The Norwin Knights hockey team is in the stretch run for a Section 3 title, as well as a playoff spot in the PIHL Class AAA Penguins Cup playoffs.

Two of the main reasons that the team is in contention for one of the best seasons in Norwin's recent history, with a record of 6-5-2, are being rewarded for their impressive efforts.

Senior forward Phil Gigliotti and senior goaltender Zack Stewart each have been selected to compete for the Northeast Conference at the 2008 Class AAA All-Star game.

Stewart, who is making a second straight All-Star appearance, is one of the top goalies in the league this season and boasts a goals against average of 2.37 despite facing 323 shots on goal.

"He deserves it. He worked his butt off. He's been the backbone of our team," coach Denny Zeravica said. "I think he's faced the most shots in the league this season. We know we can count on him back there. It lets the kids play more freely and not worry when the puck's in our zone."

Gigliotti, who led Norwin with 13 goals last year, is Norwin's leading scorer with seven goals and eight assists. He's averaging better than a point per game this season.

"I still think he can do more. I'm going to ask him to be more of a playmaker and distribute the puck," the second-year coach said. "Hopefully, he leads us down the stretch here. This is his senior year. He's never made the playoffs in his Norwin career. I know he's looking forward to that."

In the Class AAA game, the Norwin duo, as members of the Northeast team, will take on the Southwest team on Jan. 26, at 5 p.m. at the Airport Ice Arena in Moon. The Open game will start things off at 11 a.m., followed by the Class A game at 1 p.m and the Class AA game at 3 p.m.