Author: Rick Woelfel

Rick has worked in print and broadcast journalism for more than 35 years. He's covered golf in one medium or another for more than 30. He is the co-author of the book So You Want to Play Golf with PGA professional Kim Verrecchio and the host of the Women's Golf Report podcast. Most recently, Rick served as an associate editor for The Mulligan Magazine. He also served as an associate editor for Philadelphia Golf Magazine and New Jersey State Golf from 2004-07. Rick covered his first LPGA Tour event in 1986 and continues to cover women's golf for various media outlets. High on his bucket list is having the opportunity to one day play in an LPGA Tour pro am. Rick is also a longtime correspondent for two suburban Philadelphia daily newspapers, the Intelligencer and the Bucks County Courier Times in Doylestown, PA. Over the course of his career he has coverzed a wide variety of sporting events. He is also a veteran play by play and public address announcer, and handles the PA mic for the nationally ranked Delaware Valley University football program. Rick is also a longtime contributor to Referee, a magazine devoted to sports officiating. He called his first baseball game at age 13 and continues to umpire softball and baseball today.

APAC Preview

The Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference is set to launch its fifth season. Here’s a look at how its member schools shape up.

Holy Ghost Prep

Coach: Gump Whiteside (15th season)

Last year: 12-12, 1-5-1-1 in APAC

Key players: Sr. Colin Mudrick (G); So. Ryan Lippy (D); Sr. Brady Baehser (F); Sr. John Seravalli (F); Sr. Landon Stout (F)  

Outlook: The Firebirds started out strong last season but faded after the holiday break. Whiteside is counting on a strong senior class, including Baesher, a two-time first-team All-APAC selection.

 Mudrick is experienced in goal.

 “We are looking forward to starting the season,” Whiteside said. “The team chemistry is strong. The players have been working hard both on and off the ice. The seniors have really stepped up with a great work ethic.”

The Hun School

Coach: Ian McNally (12th season)

Last year: 8-9, 3-4-1-0 in APAC

Key players: Sr. Stephen Chen (G); Sr. Vincent Gregoire (D); Sr. Elian Estulin (F); Sr. Mark Gall (F); Sr. Josh Sosner (F); Jr. Brendan Marino (F); Sr. Simon Gregoire (F) 

Outlook: The Raiders lost 10 seniors to graduation.

“We have plenty of holes to fill,” McNally said.

But a solid group of returnees remains, led by Chen, who was the first-team All-APAC goaltender last season. Estulin will be counted on to score goals.

La Salle

Coach: Wally Muehlbronner (25th season)

Last year: 8-10-1, 4-3-0-1 in APAC

Key players: Sr. Aries Carangi (G); Sr. Chase Hannon (D); So. Owen Quinn (D); Jr. Matt Conforti (F); Sr. Ryan Desmond (F); Jr. Pat Brace (F)

Outlook: This season’s edition of the Explorers will be young in spots but there is experience on hand in Carangi in goal, Hannon on the blue line, and Conforti up front, among others.

 Muehlbronner is taking a back-to-basics approach.

“In the defensive zone, we just want to keep it simple,” he said. “That’s pretty much always been our approach. In the offensive zone, we’ve got some younger guys that are pretty creative. So, I want them to be creative but still play within our basic system.”

Malvern Prep

Coach: Bill Keenan (fourth season)

Last year: 16-4, 5-1-2-0 in APAC; Conference champions and Class AAA Flyers Cup champions

Key players: Sr. Brandon Novabilski (G); Sr. Steve Getsie (D); Sr. Jack Sharer (D); Jr. Brady Doyle (D); Jr. Jonathan Holt (D); Sr. Jimmy Jacobs (F); Jr. Jeremy Jacobs (F); Jr. Aidan Kelly (F); Jr. Caiden Canale (F)

Outlook: The Friars took their share of graduation hits in the offseason, but their returning veterans are supported by an impressive group of newcomers.

Doyle and Holt head up the blueliners while the Jacobs brothers are being counted on up front.

