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Alistair Sr. Hilaire’s power-play goal gave the Explorers a 3-2 win over Dalberton Wednesday afternoon at Hatfield Ice. It was his second goal of the game.
Logan Dicus also scored for La Salle, which improved to 6-0 on the season. Julian Tarsi added two assists. Jake Rossi made 25 save in goal.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ—Wednesday marked the dawn of a new era for the Hun School hockey program. The Raiders made their 2023-24 debut under Eric Szeker, who is succeeding Ian McNally this season.
His troops gave a good effort before dropping a 5-3 decision to Bergen Catholic at Ice Land.
The affair was officially designated as a scrimmage, since Bergen Catholic, which plays hockey under the auspices of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association could not play an official game until Thursday. That designation did not diminish the energy level on the ice however and both teams were able to dress an extra player or two.
The Cougars wasted no time jumping in front. Will Schlechtweg found the net just 59 seconds after the opening faceoff and Bergen Catholic never trailed.
Matthew Maglio, who assisted on Schlechtweg’s tally, made it a 2-0 game with a goal of his own at the 8:18 mark.
Nathaniel TrawinskI got the Raiders on the board but Kyle Frassetto’s power-play effort 9:32 into the second frame made it a two-goal game once more.
Ryan Levesque stepped up for Hun School not quite four minutes later when he scored on a shorthanded breakaway but Kyle Rooks and Colin Higgins added goals for the Crusaders to make it a 5-2 game 6:05 into the final period.
Justin Laplante’s late goal made the final margin a bit closer.
Szeker took a number of positives away from the afternoon.
“I loved the effort,” he said. “We were working up and down the ice. But sometimes, the effort isn’t enough. We’ve got to pick up guys and stuff like that.
Having lost 10 seniors to graduation a year ago, the Raiders are looking for contributions from the underclassmen on the roster.
“We like to see the guys coming out and competing and playing their hardest,” Szeker said. “We’ve got a lot of young player who are going to have to adjust to the level.
“What I like is we’ve got the compete level. Now, we’ve got to execute at a higher level.”
Szeker, who played for Hun School says a big key for players transitioning to a higher level of hockey is improved/quicker decision making.
“The game comes at them a lot faster,” he said. “They’ve got to make those decisions pretty quick. The plus side to it is there are a lot of skilled players at a younger age and I don’t think it’s going to take them too long to adjust to the speed, but just decision making is going to be the biggest thing they have to adjust to.”
Ice chips—The Raiders will host Haverford School Friday night in their first official game of the Eason. They’ll open APAC play at La Salle on December 6
Bergen Catholic 2 1 2—5
Hun School 1 1 1—3
First-period goals: Will Schlechtweg (BC) from Matthew Maglio, :59; Maglio (BC) from Alex Frassetto, 8:18; Nathaniel TrawinskI (HS) unassised, 14:00
Second-period goals: Kyle Frassetto (BC) from Justin Tong and Andrew Darst, 9:32 (pp) Ryan Levesque (HS) 13:25 (sh)
Third-period goals: Kyle Rooks (BC) from Nick Frassetto and George Weiner, 1:13; Colin Higgins (BC) from Braydon Kane and Rocco Venezia, 6:05; Justin Laplante (HS) from Jake Beck and Anders Raalte, 15:27
For the second consecutive year, Malvern Prep and St. Joseph’s Prep will meet on the ice as part of an effort to raise awareness of Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome or RTS.
The Friars and the Hawks will square off in a regularly scheduled Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference game this coming Thursday, November 30, at 6:30 at Ice Line.
Proceeds from the evening will be donated to several organizations who support individuals with Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes intellectual and developmental disabilities and impacts one in 125,000 children.
Connor Keenan, the son of Malvern Pep coach Bill Keenan, is afflicted with RTS; he will celebrate his fourth birthday in January.
Thursday’s varsity game will be the main event of a tripleheader which will begin with a junior-varsity game at 3:30 followed by a middle-school game at 5:10.
The day’s events actually begin at 3:00 Thursday afternoon with a Dine and Donate event at Ice Line’s Goal Line Pub that will run until 9:00 that evening.
Keenan expressed his thanks to his colleagues at Malvern Prep and in the hockey community for their support.
“Spreading awareness of this rare syndrome is very important to us,” he said. “The Malvern community has been so amazing and supportive to helping us raise awareness.
“Last year was the first year we did this event and we are so happy to bring it back again this year. It is something we look forward to each and every year. Connor and our family are truly blessed to be surrounded by such amazing people.”
Speaking at last year’s inaugural benefit event, Keenan’s wife Sarah cited the importance of raising awareness of RTS.
“It’s very rare,” she said. “So, it’s important just make people aware of it for inclusion purposes and to get that research really going to see if they can help kids with the syndrome out.”
