Brandon Zittrer took over as a first-year head coach of the Freedom hockey program in the Lehigh Valley Scholastic Hockey League (LVSHL) this winter with an open plate in front of him. The former assistant simply was satisfied to make the necessary adjustments to the program.

"I came in with no expectations," said Zittrer. "I didn't have any set goals for them. I viewed this season as a possible rebuilding year and thought I could do my best to really develop the program.

"But the guys have really pulled together this season. Any major accomplishment for us will be a bonus."

Currently, Freedom finds itself in the hunt for either the third or fourth spot in the newly revamped LVSHL playoff format. This season, the league went to one overall division with the top four teams from the overall eight making the playoffs.

Freedom began the week with an overall 4-3-2 mark and 10 points, tied with Central/Beca for the fourth and final playoff spot. They were three points behind third-place Emmaus, which defeated them last week to elevate them into their new position.

The Patriots also have fifth-place and defending champion Northampton on their heels with eight points.

Freedom had three games left that began with second-place Phillipsburg and then they are scheduled to finish the year with Central-Becahi in a key matchup (Jan. 27) and a rematch with Phillipsburg (Feb. 10).

The Patriots will also play archrival Liberty (combined with Southern Lehigh in the LVSHL) in the inaugural Bethlehem Winter Classic Feb. 5 at the Municipal Rink. Zittrer wasn't sure if the contest would count as a league game or simply be an exhibition.

Whatever the case, the Patriots can be in control of their own destiny down the stretch.

Brendan Driscoll has been the Patriots' leading scorer with 21 goals and nine assists for 30 points. Alex Ramos has five goals and 17 assists for 22 points, and Brandon Manganiello rounds out the top three scorers on the team and those in double figures as Manganiello has two goals and 15 assists for 17 points.

Jarrett Ballister has been a mainstay in the nets as he has a 5.11 goals against average with a .886 save percentage.

Despite not having a deep squad, Zittrer believes his club can be in the postseason.

"We really came together as a team the past few games," he said. "We really don't have a deep bench, either, so we have to make the most of our opportunities. We have to play fundamentally sound and keep working as a unit.

"If we can win the last three games and get into the playoffs, it will be a great season for us. Whatever happens, though, it has been a solid year and gives us reasons to look to the future."