Gateway Gators – 5

Connellsville Falcons- 3

The Gateway Gators faced off against the Connellsville Falcons in a playoff deciding game for the Gators.  Not only was this the final regular season game for both teams, but a win would solidify a playoff spot for the Gators in the 2025 D2 Varsity Penguins Cup.  Gateway quickly pounced on the Falcons by scoring 2 goals in the first period.  Gavin Grant scored the game’s first goal just 3 minutes in, off of a beautiful passing play by senior captain Connor Evans and Canyon Hines. Hines scored 10 minutes later on another nice setup from Evans and Grant.  The 3^rd place Falcons battled back by scoring at the end of the first period and the game’s only 2^nd period goal.  Just like the Gators had started the game, the boys came out fast and proceeded to score 2 consecutive powerplay goals to start the 3^rd period to take another 2 goal lead.  The first goal was scored by Brendan Luptak assisted by Evans and Reed Davis. Canyon Hines notched his 12 goal of the season on a quick rebound assisted by Aiden Darazio and Beau Ritson.  Connellsville scored again to pull within a goal with just 9 minutes remaining in the game.  With the season on the line and only 3 minutes remaining in the game, Gateway’s assistant captain, Connor Olson, completely outworked an opposing defenseman by stealing the puck and setting up Davis for the game’s final goal.  The Gateway Gators won the game 5 - 3 and clinched the 8^th and final spot in the playoff tournament and will face the #1 seed (Morgantown Mohawks) on 3/4/2025 at Printscape Arena @ 7pm in Southpointe.