Being able to reload with exceptional talent is part of the reason the Pine-Richland Rams ice hockey team is playing in their fourth Penguins Cup game in as many years. During their two championship seasons, the Rams relied on Andrew "Stoney" Hildreth to keep the puck out of the net, but with Hildreth graduating last year, the Rams were in search of a new net minder.

As with any championship team, a little luck sometimes factors into the equation, and the Rams' luck was golden once again as Dan Szymanski and his family moved into town over the summer, and the Rams once again had a wall between the pipes.

"I grew up in Phoenix and I was a big Coyotes fan," Szymanski said. "I went to my first hockey game, a playoff game, and I loved it."

Szymanski began his hockey career as a defenseman, but moved to goalie after attending some camps. He put on the pads and has been in net ever since.

"I love the pressure," Szymanski said. "Even in school, I do better under pressure. I enjoy stopping goals rather than scoring them."

Szymanski gives all the credit in the world to the squad in front of him.

"I watched last year's Penguins Cup game and this team is so good," he said. "Hockey in Arizona was nothing like this. I just thank coach (Bob) Kennedy for the opportunity. Joe Mahoney is also a very good goalie here."

Szymanski knew he would have to raise his level of play if he was to help the Rams reach their goal of another state title. Szymanski's goal is to win a state title in high school, and now the Rams are only two wins away.

"To be successful, we have to play the way we have all season," Szymanski said. "We have to treat it like any other game. We can't be overconfident like that first game against Canon-McMillan. They gave us a game and that was a slap in the face that taught us we can't rely on what happened in the past, we have to treat every game as a new one."

Szymanski has always been kind of a team leader and can step up and make the big saves. He likes to see some shots early to get in the groove and build up some confidence.

When he came to Pine-Richland, the style of play was new to him, but with Kennedy and assistant coaches Troy Loney and Matt Richert, Szymanski was able to learn the system and enjoy a very successful season.

"I strive to be the best at what I do," Szymanski said. "I was near the top in save percentage, and being the new guy, the pressure was on me to make a name for myself."

Szymanski will have a chance to make a name for himself once again tonight, as the Rams will play for the Penguins Cup against Bethel Park.

The environment won't be all that foreign to Szymanski, since this year the semifinal game was played at Mellon Arena.

"I have never played in anything like that," he said. "Coming out of the tunnel and getting out onto the ice really got my blood flowing. It's a little nerve wracking I give a lot of credit to the pros. That is an amazing feeling."

Szymanski misses a lot of things about his former hometown, but said his teammates took him right in.

"I loved this whole experience and made friends quickly," he said.