Your Source for High School Hockey
The Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference has finalized the dates for its Founders Cup playoffs. All four teams will participate in the semifinals on Monday, February 24thwith the top seed hosting the fourth-place finisher and the second seed hosting the third seed.
The championship game will be played on Wednesday, February 26 and will be hosted by the highest seeded finalist.
La Salle is the defending Founders Cup champion.
HATFIELD— For anyone with a healthy appetite for hockey, Friday night’s Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference matchup between St.Joseph’s Prep and La Salle was the ultimate buffet. It took a shootout to decide matters, with Nolan Woudenberg’s goal in the bottom of the third round giving the Explorers a 5-4 win.
Before that, the audience at Hatfield Ice had the chance to sample a bit of everything, close checking, first-rate goaltending, and some outstanding individual efforts.
“It was an awesome game to be a part of,” said St. Joseph’s Prep coach David Giacomin. “Like I’ve said many times, I think this division is very evenly matched and what you get that day is hopefully great hockey. I think both sides played hard and it was a great game.”
The result Haden impact on the APAC standings. The Explorers improved to 9-12 overall and 1-2-2-1 in conference play. The Hawks are now 10-10 overall and 3-0-0-4 in conference; they’ve taken at least one point from all seven league games.
The result could have have an impact on the Flyers Cup power rankings as well. The Hawks were ranked first, the Explorers second at the start of the week. A new set of rankings will be released on Monday.
All eight of Friday night’s regulation goals came in the last two periods after a scoreless first frame that featured an abundance of close checking as the players on both teams searched in vain for a patch of open ice to work in.
Nolan Woudenberg opened the scoring for La Salle at 11:23 of the middle period. Jake Hannon made a 2-0 game just 28 seconds later but the Hawks got tallies from Paulo Colavita and Dominic Fantozzi in a 29-second pan to draw even with 2:45 left in the period.
The third period was dominated by special teams. The first three of the four goals in the period came on power plays.
The Hawks’ Michael Urbani and the Explorers’ Woudenberg traded goals early on before Andrew Centrella scored on a shot from the right circle to give the Hawks a 4-3 lead with 11:34 left in the game. David Kimmel tied the game for La Salle with 6:44 left in regulation.
The Explorers got a break when the Hawks’ Nick Storti drew an elbowing penalty with 45 seconds left in regulation, one which allowed LaSalle to start the overtime period with a man advantage.
Both goaltenders came up big in the extra session. The Explorers’ Aidan McCabe denied the Hawks’ Matthew Moresco and St. Joseph Prep’s Andrew Custer got the better of Woudenberg. Either play could have ended matters. In the end, Woudenberg provided the winning effort in the shootout.
“It’s a step forward for us,” said La Salle coach Wally Muehlbronner. It would have been nice to win in regulation but it was similar to our last game against them. Two pretty evenly matched teams.”
McCabe spoke to the nature of the rivalry between the Explorers and the Hawks. “It’s definitely an easy game to get up for,” he said, and to stay motivated through the whole game. And once you know it’s going into overtime, it’s even easier to focus on. We were able to get the win in the shootout, which is nice.”
Ice Chips—The Explorers won the first meting between the two teams, 4-3 in overtime, on November 20. The two teams will close the regular season against each other on the evening of February 21 at the University of Pennsylvania’s Class of 1923 Arena.
St. Joseph’s Prep 0 2 2 0 (1)—4
La Salle 0 2 2 0 (2)—5
Second-period goals: Nolan Woudenberg (L) from Chase Hannon and Jack Armstrong, 11:23 (pp); Jake Hannon (L) from Colin Keiser and David Kimmel, 11:51; Matthew Moresco (SJP) from Paulo Colavita, 13:44; Dominic Fantozzi (SJP) from Jimmy Craig, 14:15.
Third-period goals: Michael Urbani (SJP) from Jeffrey Hammond and Craig, 1:29 (pp); Woudenberg (L) from Hannon and Armstrong, 2:32 (pp); Andrew Centrella (SJP) from Hammond and Craig, 5:26 (pp); Kimmel (L) from Keenan Schneider, 10:16.
