Central Region

MONROEVILLE - Shaler is atop the PIHL North Division this season under Rich Michlowski and is a surprise team in that role. Gateway on the other hand is in a battle with Plum in the PIHL East division. The Gators came out like world beaters in the opening frame and outhit, outworked and outshot (16-5) the Titans in every aspect of the game. Results were evident as Justin Scott, Matt Kopaczynski and Lucas Pepper tallied to give Gateway a 3-0 lead. In the second, Shaler came back as John Kearney took a pass in the slot and beat David Himes to get the Titans on the board. Shaler took advantage of some sloppy play by the Gators to outshoot them 10-8 in the middle period. In the final period, Chris Manchester scored on the power play on a bang bang play and all of the sudden Shaler was within one. Tim Szczpinski, who plays like he's a nose tackle in a football game, got the tying goal with a little over five minutes to play. The Gators had several chances including the power play at the end of the third and into overtime. The best coming as Ken McLeary's backhander went over the open net in the final minute of OT. Gateway outshot Shaler 38-27 on the night.