Archbishop Ryan Raiders

It's always fun to take that trip down memory lane and for two programs in Western Pennsylvania, a significant accomplishment is about to take place. As Interscholastic Hockey is in the midst of its 35th season dating back to April 1970's beginnings at the Alpine Ice Chalet, Upper St Clair and Kittanning [Armstrong] have neared a great feat. Both programs are in striking distance of 500 wins overall including Regular Season, League Playoffs and Pennsylvania State Playoffs. One glance at the USC History recounts the programs success and two Pennsylvania High School Hockey Championships in 1980 and 1987 in addition to the 1986 and 1990 Penguins Cup AAA titles for a total of four. Stories are told of the Brian Crawford game winner in 1980 in defeating Erie McDowell or of Chris Whittmore's game winner against Malvern to cap an undefeated season for the Panthers in 1987. The same can be said of the Armstrong / Kittanning program and the lore of the Belmont Ice Arena with rich history and many memories. The most significant the 1991 Penguins Cup championship over Meadville before falling in a nailbitter to Council Rock in the AAA final. Once known as the Arrows, the Kittanning program has flourished as the Wildcats and is a perennial contender at the Class AA level. There is only one place you will be able to follow this story and its right here on Pa Hockey...................Congratulations to both programs and stay tuned as we count to history for two fine hockey programs ......Upper St Clair and Kittanning ! Countdown to 500 ...... As of February 11, 2006: *****Upper St Clair - 500 Wins**** Upper St Clair 9 Butler 2 AAA 02/06/06 Monday at the Ice Castle becomes the first team in Pennsylvania State History to accomplish this watershed............Congratulations to all of the current and former players, coaches, parents and supporters for a truly class organization over the past 36 years since 1971 for their leadership, sportsmanship and a true winning attitude exemplified by the Panther organization ! *****Kittanning / Armstrong - 500 Wins Upcoming Schedule Kittanning 8 Peters Township 4 AA 02/15/06 at the Blemont Ice Complex Read the Story in ***GAME SUMMARIES***