Shootout goals: SJP: Ben Briskin; L: Max Maddalo and Woudenberg
Shots: SJP 25, La Salle 26; Saves: Andrew Custer (SJP) 22, Aidan McCabe (L) 21
Elsewhere
Holy Ghost Prep 3, St. Augustine 0—The Firebirds bested the Hermits Friday in a non-league game. Landon Stoudt and Anthony Sparo scored in the first period to give the Firebirds a 2-0 lead. Luke Panepresso added an empty net goal in the third period. Sean Joyce made 25 saves in goal.
Check out the Hockey Happenings podcast
Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference Standings
Includes games played and reported through 1-28
W L OW OL Pts GF GA
St. Joseph’s Prep (11-10) 3 0 0 4 13 25 23
Holy Ghost Prep (10-4-1) 3 3 1 0 11 25 21
Malvern Prep (6-7) 2 4 2 0 10 33 36
LaSalle (9-13) 1 2 2 1 8 28 19
Teams receive:
3 points for a regulation win
2 points for an overtime or shootout win
1 point for an overtime or shootout loss
0 points for a regulation loss
Check out our Hockey Happenings podcast with hosts Rick Woelfel and Eric Tye HERE
Would a podcast benefit your business or help you promote your event?
We cab help. Contact us HERE
Scoring Leaders Games G A Pts
Byron Hartley (HGP) 14 17 11 28
Matt Harris (MP) 12 17 8 25
Jack Constabile (MP) 8 5 15 20
Evan Mudrick (HGP) 12 10 9 19
Ryan Sambuco (MP) 12 5 11 16
Anthony Sparo (HGP) 12 4 10 14
Nathan Benner (La) 15 8 5 13
Jimmy Craig (SJP) 13 4 8 12
Braedon Barsher (HGP) 11 10 1 11
Keenan Schneider (La) 15 2 9 11
Andrew Centrella (SJP) 12 1 10 11
The Grundy Skate Shop is a full-service hockey pro shop inside the Grundy Arena, offering a great selection of equipment, brands and various services. We do a full range of repairs as well as offer custom hockey jerseys. Owner Bill Keyser, has over 25 years experience in the industry and specializes in skate sharpening, including profiling. Stop in an check us out or please visit our Facebook page
HATFIELD— Hill School had a substantial head start in its matchup against La Salle Wednesday afternoon. The Blue scored twice before the contest was three-and-a-half minutes old and went on to a 4-1 win over the Explorers at Hatfield Ice in a Mid-Atlantic Prep League encounter.
The Explorers (8-12) found themselves outgunned in the early going. Gabriel Shipper opened the scoring for the Blues (9-4-1) just 23 seconds after the opening faceoff when he beat La Salle netminder Aidan McCabe. Will Schiller made it a 2-0 game at the 3:26 mark.
“(The Hill School) is a tough team to play catch-up against,” said La Salle coach Wally Muehlbronner. “We know what we’re up against. Most of these Mid-Atlantic Prep schools are older than us across the board. They’ll have guys repeat a grade. But that’s very good for us, I think.
‘We have to learn to move our feet, compete harder, for the things that ultimately in the end will make us a better team.”
Schaller scored his second goal of the game on a power play effort with 43 seconds left in the first frame. After that, the two teams skated on something closer to even terms. Thomas Beaudoin extended Hill School’s lead with a goal in the final minute of the second period,
Meantime, Sean Parker was impregnable in the Blues’ net. Colin Keiser finally got La Salle on the scoreboard 1:19 into the final period, But that was all the Explorers could manage.
Next up for La Salle is an APAC matchup against St. Joseph’s Prep on Friday.
“We’re hoping for a good practice tomorrow,” Muehlbronner said, “Get ready for Friday night, which will be our Senior Night. That’s our focus right now.”
