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The Raiders dropped a one-goal decision to the visiting Tide on Thursday in their season opener at Ice Land. Anders Van Raalte, Lucas Jean, and Justin Bibeau scored the Hun School goals.
“Overall I’m happy with our first game as a group,” said Hun School coach Eric Szeker. “We got better as the game went along and ran into a very hot goaltender.”
BRISTOL—There wasn’t a lot of slash and sizzle to what Malvern Prep was doing on Tuesday afternoon. But hockey games are not decided on style points.
Two third-period power-play goals in a span of 71 seconds allowed the Friars to overcome a 1-0 deficit and they went on from there to defeat Holy Ghost Prep 4-2 in an APAC game at Grundy Arena.
Teague Murray scored two goals and assisted on a third as Malvern Prep (2-1 overall) opened conference play with a win.
The host Firebirds (2-1, 1-1 in the APAC) took a 1-0 lead on Logan Barnes’ goal 1:37 into the second period on a play that started off a scramble for a loose puck the neutral one. Murray set up House Young for the game-tying goal which came with 3:58 remaining in the period and erased the deficit.
“I think that’s kind of our identity this year,” Murray said. “We went down, we’ve been down early in every game we’ve played but we keep battling. That’s just kind of our identity.”
The Firebirds were undone by self-inflicted wounds. With 33 seconds left in the second frame Brady Logue was flagged for interference, giving Malvern Prep a split power play.
Murray gave his team the lead 52 seconds into the third period when he topped home Matt Barbacane’s shot from the left point.
Just 19 seconds later Malvern Prep was awarded another power play when Holy Ghost Prep’s Anthony Valeriote was whistled for interference. Pax Hoishik delivered a power play goal just 52 seconds after that to give the Friars a two-goal lead.
Brian Kinniry gave the Firebirds a last-gasp opportunity when he beat Matt Crawford in the Malvern Prep net with 53 seconds to go but it took just 15 additional seconds for Murray to respond.
Afterward, he spoke of the importance of shepherding his younger teammates through the rigors what for some was their first APAC game.
“It’s super important,” the senior said. “They’ve got to know there’s not going to be any flashy goals when you’re playing good teams like Ghost and La Salle. You’ve got to get gritty goals.
Murray notes that Malvern Prep’s power play has improved since the season kicked off.
“The first two games were a little rusty,” he said, “but now we’re starting to pick it up and we were really clicking this game.”
Malvern Prep coach Bill Keenan cited his team’s blur-collar approach.
“We had a lot of grit that game,” he said. “The first period was completely back and forth, up and down the ice, got some shots on net, got some power plays late in the second and early in the third and we capitalized on them.
“Right now, we’re feeling good with where we’re at.”
• Crawford finished with 22 saves. Matt Salita made 17 saves for Holy Ghost. Salita is the third goaltender the Firebirds have started in three game. each has played one full game.
Malvern Prep 0 1 3—4
Holy Ghost Prep 0 1 1—2
Second-period goals: Logan Barnes (HGP) from Colin Bara, 1:37; House Young (MP) from Teague Murray, 13:02
Third-period goals: Murray (MP) from Matt Barbacane and Cole Scarbinsky, :52 (pp); Pax Hoishik (MP) unassisted, 2:03 (pp); Brian Kinniry (HGP)) from Bara, 16:07; Murray (MP) unassisted, 16:32
Shots: Malvern Prep 21, Holy Ghost Prep 23; saves: Matt Crawford (MP) 22, Matt Salita (HGP) 17
St. Joseph’s Prep overcame an early 1-0 deficit and went on to defeat The Haverford School 4-1 on Wednesday afternoon at the Class of 1923 Rink in a non-league game.
Henry Cagliuso gave the Fords the lead with 4:57 left in the first period bur Caden Kelly tied the game for the Hawks with one minute left in the second session. Jai Perry-Pereira put his team in front with 7:43 left in the game before Frank Ely and Tristan Winata added goals in the final minute.
The Hawks (1-1) outshot the Fords 47-12 but Ike Matoney kept Haverford in the game with his work in goal.
