Pitt Panthers win home opener, 4-1, over Cleary Cougars

Pitt Panthers forward Jacob Gilbert (18) attempts a shot against Cleary Cougars defenseman Tommy Madden (5) during a game at Alpha Ice Complex on Friday, October 16, 2026. (Ed Major | PHC)

HARMAR Twp., Pa. —Three straight goals pushed the Pitt Panthers over the Cleary Cougars, 4-1, Friday night at Alpha Ice Complex.

FULL GALLERY

After an early first period goal from Pitt defenseman Andreas Forand was called off after review due to an offsides, Forand put the Panthers up 1-0 just five minutes later at the 10:06 mark. It was the resultant of an offensive effort that was clearly breaking Cleary.

Bryan Wojdelko made it 2-0 Pitt just five minutes later, and Thomas Conner Ralston added to the Panther lead early in the second period to make it 3-0.

While Cleary got on the board with just nine seconds to go in the second period, the Panthers showed that the Cougar comeback was not going to happen. Quinten Shaffer put a shorthanded goal behind Cleary goaltender Nicholas Meyering with just 5 seconds left on the Panther penalty kill after a Brayden Goddard interference call.

Pitt goaltender Joe Ambroffi saved 20 of 21 shots in the win. Meyering saved 28 of 32 shots in the loss for Cleary.