Hill School 3 1 0—4
La Salle 0 0 1—1
First-period goals: Gabriel Shipper (HP) from Henry Gartner and Michael Rockovich, :23; Will Schaller (HS) from Otto McLaughlin and Brock Weimar, 3:26; Schaller (HS) from McLaughlin and Shipper, 16:17 (pp)
Second-period goals:Thomas Beauvoir (HS) from Nico McCurrach,14:49;
Third-period goals: Colin Keiser (L) from Keenan Schneider and Jake Harmon, 1;19.
Shots: Hill School 28, La Salle 16; Saves: Sean Parker (HS) 15; Aidan McCabe (L) 24
St. Joseph’s Prep will return home from Clearwater, Florida with the championship of the Clearwater Beach Martin Luther King Day Tournament. The Hawks won four consecutive games against a field of scholastic and club teams.
The Hawks bested the Palm Beach Hawks 5-0 in Monday’s championship game after wins over the Carolina Jr. Hurricanes 5-3, the Nova Ice Dogs 3-0 and St. John Ravencourt 5-0 the previous two days.
The Hawks are now 10-9 in all competitions and 3-0-0-3 in the Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference. They will return to action on Friday when they face La Salle in an APAC matchup at Hatfield Ice (6:50 start).
The ratings below were computed by the Flyers Cup Committee and were determined by a combination of game results, strength of schedule, and committee observations through games on January 17. In the case of Class AAA only games against other Flyers Cup eligible teams are included. For more information go to the Flyers Cup Tournament site HERE
Check out the Flyers Cup podcast HERE. New episodes posted each Friday.
Class AAA (Maximum # of teams in field: 8)
In a fairly quiet week across the AAA division, St. Joseph’s Prep (APAC) remains as the #1 team – still with an undefeated regulation record. Holy Ghost Prep (APAC) defeated Malvern Prep (APAC) (5-1) in this week’s only APAC game, sliding Malvern down in the rankings and pulling up HGP. La Salle (APAC) did not play and holds steady at second. Father Judge (ICSHL) remains at five after defeating DMA (ICSHL) in a non-division game.
Class AA (Maximum # of teams in field: 16)
Central Bucks South (SHSHL) took care of business against SHSHL rival Council Rock South to remain in the top sport and Haverford (ICSHL) remains as number two after having the week off. Perkiomen Valley (ICSHL) added two nice ICSHL wins (Downingtown West and Springford) to leapfrog North Penn (SHSHL) who did not play this week. Downingtown West (ICSHL) remains in fifth and both Pennsbury (SHSHL) and Neshaminy (SHSHL) jump CR South (SHSHL) after their respective wins and CRS’s loss. Boyertown’s (ICSHL) impressive 6-0 victory over Delaware power Salesianum brings Boyertown up one spot and number nine as Central Bucks East (SHSHL) rounds out the Top 10.
Class A (Maximum # of teams in field: 16)
West Chester East (ICSHL), Springfield (ICSHL), Unionville (ICSHL) had impressive wins and are the new top three in the A level classification. Plymouth Whitemarsh (SHSHL) earned another league W as they round out the top four. West Chester Bayard Rustin’s (ICSHL) win over cross-town rival West Chester Henderson (ICSHL) causes a flip-flop between Rustin and Palmyra (CPIHL). Palmyra, although earning a win, drop one spot to number six for this week. Strath Haven (ICSHL) has hung around the same general spot in our rankings all year and continue to be there at number seven. Hershey (CPIHL) moves up to number eight and fellow league member Lower Dauphin (CPIHL) enter the polls for the first time at number nine. WC Henderson drops to number ten after of dropping two games to equally dominant opponents (WC East and WC Bayard Rustin).
