Flyers Cup Eligible Announced

The Flyers Cup Committee has released a list of 54 teams who are eligible for invitations to the 46^th annual Flyers Cup Tournament.

The 54 teams will skate in four divisions.

The list of eligible teams is as follows.

Girls (7)

Avon Grove

Conestoga

Downingtown West

Pennridge

Radnor

West Chester East

West Chester Henderson

Class A (19)

Council Rock North

Garnet Valley

Harriton

Hatboro-Horsham

Hershey

Kennett

Marple Newtown

Moorestown

Palmyra

Penncrest

Plymouth Whitemarsh

Radnor

Springfield-Delco

Springfield Montco

Strath Haven

Unionville

WC East

WC Henderson

Wisshickon

Class AA (18)

Abington

Avon Grove

Boyertown

Central Bucks East

Central Bucks South

Central Bucks West

Conestoga

Council Rock South

Downingtown East

Downingtown West

Haverford

Kingsway

Lower Merion

North Penn

Pennridge

Pennsbury

Souderton

Spring-Ford

Class AAA (10)

Devon Prep

Father Judge

Haverford School

Holy Ghost Prep

La Salle

Malvern Prep

Owen J. Roberts

Perkiomen Valley

Salesianum

St. Joseph’s Prep

The size of the Flyer Cup field will be at the committee’s discretion. There are no automatic bids.

Hockey Happenings is looking for interested individuals to assist with our coverage of scholastic ice hockey in the Greater Philadelphia area. Interested individuals should have writing experience, be knowledgeable about ice hockey, and be capable of meeting deadlines.

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St. Joseph’s Prep 5 Gonzaga 4

Joseph’s Prep built a 5-0 third-period lead and hung on for a 5-4 non-league win over Gonzaga College High at the Class of 1923 Rink Friday afternoon in the two schools’ traditional post-Thanksgiving matchup.

Frank Ely scored twice for the Hawks, who improved their record to 2-1 overall. Cole Sullivan, Cole Gargon and Tristan Winata scored one goal each. Gargon and Michael Castelli each had two assists.

Quinten O’ Connor scored two goals for Gonzaga, which didn’t get on the scoreboard until 4:21 remained in the third period, Roman Villega and Lucas Abrantes added additional goals.

“We played really well for two-and-a-half periods,” said St. Joseph’s Prep coach David Giacomin,” then we stopped skating and they took it to us. It was a good lesson to play until the final buzzer.”

Declan Geary got the win in goal after a 38-save effort; the Hawks were outshot 42-21.

Gonzaga 0 0 4—4

St. Joseph’s Prep 1 3 1—5

First-period goals: Cole Sullivan (SJP) from Patrick Sweeney, 2:18 (pp)

Second-period-goals: Cole Gargon (SJP) from Michael Castelli and Caden Kelly, 4:41; Frank Ely (SJP) from Gargon, 7:08; Tristan Winata (SJP) from Michael Washlick and Jai Perry- Pereira, 9:03 (pp)

Third-period goals: Ely (SJP) from Waslick and Gargon, 9:51; Quinten O’Connor (G) from Brendan Rossello and Edwin Siembeida, 12:39; Roman Villega (G) from Lucas Abrantes and Jack Gardner, 14:48; O’Connor (G) from Villega and Matt Shay, 16:54; Abrantes (G) unassisted, 16:59

Shots: Gonzaga 42, St. Joseph’s Prep 21; Saves: Parker Amico (G) 8 and Claude Engle Kes G 8; Declan Geary (SJP) 38

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La Salle 3 Malvern Prep 2

Jacob Warner’s goal with 8:28 left in regulation proved decisive as La Salle topped Malvern Prep 3-2 Wednesday night in an APAC game at Ice Line.

Grant LaGreca and Nole Donohue also scored goals for the Explorers who improved to 2-1 in conference play and 3-1 overall.

LaGreca’s goal gave La Salle a 1-0 lead with eight seconds remaining in the opening period. Henry Tesoriero tied the game for the Friars (2-2, 1-1 in conference) with 3:40 remaining in the middle period.

