As the team wrapped up its season, they left hopeful for next season. Although this season did not go as they had planned, the team improved throughout the year. In each game, it was evident that they were trying and working harder. 

The Warriors finished their season with a record of 1-16-1. Although their numbers were low, this is an improvement from their 0-18 record last season. Not only did the boys win one more game than last year, but they also showed much improvement with their increase in goals and a decrease in goals against. 

They finished their season with a few more games. One of those games was on Jan. 23 when they played Burrell away. Unfortunately, the boys lost 9-5. However, both juniors Aiden Pournaras and Chase Grable scored a goal. On Jan. 26 they played Connellsville at home. The boys fought hard and lost 4-3. During that game, Pournaras scored the first goal of the game. Central Valley took a week break, but they were quickly back on Feb. 9 when they played their last home game against Wilmington. This game was themed ‘show some love game’ where the people in the stands made signs for their favorite players. Central Valley was down the whole first until the second when they recovered. However, it was not enough. Unfortunately, they lost 3-7. Pournaras scored the last Central Valley goal of the game. In their last game of the season, they played Bishop Canevin, where they lost 12-0.

Pournaras was nominated by the Central Valley coaches for the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League All Star Game. A board of members picked players from the nominations. Each team has at least one player participate each year, with Pournaras being selected to represent Central Valley. Pournaras played as a defenseman with players from many other schools. The all-star game on Jan. 29 was a success for Pournaras. His team was Team Blue, and they won 8-6 against Team Gold. 

“It was a very enjoyable experience to be able to play with and against some of the best players in the entire league. It makes for a very entertaining game to play in and watch,” Pournaras said. 

The team is now beginning to prepare for the next season. They will be losing five seniors this year, and in an attempt to recruit more players, they held a new players’ skate on Feb. 24th. This was for both the middle and high school teams and was an opportunity for potential new players to skate with current players and meet the coaches. 

“I am most excited for next year to get to play as a senior and have the opportunity to play with all of these guys for one more year. This is my favorite team yet and next year will be even better,” Grable said. 

For next season, the team hopes to get stronger and more confident to pull through a few more wins. Since the team showed much improvement this season from last, the players and coaches are hopeful for an even stronger season next year. With most of their players returning and new players joining, the team is hoping to get better from here on.