Pitt-Johnstown men’s hockey team has started the season with determination.

Last year, the hockey team was ranked 11th in the nation, this year, they have a 2-1 record so far.

On Oct. 4, Pitt Johnstown played against Penn State-Altoona and defeated them 16-2.

Scorers were sophomore forward Denzel Sullivan, senior forward Bryan Albright, sophomore forward Cody Austad, senior defenseman Derek Grove and freshman defenseman Tyler Shima.

On Oct. 8, Pitt-Johnstown played California University of Pennsylvania in a rematch of last year’s College Hockey East championship game and lost 6-3.

The Icecats were able to rebound quickly on Saturday in another high scoring affair against Rowan University (Glassboro, N.J.).

Pitt-Johnstown melted out the Profs 8-4 in the Icecats’ home opener thanks to two first period goals from Bryan Albright.

The Icecats had a quick turnaround with another home game at Planet Ice on Sunday but made it look easy, defeating East Carolina University, 7-0.

“We have come together pretty well as a team, but it is early in the year and we can always get better,” said Alrbight.

The team still hopes to work and advance this season.

“We have progressed as a team by communicating effectively and meeting once a week before practice to discuss ways we need to improve in order to achieve our goals,” said senior forward Troy Schall.

According to Schall, the team’s goal this year is to continue this year as College Hockey East champions and to get an automatic bid into the national tournament.

According to Albright, a way the team becomes one on the ice is by getting together and always hanging out.

“Always hanging out on and off the ice really helps us bond as a team,” said Albright.

When the team is on the ice, either during a practice or game, they have great leadership.

“On the ice, we are led by our coaching staff and by captain Derek Grove,” said Schall.

According to Schall, Grove emphasized the willingness to get better and improve their goals by working hard on skills and conditioning.

Schall also said the team has high goals, they say they believe that they are a better team than last year and they see themselves as a top five team.

The team knows that they have plenty of other things to work on before they can accomplish their goal of becoming College Hockey East champions again this year.

“We have things to work on still, but, overall, we are doing well,” said Albright.

According to Schall, they still have yet to reach their peak as a team.

The Icecats are to  travel next on Friday to Neville Island to take on Robert Morris University’s Division III team.