Donohue’s goal came with 13:20 left in regulation time off a feed from Declan Kelly and gave the Explorers the lead for good. Warner’s goal extended his team’s lead but Teague Murray scored a power play goal with 6:04 remaining while Alistair St. Hilaire was in the box serving a roughing minor.

From that point on, La Salle goaltender Jake Rossi was resolute in goal despite being under pressure; he made 19 saves in the third period.

La Salle 1 0 2—3

Malvern Prep 0 1 1—2

First-period goal: Grant LaGreca (L) unassisted, 16:52

Second-period goal: Henry Tesoriero (MP) from Gabe Bedwell and Logan Love, 13:20

Third-period goals: Nole Donohue (L) from Declan Kelly, 3:49; Jacob Warner (L) from Michael Zarzycki, 8:32; Teague Murray (MP) from Cole Scrabinsky, 10:56 (pp)

Shots: La Salle 31, Malvern Prep 40; Saves: Jake Rossi (L) 38, Matt Crawford (MP) 28

Malvern Prep 4 Holy Ghost Prep 2

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

SHSHL Update 11-12-24

National Division W L T PTS OTW OTL

North Penn (2-0) 2 0 0 8 0 0

Cent. Bucks South (2-1) 2 0 0 7 1 0

C.R. South (2-0) 2 0 0 7 1 0

Pennridge (1-1) 1 1 0 5 0 1

Pennsbury (1-2) 1 2 0 5 0 1

Souderton (1-1) 1 1 0 4 0 1

C.R. South (1-1) 1 1 0 4 0 0

C.B. East (1-2) 1 2 0 4 0 0

Neshaminy (0-2) 0 2 0 0 0 0

C.B. West (0-2) 0 2 0 0 0 0

American Division W L T PTS OTW ORL

Plymouth Whitemarsh 1 0 0 4 0 0

Wissahickon (1-1) 1 0 0 4 0 0

Hatboro-Horsham (1-1) 1 1 0 3 1 0

Springfield 0 0 1 0 0 1

Abington (0-1) 0 1 0 0 0 0

Scoring G A Pts

Jackson Accardi CRN 5 4 9

Shane Dachwski Pr 7 2 9

Shane Hicks Pb 3 6 9

Dan McGlathin CRN 5 2 7

Jeff Kvecher CBS 2 4 6

Peter Perberow CRS 1 5 6

James Rush Pr 1 5 6

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

C.B. South 5 Pennridge 4 OT

HATFIELD—For drama, this one was hard to top. J.D. Crouch scored on a shorthanded breakaway just before the overtime-ending buzzer to give Central Bucks South a stunning 5-4 win over Pennridge Thursday night in a SHSHL National Division meeting at Hatfield Ice Arena.

The Titans overcame a 3-0 second-period deficit to post their second consecutive win of the young season. The Rams (1-1) saw a four-point effort from Shane Dachowski go unrewarded; the senior delivered three goals and an assist. And Pennridge goaltender Jacob Winton was credited with 57 saves in the losing effort.

Dachowski was at the forefront of the game’s penultimate sequence; he had a clear path to the net when he was taken down by the Titans’ Sean Cutter, who was called for tripping with 9.6 seconds remaining in the five-minute overtime. allowing the Rams to put an extra skater on the ice. Pennridge coach Jeff Montagna’s lobbying effort for a penalty shot was unsuccessful.

Crouch got control of the puck off the ensuing offensive right-circle faceoff and headed for the other end of the ice, hoping to win the race against time.

“It was kind of just a lucky bounce,” he said. “I chipped it of the wall and the [defensemen] stepped and gave me all the time. There was not much time on the clock so I just had to shoot it. I heard my teammates on the bench yelling to shoot it, so I just ripped it.”

After a scoreless first period, it was the Rams, who took command in the second frame with a goal from Shane Venner followed by a pair from Dachowski to build a three-goal advantage. But Dominic Gibson and Joey Slobodrian scored goals for the Titans 51 seconds apart to make it a one-goal game with 3:41 left in the period.