Keenan is cautiously optimistic.

“We are excited to see what this younger incoming class can do,” he said. “The culture within the program has strengthened over the past two seasons and we look to continue building on the brotherhood in which Malvern creates. Our upperclassmen have to set the tone early in the season but the younger guys have to find ways to contribute.”

St. Joseph’s Prep

Coach: David Giacomin (10th season)

Last year: 11-8-1, 3-3-0-2 in APAC; Flyers Cup finalist

Key players: Sr. Rocco Bruno (G); Jr. Ajay White (G); Sr. Dante Passio (D); Jr. Shane O’Neill (D); Jr. Gareth McDonald (D); Sr. Jeffrey Hammond (F); Sr. Joey Samango (F); So. Tristan Winata (F); So. Jake Schultz (F)

Outlook: After reaching the Class AAA Flyers Cup finals, the Hawks must deal with loss of 10 seniors. Bruno and White are a formidable goaltending tandem while Passio leads the blue-line corps. Hammond and Samango are proven commodities up front.

“We hope to be a speed driven team that will play hard in all three zones,” Giacomin says. “Depth will play a big role this year. With offensive returnees and goaltending leading the way we hope to get off to a fast start and build from there.”

Hockey Happenings is looking for students and other individuals who are available to provide video clips of APAC games. For more information, contact us at rwoelfel2013@gmail.com

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SHSHL Preview

 National Division

Bensalem

Coach: Jordan Roth (second season)

Last year: 3-11

Key players: Jr. Ricky Gonzalez (G); Sr. Danny Mackley (D-F); Jr. Alex Hood (F-D); So. Alex Bazylevich (F-D); Fr. Lucas Gonzalez (F-D)

Outlook: The Owls took some big strides in their inaugural season last year and are looking continue that trend moving forward.

“This year we’re emphasizing the importance of ‘team’ Roth said. “Everything we do represents our team, our passion, and our purpose. As a team, we are ready to lead by example and be tough to play against.”   

Central Bucks East

Coach: Jeff Mitchell (third season)

Last year: 6-10, Flyers Cup participant

Key players: Sr. Matt Magiacapre (G); Jr. Kyle McIntyre (D) Sr. Stephen DiRugeris (F); Jr. Corey Kosick (F)

Outlook: The Patriots feature a lineup that blends youth and experience. They’re backed by Mangiacapre, one of the area’s premier netminders.

Central Bucks South

Coach: Shuan McGinty (ninth season)

Last year: 6-7-1-2, Flyers Cup participant 

Key players: Sr. Matt Crouch (D); Jr. Aidan Linso (D); So. Jake Stepp (D); Sr. Aydin Thierolf (F); Jr. Colin Mendham (F); Jr. D.J. Lindenmuth (F)

Outlook: The Bucks endured an up and down campaign a year ago but all signs point to brighter days on the horizon. As usual, McGinty will be counting on his veterans to lead the way

“It is time for the Titans to get back on track,” he said.

Central Bucks West

Coach: Dave Baun (19th season)

Last year: 5-9

Key players: Jr. Liam Rogers (G); Sr. Sammy Poliak (D); Jr. Johnny Cherubini (D) Sr. Luke Tremmel (F); Jr. Nick Bruno (F); So. Anthony Dowd (F); So. Jack Misoda (F); So. Zane Sanders (F)

Outlook: The Bucks feature a solid group of returnees, led by Rogers in goal. The veterans will be supplemented by a talented group of young players that Baun is counting on, especially up front.

Council Rock North

Coach: Greg McDonald (second season)

Last year: 10-8. Flyers Cup participant 

Key players: So. Ian Goldberg (G); So. Jackson Accardi (D); Jr. Nick Hahan (D); Sr. Noah Epstein (F); Jr. Karson Grainey (F)

Outlook: The Indians did a lot last year with a team that was lacking in experience and numbers. McDonald expects to be able to dress a full roster of 20 this season and his troops will have an additional year’s experience. It shapes up as a promising season.

