsity. In the past the Knoch Hockey team was only eligible for a JV team, due to the lack of players. But now the Knights are a varsity program, becasue they finally had enough kids to make a varsity team.

“It’s our first year of varsity hockey in a very long time,”  said senior Braydon Esplen.

 “So, I expect to have good competition and for us to become better as a team overall.” 

Junior Evan Moody’s expectations are to “win games and make playoffs”.

Not only does Moody want to make the playoffs, but he loves when students come to the games. 

“It is the coolest thing to play in front of a crowd,” said Moody. “It’s even better when it’s a student section that has no idea what offsides is.”

Knoch plays their home games at Frozen Pond arena on Route 8.  

“The more people that pack the barn, the more energy our team gets while playing on the ice,” said Esplen. 

Not only is it Knoch students that play, but there are players on the team from Slippery Rock High School, Moniteau, and Portersville Christian. This is because there are no hockey teams at any of those schools. 

So, why should you come out and support the Knoch Knights Hockey team this season? 

“Hockey is a great fast paced game to watch and have fun at,” said Esplen. Also, coming out to support your friends on the ice makes us get more hyped to play our hearts out.” 

Moody thinks it makes a difference when students come to the games, because “it makes the other team mad and nervous.”  

The Knights have a long season ahead of them with their last game being on February 20th, so if you can make it to a game, not only are they really fun. It helps out the hockey team greatly. The Knights return to action November 6th against Trinity at The Frozen Pond Arena. Be There!

Schedule:     https://www.pihlhockey.com/schedule/team_instance/9017964?subseason=899109