HATFIELD— Pennsbury prides itself on playing an uptempo game. That approach was on display Thursday night in the course of a 9-2 SHSHL National/Continental matchup at Hatfield Ice.
Andrew Falkenstein delivered a hat trick to propel the Falcons to their third victory in four starts (2-0) in divisional play. In their four games, the Falcons have scored 24 goals while playing their fast-paced style.
“Since I took over (three) years ago that’s one of the things we’ve been trying to do,” said Pennsbury coach Ryan Daley. “A lot of shots, fast tempo, we have the speed for it.
“It’s taken a while for everyone to buy in, but it seems like this year everything is clicking and it showed tonight.”
Falkenstein got the evening started at the 5:25 mark of the opening period when he beat North Penn netminder John Boyle. Reece Picker made it 2-0 at 6:47 before Falkenstein made it a 3-0 game just 14 seconds after that.
Falkenstein noted that he and his teammates enjoy playing an upbeat style of hockey. “We all have a good bond,” he said.”we all play great together.”
Ryan Kaufhold got North Penn (1-2, 0-1) on the scoreboard with1:29 left in the period but the Falcons broke the game open in the second frame with four unanswered goals, including Falkenstein’s third of the night.
Pennsbury also found success at the other end of the ice with Marek Jorgensen in goal. Jorgensen, who finished with 21 saves, had an abundance of defensive support.
“We’ve been working a lot on the defensive side as a team,” Daley said. “Also, Marek had a phenomenal game, the best game I’ve ever seen him play in between the pipes.
“It’s his first year as a starter, that goes a long way for him and for us. I was happy with how we played in the defensive zone too.”
The Falcons held a 31-23 edge in shots. Wednesday’s game was the only regular-season between the two teams.
Pennsbury 3 4 2—9
North Penn 1 0 1—2
First-period goals: Andrew Falkensteon (P) from Colin Michalak, 5:25; Reese Picker (P) unassisted, 6:47; Falkenstein (P) from Justin Martin, 8:01; Ryan Kaufhold (NP) from Joseph Silvotti and John Stinson, 8:14
Second-period goals: Reece MIllman (P) from Pocket and Eisler, 4:25; MIchalak (P) from Brendan McCainsh, 6:27; Falkenstein (P) from Shane Siegmund, 11:51; Millman (P) from Siegmund, 12:11.
Third-Period goals: Michalak (P) from Macainsh, 8:52; Jeremy Porubski (NP) from Derek Delong and Ben Mostochuck, 4:32; Siegmund (P) from Michalak and Jack Boyle, 9:10.
Shots: Pennsbury 31, North Penn 23; Saves: Marek Jorgenson (P) 21; Jon Boyles (NP) 22
Elsewhere: Central Bucks South defeated Souderton 4-1 Thursday night in a National/Continental matchup at Hatfield Ice.
Hockey Happenings 