N.J./Del (Maximum # of teams in field: 8)
Eastern (SJHSHL) remains as the top seed after adding one victory to their belt. Salesianum (ICSHL) still sits in second, but their non-division loss to Boyertown (6-0) has everything tightening up for later rankings, especially with Moorestown (SJHSHL) having a solid 1-0-1 week. Cherokee (SJHSHL) jumps to fourth after battling to a tie with Moorestown and then beating Shawnee (SJHSHL) in an emotional dual-senior night battle. Appoquinimink (ICSHL) rounds out the top five.
Girls (Maximum # of teams in field: 5)
Bux-Mont (ICSHL) sits at the top of the Girls division power Rranking for a second week in a row. It was a very quiet week of games, but previous #4 WC Henderson (ICSHL) suffered a large loss, moving WC East (ICSHL) back in to the polls as the new #4. Unionville (ICSHL) and Avon Grove (ICSHL) remain at #2 and #3.
Five different players scored goals as Holy Ghost Prep scored a 5-1 win over Malvern prep on Wednesday in an APAC game at Ice Line. With the win, the Firebirds improved to 9-4-1 overall and 3-3-1-0 in the APAC. The Friars slipped to 6-5 and 2-4-2-0 in the APAC.
Luke Panepresso’s goal with 3:24 left in the opening period gave the Firebirds a 1-0 led. Evan Mudrick, Byron Hartley, and Braedon Baesher added goals in the second period before Holy Ghost Prep’s John Connelly and Malvern Prep’s Matt Harris traded goals in the third.
Sean Joyce made 24 saves in goal for the win.
The importance of community service is a concept Malvern Preparatory School seeks to instill in all its students. John Dewey has taken that concept to heart.
Dewey is a senior winger at Malvern Prep, but hockey is just one aspect of his life. During his time there, he’s been involved in a number of service projects. He’s helped run a charity youth lacrosse tournament, has participated in a holiday toy drive, and has been involved in the school’s efforts to feed the hungry and support underprivileged children.”
“I’ve known John since he was in middle school,” said Malvern Prep coach Bill Keenan. “He shows up every day. He’s always the first kind of guy to raise his hand and give to back to the program. It’ great to hear how much how much he’s involved in the outside, volunteering aspect, and it’s important to give back.”
In years past, Dewey has taken part in toy drives for children who would visit the school for a holiday party prior to the Christmas holiday break.
“Kids would come in and you’d play with them throughout the day,” he recalls. “Each kid would have one or two gifts and we’d just have a great day.”
Dewey is also active in Malvern Prep’s ongoing efforts to feed the hungry. Students fill ceramic bowls (made by their fellow students) which they fill with donated canned goods and then distribute in the community.
Dewey notes that the issue of hunger is more widespread than many realize. “Kids will throw food away that they get for lunch or they don’t eat,” he said “They don’t understand how much they’re actually getting.”
Dewey says that participating in events like the food drive give him a lot of satisfaction. “It’s pretty satisfying to realize you’re helping that much in general,” he said. “(Hunger) is such a big issue at home, and in the area.”
Dewey said the concept of serving others is something he will take with him when he graduates from Malvern Prep this spring. “It’s about helping other people who really need help, and not being selfish” he said. “Don’t try to keep everything yourself. Try to help other people.”
Keenan says it’s important for his players and their fellow students at Malvern Prep to understand the importance of giving back to their school and community.
“We’re fortunate in that we have a lot, especially these guys, going to a great school like Malvern,” he said. “Living up to the mission and being able to provide hands outside is something I think is an important quality for these boys to have.”
For more information about Malvern Preparatory School:
The following rankings were furnished by the Flyers Cup Committee. Records include games resorted through January 12. In the case of Class AAA they include games against Cup-eligible opponents only. Recordsc are subject to revision.
For more information, go to https://www.flyers-cup.org
Class AAA (Maximum field, 8 teams)
Still without a regulation loss to Flyers Cup-eligible opposition, St. Joseph’s Prep (APAC) remains as the #1 team in this week’s AAA power rankings. Malvern Prep (APAC) climbs to #2 with an impressive week of hockey – defeating both La Salle (5-4 OT) and St. Joseph’s Prep (5-4 OT). La Salle had the opportunity to avenge that loss with a 6-1 victory over Holy Ghost Prep (APAC), who fell to #4. Father Judge (ICSHL) rounds out the top 5, on the strength of two victories of this week – one over Catholic League and AAA rival Cardinal O’Hara by a score of 6-4.
