The Purple Puck Tournament has been a fixture on the St. Joseph’s Prep schedule for well over a decade. This year, the Hawks will make the trip to Washington D.C. as the two-time defending champion of the Prep Division.
They’ll open tournament play on Friday against Loyola High School from Montreal, On Saturday, they’ll face Archbishop Spalding from Annapolis, Md. and St. Ignatius.
The tournament field also includes Paul VI from Ashburn, Va. from and Gonzaga College High School, the tournament host.
St. Joseph’s Prep coach David Giacomin says the trip offers his team a number of benefits.
“It’s a time to get away from [the Philadelphia area],” he said. “and play some different teams. They get to stay and room together. So, it’s more of a bonding issue for us. Usually the tighter a team is going own the home stretch, the better you’re going to play.”
Giacomin says the Hawks will be tested against elite competition.
“I think this year is going to be a lot stronger than it was last year and the year before,” he said. “This year they have Loyola in Quebec, which we played probably seen or eight years ago and it was a very tough game. they also have St. Ignatius out of Cleveland who has won the state championship there something like 12 years in a row.
So, it’s going to be more of a challenge for is on the ice but one that we look forward to.”
Giacomin said one purpose of the trip is to build team chemistry that will been something to build on come the postseason.
“Hopefully, down the stretch the kids are fresh and enjoy being around each other a little bit more,” he said, “and play their best hockey come the end of the season.”
Joe Spadaccino scored twice in the second period and Holy Ghost Prep went on to a 5-0 win over Central Bucks South Friday night at Grundy Arena. Michael Previtera, Brady Logue, and Jacob Bisler added goals in the third period.
PHILADELPHIA—Cole Gargon stepped up for St. Joseph’s Prep in a big way for Sr. Joseph’s Prep Wednesday afternoon. The sophomore scored three of his team’s goals as the Hawks bested Malvern Prep 4-1 in an APAC encounter at the University of Pennsylvania’s Class of 1923 Arena.
The win lifted St. Joseph’s Prep (5-1, 3-1 in the APAC) into a three-way tie for the top spot in the conference standings but the Hawks have a game in hand over Holy Ghost Prep and La Salle, the teams they are tied with.
The hosts had to play from behind. After a scoreless first frame Gabe Bedwell gave the Friars (2-5, 1-3) the lead 6:50 into the second people when he put in a rebound of Matt Barbacane’s shot.
Gargon tied the game with a power-play goal at the 7:56 mark and put his team ahead for good 86 seconds later when he weaved his way through traffic front of the net and beat Malvern Prep goaltender Riley Doyle.
Gargon completed his hat trick six minutes into the third period before Frank Ely, who missed some time after being helped off the ice with an injury early in the first period finished the scoring with 2:08 left in the game.
Afterwards, Gawk coach David Giacomin credited Gargon and his linemates for their effort.
“Their line played well,” he said. “It was tough being without Frankie Ely for a while because of the injury but once he came back it was nice to be able to get that line back.”
Giacomin noted his team had some ups and downs over the course of the afternoon.
“The first 10 minutes of the game we played really well,” he said. “Then they took it to us a bit and won the board battle and all that stuff and it took us a little while to get back into it.”
Giacomin said the break for an ice cut between the second and third periods helped the Hawks regain their focus.
“Today it was well needed,” he said. The second period was not a pretty period to watch. There were a lot of scrums, there wasn’t much up-and-down skating. We had to get them back to doing what we were supposed to do.”
The Friars were limited to just 15 shots on goal.
“We’ve been stressing moving through the ice, good zone entry, and getting shots on net,” aid Malvern Prep coach Bill Keenan. “We weren’t able to get much traffic today.
“Overall, I thought our effort was there for a period-and-a-half and then it tailed off.”
Malvern Prep 0 1 0—1
St. Joseph’s Prep 0 2 2—4
Second-period goals: Gabe Bedwell (MP) from Matt Barbcane and Paton Hoishak, 3:50 (pp); Cole Gargon (SJP) from Frank Ely, 9:04; Gargon (SJP) unassisted, 10:30 (pp)
Third-period goals: Gargon (SJP) from Michael Castelli and Ely, 6:00; Ely (SJP) unassisted, 14:52
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Tristan Winata is dedicated to being the best hockey player he can be. But the St. Joseph’s Prep senior is also committed to being the best teammate, leader, and student-athlete he can be.
