Holy Ghost Prep 3 La Salle 1

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

Holy Ghost Prep 8 Devon Prep 3

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

APAC Preview 2024-25

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 (27^th 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 (12^th 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.”

Malvern Prep 4 Calvert Hall 0

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.

Philadelphia Blind Hockey Showcase a Unique Experience for Participants

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.

APAC Will Have a Presence at Blind Hockey Showcase

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.

La Salle 3 Wyoming Seminary 2 OT

HATFIELD—A young hockey team found out some things about itself Wednesday afternoon. La Salle got a live-fire test from Wyoming Seminary before the Explorers emerged with a 3-2 overtime win at Hatfield Ice.

It was the second consecutive win for the defending APAC and Class AAA Flyers Cup champions to open the new season.

Julian Tarsi delivered the game-winning goal off a centering pass from Declan Kelly with 1:13 remaining in the extra period.

Tarsi liked his team’s mindset against a quality opponent.

“It’s good for us early in the year to play a good team like that,” the senior said. “It’s good to see the boys working hard like that and digging deep. Especially later in the game, find a way to win.”

After a scoreless first frame, Kelly gave the Explorers a 1-0 lead when he found the back of the net 8:01 into the middle period.

James Fitzpatrick answered right back for the Knights (1-3) at the 9:47 mark.

The third period also featured two goals in quick succession. Grant Lagreca gave the hosts the lead, albeit briefly at the 3:03 mark. Colin Donovan responded for the Knights at 5:05 during a power play after the Explorers were flagged for having too many men on the ice.

Jake Rossi got the win in goal, stopping 24 of 26 shots.

“We got some good work in our defensive zone,” said La Salle coach Wally Muehlbronner. “I thought we played pretty well in the D-zone. We’ve been working a lot on that in the practices that we’ve had.”

La Salle lost 11 seniors off last year’s championship team. Those stepping into this year’s lineup are going through a necessary, if sometimes challenging transition.

“For a lot of the newer guys, it’s a different pace than they’re used to,” Muehlbronner said. “That was a good team that we just played, so I’m very pleased. I think that we got better as the game went along and I think the guys learned what they needed to do. We simplified some things and played a good game.”

Tarsi says his younger teammates are moving in the right direction.

“They’ve just got to get adjusted to the system,” he said, “and I think they’ve done a good job of that so far. They’re working hard. I’m excited to see what he future holds for them.”

Tarsi spoke to the responsibility the veterans on the roster have to show their younger teammates the way.

“It’s very important,” he said. “We’re supposed to be the leaders of the team.

“Honesty, coming off a huge loss last year, a devastating loss [in the state championship game] we’ve got to lead these guys back and find a way to get the job done.”

Wyoming Seminary 0 1 1 0—2

La Salle 0 1 1 1—3

Second-period goals: Declan Kelly (L) from Jacob Warner, 8:01; James Fitzpatrick (WS) from Sebastian Bilde, 9:47

Third-period goals: Grant Lagreca (L) from Michael Zarzycki, 3:03; Colin Donovan (WS) from Heil DeSeve and Jagar MacDonald, 5:27 (pp)

Overtime goal: Julian Tarsi (L) from Kelly and Cameron Ross, 3:47

Shots: Wyoming Seminary 26, La Salle 36; Saves: Jonah Boles (WS) 33, Jake Rossi (L) 24

Blindness Awareness Event to Kick Off Scholastic Hockey Season

Nine high-school boys’ hockey team and one girls’ team will be on hand for the Philadelphia Blind Hockey Showcase, which is set for Thursday, October 24 at Hatfield Ice.

The Philadelphia Blind Hockey organization is staging the event for the second year in a row to commemorate Blindness Awareness Month.

The teams will skate using vision-restricted goggles which are intended to simulate various types of vision loss/vision issues.

The participating teams will include Central Bucks East, Central Bucks South North Penn, and Pennridge from the SHSH, Father Judge, Haverford, and Penncrest from the ICSHL, and Holy Ghost Prep and Malvern Prep from the APAC.

The Pennridge girls’ team will also be on hand along with the Philadelphia Flyers Warriors and the Neumann University men’s club team.

Doors will open at 5:30. The first games will begin at 6:10.

Admission will be $5.

Hockey Happenings is seeking writers to assist with our coverage of scholastic hockey in the Philadelphia area this season. Seeking reliable individuals knowledgeable hockey who are available on weeknights. Writing experience preferred.

For details, contact us at rwoelfel2013@gmail.com

Steve Mackell Takes the Reins at APAC

A new era is dawning in the Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference this season. Steve Mackell, a longtime coach and administrator, is beginning his first season as the APAC’s commissioner.
He replaces Jim Britt, who served as the commissioner in the conference’s first six years of existence.

Mackell played high-school hockey at Cardinal O’Hara and junior hockey with the Quakers before playing for a year at West Chester State.

He began his coaching career alongside Jim McCrossin at Malvern Prep and later served as the Friars’ head coach. He also spent time behind the bench with the Quakers and Junior Flyers before joining Atlantic District player development staff.

“I’ve admired what the APAC mission was about”, Mackell said, “I know the schools, I know a lot of the coaches and the administrators from those schools and was really excited to be offered this opportunity.”

Mackell noted the unique stature that hockey is afforded at the five APAC member schools, Holy Ghost Prep, La Salle, Malvern Prep, St. oseph’s Prep, and Hun School.

“I think the common thread is hockey is recognized as a varsity sport in each of the schools,” he said. It’s run by the administration through the athletic director as well as the coaches.

“To be a varsity sport and have the backing of the school I think is paramount to being successful.”

Mackell points out the APAC’s success on the ice is coupled with a commitment to academic excellence.

“What the APAC has done in the [six] years they’ve been in existence is create a very competitive environment,” he said. “All those schools are academically challenging and I think they draw a lot of the same type student-athletes into the sport. They’ve been able to create a very high level of competitiveness through their individual scheduling at the schools as well as through the APAC scheduling.”

Since the APAC made it’ debut for the 2018-19 season, conference schools have won six consecutive Class AAA Flyers Cups. All told, they’ve won 24, including the last 13 in succession.

Jim Britt Steps down a APAC Commissioner

After guiding the Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference through the first six years of its existence, Jim Britt is stepping away from his commissioner’s post. The conference issued a statement Monday afternoon.

Jim Britt has notified the Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference (APAC) schools that he is stepping back from his role as Commissioner. Jim will assist during the transition and will remain affiliated with the conference in the future as an advisor. APAC schools are grateful for the leadership that Jim has provided the conference since its inception in 2018. Jim’s understanding of the conference schools, his belief in scholastic hockey and all the great things that the game of hockey teaches, made him the right man to help build APAC.

At the APAC May meeting, conference schools appointed Steve Mackell as their new Commissioner. Steve is a longtime coach in the Atlantic District at the youth level and as a former head coach at Malvern Prep. For many years, Steve has also been heavily involved with the Atlantic District Player Development Program Staff. He is a proven leader who knows the conference schools, the value they place on providing a well-rounded education, and their commitment to the sport of ice hockey. APAC school administrators and coaches are excited to work with Steve in the years ahead.