PIHL All Stars
By: Reese Price
Under the bright lights of the PIHL All-Star game, three student-athletes from GS proved their talent amongst other Class A athletes.
Three GS hockey student athletes were selected to play in the PIHL All Star game. These student-athletes worked tirelessly all year to be able to earn their places in the game.
“This season my goal was to gain more confidence on the ice to be able to play in the All-Star game,” sophomore Cooper Outly said.
The PIHL All Star game combined top hockey players from Class A to showcase their talents together. The mixture of schools provided intense competition and advanced skill to the hockey game. All-Star athletes from all Class A schools created a thrilling environment with their impressive skills and talent.
The All Star players after their game (pictured left to right: Cooper Outly, Luke Dieter and Jacob Fink.)
Photo Courtesy: Luke Dieter
“I was most excited to play with [Jacob] Fink out of anyone,” junior Luke Dieter said. “We play on the same team, but not on the same line, so being on the same line as him was awesome, especially when we scored the two goals for the team.”
On Dec. 19, 2024, student-athletes were informed about the selection process through the Trib newspaper. The selection process took place at Robert Morris University and all coaches were responsible for voting and nominating the players. After the selection, the coaches and team were informed of the players who were named All-Stars. The selected athletes played on Sunday, Jan. 26.
“I was in my basement stick handling and shooting pucks when I found out,” sophomore Jacob Fink said. “I was grateful and honored to represent the school and score two goals for the All-Star team.”
GS had a very successful year last year with a record of 13-5-1. All three All-Star players were contributors last season. With 10 seniors graduating in 2024, returning players faced the challenge of stepping up to fill the void and continue their winning tradition.
“It was very special to have the opportunity to play and it was special seeing past teammates get selected,” Dieter said.
This season, GS is a young team, with many players getting their first taste of Varsity experience. The coaching staff has shifted slightly and brought new energy into the team.
“All three of them have a lot of individual skill, but without the help of the team they’re really nothing,” Business Teacher and Coach Mr. Tyler Brinton said. “It’s helpful when there’s a whole team around them that they can feed off of.”
The young team at GS is looking at the future with All-Star players gaining experience with potential collegiate opportunities. The All-Star games serve as important exposure for the considerations of collegiate level hockey.
“I think this game was a big stepping stone to lead me to a future in hockey,” Fink said.
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