Mustangs Lose Frustrating Game to Central Catholic

It was a frustrating night for the Mustangs during a 6-4 loss to Central Catholic Monday night.

Injuries, physicality and what Plum players, coaches and fans said were bad calls from the referees soured the game for the hockey team in its quest for a spot in the playoffs.

Plum started out in the hole by the end of the first period with a score of 2-0 but halved the Vikings' lead in the second period with a point from Hunter Brett, assisted by Nick Cicolini.

Central Catholic scored an insurance goal halfway through the period, bringing the score to 3-1.

Calls by officials became an issue as the game progressed, with Plum fans, parents and players growing frustrated with referees' decisions.

A shove on by a Viking on Plum forward Cody Cenci at around 8:45 in the second period did not result in a call, leaving an enraged crowd on the away team side.

Central Catholic scored a power play goal in the third period on a Plum cross-checking penalty, leaving goaltender Taylor Cestra visibly shaken.

Despite several close scoring chances with about 10 minutes left in the game, the Mustangs couldn't capitalize.

Another iffy call added a point to the Vikings' total when the puck slid over the goal line as the net was dislodged.

Cicolini slammed into the post on Cestra's right side and spent the next several moments on his elbows and knees before teammates helped him to his feet.

He played the rest of the game, but had a hard time breathing, Coach Stu Rulnick said.

Paramedics attended to Cicolini after the game in the locker room.

The Mustangs didn't give up despite a disheartening four-goal deficit.

"We played a good third period," Rulnick said.

Plum played tic-tac-toe with another point from Brett at 6:38, assisted by defenseman Cory Sakolsky, which Central Catholic followed with a five-hole goal at 6:11.

The Mustangs answered with a power play goal from Cenci, assisted by Jason Pastucha and Hunter Brett at 5:22.

By late in the period, frustrations began to show in the form of penalties. Defenseman Steve Susalla received two minutes for interference and another two for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Susalla threw his stick and took out frustrations at one of the referees.

"The kids were frustrated," Rulnick said. "It's something I frown on, but I understand where they're coming from."

Cestra stood strong at the end, blocking a handful of slap shots and snatching pucks out of the air, which gave Cenci his chance to score another goal at 1:27 assisted by Andrew Walters.

Rulnick pulled Cestra with a minute remaining to add an extra forward onto the ice, but Plum players spent most of the time defending the empty net in their zone before the buzzer.

The Mustangs' downfall wasn't a lack of physical skill, Rulnick said.

"They don't communicate," he said. "The guys run into each other."

The team doesn't play three periods of hockey, he said.

"They can't just wait until the third period to start playing."

Plum has five more games in which to gain the needed four points to earn a spot in the playoffs, which means winning at least two more games.

Their upcoming opponents won't make it easy, either, Rulnick said.

Future games will include match-ups against Bethel Park, Upper St. Clair, Hempfield and two against North Allegheny — all of whom are having strong seasons.

Plum isn't going to give up, though, Rulnick said.

They've been down before and have come from behind.

"We'll play all the way to the last game," he said.