Council Rock South

Coach: Joe Houk (17th season)

Last year: 16-2-2-1, SHSHL and Flyers Cup finalist

Key players: Sr. Carson Lopez (G); Jr. Kevin Koles (D); Jr. Blaize Pepe (F); Jr. Chase Tovsky (F)

Outlook: The Golden Hawks played for the SHSHL and Flyers Cup titles last season. This season they return a team that is deep and talented. Houk has three quality lines and five solid defensemen to call on, plus an outstanding goaltender. The ingredients are on hand for what could be a very special season.

Neshaminy

Coach: Matt DeMatteo (sixth season)

Last year: 10-7-1, Flyers Cup participant

Key players: Jr. Cory Hemberger (G); So. Liam Mooney (D); Sr. J.J. Hathaway (D); Sr. Max Gallagher (F); Sr. Nolan Geria (F); Sr. Danny McColgan (F); Sr. Noah Seewagen (F); Sr. Michael Knipple (F); So. Ryan DeMatteo (F)

Outlook: The ‘Skins are perhaps the most experienced team in their division. Eleven seniors return from a unit that reached the Flyers Cup quarterfinals last season.

DeMatteo is optimistic about what the future could hold.

“We’ll look to continue to build on the success we had in the regular season and the Flyers Cup to take the next step forward together as a team,” he said.

North Penn

Coach: Kevin Vaitis (14th season)

Last year: 1-15

Key players: St. Nick Crist (G) Sr. Sam Mostochuck (D); St. Tyler Porubski (D); Fr. James Boyle (D); Jr. John Stinson (F); Jr. Joey Silvotti (F); So. Cole Pluck (F); Sr. Derek Delong (F)

Outlook: The Knights endured a long, cold winter last season. Vaitis is looking to turn things around with a back-to-basics approach.

“We are focusing early on this season on coming together as a team,” he said, “focusing on key system specifics, and hard work. We do not want to be outworked during the season. Another area we are focusing on is getting puck support in the zone with lots of shots and traffic in front.”

Pennridge

Coach: Jeff Montagna, fifth season

Last year: 22-0-1, defensing SHSHL, Class AA Fyers Cup and state champions

Key players: So. Nick Young (D); Jr. Colin Dachowski (D); Jr. Trey Mikulich (D); Jr. Kevin Pico (F); So. Shane Dachowski (F); Jr. Andrew Savona (F); Jr. Tyler Manto (F): Sr. Dane Fichette (F)

Outlook: The 2022 edition of the Rams put together one of the most remarkable seasons on record. This year’s group is looking to pick up where they left off. An abundance of firepower returns up front and there is experience within the blue-line corps. The only question mark may be in goal.

Pennsbury

Coach: Ryan Daley (sixth season)

Last year: 12-5-1, Flyers Cup participant

Key players: Jr. Aaron McDaniel (G); Sr. Justin Marlin (D); So. Chris Sarver (D-F); Sr. Brendan MacAinsh (F); Sr. Andrew Falkenstein (F)

Outlook: As they launch a new season the Falcons are confronting some heavy graduation losses.

“Luckily we have a strong and talented group of underclassmen ready to fill their shoes,” Daley said. 

Souderton

Coach: Ryan Uchniat (fifth season)

Last year: 7-7

Key players: Sr. Noah Connor (G); So. Patrick Callahan (D); Jr. Seth Grossman (F); Jr. Jacob Chow (F); Jr. Liam O’Neill (F); Sr. Timmy Alexander (F)

Outlook: The Big Red matured last year and are hoping to build on that success. Uchniat expects his team to be solid up front with a strong defense backed by quality goaltending.

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American Division

Abington

Coach: Ken Brzozowski (sixth season)

Last year: 15-2, defending divisional champion; Flyers Cup participant

Key players: Sr. Sam Nemec (G); Sr. Sean Doyle (D); Sr. Pat Stelacio (F); Sr. Matt Kramer (F); Sr. Ian Heydt; Sr. Griffin Carpenter (F)

Outlook: The Galloping Ghosts not only won the SHSHL’s American Division (Class A) title last season but earned a place in the Class AA Flyers Cup tournament. Brzozowski is looking to pick up where last year’s team left off.

