Month: March 2021

Council Rock South 2 Central Bucks South 1 OT

HATFIELD—In the end, both teams left every ounce of energy on the ice, like warriors spilling their last drop of blood on the battlefield.

Sam Cherkassky scored a power-play goal 5:23 into sudden-death overtime Wednesday night to give Council Rock South a 2-1 win over Central Bucks South in a Suburban High School Hockey League National/Continental semifinal at Hatfield Ice.

The third-seeded Golden Hawks (9-3-0-2) will try to defend their divisional title when they face top-seeded Pennsbury Thursday night at Grundy Arena (7:20) in the championship game.

The winning goal came as the second-seeded Titans, who had just 11 skaters dressed because of injuries, a suspension, and Covid issues, were dealing with a flurry of penalties; four of them in the last 2:19 of regulation plus overtime.

Trailing 1-0 heading down the stretch with the Titans’ Aydin Thierolf in the box for elbowing, the Golden Hawks pulled goaltender Jimmy Sweeney, giving them a six-skaters-to-four advantage. Julian Wagenmann tied the game with 1:12 left in regulation when he poked in the second rebound of a shot from the right point.

The Titans found themselves shorthanded again when D.J. Bray was whistled for elbowing 3:04 into the 15-minute extra period. Just 11 seconds later, Owen Mendham was called for interference with a bench minor attached, a bench minor that didn’t start until Bray’s penalty expired. Mendham’s penalty lapsed without incident but Emilee Lindenmuth, who was serving the extra penalty, could only watch, along with her teammates, as Cherkassky scored the game winner.

Council Rock South forward Doug Lopez said it was important for he and his teammates to step up their games entering the third period.

“We just knew that they were shorthanded,” he said. “We came into the locker room after the second period and said ‘We’ve got to give it our all.’

“I think them being short and a combination of them being short and us coming out hard really changed the game in our favor.”

Council Rock South coach Joe Houk noted that after a break for an ice cut following the second period, his players found another gear.

“I felt we were not focused the first half of the game,” he said. I thought our puck possession in the third, plus in overtime, whether there were penalties or not. I thought we controlled the entire overtime.”

Central Bucks South coach Shaun McGinty tried to find solace in his team’s work rate. “The boys played a great game,” he said. “The effort was there. Hat’s off to (Council Rock South), we’ll take the loss and move on to the Flyers Cup.”

Notes—The Titans’ goal came from Adam Cusick 63 seconds into the second period. Central Bucks South is seeded sixth for the Class AA Flyers Cup tournament and will face 11th-seeded Own J. Roberts on Tuesday at Hatfield Ice. The Golden Hawks, who are seeded fifth, will take on 12th seed Avon Grove on Tuesday at the same venue.

C.R. South 0 0 1 1—2

C.B. South 0 1 0 0—1

Second-period goal: Adam Cusick (CBS) unassisted, 1:03

Third-period goal: Julian Wagenmann (CRS) unassisted, 14:48 (pp);

Overtime goal: Sam Cherkassky (CRS) unassisted, 5:23 (pp)

Shots: CR South 29, CB South 22; Saves: Jimmy Sweeney (CRS) 21, Mason Moyer (CBS) 27

SHSHL Playoff Results

Pennsbury 6, Pennridge 5 OT

Erik Eisler scored his third goal of the game 5:16 into overtime as Pennsbury bested Pennridge 6-5 Wednesday night in a SHSHL National/Continental semifinal game at Grundy Arena.

The top-seeded Falcons will face third seed Council Rock South in Thursday’s final (7:20 at the same venue.

Pennsbury’s Shane Siegmund and the Rams’ Andrew David traded first-period goals Reese Picker gave Pennsbury a 2-1 lead with 1:59 left in the opening session.

Aidan Boyle, Jack Lowery, and Richie Shanks all scored goals to give Pennridge a 4-2 lead with 6:26 left in the middle period but Eisler made it a one-goal game when he found the back of the net with 4:36 left.

Andrew Savona’s goal with 2:39 left in the period gave the Rams a two-goal lead once more.