“We played pretty well,” said Hawks coach David Giacomin. “We dad great puck movement and pressure. Haverford packed it in defensively and their goalie was awesome.”
Malvern Prep dropped a 5-3 decision to host Wyoming Seminary on Monday in a non-league game. Andrew Starck scored twice for the Friars (1-1).
Freshman Luke Johnson also scored.
BRISTOL—Holy Ghost Prep made a statement Monday afternoon, one that will reverberate through the area. Anthony Valeriote scored two goals and Jack Botthof was stellar in goal as the Firebirds prevailed over defending Founders Cup and Flyers Cup champion La Salle 3-1 at Grundy Arena.
The win marked a successful start for Holy Ghost Prep (2-0 overall) in APAC play.
It was the first setback for the Explorers in APAC play sincere the 2022-23 season and the reason was Botthof. The Explorers (2-1, 1-1 in conference) fired 37 shots at him, the junior stopped all but one of them. His best work came in the middle period when the Explorers outshot the Firebirds 19-6.
“We left him out to dry in that second,” Valeriote said. “You can’t anything more from him there. He kept us in that game. Without him, it’s a completely different game.”
The Firebirds jumped in front 3:36 into the first period after a pair of penalties gave the hosts a five-on-three power and Valeriote capitalized.
La Salle had the better of the play middle period but Botthof kept the Explorers at bat with one quality save after another.
“When I’m in that state, nothing else matters besides the game at that point,” he said. “
One of Botthof’s best saves came when he denied Grant LaGreca from close range with three-and-a-half minutes left in the period.
“After those big saves, I feel the energy on the bench and in me both rise up,” he said, “so we hopefully get back in the swing of things.”
Anthony Valeriote celebrates after finding the net against La Salle on Monday. He scored two goals in Holy Ghost Prep’s 3-1 win (Robert Barnes photo)
With 2:21 left the second frame La Salle appeared to have tied the game on a rebound off a goal-mouth scrum but the goal was waved off due to a and pass, a decision with which La Salle coach Wally Muehlbronner vociferously disagreed.
The call seemed to take some energy out of the Explorers; Valeriote extended Holy Ghost Prep’s lead by converting a rebound of Brady Logue’s original shot. Logue himself made it a 3-0 game with 9:25 left in regulation after weaving his way through traffic in the offensive zone.
LaGreca ended Botthof’s bid for a shutout with 4:33 remaining in regulation.
“I thought we played a tremendous second period,” Muehlbronner said. We let up the first goal on a five-on-three and got back to work after that. I think we played a really good game after that.
“Our second period was tremendous; we had a lot of great opportunities. We scored a goal, they took it back. I don’t know what the referee saw there, but that’s the way it goes.”
Valeriote saw Wednesday’s result as a springboard for the balance of the APAC season.
“[It was important] to come in here in our home barn and send a message,” he said. “Show the rest of the league who we are and give ourselves an identity.”
La Salle 0 0 1—1
Holy Ghost Prep 1 0 2—3
First-period goal: Anthony Valeriote (HGP) from Chase Logue and Brady Logue, 3:36 (pp)
Third-period goals: Anthony Valeriote (HGP) from Brady Logue and Chase Logue, :22; Brady Logue (HGP) from Valeriote and Jack Gavaghan, 7:35; Grant LaGreca (L) from Declan Kelly, 12:27
Shot: La Salle 37, Holy Ghost Prep 28; Saves: Jake Rossi (L) 25, Jack Botthof 36
BRISTOL—Monday marked the start of a new season for Holy Ghost Prep. The afternoon offered glimpses of the type of hockey team it hopes to become.
Anthony Valeriote scored three goals and five other players scored one goal each as the Firebirds bested Devon Prep 8-3 in a non-league encounter at Grundy Arena.
The day’s events gave Holy Ghost Prep coach John Ritchie some insights into where his team is with the APAC opener against La Salle now less than a week away.
“I think we needed a convincing victory,” he said, “and to just get started off on the right foot for this season. I think we came out and did that for the most part.”