Class AA (Maximum field 16 teams)
Central Bucks South (SHSHL) and Haverford (ICSHL) added points in the win columns as they remain the top two seeds in this week’s rankings. North Penn’s (SHSHL) league victory over Top 10 Neshaminy (SHSHL) gave them the leverage to jump to #3 in this week’s rankings, jumping previous #3 Perkiomen Valley (ICSHL), who fell to Salesianum in a non-league game. Downingtown West’s two victories jumps the Whippets to #5 and CR South (SHSHL) climbs to #6 after an 11-1 victory over Central Bucks West (SHSHL), resulting in the Bucks dropping out of the top ten. Pennsbury (SHSHL), Neshaminy, and Central Bucks East (SHSHL) fill in #7 through #9 and Boyertown (ICSHL) makes their first appearance in the power rankings at #10.
Check out the Flyers Cup podcast with Rick Woelfel and Eric Tye at http://www.buzzsprout.com/213400
Class A (Maximum field: 16 teams)
West Chester East (ICSHL) remains as the #1 seed in this week’s Class A power rankings, although suffering a minor early-week 3-0 setback to AA power Downingtown East (ICSHL). Plymouth Whitemarsh remains as the #2 seed after taking care of business with an 8-3 victory over league rival Wissahickon (SHSHL). Springfield (ICSHL) remains at #3 after defeating Penncrest 5-0 and Unionville (ICSHL) jumps to #4 after West Chester Bayard Rustin suffered a 6-3 loss to OJ Roberts (ICSHL). Palmyra (CPIHL) enters the Top 5 after defeating rival Hershey (CPIHL) by a score of 5-4 in arguably the Game of the Week across all divisions. WC Rustin’s loss drops them to #6 and Hatboro Horsham (SHSHL) slides to #7 as a result of Palmyra’s win. Strath Haven (ICSHL), West Chester Henderson (ICSHL), and Hershey round out this week’s Top 10.
South Jersey/Delaware (Maximum field: TBD)
Eastern (SJHSHL) added two victories this past week and still sits atop the NJ/DE rankings. Salesianum (ICSHL) added a nice 9-6 victory over Top 5 AA ranked Perkiomen Valley (ICSHL) and remains at #2 in this week’s rankings. Adding two wins to their record this week, Appoquinimink (ICSHL) enters the rankings at #3. Appo’s jump was aided by the fact that Shawnee (SJHSHL) suffered a 6-2 loss to Eastern and a 3-3 tie to unranked Washington Township (SJHSHL). Moorestown (SJHSHL) slides to #4 after being a victim to one of Eastern’s victories this week (7-2). Cherokee (SJHSHL) enters this week’s polls after downing Kingsway (SJHSHL) by a final score of 4-1.
Girls (Maximum field: 4 teams)
Bux-Mont (ICSHL) is your new #1 in the second edition of Flyers Cup rankings for the Girls division. The Bux-Mont ladies had a big 11-1 win over league rival Radnor (ICSHL) and also benefited from West Chester Henderson’s (ICSHL) overtime victory over previous #1 Unionville (ICSHL). Avon Grove (ICSHL) stays at #3 and WC Henderson enters this week’s polls on the strength of the win over Unionville.
HATFIELD— A half season’s worth of effort is seemingly starting to pay dividends for the La Salle Explorers. Keenan Schneider scored twice and three other players added one goal each as the Explorers bested Holy Ghost Prep 6-1 Friday night in an Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference game at Hatfield Ice.
It was the first regulation win in league play for La Salle, which improved to 1-2-1-1 in the APAC and 8-10 overall versus a schedule that would best be described as rugged.