Eisler’s second goal of the game with 7:10 left in regulation made it a one-goal game one more. Brendan MacAinsh tied the game with 2:11 left in regulation to set the stage for Eisler’s game winner.

Pennridge will now be idle until the Class AA Flyers Cup tournament on Tuesday. The 10th-seeded Rams will face seventh seed Central Bucks East at Hatfield Ice.

Pennridge 1 4 0 0—5

Pennsbury 2 1 2 1—6

National/Continental Semifinals

Pennsbury 6, Pennridge 5 OT

Council Rock South 3, Central Bucks South 1 OT

American Division Semifinals

Abington 7, Plymouth Whitemarsh 3′

Matt Kramer scored four goals and Tin Rourke added two more as the Galloping Ghosts bested the Colonials Wednesday night in a SHSHL American Division semifinal at the Bucks County Ice Sports Center. Joe Stelacio also scored for Abington, which will face Wissahickon in the division final Thursday night at Hatfield Ice at 6:10.

John Cubbin scored twice for the third-seeded Colonials. Luke Weikel also scored.

Plymouth Whitemarsh and Wissahickon will both move on to the Class A Flyers Cup next week. Abington, which was not selected for the Class AA Flyers Cup, will conclude its season this evening.

Plymouth Whitemarsh 1 0 2—3

Abington 3 1 3—7

Wissahickon vs. Hatboro-Horsham cancelled

Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference Founders Cup Final

La salle vs. Malvern Prep postponed

Amanda Coopersmith Celebrates the Holy Ghost Prep Community

Two words that could be used to describe Amanda Coopersmith are passionate and dedicated. Passionate about her teaching career and dedicated to enhancing the lives of her students at Holy Ghost Prep.

Coopersmith teaches chemistry but her students also absorb an abundance of life lessons over the course of the school year. She arrived at Holy Ghost Prep in the fall of 2014.

“I had taken a year off for a family illness,” Coopersmith recalled, “and when I was ready to go back to work there was a job at Holy Ghost and I thought ‘Well, I taught girls for seven years (at Villa Joseph Marie), let’s try boys.’”

Coopersmith notes the biggest adjustments for incoming students, regardless of where they come from, revolve around time management. “Adjustment to high school, whether you’ve been to Catholic school, private school, or public school is all the same” she said. “It’s an adjustment. “A lot of these kids came from schools where they were in the top 10 percent. They did whatever they had to do, which was not a whole lot, to be honest. They got through, got their As. 

“They showed up at our school, and like any high school, it’s a challenge. So, their biggest adjustment is adjusting to the workload and the dedication it takes to get into a rhythm of managing time.”

Coopersmith, who is a fixture at school sporting events, says that student-athletes do a better job managing their time when their sport is in season. “I find that students are actually better at time management when they’re in season, whatever sport season they play, then when they’re out of season,” she said.

“Once they go out of season, a lot of them struggle because they realize they have more time than they used to and they waste it. And they have to get used to being better at their time management out of season. So, freshman year can be hard on them that way because they don’t learn to be consistent all year.”

Coopersmith says one of the school’s selling points is its intimate environment which allows the faculty and staff to get to know students on an individual basis.

“I have about 16 kids in a class,” she said. “I know every kid’s name, I know what sports they play, I know what they’re interests are. So, for instance, in my class, when they struggle, I can talk to them based on their sport; I do analogies based on their sport. 

“If I were in a larger school with 30 or 35 kids to a class, I would never be able to do that. I also have an advantage, because we’re a smaller school, that I can get to know them a little more on a one-to-one level so if they struggle, they feel comfortable coming for help. So, if we have a student with an injury or a student who is out sick, they aren’t panicking that they’re going to be left behind. They know that we’re going to be there to help them when they get back, and they make the arrangements ahead of time. We teach them to self-advocate which is invaluable in life.”

Coopersmith says the size of the school allows for an intimacy that leads to a caring, mutually supportive environment. 

