La Salle 7 Peters Township 3

La Salle got contributions from all hands Saturday afternoon. The result was a state championship. Seven different players scored goals in the course of a 7-3 win over Peter Township in the Class AAA Pennsylvania Cup championship game at the Robert Morris University Sports Center outside of Pittsburgh.

The win gave the Explorers (16-9-2) their seventh state title, their first since 2019.

“It was a great team effort,” said La Salle coach Wally Muehlbronner.

The Explorers broke the game open with four unanswered goals in the second period.

Charlie Kennedy gave La Salle a 1-0 lead with 41 seconds left in the first period when he put in a rebound of his own shot from the right point.

Will Tomko tied the game for the Indians early in the second period off an offensive left-circle faceoff.

But La Salle dominated the remainder of the period. Julian Tarsi, Evan Golato, Chase Hannon, and Ryan Desmond scored goals to give the Explorers a 5-1 lead at period’s end.

Peters Township (18-4-1) which came into the game as the defending state champion, drew closer with a pair of goals that made it a 5-3 game with 11:02 still left in regulation but Michael Zarzycki extended La Salle’s lead at the 7:39 mark.

Max Monzo finished the scoring with an empty net goal with 1:16 remaining.

““The boys truly bought in and gave one of their best performances of the season,” Muehlbronner said. “Our senior leadership this season was outstanding.”

Ice chips—La Salle’s previous state titles came in 1998, 2008-09, 2012, 2016, and 2019.

South Fayette 7 Pennsbury 4

 South Fayette scored three goals in just under two minutes late in the third period to score a 7-4 win over Pennsbury in the Pennsylvania Cup Class AA championship game at the Robert Morris Sports Center just outside of Pittsburgh.

Wes Schwarzmiller scored his second goal of the game with 2:57 remaining in regulation to break a 4-4 tie. The game-winning goal came when the senior darted down the left wing and launched a shot from below the circle that caught the top right corner of the net.

Nolan Murphy added an insurance goal for the Lions with 1:33 remaining.

Brayden Imler added an empty-net goal for the Lions (19-3-2) with 1:06 remaining. Allen Schraeder got the win in goal.

Brendan MacAinsh and Justin Marlin scored two goals each for Pennsbury. Each scored once to give the Falcons a 2-0 lead with 5:39 left in the first period before South Fayette scored four straight goals to take a 4-2 lead early in the second period.

Marlin scored for the Falcons with 9:38 left in the period before MacAinsh added his second goal to send the two teams into the third period tied 4-4.

“We found ourselves in a pretty familiar situation,” said Pennsbury coach Ryan Daley. “Down a couple goals midway through the second. We called a timeout and tried to reset the boys and before you know it, we’ve got a tie game going into the third.”

Daley said his team didn’t get as many shot attempts as he would have liked in the late going.”We might have been a little tired, a little fatigued,” he said. “We probably didn’t get as many shots, especially in the third, as I would have liked.”

Pennsbury, which closed the season at 18-7, was making its fourth appearance in a state final.  The Falcons won the Class AA state title in 1985 and lost Class A state championship games in 1993 and 2000.

Pennsbury 2 2 0—4

S. Fayette 3 1 0 3—7

First-period goals: Brendan MacAinsh (P) from Logan Doyle, 3:20; Justin Marlin (P) from MacAinsh 11:20 (sh); Ryan Cirra (SF) from Tyler Brandebura and Jackson Brabdebura, 11:49 (pp); Rtler Brandebura (SF) from Brayden Imler, 12:32 (pp); Brayden Reighard (SF) from Jackson Brandebura, (sh)

Second-period goals: Wes Schwarzmiller (SF unassisted, 2:39; Marlin (P) from MacCainsh, 7:20 (pp) MacAinsh (P) unassisted, 15:59

Third-period goals: Schwarzmiller (SF) from Brady Fleck 14:03, Nolan Mirphy (SF) from Imler, 15:26; Imler (SF) unassisted, 15:52 (en)

Shots: Pennsbury 33, South Fayette 35; Saves: Aaron McDaniel 28, Allen Schrader (SF) 29

State Championship Schedule

The Pennsylvania Cup championship games are scheduled for Saturday. All three games will be played at the

Robert Morris University Island Sports Center inNeville Township, PA

Here’s the schedule

Class A

West Chester East 8 Kiski 1

Third consecutive state title for West Chester East and fifth overall.