“The team has been working hard in practices,” he said, “and looks forward to picking up where we left last year with winning results.”

Plymouth Whitemarsh

Coach: Dave Cox (first season)

Last year: 11-6, Flyers Cup participant

Key players: Sr. Chris Maslij (G); Sr. Conlan Carpenter (D); Sr. Jacob Elgart (D); Sr. Matt Flynn (F); Sr. Jeffrey Mencken (F)

Outlook: Cox, a Plymouth Whitemarsh graduate, takes over for Josh Aiello. He inherits a roster that’s deep in experience, one that should make an impact in the division.

Quakertown

Coach: Keith Krem (fourth season)

Last year: 7-9

Key players: Jr. Matt Krem (G); Sr. Jack Diliberto (F-D); Sr. Will Shaw

Outlook: The Panthers are thin in numbers; there are just 10 skaters on the roster. But they are an experienced group. There are five seniors on hand and Krem is a quality goaltender who will keep his team in games. 

Springfield

Coach: Bernie Gillespie (first season)

Last year: No team

Key players: So. Liam Baskin (G); Sr. Lucas Davidson (D); Jr. Kenny Granderson (D); So. Felix Boccella (D); So. Gabe Wells (F); Fr. Grayson Quinn (F); So. Chris Cahill (F); So; Thomas Manchester (F); Jr. Marcel Camper (F)

Outlook: The Spartans are new to the SHSHL but not to hockey; the roster features players who are experienced at the club level.

“We’re looking forward to our first season in the league,” Gillespie said.

Wissahickon

Coach: Ken Harrington (eighth season), Flyers Cup participant

Last year: 9-9, Flyers Cup participant

Key players: So. Aiden Brooks (D); Sr. Konrad Foulk (D); Sr. Griffin Lynch (F-D); Sr. Will Hussa (F); So. Danny Hussa (F)

Outlook: The Trojans are likely to be lacking in numbers this season and Harrington is searching for a goaltender. But they should excel at putting the puck in the net.

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St. Joseph’s Prep 6 Calvert Hall 3

Jeffrey Hammond scored two goals and four other players scored one goal each as the Hawks bested Calvert Hall 4-1 Wednesday evening at the University of Pennsylvania’s Class of 1923 rink.

Joseph Samango, Luke Schienholtz, Jake Schultz, and Shane O’Neill also scored for the Hawks who are now 3-0 on the season.

Robbie Thompson scored twice for Calvert Hall.

C.B. East 3 North Penn 1

HATFIELD—Any hockey team wants to make an impression at the start of a season. Central Bucks East did just that Wednesday night, scoring a 3-1 decision over North Penn at Hatfield Ice to help the Suburban High School Hockey League open its 50th season.

Corey Kosick scored two goals to help East start off its season on a winning note. Kosick, a junior, noted that this year’s edition of the Patriots runs the gambit when it comes to experience and that getting used to the style of play at the high-school level takes time.

“It’s all about being used to our level of play,” he said. “It’s all about hard work. Hard work is alway going to beat talent in the end and that’s why we came out on top today.”

Ethan Cenci gave the Patriots the early lead on a power-play goal 5:46 into the opening session and the two teams battled on even terms through the first two periods.

The  officials kept a tight rein on the proceedings during that span, whistling 11 penalties for a total of 39 minutes. 

With 15 seconds left in the second frame an engagement involving North Penn’s Sam Mostochuck and East’s Carter Keiser resulted in a major penalty and a game misconduct to Keiser and a three-minute power play for North Penn. The Knights however were unable to capitalize on their advantage.

“I think that sort of sums up our night,” said North Penn coach Kevin Vaitis. “We had aa bunch of power plays early in the game and couldn’t really get any momentum going in the zone, had trouble getting out of our own zone, getting set up in there and working the puck around.