The Sicklerville, N.J. is one of the Hawks’ captains and takes his responsibilities seriously.
“I want to make sure everybody feels included,” he said. “The environment around a hockey team is a good environment. I don’t really need to do much but just make sure everybody knows what they need to do, what [Coach David Giacomin] the coach is going to do.”
Winata is in the midst of his fourth varsity season but he was sidelined for a time during his freshman campaign by a shoulder injury. Now, as an experienced veteran, he works to ease his younger teammates transition to the high-school version of the game.
“It’s a big transition from eighth grade to high school,” he said, “or even from club to high school because there is a significant age gap, so I just want to make sure that everybody is fitting in. That they know how to play, how to keep themselves safe
“I find that really important because I got hurt my first year of high school I wouldn’t want that on anybody.”
Winata first hit the ice at age 7.
“My parents took me ice skating and I didn’t like it at first,” he recalls, “but the net time I went, at the Igloo [in Mount Laurel, N.J.], I met some kids who said ‘You’re fast, you should play ice hockey.’
“So, I started trying it out and I started to love the game.”
Winata chose St. Joseph’s Prep for the academic and athletic challenges it provides.
“St. Joseph’s Prep is a notoriously good school with a lot of good people,” he said. “It was a good hockey program a well. It was a good education, they gave me a good scholarship as well.”
Like many of his peers, Winata learned to manage his time effetively.
I try to get of as much procrastinating as possible. When I did that, I filled a lot of time honestly. I know a lot of people have it harder but I’m pretty good at school I’d say.
I‘ve been hardworking and I just try not to procrastinate; try to condense my work into as little time as possible.”
As Christmas approaches, the Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference race is tightly bunched. The Hawks stand at 4-1 overall and 2-1 in the APAC heading into a scheduled Wednesday matchup against Malvern Prep. They’ll close out the pre-Christmas portion of the schedule against Father Judge on Friday night before defending their title in the Purple Puck Tournament in the nation’s capital next weekend.
“I think our team is looking pretty decent,” Winata said. “I think this year is one of those weird years where pretty much anybody can win, everyone’s pretty good. We’ve just got to be able to put the puck in the net and keep the puck out of our net. Make sure we finish hard and everything.”
Tristan Winata
Winata was able to broaden his hockey horizons this past summer by representing Indonesia at a tournament in Thailand.
‘Playing in Thailand that was pretty crazy,” Winata said. That was a lot of fun. It was quite an event. Not a lot people can say they’ve played internationally.
“I haven’t had much contact with Indonesia but it felt really nice, just to be able to represent something.”
Winata is proud to have played a role in popularizing hockey in a country that is home to member of his family.
“In Indonesia hockey is a growing sport,” he said. “Before maybe five years ago, they didn’t have ice rinks or anything but ice hockey is growing sport. They even have professional hockey over there. And being a part of that means a lot to me. It’s one of the biggest things I’ve been a part of.”
Looking to pick up its second Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference win in two days, Holy Ghost Prep didn’t miss a beat. Chase Logue scored two goals as the Firebirds downed Malvern Prep 4-1 Thursday night at Ice Line.
The win was the Firebirds’ fourth straight and lifted them to 8-3 overall and 3-2 in the APAC.
Logue opened the scoring 6:28 into the first period with an assist from his brother Brady. John Gavaghan made it a 2-0 game with a shorthanded goal just 28 seconds into the second frame while his teammate Logan Barnes was in the box serving a tripping penalty.
Andrew Starck answered for the Friars (2-4, 1-2 APAC) with a power-play goal 46 seconds later.
Chase Logue scored his second goal 1:13 into the final period, again with his brother’s assistance and again while his team was shorthanded; Anthony Valeriote was in the box at the time.
The Firebirds enjoyed a 40-19 edge in shots. Jack Unger got the win in goal. Losing goaltender Matt Crawford kept his team in the game by making 36 saves.
The evening served as fundraiser in support of families dealing with Rubnenstein Taybi Syndrome, a genetic disorder. Connor Keenan, the son of Malvern Prep coach Bill Keenan, is afflicted with the disorder.
