BUTLER TWP — This is a “get back” year for Butler varsity hockey.

As in get back to respectability in terms of wins and losses.

The Golden Tornado, coming off a 5-15 season, open the 2020-21 PIHL campaign at 9:10 p.m. Monday, hosting Bethel Park at the Frozen Pond in Valencia.

“We're a very young team,” third-year Golden Tornado head coach Mavrik Goepfert said. “But I think we're good enough to finish around .500. I would think that'd be enough to get to the playoffs and that's where we want to be.”

Eight of the 12 Class AAA teams will gain PIHL playoff berths.

The Tornado will be without goaltender Connor Strobel, who has graduated and is now playing for Johnstown in the North American Hockey League.

“Connor is an amazing player and an exciting goalie to watch,” Goepfert said. “He was probably the best goalie in the league last year.”

Butler has three goalies — sophomore Andrew Hartsock and freshmen EJ Delaney and Lauren LeGrand — vying for playing time this year.

The Tornado's top line will be center Kyle Grasha, left wing Aidan Potochny and right wing Jared Chantz.

“Kyle scored some goals for us last year,” Goepfert said. “Jared is back after playing a year with Kiski Prep and Aidan is one of those versatile guys who will do anything you ask.

“We'll be mixing and matching lines after that first group.”

The coach said one of the team's strengths will be its defensive corps. Josh Deal is a senior and a second-year starter on defense while Trevor Ackelson, a junior, is in his third year with the team.

Another second-year defenseman, Salvatore Didomenico, is a “bone bruiser, a very physical player,” Goepfert said.

He added that Butler will not be a flashy-looking team this year.

“Not if we're going to win,” Goepfert declared. “We have to work hard, do the job in the corners, win in the dirty areas on the ice.

“We're going to have to outwork teams.”