“Their first goal was a power play. It was 1-0 through two periods If you capitalize on one of those (power plays), you’ve got a 1-1 game going into the third.”

Kosick extended the Patriots’ lead with a goal 6:43 into the third frame. John Stinson made it a one-goal game when he scored for the Knights at the 9:09 mark but Kosick answered back just eight seconds later.

The final period featured six additional penalties, three to each side. East coach Jeff Mitchell stressed the importance of his team staying out of the box.

“The first goal definitely got the energy started in the right direction,” he said. “I think the penalties really killed us at the start of this game I think the refs did a great job moderating between both teams. But we’ve got to be able to stay out of the box and be able to keep five men on the ice and keep pucks in the net.”

C.B.East 1 0 2—3

North Penn 0 0 1—1

First-period goal

Ethan Cenci (CBE) from Patrick O’Brien and Charlie Keiser, 5:46 (pp)

Third-period goals

Corey Kosick (CBE) from Keiser and Cenci, 6:43; John Stinson (NP) unassisted, 9:09; Kosick (CBE) from Keiser, 9:17

Shots: C.B. East 33, North Penn 26; Saves: Matt Mangiacapre (CBE) 25, Nick Crist (NP) 30

Flyers Alumni Association and Flyers Cup Committee Team Up to Make a Little Girl Happy

By Rick Woelfel

Irregardless of the success of the team on the ice, the Philadelphia Flyers organization maintains strong ties to the community, and has since the franchise’s earliest days.

The Philadelphia Flyers Alumni Association has been instrumental in that effort.

Late Sunday afternoon, prior to the Flyers’ game against the San Jose Sharks, the alumni association, in conjunction with the Flyers Cup Committee, presented a bicycle to 6-year old Evangeline Torres as part of its Every Child Deserves a Bike campaign. Evangeline, who is a first grader, was born with Cerebellar Atrophy, a disorder that affects the nerves in the back of her brain and impacts her coordination and her ability to stand, walk, speak, and maintain her balance. Her new bike was modified to account for her medical issues.

The alumni association first donated a bike in December of 2020 as part of its 12 Days of Christmas Giving program. That was the catalyst for the Every Child Deserves a Bike effort. Today, the organization awards a bike each month, save for a pause in the winter months.

Brad Marsh is the Philadelphia Flyers Alumni Association president.

“This program puts a smile on a kid’s face right away,” he said. “It puts a smile on Mom and Dad’s face right away because so many kids with disabilities don’t get to ride a bike like most other children. “I’m a very avid bike rider, so I get a real kick out of this program, just seeing kids on bikes and riding.”

Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference Commissioner Jim Britt represented the Flyers Cup Committee at Sunday’s event. He stressed the importance of the Flyers Cup tournament’s involvement in the Every Child Should Have a Bike effort.

“This was a natural for the Flyers Cup Committee to talk this through,” he said. “We started a discussion about ‘What can we do for community service, for giving back?’

“(Flyers Cup Committee President) Eric Tye and (Flyers Director of Community Relations and Hockey Development) Rob Baer got their heads together and came up with this

“This was one of the easiest things that we could connect the dots with, It’s a great cause. It’s a special cause with the young lady who’s getting the bike, and it’s just a natural outgrowth of how everybody in the hockey community feels (about) giving back.”

Four high-school hockey players attended Sunday’s event. All four played for Flyers Cup championship teams in 2022.

Mason Zuber is a defenseman for Eastern (N.J.). “It’s really good to see people helping people out that are fortunate,” he said. “It’s sad to see how they have to live their lives and it’s good to bring them up in any way that you can.”

Samantha Scebelo skates for West Chester Henderson, the defending Flyers Cup girls’ champion.

“I’m honored that I get to be a part of this,” she said. “It’s great to give back to people. I have the opportunity to play hockey and I love to give that opportunity to other people and just five other people opportunities for whatever they want to do.”

