It's been three years and three trips to the PIHL Class AA Penguins Cup semifinals for the seniors on the Franklin Regional hockey team.

Making it four-for-four is a goal ... with the caveat that they'd like to take an extra step or two.

The Panthers lost in the 2007 semifinals to Thomas Jefferson, the following year they got to the final before losing to Greater Latrobe and the two-time reigning state champion Wildcats ended Franklin Regional's season again last year in the semifinals.

The Panthers' veterans are playoff-tested, and they want to finish their careers with a Penguins Cup and a shot to play for a state championship.

"We have that as part of our foundation, we know what it's like, we know what we need to get there, and I feel we like we're on the track for getting there so far this season," said team captain John Miller.

Franklin Regional is 3-1 heading into a big game tonight against Bishop Canevin, which is also expected to be one of Class AA's top teams. The Panthers' only loss is to No. 1-ranked Peters Township.

"We're definitely playing top-notch hockey this season," said Miller, who also plays for the Pittsburgh ViperStars under-18 'AAA' amateur team. "We've been really working well as a team and pulling through. It's a good team and there's a lot more team chemistry the past two years.

"I'm happy with the hard work and effort we're putting forth. Our forechecking has been just tremendous. We've really been seeing a lot of people with success, having career years."

Roland Pastucha is in his first season as the team's head coach, taking over for Jim Daugherty, who filled that role for many years. Pastucha has coached various levels of hockey in the area over the past several years and was Franklin Regional's junior varsity coach last season.

"I think it's worked out quite well actually," Miller said. "I know he had most of these players on the JV team last year, so things such as the system and power plays and everything pretty much stayed the same, and that helps us quite a bit."

"I like what we have," Pastucha said. "We have a great group of kids. They play hard every game they play."

The Panthers are led by an experienced core of senior captains who have been there for all the success the program has experienced over the past few years.

Pastucha said Miller has been a strong captain and the bedrock of the team's defensemen. He had 32 points in 22 regular-season games last season and had 10 points through three games already this season. Forwards Steve Shirk and Ryan Crossey serve as alternate captains.

Crossey had four goals through three games, and heading into the week, Shirk lead Class AA in goals with nine, despite playing in only three games to that point. He was second in points with 14.

"He's a tremendous offensive player for us," Miller said. "He works hard every second he's on the ice, and he's a real talented player. Also as a goal-scorer, any shot he has, he finishes. He's just a true finisher."

Shirk had 54 points, including 32 goals, in 21 games last regular season.

"Steve sees the ice really well," Pastucha said. "He picks his head up, and he knows exactly where he's going with the puck as soon as he gets the puck.

"Johnny Miller, it's the same thing. He can take the puck from one end of the ice to the other. He sees the ice really well. That's what sets them apart from other kids; they see the whole ice."

Forward Anthony Talamo is another senior who has been with the program throughout its run of success.

Junior Lucas Chiala, sophomores Nico Cecere and Matt Barnett and seniors Vinny Benaquista and Daniel Adamek also play up front. Sophomores Justin Carter and Mackenzie McGuire and junior Kyle Chaffo skate with Miller as defensemen.

Sophomore Max Zahrobsky and senior Michael Owens have been splitting the goaltending duties.

"Our goal for this season is obviously to win our section [title] and make it back to Mellon Arena," said Miller, referring to the site of the Penguins Cup semifinals and final. "But most important, I think, is coming together as a team and improving each game. That's the way we can make it to the Mellon Arena."

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