Bill Keenen cited St. Joseph’s Prep coach David Giacomin for his support of the event.
“When I asked Coach Giacomin to be a part of this event last year, there was no hesitation and an immediate ‘Yes’ response,” he said. “St. Joe Prep, although rivals on the ice are great partners and show a great amount of sportsmanship by being involved.”
Cole Gargon scored two goals to help the Hawks to the win over Gonzaga Friday afternoon at the University of Pennsylvania’s Class of 1923 rink.
The freshman’s second goal of the game with 1:58 left in the second period snapped a 2-2 tie. Jake Shultz added a third-period goal as the hosts improved to 2-1 on the season.
Frankie Ely, another freshman, also scored for the Hawks; his tally in the first period was the first varsity goal of his career.
Declan Geary, another freshman, got the win in goal, making 30 saves.
Gonzaga 1 1 0—2
St. Joseph’s Prep 1 2 1—4
First-period goals: Edwin Siembzeba (G) from Hamilton Nordwin, 13:13; Frankie Ely (SP) from Adam Charrafi and Carter Short, 13:29
Second-period goals: Cole Gargon (SJP) from Charrafi, 6:22; Matthew Shay (G) from Tyler Jasell, 8:57; Gargon (SP) from Tristan Winata and Charrafi, 15:52
Third-period goal: Jake Shultz (SP) from Tyler Degiralomo and Shane O’Neill, 8:18
Shots: Gonzaga 32, St. Joseph’s Prep 34; Saves: Tucker Forest (G) 17 and Paddy Kircher (G) 9, Declan Geary (SJP) 30
W L OTW OTL Pts GF GA
La Salle (6-0) 2 0 0 0 6 7 2
Malvern Prep (3-2) 1 1 0 0 3 3 5
Hun School (0-0) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
St. Joseph’s Prep (2-1) 0 1 0 0 0 1 2
Holy Ghost Prep (0-3) 0 1 0 0 0 1 3
This Week
Friday 11-24
St. Joseph’s Prep 4 Gonzaga 2
Wednesday 11-29
Bergen Catholic 5 Hun School 3 (scrimmage)
La Salle 3 Delberton 2
Thursday 11-30
St. Joseph’s Prep vs. Malvern Prep 6:30 at Ice Line
Friday 12-1
Hun School vs. Haverford School 7:15 at Ice Land
La Salle 4 Malvern Prep 1
Julian Tarsi scored a pair of second-period goals to pace La Salle to a 4-1 win over Malvern Prep Wednesday night in an APAC game at Ice Line. It was the second conference win of the season for the Explorers who are 5-0 overall and have won 10 straight dating back to last season.
Aidan Kelly gave the Friars (3-2, 1-1 in conference) the lead just 21 seconds into the opening period. Michael Esmond tied the game for La Salle at the 14:34 mark.
Tarsi’s goals came in a span of 3:14 late in the second period.
La Salle 1 2 1—4
Malvern Prep 1 0 0—1
First-period goals: Aidan Kelly (MP) from Jeremy Jacobs, :21; Michael Esmond (L) from John Mullen, 14:34
Second-period goals: Julian Tarsi (L) from Dean Carvalho, 11:21 (pp); Tarsi (L) from Declan Kelly, 14:35
Third-period goal: Will Carpenter (L) from Patrick Brace and Will Gregorio 16:46 (sh),
Shots: La Salle 41, Malvern Prep 19; Saves: Jacob Rossi (L) 18, Matt Crawford (MP) 37
Elsewhere
Central Bucks East 4 Central Bucks West 2 (Recap available on this blog)
Pennsbury 3 Neshaminy 0—Three different players scored goals for the victorious Falcons. Aaron McDaniel earned the shutout in goal.
Pennridge 13 Souderton 5—Six different players scored goals for the Rams. Andrew Savona, Kevin Pico, and Shane Dachowski all delivered hat tricks.
Council Rock South 10 vs. Council Rock North 0—Kevin Koles, Jackson Mosley, and Nikita Volobuiev all scored two goals as the Golden Hawks shut out the Indians at Revolution Ice Gardens
Central Bucks South 4 North Penn 2—Ryan Frey, Jeff Kvecher, and Audan Linso all scored third-period goals to lead the Titans over the Knights.
Hatboro-Horsham/Upper Dublin 7 Springfield 6 OT
Father Judge 3 Holy Ghost Prep 1—Jason Sarmon, Joe Mullen, and Colin Howell scored goals for the victorious Crusaders in the non-league game at Grundy Arena. Anthony Prete scored for the Firebirds (0-3)
The captain’s position in hockey, whatever the level, transcends that role in other team sports.
The captain is expected to provide leadership and support to his teammates, and perhaps at times serve as a bridge between the players and the coaching staff, while taking care not to let his own on-ice performance fall off.