Colin Dachowski, who helped Pennridge win the Class AA Flyers Cup last season, was happy to be part of the event. “It’s a pretty cool experience,” he said. “Representing our team and helping other people. Helping other people is great.”

Jimmy Jacobs skates for two-time defending Class AA Cup champion and defending APAC champion Malvern Prep. He understands the importance of connecting with the larger hockey community.

“I think it’s a big deal,” he said. “I do see there are bigger things than the APAC and when you come together as a community, I think it really shows who you are as a person and you’re doing something that I think is just a great thing in general.”

Evangeline Torres checks out her new bike

The Flyers organization partners with Help Hope Live to get bikes to children. For nearly four decades, Help Hope Live, which is based in Radnor, has worked to create networks of caring individuals to cover medical bills not covered by insurance. Kelly Green is the organization’s executive director.

“This is probably one of the most amazing partnerships we have,” she said. “What it gives a child who has some mobility challenges is a chance to be a kid again. To ride a bike and do things that we all did growing up, and to experience that independence and wind through the hair.

“Only, these kids, because of their mobility challenges, don’t necessarily have ways to expeience them. Parents can’t just go to the store and buy a bike for a couple hundred dollars. These bikes that we have made for them run about five to seven thousand dollars each and they grow with each kid. So these kids will have their bike for their entire lifetime.”

Malvern Prep 4 Calvert Hall 1

Jeremy Jacobs scored two goals and Caiden Canale and Gavin Wilson also scored as defending Class AAA Flyers Cup and APAC champion Malvern Prep opened its season Monday with a 4-1 win over Calvert Hall at Ice Line.

The Friars took control of the game in the first period when Wilson, Jacobs, and Canale scored in a span of 7:44.
Brandon Novabilski got the win in goal, making 36 saves.

“Over the last two years we graduated a lot of seniors and needed some young guys to step up,” said Malvern Prep coach Bill Keenan. “I was pleased with our energy and tempo we set from the beginning. Our goalie came out strong and played a great game.”

APAC Getting Ready for Year 5

As the start of a new scholastic hockey season approaches, the Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference is continuing to evolve. 

The APAC, which will be starting its fifth season this fall, will once again include five teams. Defending conference and Class AAA Flyers Cup champion Malvern Prep will be joined by Holy Ghost Prep, The Hun School, St. Joseph’s Prep, and La Salle.

In addition, the conference has created partnerships with two other private schools, The Haverford School and Devon Prep which will compete against APAC member schools this season.

“The APAC schools are coordinating as scheduling partners with The Haverford School and Devon Prep, two institutions with developing varsity ice hockey programs,” said APAC Commissioner Jim Britt.  Those games will not count as part of the APAC regular-season standings, but the competitions will help develop future opportunities.”

While the complete APAC schedule has yet to be announced, the conference has scheduled two doubleheader events for this season. The first will be sometime in mid-November on a date and at a site to be announced. The second will be an outdoor event on January 11, 2023 at the Spring Mountain outdoor rink in Spring Mount.

Counting Down to the SHSHL Season

Sixteen teams will skate under the Suburban High School Hockey League umbrella during the 2022-23 season. 

The new season will commence on Wednesday, November 2 with 12 teams skating in the National Division (Class AA) and five more competing in the Class A American Division.

The National Division will feature defending league, Flyers Cup, and state champion Pennridge along with Bensalem, Council Rock North, Council Rock South, Central Bucks East, Central Bucks West, Central Bucks South Neshaminy, North Penn, Pennsbury, and Souderton.

Defending champion Abington heads the American Division which will also include Plymouth Whitemarsh, Quakertown, Wissahickon, and newcomer Springfield (Montco).

Teams will not necessarily be in the same classifications for the regular season and the Flyers Cup tournament.

Hatboro-Horsham and William Tennent, which both skated in the American Division a year ago, have combined forces this year and will skate against American Division opponents. The team will play a full league schedule but their results will not be reflected in the standings, nor will they be eligible for the SHSHL playoffs or the Flyers Cup tournament.