Holy Ghost Prep coach John Ritchie said he and his players were homoted to e part of the occasion.
“Holy Ghost Prep was very grateful to be asked to be part of such a great event,” he said. “The event’s success is a testament to our league and to our school communities as they support Bill and his family and it’s an event that I hope continues for many years.”
Holy Ghost Prep 1 1 2 —4
Malvern Prep 0 1 0—1
First-period goal: Chase Logue (HGP) from Brady Logue, 6:28
Second-period goals: John Gavaghan (HGP) unassisted, :28 (sh); Andrew Starck (MP) from James Young, 1:14 (pp);
Third-period goals: Chase Logue (HGP) from Brady Logue, 1:13 (sh); Brady Logue (HGP) from Lucas Gonzalez, 11:33
Shots: Holy Ghost Prep 40, Malvern Prep 19; Saves: Jack Unger (HGP) 18, Matt Crawford (MP) 36
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Brady Logue’s goal with 9:32 left in the third period was the game winner as Holy Ghost Prep topped La Salle 6-4 Wednesday afternoon at Hatfield Ice. Logue scored three goals and added an assist as the Firebirds improved to 2-2 in the Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference and 7-3 overall. It was their second win over the Explorers this season
Grant LaGreca and Michael Zarzycki each scored twice for the Explorers, who stand at 5-3 overall and 3-2 in the APAC. LaGreca also added an assist.
Santino Tibero have Holy Ghost Prep a 1-0 lead 4:58 into the first period. LaGreca answered with a power-play goal less than a minute later.
Logue scored two goals of his own before the period ended, the second one coming during a power play with one second remaining in the period after the Explores were penalized for having too many players on the ice.
LaGreca and Zarzycki scored goals in a span of 1:57 to tie the game at 3-3 5:44 into the second period. Chase Logue’s shorthanded goal with 7:54 left in the middle period put the Firebirds back in front but Zarzycki responded with a shorthanded goal of his own 5:35 into the third frame, setting the stage for Logue’s game winner.
Brian Kinniry added an empty net goal with 19 seconds remaining.
”I like some of the adjustments that we made,” said Holy Ghost prep coach John Ritchie, “and they seemed to pay off today.
”That being said, I know the La Salle team we will see come playoff time will be different.
”All in all, I think it was a good win but we have plenty to work on as we try to figue out who we are as a team.”
Holy Ghost Prep 3 1 2—6
La Salle 1 2 1—4
First-period goals: Santino Tibero (HGP) from Joe Spadaccino and Brady Logue, 4:58; Grant LaGreca (L) from Jacob Warner and Cameron Ross, 5:55 (pp); Brady Logue (HGP) from Anthony Valeriote, 11:46; Brady Logue (HGP) unassisted, 16:59 (pp)
Second-period goals: LaGreca (L) unassisted, 3:48 (pp) Michael Zarzycki from LaGreca and Tristan Mitchell, 5:44; Chase Logue (HGP) unassisted, 9:06 (sh)
Thursday’s Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference matchup between Malvern Prep and Holy Ghost Prep will be about much more than what happens on the ice.
For the third year in succession, the hockey community is coming together for RTS Awareness Night and highlight the fight against Rubnenstein Taybi Syndrome, a genetic disorder. Malvern Prep coach Bill Keenan and his wife Sarah joined the fight when they learned their son Connor, who will turn 5 in January, was afflicted with RTS.
Connor is the youngest of the Keenans’ three children. His brother JJ is 10, his sister Olivia is 8.
Proceeds from Thursday’s game (6:45 puck drop at Ice Line) will go to support the families of children dealing with the disorder.
“This is our third annual RTS Awareness Night,” Keenan said. “It’s a great night to come together as a community and raise awareness not only for RTS but those affected with rare diseases.
“Sometimes life is bigger then sports or a hockey game. We are grateful for the community that surrounds us and the support they provide to Connor and our family.”
“We look forward to continuing this event for many years to come. The past two years we played against St. Joseph’s Prep and this year Coach Ritchie without hesitation willingly said Holy Ghost would participate. It is a great sign of strength in why we play in this league because again it’s more than just a game.”
