Holding on to hope: PIHL championships still suspended rather than canceled

By Jose Negron

jnegron@yourmvi.com

When the PIAA announced the cancellation of winter championships and spring sports Thursday, Ringgold hockey coach Rick Kalinowski figured a move by the PIHL would follow. 

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he anticipated the league would cancel all varsity playoff games, including his team’s Class B championship game appearance against Carrick.

“I thought the PIHL was going to follow the PIAA like it did the first time when it suspended everything,” Kalinowski said. “When I saw the PIAA came out with its announcement, it was almost heartbreaking.” 

Kalinowski’s heartbreaking scenario didn’t become a reality, though. 

Hours after the PIAA’s announcement, the PIHL released a statement saying varsity playoffs remain suspended indefinitely. They were initially suspended March 12. 

The championship games for Class B, Class A and Class AA were originally slated to take place the week of March 16 at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry. Class AAA still had a pair of semifinal games to play before its championship contest. 

“The PIHL will continue to monitor the situation regarding the six remaining varsity games,” the statement reads. “Our goal is to provide every opportunity to allow those games to be played.” 

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