Dachowski and Slobodrian traded goals before the second period ended; Gibson tied the game with 6:19 left in regulation.

Pennridge started the overtime with a four-skaters-to-three advantage after the Titans’ Logan Hood was flagged for interference with 42 seconds left in regulation but the Rams couldn’t take advantage.

South coach Shaun McGinty celebrated his team’s comeback.

“That’s a never-give-up attitude,” said. “That’s a team effort. [62] shots to 36, obviously, we’re getting the shots and controlling that end of the game. But [Winton] is an unbelievable goaltender. They obviously have guys that are going to do damage when they have the puck.

“Dachowski is a phenomenal player and he’s just going to do what he does.”

Montagna credited his team for its effort, Winton in particular.

“Jacob was obviously unbelievable in net,” he said. “I can’t say enough good things about our team tonight. They played a phenomenal game. I’m proud of them, I really am.

C.B. South 0 3 1 1—5

Pennridge 0 4 0 0—4

Second-period goals: Shane Venner (P) from Kaden Gunning, 2:00; Shane Dachowski (P) unassisted, 4:42; Dachowski (P) from James Rush, 11:02; Dominic Gibson (CBS) from Jeff Kvecher and Sean Cutter, 12:28 (pp); Joey Slobodrian (CBS) from Cutter, 13:19; Dachowski (P) from Rush, 14:43; Slobodrian (CBS) from Logan Hood and Jake Stepp, 16:02

Third-period goal: Gibson (CBS) from Slobodrian, 10:41

Overtime goal: J.D. Crouch (CBS) unassisted, 0:00

Shots: C.B. South 62, Pennridge 36; Saves: Nate Neapolitan (CBS) 32, Jacob Winton (P) 57

SHSHL Preview 2024-25

The Suburban High School Hockey League has embarked on a new season. Here’s a look at how the 2025-25 campaign shapes up.

National Division

Central Bucks East

Coach: Jeff Mitchell (fifth season)

Last year: 12-7-2, 11-5-2 in the division; Flyers Cup invitee

Key players: Sr. Cole Breen (G); Sr. D.J. Brown (D); Sr. Charlie Keiser (D); Sr. Jaden Young (F); Sr. Gavin Widmer (F)

Outlook: The Patriots will rely on their experience on defense and in goal to show the way this season. Brown and Keiser are solid blueliners and Breen is a premier netminder.

Central Bucks South

Coach: Shaun McGinty (ninth season)

Last year: 15-8-1, 12-5-1 in divisional play: Flyers Cup invitee

Key players: Sr. Nate Napolitano (G); Sr. Jake Stepp (D); Sr. Sean Cutter (F); Sr. Jeff Kvecher

Outlook: No matter how the winds blow, the Titans always field an experienced lineup, one that features scoring balance. This year’s group is no exception. There is an established corps of veterans being counted on to show the way for their teammates.

Central Bucks West

Coach: Dave Baun (20^th season)

Last year: 3-14-1, 3-14-1 in divisional play

Key players: So. Isaak Mays (G); Sr. Blake Hager (D); Sr. Zane Sanders (F); Sr. Jack Misoda (F); Sr. Anthony Dowd (F)

Outlook: The Bucks have one of the smallest rosters in the division, one that includes just 14 skaters and a goaltender.

But there are several experienced seniors on hand to provide leadership and Mays, despite the fact he’s just a sophomore, is a quality goaltender,

Council Rock North

Coach: Ryan Dorsey (second season)

Last year: 5-14, 4-14 in divisional play

Key players: Jr. Michael Jacoby (G); Jr. Danny Maglathlin (D); Sr. Jackson Accardi (F); So. Ivan Bondra (F); So. Sean Davies (F); So. Rory Davies (F)

Outlook: The Indians took some graduation hits in the offseason but some promising newcomers will strengthen the lineup.