Lucas Gonzalez and Brian Kinniry scored goals in the first period and Jack Botthof was percet on goal as the Firebirds recorded their second consecutive Saturday shoutout.
Holy Ghost Prep 3 Lake Forest 0
John Gavaghan. Nate Romer, and Patryk Oser all scored goals as the Firebirds bested the Scouts Saturday afternoon at the National Scholastic Invitational. Jack Unger earned the shutout in goal.
Pine Richland 5 Holy Ghost Prep 3
Alexander Verszyla and Carson Parkhill scored goals 71 second apart late in the third period to give Pine Richland, the reigning Pennsylvania Class AAA state champions a 5-3 win over Holy Ghost Prep Friday night in the opening round of the National Scholastic Invitational in Jamestown, New York.
Verszyla put his team ahead for good when he scored his second goal of the game with 2:22 remaining in the final period after Lucas Gonzalez scored two second-period goals that enable the Firebirds to overcome a 3-1 deficit.
Brian Kinniry scored for Holy Ghost Prep to give his team a 1-0 lead in the first period.
The Firebirds will face Lake Forest Illinois at noon on Saturday and St. Joseph’s Collegiate Prep from Buffalo at 6:00.
The La Salle Explorers went about their business one step at a time Wednesday afternoon. The results were impressive, a 6-0 win over The Hun School in an APAC matchup at Hatfield Ice Arena.
Grant LaGreca and Michael Zarzycki scored two goals each as La Salle improved to 5-2 on the season and 3-1 at the midway point in its APAC campaign.
LaGreca, a senior, cited the Explorers’ stick-to-basics approach.
“We’re just trying to focus on playing the right way,” he said. “Focusing on the D-zone, not cheating the game. Just kind of letting the hockey gods reward us with goals and playing good.”
It was LaGreca who got things started when he beat Raider netminder Patrick Donoghue just 45 seconds into the opening period. Zarzycki provided the setup before initiating a three-goal blitz with a shorthanded effort 69 seconds into the second frame. LaGreca followed up with a power-play effort at 4:57 before Zarzycki scored his second goal the game with 1:35 left in the middle period.
Hun School coach Eric Szeker the Raiders (0-2-1, 0-1 in the APAC) was hurt by a slow start.
“We were kind of running in quicksand for a bit there,” he said. “It was only 1-0 after the first. We just couldn’t find our game.
“It is what it is. We’re three games onto the season, we’ve got a young team [there were five underclassmen in the Hun School lineup) so, a lot to learn. We get to play again Friday, so we’re going to reset and look forward to that one.”
Because of school policy and NJSIAA regulations the Raiders start their season later than the other four APAC schools. But Szeker refused to cite scheduling issues as contributing to Wednesday’s result.
“We’ve been on the ice a couple weeks,” he said, “so, we should have a pretty good idea of what we want to do.
“I think of lot of credit goes to La Salle and [Coach Wally Muehlbronner] and what they have going on over there. They’ve got several lined that can play, they have a lot of good defensemen and a good goalie. We just ran into a good team today.”
Muehlbronner himself gave his team high marks.
“I thought we played well,” he said. “We came out hard, moved the puck well, all four lines played well, the D played well.”
LaGreca said efforts like Wednesday’s allow the veterans on the roster to set a standard for their teammates to emulate.
“All the returning seniors just want to show the younger guys and the new guy how to play the game and how to play the right way,” he said. “Because we’ve been there before.
• Jake Rossi earned the shutout in goal with 20 saves.
Hun School 0 0 0—0
La Salle 1 4 1—6
First-period goals: Grant LaGreca (L) from Michael Zarzycki, :45
Second-period goals: Zarzycki (L) unassisted, 1:09 (sh); LaGreca (L) from Zarzycki, 4:57 (pp); Zarzycki (L) from Tristan Mitchell and Declan Kelly, 15:25; Alastair St. Hilaire (L) from Noel Donohue and Luca Staffieri 16:58
Third-period goal: Julian Tarsi (L) from Staffieri and Donohue 10:50
Shots: Hun School 20, La Salle 54; Saves: Patrick Donoghue (HS) 48, Jake Rossi (L) 20
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