John Lynch is wearing the ‘C’ at St. Joseph’s Prep this season. The senior defenseman was appointed by his coach, David Giacomin, with input from his teammates. Each player on the roster was permitted to submit three names to be considered for the captaincy.
It is a role that Lynch, a South Philadelphia resident, embraces.
John Lynch
“I was happy with it,” he said. “Because I’ve been a captain before. But I was never given the actual ‘C ‘I, was just named captain.
“And to have the ‘C,’ it’s nice to have it; it just shows my dedication and my true leadership.
St. Joseph’s Prep is the first team Lynch has played for that has a designated captain but he says he’s assumed a leadership role on the club teams he’s played for (he’s currently skating for the Philadelphia Blazers 18 AA team).
“It’s good to be the guy that everyone looks up to,” he said. “This year with a lot of freshmen especially, it’s good to earn everyone’s respect and to just be positive. I have to make everyone accountable, which is the most important aspect.”
Lynch’s leadership style varies depending on he’s interacting with upperclassmen or his younger teammates.
“With the upperclassmen, I can talk to them in a different way,” he said. “And they can relate to my position. And they can help me out, see where I’m coming from. And there’s ways to address them, even though they’re in the same grade.
“It’s different with the freshmen because when you’re teaching them now, you’re setting up for the rest of their four years of high school and they can just continue to pass that on as they go.”
The lineup of 20 players the Hawks dressed in their APAC opener against La Salle included two freshmen and four sophomores. Two other freshmen didn’t dress.
Lynch points out that with a roster so young, it’s especially important that he and the other veterans set a positive tone.
“it’s important because there’s so many of them,” he said. “They all have to understand the commitment, and how we all just have to be together as one.
“You just have to show them more and earn their respect because if you don’t have their respect, it won’t work. But, if everyone just buys in, especially with the young kids, everyone just has to understand their role. If you teach them now, you’re setting them up for success later and they can eventually pass it on when they’re seniors.”
Lynch notes the importance of leading by example, of not letting his captain’s responsibilities negatively own on-ice performance.
“That’s definitely a factor,” he said. “If I’m having a bad game and I’m the captain there’s ways you can address the team, tell them we’ve got to step it up. Even if I’m not on my game, I can see through our mistakes and everything.
“They can see that I’m doing something wrong too but I can also help the team in other ways if I’m not having the best game. Like, motivating everybody getting up if they can to block shots.
“There’s other ways to address it especially if I’m not having that good a game, but it is hard to keep a positive mindset if I’m having a bad game If I am having a bad game, everyone just sees it.”
CLICK HERE for more information about St. Joseph’s Prep
Thanksgiving Eve is one of the high points of the scholastic hockey season. It’s an occasion that sees traditional rivalries renewed in front of enthusiastic audiences that often include alumni who are home from college for the holiday.
With the SHSH’s expanded league schedule, every game on this list save one will impact league standings.
Here is the schedule
La Salle vs. Malvern Prep 6:45 at Ice Line
Holy Ghost Prep vs. Father Judge 7:00 at Grundy Arena
C.B. East vs C.B. West 7:00 at Revolution Ice Gardens
Pennridge vs. Souderton 7:00 at Hatfield Ice
Pennsbury vs. Neshaminy 7:20 at Grundy Arena
Springfield vs HH/UD 7:30 at Bucks County Ice
C.R. North vs C.R. South 8:45 at Revolution Ice Gardens
North Penn vs C.B. South 9:00 at Hatfield Ice
BRISTOL—Malvern Prep and Holy Ghost Prep took their first steps into the sometimes-perilous waters of the Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference Thursday afternoon. It was the Friars who found smooth sailing.
Brayden Baum and Aidan Kelly scored second-period goals to give their side a 2-1 win over the Firebirds at Grundy Arena. It was the Friars’ third win in four starts.
“We’ve got a lot of good kids on our team,” Kelly said. “Everyone’s really motivated after the year we had last year (10-8 and a loss in the opening round of the Founders Cup playoffs). The coaches are doing a great of getting us motivated.”
Kelly noted that he and his teammates, including the newcomers on hand, are adjusting to their roles in this year’s lineup.
“I think everyone is really excited with their new roles,” the senior said. “It comes with a little bit of nerves, a little bit of pressure, just playing for such a great team in such a great league.
“But I think the older guys, the more experienced guys, are doing a great of helping everyone fit their role and get used to playing at this level.”
Malvern Prep enjoyed a 14-5 shots advantage in the opening period but couldn’t solve Firebird netminder Jack Botthof and the first frame was scoreless.
Baum got the Friars on the scoreboard 12:17 into the middle period and Kelly made it a 2-0 game at 13:58.
Malvern Prep coach Bill Keenan was pleased with the way his players moved the puck.