“It really is a community,” she said. “I went to one of those monstrous high schools. I had teachers that I swear did not know my name, even though I had them more than one year and yet, I know students (at Holy Ghost Prep) who have never been in my class; they’ll still come in for help And, if I can’t help them, I can point them in the right direction.”

Coopersmith says the student-athletes at the school assume the responsibility of looking out for each other. “Our teams take care of each other.” she said. “So, the hockey boys will make sure the other hockey students stay on track. Same with basketball, soccer, the swim team. It’s wonderful.”

Coopersmith says the student body at Holy Ghost Prep embrace the idea of looking out for and supporting one another.

“It’s really nice that we have great leadership from the top down,” she said.  “The seniors model the behavior that they expect the freshmen to have. The juniors fall in line; the sophomores understand how important it is. 

“We have freshman come in who are unsure of what to do. They’re 14 years old and its harder for them to act older and more mature and more responsibly. 

“When they see that behavior constantly modeled and constantly drilled in, they realize this is the right thing to do, not because someone is yelling at them but because it’s the right way to act.”

For more about Holy Ghost Prep Click Here

La Salle 4, St. Joseph’s Prep 0

 La Salle 4, St. Joseph’s Prep 0

BRISTOL— Some of the actors assumed new roles in the production. But in the end the performance was more or less unaffected.

Despite fielding a lineup that had some pieces missing La Salle stayed focused on the task at hand and recorded a 4-0 win over St. Joseph’s Prep Monday night at Grundy Arena in an Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference semifinal. The win was La Salle’s sixth straight.

The two-time defending champion Explorers (8-4) will face regular-season champion Malvern Prep for the Founders Cup title Wednesday night at 8:00 at Ice Line.

La Salle’s big guns were as powerful as usual. Michael Casey scored a goal and assisted on two others. David Kimmel had a goal and an assist, while Keenan Schneider and Dan Whittock also scored goals.

 But with only 15 skaters in uniform and several regulars missing, La Salle coach Wally Muehlbronner had to play mix and match several players got more ice time than usual as a result. One of them was senior forward Michael Roman.

“Definitely it’s a big chance to step up and help the team out,” he said. “I was definitely out there more, so it was more of a way to bring my leadership as a senior.”

Roman notes its important he set an example for his teammates even though, or perhaps because he doesn’t see a lot of ice time in many circumstances.

“It’s extremely important,” he said. “My main job, if I’m not on the ice, I’m giving everyone high-fives and telling everyone ‘Good work’, telling them what to do. Just trying to keep a positive energy on the bench.

Schneider gave the Explorers a 1-0 lead just 72 seconds after the opening faceoff on a shot from the inside of the right circle that seemed to catch St. Joseph’s Prep netminder Rocco Bruno by surprise
Kimmel made it a 2-0 when he put in a rebound of Whittock’s original shot.

Whittock himself extended La Salle’s lead at the 16:41 of the second period and Casey added a fourth goal 8:21 into the third.

Muehlbronner noted that Monday’s game was a new experience for some of his players who weren’t used to the postseason environment.

 “It was the first time for a lot of these guys playing in that playoff atmosphere,” he said, “and I think it showed at times. We just looked a little bit hesitant at times but I think the older guys got it going, and in the end, were certainly happy with the result.

St. Joseph’s Prep (3-9) had just 13 skaters dressed. Hawks’ coach David Giacomin said the pace of the game eventually caught up to his players.

“They played so hard the first period,” he said, “and about halfway through (the second period), maybe three quarters of the way through, that’s when they lost their legs. If they played like they did  … the consistent game, we’re going to be in every game and have a chance to win. But it’s really difficult playing game in and game out with the same 10-12 kids.”

St. Joseph’s Prep 0 0 0—0

La Salle 2 1 1—4

First-period goals: Keenan Schneider (L) from Max Maddalo, 1:12; David Kimmel (L) from Dan Whittock and Michael Casey, 11:10

Second-period goals: Dan Whittock (L) from Casey, 16:41

Third-period goals: Casey (L) from Kimmel, 8:21

Shots: La Salle 35, St. Joseph’s Prep 31; Saves: Rocco Bruno (SJP) 31. Liam Gross (L) 31

SHSHL Semifinal Pairings Finalized

The matchups for Wednesday’s SHSHL semifinals are finalized, along with game sites and times.