Class AA 2:00 PM

Pennsbury vs. South Fayette

Class 3A    5:00 PM
La Salle vs. Peters Township

La Salle 2 Holy Ghost Prep 1 OT

HATFIELD TOWNSHIP—Two hockey teams lifted their games and their sport into the clouds Tuesday night, and brought a full house at Hatfield Ice along for the ride. It was La Salle that emerged victorious, 2-1 in overtime over Holy Ghost Prep in the Class AAA Flyers Cup championship game.

Chase Hannon scored the winning goal 6:19 into overtime to give the top-seeded Explorers (15-9-2) their first Flyers Cup title since 2019 and their 12thoverall. They will face defending champion Peters Township for the Class AAA state title on Saturday in Pittsburgh.

The second-seeded Firebirds finished their season at 18-8. Tuesday’s game brought down the curtain on the career of Holy Ghost Prep coach Gump Whiteside, who announced his retirement earlier this season

Hannon, a senior, scored both of his team’s goals.

“It’s awesome,” he said. “I lost a Flyers Cup my sophomore year (to Malvern Prep) in overtime, so, to win in overtime was great redemption.”

There was little to choose between the Explorers and the Firebirds through 51 minutes of regulation hockey and six minutes of overtime. La Salle’s Aries Carangi and Holy Ghost Prep’s Colin Mudrick were in top form in their respective nets. Mudrick denied La Salle’s James Carpenter on a backhander from close range early in the second period; it may have been the best save of the net by either goaltender.

John Seravalli gave the Firebirds a 1-0 lead 3:23 into the second period on a shot that came directly off an offensive right-circle faceoff. Hannon answered at the 11:49 mark after recovering a loose puck in the offensive zone.

But both goaltenders were sharp and knew their opposite number was as well. The two netminders embraced on the ice following the game.

Carangi, a senior was gratified he was able to play a part in his team’s win. He wound up winning the Bobby Clarke Award as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

“My sophomore year, I was a part of that team when we lost in overtime,” he said. “I was out with an injury and it felt like I couldn’t help my team at all.

“So, it felt really good to be out there, and do my job out for the guys and help them get this win today.”

Hannon’s winning goal came on a shot from the top of the right faceoff circle that rocketed past Mudrick under the crossbar. He sald he and his teammates were confident going into overtime.

“The mindset was ‘Score a goal,’” he said. “And win. If anyone on our team did it, we were happy about it. It didn’t matter who if we got the job done.”

And it was the Explorers who celebrated at evening’s end, while Whiteside reflected on his team’s effort.

“It’s one of the best games I’ve ever been involved with as a coach,” he said. “Both teams played really well. I thought either team could have won it. I thought our boys responded well and I’m just really proud of the effort our kids gave. 

“I just wish they had a better result, but it was a tremendous high-school hockey game.”

Ice chips: Besides Carangi, the All-Tournament team included Hannon and Thomas Doucet from La Salle and Seravalli, Brady Baehser, and Ciaran Chambers from Holy Ghost Prep.

Holy Ghost Prep 0 1 0 0—1

La Salle 0 1 0 1—2

Second-period goals: John Seravalli (HGP) from Shaun Moore, 3:23; Chase Hannon (L) unassisted, 11:49

Overtime goal: Hannon (L) from Evan Golato and Ryan Desmond 6:19

Shots: Holy Ghost Prep 35, La Salle 35; Saves; Colin Mudrick (HGP) 33, Aries Carangi (L) 34

Pennsbury 5 Pennridge 3

HATFIELD TOWNSHIP— After a long and arduous journey, Pennsbury has reached the mountaintop. Justin Marlin’s goal with 8:19 left in the third period was the game winner as the Falcons downed Pennridge 5-3 Tuesday night in the Class AA Flyers Cup championship game at Hatfield Ice.