20222-23 marks the SHSHL’s 50th season. The league as it is known now made its debut in 1973-74, coincidentally the same 

National Scholastic Field Set

Defending champion Holy Ghost Prep heads the field for the 16th annual National Invitational Scholastic Showcase. The annual extravaganza  is scheduled for December 2-4 in Jamestown, NY and will feature teams from Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, and Ontario who will all be on a quest to win the Governor’s Cup.


The field will include:

• Bethel Park Blackhawks WPA – 2021 Pa Hockey Scholastic Showcase Champions

• Buffalo St Francis Red Raiders NY – 2006 NISS Governors Cup Champions

• Cathedral Prep Ramblers WPA – 2019 NISS Governors Cup Champions

• Culver Academy       IND – 32-Time Indiana Champions

• Franklin Regional Panthers WPA – 2022 Penguins Cup Finalists

• Holy Ghost Prep Firebirds EPA – 2022 and 5 NISS Governors Cup Champions

• Glenbrook South Titans ILL – 2022 Hoosier Cup Champions

• Meadville Bulldogs WPA – 8 Time Pennsylvania Champions

• Medina Bees OHIO – 3-Time Ohio Club Champions

• North Allegheny Tigers WPA – 3-Time Pennsylvania Cup Champions 

• Ontario Hockey Academy – 3-time NISS Governors Cup Champions 

• Peters Township Indians WPA – 2022 Pennsylvania Champions

• St Edwards Eagles OHIO – 11-Time Ohio State Champions

• St Ignatius Wildcats OHIO – 7-Time Ohio State Champions

• St Joseph’s Marauders NY – 10- Time New York State Champions 

• University School Preppers OHIO – 2-Time Ohio State Champions

Mark Gall Says Sports Should Be Fun


Mark Gall thinks sports should be fun. That may seem like an obvious statement but many young athletes lose their love of sports for one reason or another.

Gall didn’t want that to happen to his 7-year old brother Robert. So, he’s spending part of his spring helping coach his brother’s travel baseball team.

A native of Summit, N.J. and a junior at The Hun School, where he’s a forward on the hockey team, Gall seized on the opportunity to have an impact on his brother’s life.

“I understand the importance that a coach can play in an athlete’s life,” he said. “So, when I was presented with the opportunity, I felt like I could make a positive impact on these kids because they’re so young.

“My dad came with the idea and I thought it would be great because I want to interact with my little brother, especially now since I’m going to college. I thought like I could have an impact on the team as a whole and my little brother.”

Gall played baseball growing up, but the former shortstop put away his bat and glove at age 13 to concentrate on hockey. He speaks to the importance of young athletes having fun.

“The most important part is that you have fun,” he said. “You don’t want any kid to feel like they’re being forced to play. You want them to feel like you want to play, so I feel like can make things more fun, because the head coach of the baseball team is pretty serous. So, I like to come in and kind of relax everybody and make it more of and fun experience.”

Gall says Ian McNally his coach at Hun School, is committed to giving his players a positive experience.

“I started playing for Ian after I quit baseball,” Gall said, “but he definitely teaches about what it’s like to have a great team environment and overall how to be a better man.

“He gives everybody a shot. There’s not only one team that he lets sit on the bench and rot away their potential. He gives everybody a shot and if he sees somebody that’s disengaged, he makes sure that they’re (involved).”

Gall says he wasn’t so fortunate earlier in his hockey career when he played for a coach who wasn’t as focused on his players having fun.

 “It was more kike just a business,” he recalls. “It was just all around a tough experience, he’s a tough coach. It was to the point where you would be afraid to make a mistake or mess up a drill. 

“That circles back to Ian McNally and his caching style. He has his players not afraid to do something wrong.”

Gall says committed to seeing that his brother and his teammates enjoy their foray into team sports.

“I want them to experience the fun part of it,” he said, “and I want them to realize that if they are ever presented with a coach that is going to basically scold them and talk bad about them, that that’s not really what the game is all about. It’s about having fun and getting better and learning to be a better man.”