Valeriote made sure the Firebirds got off to a good start; he scored the first goal of the game from the low slot just 37 seconds after the opening faceoff. But the Tide, who took the ice Monday having won two games against Class AA opposition, responded three-and-a-half minutes later when Kieran Crossan beat Jack Unger in the Holy Ghost Prep net.
Valeriote put the hosts back in front with 7:58 left in the period before the Firebirds broke the game open in the second frame. Mike Previtera, Valeriote, Joe Kaufmann, and Brian Kinniry all scored goals in a span of 2 minutes, 12 seconds, sending Tide goaltender Grant Gale to the bench and putting the hosts in complete control with a 6-1 lead with 7:09 still left in the second period.
For the Tide, which are in just their third season of ice hockey, it was another step in the evolutionary process. Devon Prep coach Matt Fabrizio spoke about what it was like to take the ice against an APAC opponent. The Tide compete in the Prep/Catholic Division of the Inter County League where they are aligned with Father Judge, Salesianum, Haverford School, and a co-op team that blends Bishop Shanahan and Coatesville.
“I think the biggest difference is the speed of the game,” Fabrizio said. “The way that a Holy Ghost plays, the way their feet never stop moving, the way they backcheck, the way attack the zone, the way they send their forwards crashing to that far post, is all a lesson.
“As the game went on, we got stronger, but when we watch that game film, they’re going to watch [Holy Ghost Prep.] I want them to watch what they do and learn from that.”
Holy Ghost Prep’s Joe Kaufmann battles Devon Prep’s Danny Pucci in Wednesday’s game (photo: Robert Barnes)
Braydon Russo scored for the Tide before the second period ended and Crossan pocketed his second goal of the game 87 seconds into the third session before Logan Barnes and Spadaccino added additional goals for the Firebirds.
Ritchie expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance.
“We were missing a big piece up front for this game due to injury,’ he said, “but I thought we did a nice job of picking up. the slack. I know we have four lines that can contribute and produce. So, offensively we did a great job, Defensively, we have to clean up.”
Senior defenseman Ryan Lippy, the Firebirds’ captain said he and his teammates played with self-assurance.
“We played really confident,” he said. “We moved the puck well and we played how we should be playing. But we had a couple mistakes which led to goals and I think we can pick it up next week.”
Devon Prep 1 1 1—3
Holy Ghost Prep 2 4 2—6
First-period goals: Anthony Valeriote (HGP) unassisted, :37; Kieran Crossan (DP) from Braydon Russo and Logan Reaney, 4:08; Vaeriote (HGP) from Joe Spadaccino, 7:58
Second-period goals: Mike Previtera (HGP) from Logan Barnes and Valeriote, 4:57; Valeriote (HGP) from Chase Logue and Joe Kaufmann, 5:17; Kaufmann (HGP) from Logue 5:59; Brian Kinniry (HGP) from Kaufmann, 7:09 (pp); Russo (DP) from Crossan and Reaney, 13:13
Third-period goals: Crossan (DP) from Russo, 1:27 (pp); Logan Barnes (HGP) unassisted, 1:54 (sh); Spadaccino (HGP) from Brady Flynn and Logue, 15:28
Shots: Devon Prep 27, Holy Ghost Prep 52 Saves: Grant Gale (DP) 33 and Aidan Wright (DP) 11; Jack Unger (HGP) 24
The Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference is launching its seventh season. Here’s a look at what to expect from the five conference schools in the 2024-25 campaign.
La Salle
Coach: Wally Muehlbronner (27th season)
Last year: 23-4, 8-0 in APAC; defending Founders Cup and Class AAA Flyers Cup champions
Key players: Sr. Jake Rossi (G); Sr. Cam Ross (D); Sr. Will Gregorio (D); Sr. Declan Kelly (D); Sr. Julian Tarsi (F); Sr. Grant LaGreca (F); Sr. Michael Zarzycki (F); So. Alistair St. Hilaire (F)
Outlook: The Explorers lost 12 seniors from last year’s Founders Cup and Flyers Cup champions but a solid nucleus returns. The defense corps is solid while Tarsi, LaGreca, Zarzycki, and St. Hilaire provide scoring balance. Rossi is a quality goaltender.