It’s the third Flyers Cup title in school history and the first for the Falcons at the Class AA level.

 Pennsbury (18-6), the fifth seed in the tournament, will face South Fayette, the Penguins Cup champion, for the state championship on Saturday in Pittsburgh.

Second-seeded Pennridge, the defending champion, finished the season at 16-6.

Brendan MacAinsh scored three goals and received the Bobby Clarke Most Valuable Player Award.

“That was exciting,” MacAinsh said of the win. “I’ve been waiting a long time for something like that.”

After a relatively quiet opening sequence, Shane Dachowski put the Rams in front 4:39 into the opening frame, off a feed from Tyler Manto.

Pennsbury goaltender Aaron McDaniel was busy in the opening session; Pennridge generated 12 shots in the first period while holding the Falcons to nine. One of those eight came on a shorthanded breakaway in the waning second of the period but Jacob Winston denied MacAinsh with just under nine seconds remaining.

The game’s intensity level picked up with 5:08 left in the second period when Marlin delivered a hard hit to Dachowski along the right wall in the Pennridge offensive zone. Dachowski stayed down on the ice for a time before being helped to the bench. He would return for the third period No penalty was called on the play and the tempo of the game picked up from there.

Less than two minutes later, Marlin assisted MacAinsh’s game-tying goal which came off a Pennridge turnover. With 75 seconds left in the period MacAinsh put his team in front with a slapshot from the right post that caught iron as it entered the net.

The third period featured the offensive fireworks that might have been expected from two teams that scored 37 goals between them in three previous meetings. 

MacAinsh said the break after the second period to resurface the ice gave he and his teammates a chance to refocus.

 “That break really helped us,” he said. “We’re usually gassed in the (second period). That break makes us come out on fire even more, every time.”

Evan Eisler extended Pennbury’s lead 2:35 into the period but Tyler Manto (during a power play) and Dachowski (during a shorthanded breakaway) scored goals 84 seconds apart to tie the game with 11:14 left in regulation.

Marlin’s goal, which came when he corralled a loose puck the Pennridge zone, proved decisive. The senior defenseman called Tuesday’s result a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and an opportunity to move past disappointments.

“Especially being a senior here,” he said. “We’ve been close (but) this year we weren’t letting it go.

Pennridge coach Jeff Montagna credited the Falcons for their effort.

“They did what champions do,” he said. “We threw everything we had at them. And you know what? Props to Pennsbury and props to (McDaniel).

“I told MacAinsh after the game he’s as good a player that’s come through this league. He’s as good a leader that’s come through this league. If we’re going to lose to somebody, I’d rather lose to him.

Ice chips: The All-Tournament team included MacAinsh, Dachowski, Marlin, McDaniel, Colin Dachowski (Pennridge) and Andrew Falkenstein (Pennsbury)

Pennsbury 0 2 3—5

Pennridge 1 0 2—3

First-period goals Shane Dachowski (Pr) from Tyler Manto, 4:39

Second-period goals: Brendan MacAinsh (Pb) from Justin Marlin, 13:38; MacAinsh (Pb) from Marlin, 15:45

Third-period goals: Evan Eisler (Pb) from Andrew Falkenstein, 2:35; Manto (Pr) from James Rush, 4:22 (pp); Shane Dachowski (Pr) from Kevin Pico, 5:46 (sh); Justin Marlin (Pb) unassisted, 8:41; MacAinsh (Pb) unassisted, 16:59

Shots: Pennsbury 29, Pennridge 37; Saves: Aaron McDaniel (Pb) 34, Jacob Winston (Pr) 24

High School Players Join With Philadelphia Blind Hockey to Celebrate the Game

Hockey is a game for all. That was the message sent Sunday morning as Philadelphia Blind Hockey celebrated its 2022-23 by welcoming some special guests to the Laura Sims Skate House in West Philadelphia.