“We graduated a lot of players and a lot of production last season,” Dorsey said. “We return a good amount of experience this season, and we’re welcoming in a small but very talented freshman class. “While we’re facing some unknowns, our group has really come together nicely in preseason.”

Council Rock South

Coach: Joe Houk (19^thseason)

Last year: 23-2, 17-1 in divisional play. Won National Division title; Class AA Flyers Cup finalist

Key players: Jr. Trey Prizzilo (G); Sr. Danny Fillipov (D); Sr. Peter Pereborow (D); So. Wes Mallon (D); Jake Mauer (F); Jake Weiner (F); Jeremy Rayher (F); Jackson Mosley (F); Jordan Sarne (F);

Outlook: The Golden Hawks come in to the season looking to claim their third consecutive divisional title; something that hasn’t been done at the Class AA level since 2018. The lineup is solid. Weiner is the division’s top returning scorer after recording 28 regular-season goals a season ago. Mauer and Mosley are being counted on for production as well. Fillipov and Peroborough are solid on the blue line and Prizzillo is experienced in goal.

Neshaminy

Coach: Bill Mooney (first season)

Last year: 1-14-3, 1-14-3 in divisional play

Key players: Sr. Colin Thurnau (G); Sr. Liam Mooney (D); Ryan DeMatteo (F); Jr. Angelo Veneziale (F); Fr. Nate Parker (F)

Outlook: Mooney takes over behind the bench for Bill Keyser. The ‘Skins are in something of a rebuild mode but there is experience on hand in the presence of Mooney on defense and DeMatteo up front.

North Penn

Coach: Kevin Vaitis (16^th season)

Last year: 13-10, 11-7 in divisional play; Flyers Cup invitee

Key players: So. Aidan Quigley (G); Jr. James Boyle (D); Jr. Danny Cabrales (D); Jr. Chase Kelly Del-Ricci (D); Sr. Cole Pluck (F); So. Sam Norton (F); Jr. Nolan Shingle (F); So. Chris Silvotti (F);
Outlook: The Knights took some big steps forward last season and are looking to do the same this time around with a lineup that blends youth with 13 returnees.

“We have come into this season looking to build upon the success of last season and hopefully do even better,” Vaitis said. We have a lot of speed up front and our defense and goaltending is very solid.

“We feel we have some unfinished business. We are really excited to see how we can come together as a team and works towards our goals that we have laid out in front of us.”

Pennridge

Coach: Jeff Montagna (seventh season)

Last year: 22-2-2, 17-0-1 in divisional play; defending Class AA Flyers Cup and state champions

Key players: Sr. Jacob Winton (G); Sr. Nick Young (D); Sr. Jared Garber (D); Sr. Josh Kelly (D); Sr. Shane Dachowski (F); Jr. James Rush (F)

Outlook: After winning their second Class AA Flyers Cup title and second state championship in three years what do the Rams do for an encore? Nine skaters return from last season and Winton is a quality goaltender but there are some big holes to fill.

“We will have to play different than we have in the past,” Montagna said, “and need guys to step up in different roles than they are used to. Our success will depend on our defense and how fast they come around. We will be strong in net but need to find secondary scoring.”

Pennsbury

Coach: Ryan Daley (eighth season)

Last year: 4-14-1, 4-13-1 in divisional play

Key players: Jr. Brendan Milliken (G). Sr. Chris Sarver (D), Sr. Kevin DeRosa (D), Jr. Shane Gleisner (F), Soph. Jake Sarver (F)

Outlook: The loss of seven seniors to graduation means the Falcons will have some young players filling key roles. Chris Sarver on the blue line will provide a veteran’s perspective.

“We’re excited about the new additions to the team this year,” Daley said. We look forward to building new chemistry and concepts this season.

“It’s been fun getting the new guys acclimated with our style of play. We are on the younger side this year, but we have a great new core of players that will learn a lot from the upperclassmen that have won in this league.”

