Pennridge turns up the pressure, skates past Central Bucks West

HATFIELD TWP. >> Pennridge may have a target on its back, but the Rams are still the ones taking most of the shots.

The Rams out-fired rival Central Bucks West by a 58-4 margin Wednesday night, skating away to an impressive 8-1 victory at packed Hatfield Ice.

“Everyone plays us like it’s the Stanley Cup,” said Shane Dachowski, who led the way with a hat trick.

There was an avalanche of trophies for the Rams last season: Champions of the Suburban High School Hockey League Continental Division; 2A Flyers Cup Champs; State Champions; and alas, a unbeaten finish of 22-0-1.

This Rams team is coming together, overcoming challenges and raising their record to 4-2 overall and 2-1 in the National.

“We’re finally getting back to what we need to do,” said Dachowski.

Pennridge controlled the puck for almost the entirety of Wednesday’s contest.

The Rams took a 2-0 lead in the first, courtesy of goals by Dachowski and Dane Fichett.

Dachowski struck again early in the second, followed by another score by Fichett. Andrew Savona and Josh Kelly put pucks in to strengthen the lead to 6-0, and Dachowski completed his hat trick before the end of the second period.

West broke the shutout in the final minute of the second with a goal by Zane Sanders.

Andrew Lizak’s goal was the only one in the third period and completed the scoring.

“We had a rough start and we’re getting back on track,” said Dachowski.

Liam Rogers was under siege for most of the night but made several nice saves for the Bucks (3-5, 1-1 National).

West skates again Thursday night against Abington at 7:10 p.m. at Hatfield Ice and the Rams head to Grundy Thursday night to face off against Council Rock South at 7:20 p.m.

Pennridge 8, Central Bucks West 1
Pennridge 2 5 1 – 8
Central Bucks West 0 1 0 – 1
First Period: P-Shane Dachowski (Andrew Savona), 3:46; P-Dane Fichett (Andrew Lizak), 3:15.
Second Period: P-Dachowski (Jared Garber, Kevin Pico), 11:09; P-Fichett (Lizak), 8:24; P-Savona (Pico), 6:48; P-Josh Kelly (Fichett), 3:16; P-Dachowski (Savona), 2:19; CBW-Zane Sanders, :44.
Third Period: P-Lizak (Young), 7:33.
Shots: Pennridge 21 22 15 – 58; CB West 1 2 1 – 4.
Saves: Jacob Winton (P) 3; Liam Rogers (CBW) 50.