Players from four area high schools, Pennridge, Malvern Prep, Penncrest, and Haverford High shared the ice with some of the young participants in Philadelphia Blind Hockey, a program that was launched in 2021 to provide access to hockey for children and adults who are blind or visually impaired

Players from the four schools made biweekly Sunday-morning visits during the season to work with the program’ participants and coaches. Sunday’s effort was essentially a celebration of the season, one that was highlighted by the Flyers Cup Committee’s presentation of a $2,500 check to Philadelphia Blind Hockey.

Kelsey McGuire is the program’s founder and executive director

“The high school teams have been great,” she said. “Our coaches are very eager to learn because none of them really have a background in visual impairment, so having them learn has been a process, and` having the school teams come out has really helped them and encouraged them to be better coaches as well.”


 Blind hockey is a modified form of the game for the visually impaired. It is played using standard hockey rules with some exceptions. The puck is made of steel and is larger than a traditional rubber puck; 5 ¼ inches in diameter and 1 7/8 inches thick.  It weights 220 grams or 7.76 oz. (A traditional puck is made of vulcanized rubber and is three inches in diameter and one inch thick and weights between 5 ½ and 6 oz.)

The puck contains eight ball bearings which ensure the puck moves more slowly on the ice than its traditional counterpart, and makes audible sounds to enable players to track the puck’s location.

The nets are 3 feet high rather than the traditional 4 feet.

Penncrest junior forward Ryan Anderson enjoyed being part of Sunday’s event and working with the participants in the program

“It’s cool because everyone loves the game,” he said. “We both love the game, so it’s kind of easy to connect.”

Anderson said his involvement in the program gave him a new perspective.

“It’s kind of eye-opening,” he said, “that they have disabilities but they still want to play. And they do play.”

Pennridge players L-R Kevin Pico, Colin Dachowski, Shane Dachowski on the ice at the Philadelphia Blnd Hockey celebration (R. Woelfel)

Penncrest coach Steve Mescanto brought his team to the Laura Sims Skate House two Sunday ago.

“They really, really enjoy it,” he said. “A lot of the parents, when we did it (on March 5) said the kids were kind of mumbling and grumbling about getting up early on a Sunday morning. And then, after the fact said that was one of the coolest things they’ve ever done.

 “They really enjoyed it and got a lot of great feedback from the kids and the parents they just really had a blast.”

Mescanto said participating in the program offered his players a learning experience.

“I think when they get to this point, it’s obvious that they love the game,” he said, “and being able to kind of give back and share that with somebody else. 

“It’s kind of cool for them and they really enjoy it. but I think it’s being able to see other people who maybe don’t have the ease of playing that they do.”

Pennridge coach Jeff looked at the Philadelphia Blind Hockey program as a learning opportunity for his players well.
“You try and tech them life lessons,” he said. The best way you can do that is they come out here and do things like this. 

I remember the last time we did this (the program participants) were so excited they had (high school) players out here skating with them and the players enjoyed it to. It is something different for them and it’ a way for them to give back.”
Senior defenseman Steven Getsie one of Malvern Prep’s captains this season, was on the ice for Sunday’s event.

“It’s really fun to be around a bunch of kids in general,” he said, “a bunch of kids that are kind of less fortunate in that they have visual impairments. I think it’s really great to see them try to do things and step outside their comfort zone 

“I think it’s really humbling to see them try something new, and it’s kind of a really fun time to see kids be really happy for achieving something.”

Click here for more information about Philadelphia Blind Hockey

Class AAA Flyers Cup Finals Preview

There will be no secrets when La Salle and Holy Ghost Prep collide for the Class AAA Flyers Cup championship Tuesday night (8:30 at Hatfield Ice). Perhaps no two area hockey teams are more familiar with each other than the top-seeded Explorers (14-9-2) and the second-seeded Firebirds (18-7).

Tuesday’s meeting will be their fourth of this season alone; Holy Ghost Prep won the first, La Salle has taken the last two including the APAC championship game on March 1st.