National/Continental Division

5 Pennridge vs. 1 Pennsbury  7:20 at Grundy Arena

3 Council Rock South vs. 2 Central Bucks South 6:30 at Hatfield Ice

American Division

4 Hatboro-Horsham at 1 Wissahickon, 8:40 at Hatfield

3 Plymouth Whitemarsh at 2 Abington 9:00 at Bucks County Ice

Sites and times are subject to change

The championship games in both division are scheduled for Thursday with sites and times to be announced.

The Grundy Skate Shop is a full-service hockey pro shop inside the Grundy Arena, offering a great selection of equipment, brands and various services.  We do a full range of repairs as well as offer custom hockey jerseys. Owner Bill Keyser, has over 25 years experience in the industry and specializes in skate sharpening, including profiling. Please visit our Facebook page or stop in and check us out!

SHSHL Playoff Recap 3-29-21

Council Rock South 7, North Penn 0

Blaize Pepe scored three goals to lead Council Rock South to a 7-0 over North Penn Monday night in a SHSHL  National/Continental playoff game at Grundy Arena. Julian Wagenmann, Brennan Wright, Julian Sarne, and Jeremy all scored goals for the third-seeded Golden Hawks who will face second-seeded Central Bucks South in a Wednesday semifinal at Hatfield Ice (6:30 start).

Jimmy Sweeney earned the shutout in goal, stopping 34 shots.

Sixth-seeded North Penn (5-6-1-1) will be idle until it begins play in the Flyers Cup tournament next week.

North Penn 0 0 0—0

C.R. South 2 3 2—7

First-period goals: Blaize Pepe (CRS) from Kyle Schneider, 3:22; Jeremy Purcell (CRS) from Kyle Boss and Julian Sarne, 9:59

Second-period goals: Julian Wagenmann (CRS) from Andrew Darling, 6:25; Pepe (CRS) from Chase Tovsky and Doug Lopez, 8:40; Nrennan Wright (CRS) from Kevin Koles and Tovsky, 12:05

Third-period goals: Sarne (CRS) from Lopez and Sam Cherkassky 9:13; Pepe (CRS) from Purcell, 13:49

Shots: North Penn 34, C.R. South 33; Saves: Jon Boyles (NP) 26, Jimmy Sweeney (CRS) 34

Pennridge 4, Neshaminy 2

Four different Pennridge players scored goals as Pennridge downed Neshaminy 4-2 Monday night in a SHSHL first-round National/Continental playoff game at Hatfield Ice.
Andrew Savona’s goal with 1:52 gone in the opening period gave Pennridge (8-4) a 1-0 lead). Jacob Hems tied the game for Neshaminy (6-6-1) with 6:18 left in the period.

The Rams took the lead for good in the second period on goals from Jeff Manto and Aeryk Lehrhaupt.

Mike Duke scored a power-play goal for the ‘Skins 1:28 into the third period, but Jack Lowery provided insurance for the Rams with 5:42 remaining in regulation.

Neshaminy outshot the Rams 50-41. Pennridge goaltender Ryan Pico was credited with 48 saves.

Pennridge will face top-seeded Pennsbury on Wednesday in the semifinals (7:20 at Grundy Arena).

