BUTLER TWP — Alaska may be calling Trevor Gilliland's name.

The Butler senior is hoping to continue his hockey career next year in the North American Hockey League. The 23-team junior league circuit has two franchises in Alaska — the Fairbanks Ice Dogs and Kenai River Black Bears.

“I've talked to teams out there and that's where I might be going,” Gilliland said.

Of course, he has business at home first.

Gilliland helped the Golden Tornado reach the Penguins Cup Class AAA Finals his freshman year. Butler got knocked out of the playoffs in the first round the past two seasons.

“This is my last year here and I want it to be something special,” he said.

Butler (10-7) is the No. 5 seed in Class AAA and begins the PIHL playoffs against fourth-seeded North Allegheny at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Baierl Ice Complex.

The Tornado defeated the Tigers 4-3 in overtime to start a five-game winning streak that vaulted Butler into playoff position.

“This is the longest winning streak we've had in my career at Butler,” Gilliland said.

He's played a big part in it.

Gilliland has 22 goals and 14 assists this season.He is among the leading scorers in the PIHL and averages better than two points per game. He's scored 14 points during the current five-game streak.

“Trevor is captain of this team and a true leader,” Butler coach Cory Sakolsky said. “High school hockey is unique in that the skill range is so spread out

“Players at a higher level almost have to serve as additional coaches on the ice to get the team to function effectively.”

Since its win over North Allegheny, Butler has outscored its opponents 21-7, defeating Bethel Park 7-3, Central Catholic 6-2, No. 1 seed Peters Township 4-1 and Canon-McMillan 4-1.

“It took us a while to get everybody to play our system, to play together,” Sakolsky said. “We're all on the same page now and it's starting to show.”

Gilliland estimates that 75 percent of Butler's players also play for travel teams at different levels. He plays for the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite and scored 12 goals and 32 points there this year.

“Guys get used to playing different systems and it takes a while to mesh,” he said. “The willingness has to be there to make that happen. It's not easy.

“We all want to win. We're going into the playoffs with a lot of momentum and confidence.”

Among Gilliland's 22 goals are five power play tallies and two shorthanded goals. Clay Potochny, an assistant captain, has 10 goals and 23 points, including three power play goals and two shorthanded.

Ronan Miller has 10 goals and 19 points while defenseman Connor Bachman has two goals and 18 points. Bekk McClaine is another 10-goal scorer and has 17 points.

“We're a pretty balanced team in terms of scoring,” Sakolsky said. “Trevor doesn't play on a set line. We mix and match him with a bunch of guys.”

Connor Strobel, a sophomore, has emerged as the Tornado's top goaltender. He is 7-4 with a 2.98 goals-against average.

“He's still young, but Connor is very talented,” Sakolsky said. “He's playing with confidence and the team has plenty of confidence in him.”

Gilliland has an outside shot at another big achievement in Butler hockey. He has 110 career varsity points, trailing team record-holder Derek Black by 11 in that regard.

A deep playoff run by Butler could net Gilliland that record.

“That would be pretty awesome to leave a mark like that,” he admitted.

Gilliland has scored 268 points in 111 career games in the Butler hockey system. That includes 95 goals in three years of middle school/freshman hockey and 58 goals at the varsity level.

“Ultimately, I'd love to play Diviision I college hockey ... hopefully get a scholarship and give my parents a break,” Gilliland said.

Seneca Valley and Mars will also be involved in the Penguins Cup playoffs next week. The No. 2 seed Raiders host No. 7 Bethel Park at 7 p.m. Monday at the Baierl Ice Complex.

In Class AA, the fifthseeded Planets face No. 4 seed Franklin Regional at 7 p.m. Monday at Center Ice.