Article written by Sean Meyers and republished with permission from TribLive.

The PIHL regular season is drawing to a close, and most teams have at least one game remaining. Several matchups carry significant playoff implications. 

The top seed is up for grabs in Class AAA, and the final playoff spots in each classification are not decided. 

MELTING THE ICE 

Class AAA: Cathedral Prep and Butler (four-game win streaks) — With one game left on its schedule, Cathedral Prep is in contention for the top seed. The Ramblers beat Bethel Park, 7-3, last week, and defeated North Allegheny, Peters Township and Canon-McMillan during their surge. Cathedral Prep has 25 points, which is tied for second, one point behind Seneca Valley. The Ramblers conclude their schedule at home against Plum on Thursday. Butler defeated defending champion Peters Township, 4-2, last Monday. The Golden Tornado also beat Central Catholic, Bethel Park and North Allegheny during its streak. The Golden Tornado can clinch fifth place with a victory in their final game at Canon-McMillan on Tuesday. 

Class AA: Latrobe (three-game win streak) — The South/East Division has been tightly contested all season, but the IceCats finally created some separation. Latrobe has won three in a row: a 4-3 win against Franklin Regional last Monday, preceded by lopsided victories against Upper St. Clair and Shaler Area. Latrobe's 26 points ranks second in the classification, behind Armstrong's 30.

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