The Parkland High School ice hockey team defeated rival Emmaus last Monday night at the Bethlehem Area Municipal rink. By doing so, the Trojans set up a pivotal, must-win game in their season finale to try to make the Lehigh Valley Scholastic Hockey League playoffs.

“We needed this one,” said head coach Chad Loomis. “Every game at the end of the regular season is crucial, but we wanted something to play for in our finale coming up and we always want to beat Emmaus.”

It was a busy week for Parkland as that game with the Green Hornets was their third in a span of four days. Having depth as they always do has been the key.

“We’re getting contributions from a lot of different players,” Loomis said. “It’s been needed. There are some tired legs with all of the games we’ve had lately.”

The night before beating Emmaus the Trojans dropped a one-goal game against Southern Lehigh, ending a three-game win streak. The Spartans, the top team in the LVSHL, scored two third-period goals to hold on.

“Losing to Southern Lehigh Sunday night was certainly disappointing,” said Loomis. “We just didn’t do the little things well and took too many unnecessary penalties. That’s a good, fast team and they’re in first place for a reason. Fortunately, we split with them during the season, so that will help us with our confidence.”

Parkland is fighting for the last of just four playoff spots. The Trojans currently sit in sixth place in the league standings, but have one final game against the team ahead of them, Northampton.

“This game coming up with them is a big one,” Loomis said. “It’s going to be a pre-playoff game and have that playofflike atmosphere. It’s a must win, for both teams, to earn a spot in the postseason. At this point of the season, I think every team is relying heavily on their senior group. Northampton knocked us out last year and always play tough. Our guys have a lot to prove, and they will have the opportunity to do so.”

The Trojans and their senior class want at least another game in the playoffs to play. They are used to the big games and have won multiple league titles in their time in the program.