JACKSON TWP — The Seneca Valley Hockey Association was no stranger to success this past season.

The association saw all four of its teams qualify for the postseason. While the varsity team and junior varsity II squads lost in the playoffs, the junior varsity I and middle school teams both won a PIHL title.

“We had a phenomenal season at all levels,” said SVHA president Jeff Mattys. “We saw improvement with each team.”

The JV I program defeated North Allegheny Gold 3-2 in double overtime March 24, successfully defending its title from the 2012-13 campaign.

“Our goal from day one was to win another championship,” said SV coach Trevor Kuhlman. “We did everything we had to do to win in the title game. The kids showed a lot of resiliency.”

SV rebounded from deficits of 1-0 and 2-1 as Connor Williams (2) and Christopher Lipnicky scored the goals. Williams ended the game with a tally two minutes and 57 seconds into the second overtime.

Back-up goalie Dylan Sloat stopped 19 of 21 shots after filling in for Alyssa Peterson, who was a star in net (.960 goals per game) during a 14-3-1 regular season and made 19 saves in a 9-1 semifinal win over Canon-McMillan. She became ill shortly before the title game against NA.

“We knew we had a great shot to win with either goalie,” said Kuhlman.

SV's run to the title did not hinge on the play of two or three players.

Williams led the team with 22 goals and added 12 assists while Lipnicky (18-16) and Shane Galis (7-13) were regular contributors as well.

Zach Broskey and Nic Raible were the leaders of a reliable defense.

“We were a balanced team,” said Kuhlman. “The kids played a hard and physical game. We had some injuries during the season, but got through it.”

Like the junior varsity team, SV's middle school squad had high hopes for the 2013-14 campaign.

SV, which included players from sixth, seventh and eighth grade, returned a majority of the players who helped the team reach the playoffs the year before.

“With the talented group of players that we had on our team (this past season), winning the title was a very high possibility for us,” SV coach Gary Delehanty replied in an emailed interview. “We had pretty high expectations for a great season.”

The Raiders turned those hopes into reality, beginning with a 14-2 regular season, then disposed of Peters Township Red (5-0) and Quaker Valley (8-4) before defeating Armstrong 7-4 in the championship game March 25.

A four-goal second period — which included scores from Cameron Trejchel (2), Alex Gritz and Tyler Tocci — sparked the win.

Goalie Logan Johnson earned his third postseason win.

The dominating manner in which Seneca claimed the title was simply an extension of its regular season, which saw the team outscore its opponents 89-34.

Offensive leaders included Alexander Ziatek (28 goals, eight assists), Gritz (14-8) and Trejchel (10-12). Jacob Hollingshead spotted Johnson on several occasions and compiled a 4-1 record.

Johnny Flaugh, Max Georgievsky and Evan Mattys led a strong defensive effort.

“We had a very high-powered and fast offense,” wrote Delehanty. “Our goaltending was incredible all year. I think one of our biggest strengths was how well we came together and played as a team. Every player at every position understood their role.”

The middle school players' attitude should lead to success for Seneca Valley's upper levels for years to come.

“I think the enthusiasm these kids have for the game of hockey really showed the night we won the title,” replied Delehanty. “They were passionate from beginning to end. To see the smiles on their faces when the horn sounded and we had won the championship was the greatest feeling in the world. It made you really understand as a coach how much these kids love the sport.”