The Beaver Area hockey team is looking to build this season off their first playoff appearance in eight years.

Under the leadership of Joshua Bioni the Bobcats made the playoffs last season for the first time since 2016 and the ice cats are looking to go further than the first round this year.

The Bobcats first game of the new season was a road game at Shaler October 3 where they got off to a rough start falling 8-1 with the lone goal being scored by senior Trevor Schmidt.

Looking to bounce back from the first game Beaver Area had their home opener October 10 against Meadville at the Brady’s Run Ice Arena. After tying up the game late with goals from freshman Mike Derda and Brooke Goulder it was 2-2 going into overtime. Unfortunately, the Bobcats fell short in overtime 3-2.

Another home game was up next for the Bobcats October 17 against McDowell when they would fall short again, losing the game late. After the first period it was tied 1-1 thanks to a goal by senior Zack Masters, but unfortunately the Cats let in three straight goals and lost 4-1.

Still searching for their first win the Bobcats traveled to Westmont Hilltop October 24. The ice cats netted their first win of the season 4-1 with goals by Masters and Goulder and sophomore Sammy Mecchia scoring twice.

“Our season has started out alright. We are a really young team compared to other teams in our division. Moving forward as a team, hopefully we can focus on the little things to start the rebuilding process as we lost nine seniors last year,” said senior Trevor Schmidt.

The Bobcats next home game will be against Plum November 7 at the Brady’s Run Ice Arena at 8:50 p.m.