California, PA – The Vulcans are saddened to announce the unexpected passing of current player Alex Orange on June 4, 2023. Alex was a member of the Vulcans for one season however he managed to make significant contributions both on and off the ice for the program. 

Alex was from Washington Township, PA where he attended Kiski Area High School. While at PennWest he was studying Digital Media and was involved across campus. If Alex was not on the ice he enjoyed taking part in various outdoor activities and rescuing cats.

Those that wish to pay their condolences to the family can do so at the Curran-Shaffer Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. on Friday June 9th from 3 – 7 pm or Saturday June 10th from 10 – 11 am. There will be a Celebration of Life beginning at 11 am on Saturday June 10th at the Curran-Shaffer Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc.

The family has asked that if you wish to honor Alex please make contributions to the Kiski Valley Cat and Kitten Rescue, PO Box 19, Apollo, PA 15613.

FOLLOW THE ACTION
Dates: Saturday, February 18th
Place: Rostraver Ice Garden Belle Vernon, PA
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Teams: PennWest California Vulcans (6-2, 6-2 ) | Robert Morris University Colonials – D4 (7-4, 6-2)

Watch | Follow: LiveBarn | @VulcansHockey

THE MATCHUP

• Saturday’s matchup marks the College Hockey East M4 Division Championship.
• The Vulcans will pick back up against the Colonials, whom they last faced off against two weeks ago at the Island Sports Complex.
• Since falling to the Vulcans in the opening contest of the season, the Colonials only losses have come against St. Vincent College of the CHE M3 division.
• Other than the Vulcans, the Colonials have only been defeated this season by St. Vincent from the M3 division. The Vulcans, on the other hand, have only been defeated this season by Carnegie Mellon.

WHEN THE VULCANS AND COLONIALS LAST MET

• The two teams met two weeks ago on with the Vulcans on the road.
• The contest began with the Vulcans off to a quick start finding the back of the net three times in the first period.
• In the second, the teams split goals, with the Vulcans holding a 4-1 advantage heading into the final period of play.
• However, the third and final period saw the Colonials control the play as they managed three goals in under 12 minutes of play. Although it proved to be too little too late as the Vulcans held on to the 5-4 victory.
• Aiden Flaim and Gavin Gebhart led the way for the Vulcans in the contest each posting two goals. In net it was John Popielarcheck who stopped 41 of 44 shots faced.
• Check out the Full box score.

BALANCE…..BUT HOLD ON

• The Vulcans have managed to create balance in scoring.
• Over the course of the season, they have outscored opponents in eight games 51-35, with those 51 goals being evenly spaced 17 per each period.
• However, it is the third period where their opponents have the greatest success.
• During the first and second periods, they outscore opponents evenly as well, 17-10 in both periods, but in the third, it is 17-15.

VULCANS LEADING THE WAY

• Avery Ball (13 goals, five assists, and 18 points) and Xavier Rolin (eight goals, three assists, and 11 points) lead the way for the Vulcans.
• John Popielarcheck has started 6 of 8 games this season for the Vulcans, posting a record of 5-1. Additionally, John has accumulated a 3.33 goals-against average .910 save percentage.