YSU headed to CHMA playoffs

YOUNGSTOWN — The Youngstown State hockey team will participate in the College Hockey Mid-America League playoffs in Shannon, Pa., this weekend.

The Penguins have won four of their last six regular season games, including wins over No. 14-ranked Michigan-Dearborn and CHMA rivals John Carroll and Indiana (Pa.).

Penguins coach Rocky Russo said the goaltending of Matthew Jacob and Adam Chudnofsky have been the cornerstone of YSU’s run to the playoffs.

“I can’t say enough about Matt and Adam,” said Russo. “Both have been stellar in net, and Matt has also contributed as a forward with a goal and an assist in three games.”

Russo said Kevin Pawlos and the rest of YSU’s defensemen are doing the little things to spur the Penguins into postseason play.

“Our defensive corps of Pawlos, Michael Kestas, Alex Arnold and Jeremy Ragone have been fantastic,” said Russo, in his fourth season with the YSU program as head coach. “They are making simple plays and consistently getting the puck out of the defensive zone.”

YSU finished with a 6-7-1 record in the CHMA, giving them 13 points and the sixth seed for the playoffs. The Penguins edged out Slippery Rock (5-7-0) for the final spot in the postseason.

Youngstown State opens the playoffs against IUP on Friday at 6 p.m.The Penguins were 1-1 against the Crimson Hawks this season.