The Explorers have won 12 Flyers Cup titles in their history, most recently in 2019 one of those titles came as a Class AA team. The most recent of the Firebirds’ three championships came in 2017. One of those three came in the Class AA classification

La Salle (14-9-2)

Coach: Wally Muehlbronner

Players to watch: Sr. Aries Carangi (G); Sr. Ryan Warner (D) Sr. Evan Golato (F); Jr; Sr. Ryan Desmond (F)

Holy Ghost Prep (18-7)

Coach: Gump Whiteside

Players to watch: Sr. Colin Mudrick (G); Jr. Michael Holt (D); Sr. Brady Baehser (F); Sr. Kieran Mulholland (F); St. Landon Stout (F)

Previous Meetings

11-9Holy Ghost Prep 6 La Salle 2

2-13 La Salle 6 Holy Ghost Prep 5

3-1 La Salle 7 Holy Ghost Prep 3

Class AA Flyers Cup Finals Preview

Tuesday’s Class AA Flyers Cup championship game between second-seeded Pennridge and defending champion and fifth-seeded Pennsbury (6:00 at Hatfield Ice) figures to be quite a shootout. Rams and the Falcons have scored a combined 37 goals in their three meetings against each other this season. Pennsbury has won two of the three, including in the SHSHL National Division semifinals on March 1.

Pennridge’s Flyers Cup win last March is the only one in school history. Pennsbury won titles as a Class A team in 1993 and 2000. The Falcons were members of the Lower Bucks League at the time. They joined the SHSHL for the 2007-08 season.

Pennridge (16-5)

Coach: Jeff Montagna

Players to watch: So. Jacob Winton (G); Jr. Colin Dachowski (D); So. Shane Dachowski (F); Jr. Kevin Pico (F); Jr. Andrew Savona (F)

Pennsbury (17-6)

Coach: Ryan Daley

Players to watch: Jr. Aaron McDaniel (G); Sr. Justin Marlin (D); Sr. Brendan MacAinish (F); Sr. Andrew Falkenstein (F); Jr. Logan Doyle (F)

11-3 Pennsbury 6 Pennridge 3

1-12 Pennridge 11 Pennsbury 4

3-1 Pennsbury 8 Pennridge 5

Trainer Joey Lopez Personifies His Profession

Joey Lopez doesn’t think of himself as a hero. Others might think differently.

Lopez is one of the corps of athletic trainers keep watch over student-athletes during APAC and ICSHL games as well as the Flyers Cup tournament.

During games, Lope and his colleagues are constantly on the alert.

“We’re watching the game just like the fans are,” he said.” A lot of people do this because not only because they love athletic, but some of them love the sport itself.”

Lopez is particularly alert when a player is down on the ice.

“If they’re down long enough, that alerts us,” he said. “We usually give them a little bit of time to be down because it might be something minor, but if it’s something for a little bit longer time than we allow, depending on how long the athletic trainer waits, which isn’t long, that’s when our primary concerns about (the player) being injured come in and then we head out to the ice.”

Lopez, who has worked as an athletic trainer since 2017, was on duty at Ice Line on the evening of December 22 when a Father Judge player was cut by a skate blade in the second period of a game against Cardinal O’Hara.

Lopez used a tourniquet to stop the bleeding. He told Hockey Happenings that his personal and professional instincts kicked in.

“I’d never had to use a tourniquet on somebody,” he said, “but it literally just one of those things where everything else in the world does not matter. 

“It just turns into tunnel vision and knowing what I know what would I do for my kid if I had one, and treating them as your own, because essentially you can look at them as your kids because they’re under your care.”

Lopez notes that when he’s dealing with a potentially serious situation, it’s important to keep his own emotions in check.

“I have to make sure everybody else is calm,” he said. “If the kid isn’t calm, you can always make the situation worse.”

Lopez praised the coaching staffs of the two teams for their assistance on stabilizing the situation.

“The coaches called 911,” he said. “They helped out they were great. everybody was a team. It just made everything easier.”

The day after the Father Judge-Cardinal O’Hara game, the following tweet was posted on the Father Judge Twitter page.

Last night’s player of the game was  @ICSHL_hockey Athletic Trainer Joey Lopez. Joey stepped into a very serious injury situation, took control, handled the situation like a pro, directed others, & stopped a bad situation from becoming worse. Thanks Joey!  #professional #hero.