Fox Chapel Area freshman Tucker Cullen exploded for five goals and two assists, propelling the host Foxes to a 10-7 win against Penn-Trafford on Thursday at the Alpha Ice Complex in Harmar.

As a result, Fox Chapel improved to 9-5-1, and with 19 points, moved into fifth place in the PIHL Class AA. Conversely, Penn-Trafford dropped to 6-6-2, and with 14 points, remained in seventh in the classification.

The Foxes never trailed in the high-scoring affair, as they gained an early lead on a power play goal from Liam Wiseman less than five minutes into the contest. The Warriors drew even courtesy of a freshman phenom of their own, as Aiden Drotos scored the first of his four goals less than two minutes later. However, Cullen netted two goals in a span of 13 seconds, giving Fox Chapel an advantage it would not relinquish again.

While Drotos scored late in first to make it 3-2, the Foxes tallied twice early in the second stanza, pushing their lead to three goals. After TJ Ferguson pulled PT back within two, Cullen completed the hat trick.

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Cullen struck twice more in the third period, putting the Fox Chapel lead out of reach. Nate Sarra also tallied two goals in the third, which offset two more goals from Drotos.

In addition to Cullen’s seven-point explosion, Sarra posted a hat trick and an assist for Fox Chapel, while Wiseman and Dom Casile had three-point efforts. Joe Rattner earned the win between the pipes for the Foxes, making 36 saves.

In the setback, Drotos and Bryce Kropczynski each had four points, as Kropczynski posted a goal and dished out three helpers, while Cam Kiste notched a pair of assists. Warriors starting goalie Tyler Funk surrendered six goals, while Cam Farrow took the loss in relief, allowing four goals.

The Warriors return to the ice on Monday, hosting South Fayette at the Palmer Imaging Arena in Delmont, while the Foxes welcome Greater Latrobe on Jan. 29 at the Alpha Ice Complex.