Stepke keeps a fairly empty net
WARRENDALE — In the rare occurrence that Mars goalie Tyler Stepke has a bad game, he chalks it up to that — one bad game.
Again one of the premier netminders in the PIHL, Stepke has a .909 save percentage, placing him second behind Hampton's Samuel Wilson (.918) in Class A.
He has won 13 of the 14 games he has played for Mars (19-1) and has allowed only 19 goals.
Eight of those goals came in an 8-5 loss to Kittanning Feb. 3.
“That's one game during the regular season,” Stepke said. “I'd rather that come now than in the playoffs.”
“He came back in great shape, probably the best I've seen,” said Mars coach Steve Meyers. “His numbers are not showing how good he has been playing. I think he's a better goalie this year.
“We have a young defensive core. We only had one defenseman back from last year, and (Stepke's) made the transition easier,” the coach added.
Stepke has played a huge role for the two-time defending Penguins Cup champion Planets, who also won the state championship last year.
But the Mars defense is still developing.
“Every year you'll lose players and you think you'll lose some offense,” said Stepke. “There's been no letdown for scoring (after Tuesday's 14-0 win over Deer Lakes, Mars has outscored its opponents 173-23).
“Our defense is still doing a good job,” the goalie added.
And having Stepke as the last line of defense has kept the team's confidence high.
“He handles the puck great,” said Meyers. “He had three assists (against Deer Lakes to give him six this season). He's not the biggest player, but he plays big. He makes up for his lack of size with his ability.”
With the PIHL playoffs looming, Mars and Kittanning appear to be on a collision course, but Stepke said other teams are ready to challenge the Planets as well.
“There are definitely some good teams out there,” Stepke noted. “Quaker Valley has stepped it up real well and there's also Serra Catholic. There are three to four good teams in our league.”
Stepke also plays for the Viper Stars 18-and-under team, which is on a higher level than varsity hockey.
But Stepke said that level of hockey helps him be successful for Mars.
“Playing for the Vipers definitely keeps me sharp,” said Stepke.
The Planets will need Stepke to be at his best as they aim for a third Penguins Cup championship.
“I know the guys trust me to make saves and the opportunity to play the puck, too,” Stepke said. “The last four years, I've been able to play the puck, and I take pride in that.”
