It was a long bus ride home from Meadville on Monday night for the Norwin hockey team, but despite dropping a 7-1 decision to the Bulldogs, the Knights managed to remain upbeat by recalling their significant accomplishments from the past four months.

After posting a 9-8-3 record this season, Norwin earned the 10th seed in the PIHL Class AAA Penguins Cup playoffs.

The postseason trip was the program's first since 1994. It also was the first winning season for the Knights since '94.

"I'm very proud of them. I couldn't be more proud of any kid on that team," coach Denny Zeravica said. "It was definitely a new experience for all of them."

In just two seasons under Zeravica, Norwin has regained its swagger on the ice and laid the foundation to become a winning program in the years to come.

Although players were emotional after their playoff loss Monday night, the spirits in the locker room remained positive as the underclassmen began to look forward to next season.

"I was happy to see that," Zeravica said. "It showed how much they all cared about their teammates, their team and the organization."

Meadville (13-5-3) jumped out to a 2-0 lead after Norwin committed quick penalties early in the contest. That turned into a 3-0 by the end of the first period. The Bulldogs added three more in the second period to go ahead 6-0.

Norwin was shorthanded on defense for most of the game, as sophomore Ralph Destefano was out with a shoulder injury. Senior forward Phil Gigliotti moved back to man the blue line is his place.

The Knights managed to get on the board in the third period as a trio of seniors teamed for for the score. Matt Vunovic found the back of the net on assists from Justin Oroukin and Adam Ference. Despite giving up seven goals, senior goaltender Zach Stewart made more than 30 saves in the loss. Senior Jonathan Gwaley also played his final game for Norwin.

"I wish I had those seniors back for another year because they put it all out there for me every game," the coach said. "I couldn't ask for anything more. They worked hard every game."

While the high school careers of six seniors ended Monday, several other promising ones will continue next season at Norwin.

Leading scorer Anthony Maroadi, a sophomore, will be back after netting 11 goals and adding 10 assists this season. Fellow scoring forwards Neil Stewart (three goals, 17 assists) and Nico Vecchio (five goals, 13 assists), both freshman, also will be back, along with junior Josh Schweitzer (five goals, five assists), sophomore Andrew Mastele (one goal, three assists) and freshman Brandon Tomasic (one goal).

Back on defense will be junior Steve Saksa, who missed most of the season after being suspended by the PIHL, as well as junior Tom Svec, freshman Steve Sonnik and Destefano.

Junior Mike Pelino is expected to take over in net.

"We've taken steps forward. They have laid the foundation that can carry us to new better heights down the road," the coach said. "We have a good core group of kids coming back. I just see us getting better each year."