Neshaminy 1 0 1—2

Pennridge 1 2 1—4

First-period goals: Andrew Savona (P) from Kevin Pico, 1:52; Jacob Helms (N) unassisted, 9:42

Second-period goals: Jeff Manto (N) from Aeryk Lehrhaupt, 5:44; Lehrhaupt (P) from Aidan Boyle and Manto, 11:01

SHSHL Playoff Schedule

Monday 3-29

Nat/Continental First Round

3 Council Rock South vs. 6 North Penn 7:15 at Rev. Ice Gardens

4. Neshaminy vs. 5 Pennridge        7:20 at Hatfield Ice

Wednesday 3-31

Nat/Continental Semifinals

1 Pennsbury vs.  TBD       7:20 at Grundy

2. Central Bucks South vs. TBD  6:30 at Hatfield

American Division Semifinals

1 Wissahickon vs. 4 Hatboro-Horsham 8:40 at Hatfield

2. Abington vs. 3 Plymouth Whitemarsh 9:00 at BCI 

 

Thursday, April 1

Championship games in both divisions; sites, times TBD

2021 Flyers Cup Selections

A total of 40 teams will take part in the 42nd annual Flyers Cup tournament. The field for the scholastic hockey showcase was announced Sunday evening. Then tournament is scheduled to begin on Monday, April 5.

Malvern Prep, the regular-season champion of the Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference, is the top seed in the eight-team Class AAA bracket. Downingtown West will be on top of the Class AA bracket, which will feature 16 teams. The 10-team Class A bracket is headed by West Chester East, while Downingtown West will head the six-team girls’ bracket.

The Class AA tournament begins on April 6 with eight first-round games.

 1 Downingtown West vs 16 Ridley 6:15 at Ice Line

8 Perkiomen Valley vs 9 Neshaminy 6:45 at Ice Line

4 Spring Ford vs. 13 Downingtown East 8:45 at Ice Line

5 Council Rock South vs. 12 Avon Grove 6:30 at Hatfield Ice

3 Haverford vs. 14 North Penn 8:15 at Ice Line

6 Central Bucks South vs 11 Owen J. Roberts 8:10 at Hatfield Ice

7 Central Bucks East vs 10 Pennridge 6:00 at Hatfield Ice

2 Pennsbury vs 15 Hatfield 8:40 at Hatfield Ice

The Class AA quarterfinals are set for Thursday, April 8, the semifinals for Wednesday, April 14 and the championship game for Tuesday, April 20.

The Class A Tournament will also commence on Monday, April 5 with two play-in games

8 Pencrest vs 9 Plymouth Whitemarsh 7:00 at Aston Ice Works

7 Radnor vs. 10 West Chester Bayard Rustin. 8:45 at Aston Ice Works

Monday’s winners will advance to the quarterfinals on Thursday, April 8

1 West Chester East vs. Pencrest/Plymouth Whitemarsh 6:15 at Ice Line

4 Springfield-Delco vs. 5 Sun Valley.  8:50 at Ice Works

3 Wissahickon vs 6 West Chester Henderson. 7:10 at Hatfield

2 Strah Haven vs Radnor/West Chester Rustin 8:50 at Ice Works

The semifinal round is scheduled for Tuesday, April 13 and the finals for April 20.

The Class AAA tournament kicks off on Thursday, April 8 when third seed Holy Ghost Prep face sixth-seeded Cardinal O’Hara. The rest of the quarterfinal round is set for Tuesday, April 13

1 Malvern Prep vs 8 Salesianum 6:15 at Ice Line

4 St. Joseph’s Prep vs 5 Roman Catholic 8:15 at Ice Line

3 Holy Ghost Prep vs 6 Cardinal O’Hara 8:40 at Hatfield (on 4-8)

2 La Salle vs 7 Father Judge 6:30 at Hatfield

The Class AAA semifinals are set for April 15 and the championship game for April 19

The girls’ tournament begins on Monday, April 12 with two first-round games

4 Avon Grove vs. 5 West Chester Bayard Rustin 6:30 at Ice Line

3 West Chester Henderson vs 6 West Chester East 8:30 at Ice Line

The semifinals are scheduled for Wednesday, April 14

1 Downingtown West vs. Avon Grove/West Chester Rustin 6:30 at Ice Line

2 Bux-Mont vs. WC Henderson/WC East 8:30 at Ice Line

The championship game for the following Wednesday, April 21

The champions in the three boys’ divisions will travel to Pittsburgh to face the Penguins Cup winners in the state championship games on Saturday, April 24.