“The puck was moving at both ends,” he said. “Not a lot of sustained pressure but we settled down into our game. “We were able to be a little more poised with the puck and get pucks deep and sustain that pressure. I’m pretty happy with the result.”
Two goals down and perhaps a bit back on their heels, the Firebirds (0-2, 0-1 in the APAC) came out swarming at the start of the third period.
It took A.J. Prete just 19 seconds to score and make it a one-goal game. But Matt Crawford in the Malvern Prep net was perfect the rest of the way; the junior stopped 15 of the 16 shots he saw in the final period.
“Matt is pretty much anchor here for us,” Keenan said. “He played that well against Council Rock South (a game the Friars lost in overtime) and he [played] that way here today too. I think overall, he’s got a good future here, especially within the APAC. He did well today.”
For a young Holy Ghost Prep team, Wednesday’s game was another step in the building process.
“Better than Game One,” Firebird coach John Richie said of his team’s effort. “Not good enough though. “That second period, we kind of took a step backwards, then that third period was much stronger.
“But we’re a team that can’t have a lapse in judgment for 10 minutes of the second period.”
Malvern Prep 0 2 0—2
Holy Ghost Prep 0 0 1—1
Second-period goals: Brayden Baum (MP) from Gabriel Bedwell and Paxton Hoishik, 12:17; Aidan Kelly (MP) from Caiden Canale and Matt Crawford, 13:58
Third-period goal: A.J. Prete (HGP) from Mike Holt, :19
Shots: Malvern Prep 27, Holy Ghost Prep 29; Saves: Matt Crawford (MP) 28, Jack Botthof (HGP) 25
CLICK HERE to learn more about Malvern Prep
CLICK HERE to learn more about Holy Ghost Prep
HATFIELD TOWNSHIP—A bolt of lightning was followed by rolling thunder. La Salle scored two goals 69 second apart early in the third period and went on to a 3-1 win over St. Joseph’s Prep at Hatfield Ice Wednesday afternoon to officially kick off the Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference’s sixth hockey season.
Will Gregorio scored what proved to be the winning goal 1:24 into the third frame. Dean Carvalho added an insurance goal at the 2:33 mark as the Explorers (4-0 overall), the defending Founders Cup, Class AAA Flyers Cup and state champions, won their ninth straight game dating back to the close of the 2023 regular season.
Carvalho noted it was not a perfect performance.
“I didn’t think we played as a well as we could have,” he said. “There’s room for improvement, and every week we’re working to improve every game.”
The Hawks (1-1 overall) took the first lead of the afternoon, thanks to Bobby McGinn’s goal with 1:07 left in a first period in which La Salle dominated, but was unable to solve St. Joseph’s Prep netminder Jacob Aranda. The junior finished the period with 13 saves and the game with 32.
“He played great,” said St. Joseph’s Perp coach David Giacomin. “He made some quality saves, he’s always in position.
“I’d like to see the tape on a couple of goals, he might have given them a little too much, but he kept us in there the first period.”
Alastair St. Hiaire tied the game for the Explorers 7:11 into the second period and the two teams battled on even terms for the balance of the session.
Gregorio’s game winner came during a four-on-four situation with La Salle’s Patrick Brace and the Hawks’ Brayden Collins both in the box. Carvalho’s goal came after Brace’s penalty time had expired but with two seconds still remaining on Collins’ infraction.
“I thought we came out and played well out of the gate,” said La Salle coach Wally Muehlbronner. “Then I think we kind of got away from our game. And I think St. Joe’s did a really good job. Their goaltender made a lot of really good saves early on and they had some really good opportunities early on.
“I feel it was a pretty even game throughout.”
Even though it came out on the short end of the score,Giacomin was pleased with the effort of his young team; the 20 players who dressed for the Hawks included three freshmen and six sophomores.
“Obviously there are some things we messed up and I’d like to have back,” he said, “but we’re a very young team. I think what they learned today is, of they play the game the right way they can compete with pretty much anybody but with youngness comes taking your lumps here and there ands we made a couple mistakes.”
Ice chips: La Salle’s last loss came to Wyoming Seminary in its regular-season finale last season. The Explorers won five postseason games a year ago.
St. Joseph’s Prep 1 0 0—1
La Salle 0 1 2—3
First-period goal: Bobby McGinn (SJP) from Ben Kursun, 15:53
Second-period goal: Alastair St. Hilaire (L) from James Carpenter and Dean Carvalho, 7:11
Third-period goals: Will Gregorio (L) from Declan Kelly, 1:24; Dean Carvalho (L) from Gregorio, 2:33 (pp);
Shots: St. Joseph’s Prep 32, La Salle 35; Saves: Jacob Aranda (SJP) 32, Jacob Rossi (L) 31
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