“As fas as league games go, it’s the best three periods we’ve played this year,” said La Salle coach Wally Muehlbronner. “We played consistent from start to finish. So, it’s something to build on for sure.”
The Firebirds (8-4, 2-3-0-1 the APAC) were making their first start since December 20. It was not an auspicious beginning to the new year.
“We just didn’t come to play,” said Holy Ghost Prep coach Gump Whiteside. “We laid an egg. We didn’t play well collectively and the better team beat us tonight.”
The Explorers were outshot 10-5 in the opening period but found themselves up 1-0 at its conclusion, thanks to a goal from Nathan Benner at the 3:11 mark. Aidan McCabe provided support in goal, making 10 saves in the first frame, a number of them while his mates were dealing with two Firebird power plays.
The Explorers extended their lead in the second session. Jake Armstrong scored on a shot from the left circle exactly three minutes into the period and David Bruner made it a 3-0 game at 11:10 from a deep angle on the right wing that got inside the right post past Firebird netminder Bobby Baehser.
Holy Ghost Prep (8-4, overall, 2-3-1-0 in the APAC) got a goal from Brady Baehser with 2:33 left in the period but the Explorers pulled away in the third frame on a goal from David Kimmel and two more from Schneider.
“We’re coming together as a team,” Schneider said. “Right now, we’re playing as a team and we’re just rolling, honestly.”
Muehlbronner has focused on keeping his lines together to build cohesiveness. Schneider, a sophomore was teamed with Kimmel and Jake Hammond.
“We’ve kind of fought through a lot of the adversity by trying to get the lines staying together,” he said, “not making wholesale changes. We’ve done it, burn I think there’s definitely some chemistry starting to grow between the guys.”
Holy Ghost Prep 0 1 0—1
La Salle 1 2 3—6
First-period goal: Nathan Benner (L) unassisted, 3:11;
Second-period goals: Jake Armstrong (L) from Max Maddalo, 3:00; David Bruner (L) from Maddalo, 11:10; Brady Baehser (HGP) from Carlos Rodriguez and Aidan Mulholland, 13:27.
Third-period goals: David Kimmel (L) from Jake Hammond and Keenan Schneider, 6:56; Schneider (L) from Kimmel and Nolan Woudenberg, 9:40; Schneider (L) from Hammond, 15:51.
Shots: Holy Ghost Prep 17, La Salle 18; Saves: Bobby Baehser (HGP) 12, Aidan McCabe (L) 16.
Elsewhere
Malvern Prep 5, St. Joseph’s Prep 4 SO
Chris Blango scored in the third round of a shootout to Malvern Prep a 5-4 win over St. Joseph’s Prep Friday night in an APAC matchup at the Class of 1923 Arena at the University of Pennsylvania.
Blango scored two goals in regulation for the Friars (6-4 overall, 2-3-2-0 in the APAC), who moved within two points of St. Joseph’s Prep (6-8, 3-0-0-3 in conference) in the league standings.
Michael Urbani scored twice for the Hawks, who scored twice in the third period to force overtime.
Malvern Prep 2 2 0 0 (1)—5
St. Joseph’s Prep 2 0 2 (0)—4
First-period goals: Jimmy Craig (SJP) from Michael Urbani, 3:15 (pp); Urbani (SJP) from Craig and Ben Briskin, 5:42 (pp);Pierre Larocue (MP) unassisted, 11:54 (sh); Jimmy Kirk (MP) from Quinn Dougherty, 13:15.
Second-period goals: Chris Blango (MP) from Jack Constabile. 3:35 (pp); Blango (MP) from Constabile and Matt Harris, 13:24.
Third-period goals: Urbani (SJP) from Matt Moresco and Jeffrey Hammond, 1:01; Moresco (SJP) from Dominic Fantozzi, 10:49 (pp).
Check out out Hockey Happenings podcast as well count down to the 2020 Flyers Cup. I’m joined by Flyers Cup Committee President Eric Tye.
Catch it HERE. New episode each Friday.
Hockey Happenings 