Holy Ghost Prep
Coach: John Ritchie (second season)
Last year: 12-14, 3-5 in APAC (0-1 in OT)
Key players: Sr. Ryan Lippy (D); Sr. Joe Kaufmann (D); So. Nate Romer (D); Jr. Chris Marshall (D-F); Sr. Colin Bara (F); Sr. Joe Spadaccino (F); Sr. Brian Kinniry (F); Jr. Anthony Valeriote (F); Jr. Jack Gavaghan (F); Jr. Lucas Gonzalez (F); Jr. Brady Logue (F); So. Chase Logue (F)
Outlook: The Firebirds struggled the first part of last season but were much improved after New Year’s.
“We were better the second half of the season,” Ritchie said, “which should help moving forward. The roster has a good core group of older experienced players, coupled with some talented newcomers.”
Spadaccino, Kinniry, and Bara will provide veteran experience up front while Lippy and Kauffmann will do the same in the back. The roster also includes three experienced goaltenders.
Hun School
Coach: Eric Szeker (second season)
Last year: 5-12, 1-7 in APAC (1-1 in OT)
Key players: Sr. Patrick Donoghue (G); Sr. Elliot Wong (G); Sr. Jr. Chase Preston (D; Jr. Andrew Darst (D); Sr. Luke Rassier (F); Jr. Jake Beck (F); Jr. Luca Jean (F); So. Justin Bibeau (F); Jr. Nate Trawinski (F); Jr. Jacob Kelly-Lepage (F); Jr. Anders Van Raalte (F); Sr Jake O’Connell (F)
Outlook: The Raiders will put a much deeper team on ice this season than they did a year ago. Ten seniors graduated but a talented junior class returns. Donoghue and O’Connell will be relied on for leadership in the locker room and on the ice. Szeker is looking scoring balance.
“Scoring will come from many players,” he said, “but Jake Beck, who had a strong sophomore season, will be counted on for production.”
Donoghue and Wong provide experience in goal.
Malvern Prep
Coach: Bill Keenan (sixth season)
Last year: 11-9, 4-4 in APAC (2-2 in OT); Class AAA Flyers Cup finalist
Key players: Sr. Matt Crawford (G); Sr. Matt Barbacane (D); Jr. Cole Scarbinsky (D); Sr. Gabe Bedwell (F); Sr. Teague Murray (F); Jr. Pax Hoishik (F); Jr. Henry Tesoriero (F); So. House Young (F)
Outlook: The Friars look to bounce back from a tough loss in the Flyers Cup finals. The team by a core group of seniors and upperclassmen with additions of talented underclassmen.
“This year is about resetting our mindset, getting back to the basics and finding our grit,” Keenan said. “This is one of the toughest schedules Malvern Prep will play in a few years so we are looking forward to a fun, competitive season.”
St. Joseph’s Prep
Coach: David Giacomin (12th season)
Last year: 16-7 4-4 in APAC (1-0 in OT): Founders Cup finalist
Key players: So. Declan Geary (G); Jr. Michael Garr (G); Jr. Bruno Mainardi (G); Sr. Caden Kelly (D); Jr. Patrick Sweeney (D); Jr. Ben Kerson Jr. Adam Charaffi (D); Sr. Tristan Winata (F); Sr. Carter Short (F); Jr. Noah Stuhl (F); Jr. Tommy Ely (F); Jr. Michael Castelli (F); So. Frankie Ely (F); and So. Cole Gargon (F)
Outlook: Team speed combined with veteran experience on the blue line will be recipe for success for the Hawks this season.
“We hope to be a speed driven team that will play hard in all three zones,” Giacomin said. “Depth will play a big role this year. With offensive returnees and the defense leading the way we hope to get off to a fast start and build from there.”
Four different players scored goals as Malvern Prep opened its season Monday afternoon with a 4-0 win at Calvert Hall.
Alex March opened the scoring with 8:07 left in the first period. He assisted on Cole Scarbinsky’s effort 3:42 into the second frame. Quinn Riley added a goal later in the second period and Andrew Starck extended his team’s lead in the third.
Matt Crawford and Riley Doyle split the shutout in goal.
