When the North Penn Knights begin their new season later this month, a familiar face will be missing from behind the bench.

Kevin Vaitis has stepped down as the Knights’ head coach after 17 seasons; he is being succeeded by former North Penn player Matt Stella. Vaitis will remain as North Penn’s coaching director. He will also continue to serve as the SHSHL’s 2^nd Vice President.

Vaitis’s resume includes the past two Class AA Flyers Cup titles, a state championship two years ago, and a SHSHL National Division championship in 2014.

Vaitis says he’s proudest of the relationship’s he’s built over the course of his career.

“The relationships that I’ve built over the years with other coaches,” he said, “But I think most importantly, the players that have come through North Penn. There are a number of players that have coached with me now for a few years that were former varsity players that I had the opportunity to coach.

“This past weekend I was actually at the wedding of Andrew Galetta, one of our former players, I’ve had the opportunity to coach a number of men now when then they were younger. Staying in touch with them over the years at alumni games and things like that is one of the most enjoyable pieces for me.

“Obviously, the two years, we’ve had tremendous success at the varsity level, and the credit for that goes to the players, the coaches, everybody involved, not only from the varsity, but the middle school that get kids into our program, having them enjoy what we offer as a program.

“And the work the kids have put in the last two years, getting us to as state championship two years ago and back-to-back Flyers Cups.

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