The Philadelphia area hockey community came together at Hatfield Ice Arena Thursday night in support of Philadelphia Blind Hockey and that organization’s efforts to provide access to the sort to those with visual disabilities.
The second annual showcase brought together 10 high-school teams and a college club team who played a series of 15-minute four-on-four games while wearing specially designed goggles that replicated various visual impairments.
The evening also included teams representing Philadelphia Blind Hockey’s coaching staff, the Philadelphia Flyers’ community relations staff, and two teams representing the Flyers Warriors, which features players with disabilities.
The participants offered unique perspectives on the experience
Malvern Prep senior Gabe Bedwell joined several of his teammates on a squad that featured players from the Pennridge boys’ and girls’ teams. He said the experience of playing hockey with restricted vision left him with a sense of gratitude.
“It really does make me so thankful to have the vision that I have,” he said. “it really is just a gift from God, it just makes your heart bleed for people that aren’t as fortunate as you.
Bedwell had the opportunity to experience various vision issues, however briefly, with multiple pairs of goggles.
“One, I think it was cataracts,” he said. “You couldn’t see anything. Honestly, that was an experience. I think I had a goal with them somehow, And, the other ones were also very challenging.”
Bedwell was asked what it was like to play hockey with restricted vision.
“It’s hard to explain honestly,” he said. “It’s a weird experience.
“When I tried with the [cataract glasses] it was the hardest one. You could see colors and shapes but you didn’t know where their sticks were at all, you didn’t know how or when they were going to get to you. The closing speed was definitely a lot different and it’s just really like a guessing game sometimes. You just don’t know where you’re going.”
Bedwell noted that participating in the showcase was in keeping with Malvern Prep’s philosophy of community service.
“This is honestly one of the most impactful things I’ve done,” he said. “I think it really spreads awareness [the APAC] itself too. It’s pretty cool. It was honestly a great experience and it was actually fun.”
Former Flyer Brad Marsh skated with the Flyers’ community service team. Marsh played 15 seasons in the National Hockey League, including seven with the Flyers, but Thursday night was a new experience for him.
“Well, I’ll tell you, it was awkward,” he said. “It was weird, it was difficult, but it was quite a unique experience.”
Marsh was asked about how he and fellow Flyers alum Doug Crossman approached skating with restricted vision.
“Well, the thing is we do know how to skate, ”Marsh said “so our main goal was to keep our balance and stay out of everybody’s way.
“But it was fun. Whenever you can play hockey it’s great and USA Hockey and Canadian amateur hockey, they’ve done a great job incorporating the various disabilities into the game of hockey. Blind hockey, deaf hockey, sled hockey, I know I’m missing some, but hats off to the hockey associations for making the game accessible to people with disabilities.”
Marsh was asked what he wanted the high-school and college player who participated to take away from the experience.
“That they get an understanding of playing the game with a handicap,” he said. “And it gives them an appreciation of what they have. Whenever you can expose young people to something new, it’s a great learning experience.”
• In addition to Malvern Prep. the participating schools included North Penn, Central Bucks East, Central Bucks South, Pennridge [boys and girls] Holy Ghost Prep, Haverford High, Penncrest, Father Judge and the Neumann University men’s club team.
Two APAC schools will be among the participants Thursday night in the second annual Philadelphia Blind Hockey Showcase which is scheduled for Hatfield Arena.
Holy Ghost Prep and Malvern Prep will join Father Judge, Central Bucks East, Central Bucks South, North Penn, Haverford, Penncrest, along with and the boys’ and girls’ teams from Pennridge and the men’s club team from Neumann University.
Holy Ghost Prep coach John Ritchie points out that participating in the showcase is in keeping with the school’s educational and spiritual philosophy.
“”We were very grateful to be included in the event last year. It is an event that aligns with HGPs Spiritan foundation. Participating in the Philadelphia Blind Hockey charity is a reminder that the spirit of the game knows no barriers. Together, the hockey community can inspire, uplift, and create opportunities for all athletes to experience our game.”
Doors will open at 5:30 Thursday evening; the first games will begin at 6:10. Admission is $5.
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