Souderton

Coach: Scott Ryon (first season)

Last year: 7-11, 7-11 in divisional play

Key players: Sr. Connor Paulus (G); Sr. Nick Smith (D); Sr. Patrick Callahan (D); Jr. Max Ryon (F)

Outlook: Scott Ryon takes over behind the bench for Ryan Uchniat. Paulus returns in goal and Max Ryon figures to be one of the area’s top point producers. The key to this year’s success hinges on the evolution of the younger players on the roster.

We are looking forward to building off of last year’s progress,” Scott Ryon said. “We expect some of our younger players to take a big step forward this year.”

American Division

Abington

Head Coach: Ken Brzozowski (eighth season)

Last year: 5-10-1, 5-7 in division

Key players: So. Matt Evangelist (G); So. Ben Biko (D); Jr. Moses Garcia (D); So. Mason Murdoch (D); Jr. Jamison Donofry (F); Jr. Hezikiah Brown (F)

Outlook: The Galloping Ghosts will field one of the youngest lineups in the SHSHL. The roster features 13 underclassmen and no seniors. But there is experience in spots, notably with Donofry up front and Garcia and Biko on the blue line.

Brzozowski is looking for youthful exuberance and a strong work ethic to be a formula for success.

Hatboro-Horsham

Head Coach Shane Smith (fourth season)

Last year: Formed a co-op team with Upper Dublin

Key players: Sr. Connor Smith (D); Sr. Brady Gurt (D); Sr. Victor Wilkins (F); Sr. Darius Graziani (F); Jr. Frank Stanchek (F); Jr Nate Nemchinov (F)

Outlook: After being on the outside looking in, the Hatters, whose hickey tradition dates back more than half a century, are once again full-fledged members of the SHSHL. Experience comes in the form of Smith and Gurt on defense and Wilkins, Graziani, and Nemchinov up front.

Plymouth Whitemarsh

Head Coach: Vince Forti (first season)

Last year: 13-5, 11-1 in divisional play, Flyers Cup invitee

Key players: Sr. Julian Lucks (G); Sr. Charlie Spause (D); Sr. Daniel Guller (D); Jr. Ryan Jagher (D); Sr. Ryan Campell (F)

Outlook: The Colonials come into the season off winning the regular-season championship a year ago and reaching the Flyers Cup tournament. They’re particularly strong on the blue line; Guller scored 19 regular-season goals last year, and Lucks is the most experienced goaltender in the division.

“The players are working extremely hard in practice,” Forti said. “We will continue to work hard and plan to be extremely competitive.”

Springfield

Head Coach: Don Quinn (second season)

Last year: 3-12, 3-9 in the division

Key players: Sr. Liam Baskin (G); Sr. Jack Sarsfield (G); Sr. Owen Quinn (D); Sr. Felix Boccella (D); Sr. Chris Cahill (F); Sr. Gabriel Wells (F); Sr. Thomas Manchester (F); Sr. Ronan Klein (F)

Outlook: The Spartans took some big strides last year in their second SHSHL season and Quinn expects that trend to continue. “We won a few games late in the year last season,” he said. “The team is ready to work hard and compete one shift at a time all season.”

Wissahickon

Head Coach: James Rumsey (second season)

Last year: 2-13, 2-10 in the division

Key players: Jr. Fletcher Lynch (G); Sr. Alex Winkowski (D); Sr. Aiden Brooks (D); Jr. Logan Dicus (D); Sr. Jack Raebiger (F); Sr. Sabrina Honeycutt (F); Sr. John Kuffner (F); So. Ben Raebiger (F); So. Joey Gambino (F)

Outlook: The Trojans offer an abundance of experience, including six seniors, which gives Rumsey reason for optimism.

“The boys and girls have looked great in practice,” he said. “We have a core group of men and women that have been personified everything our club stands for and we look forward to seeing what they will bring to their last season.”

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Garnet Valley 12 Springfield-Delco 5

ASHTON—Springfield-Delco and Garnet Valley came out with all engines firing Friday night. What transpired was not an artistic masterpiece but hockey fans who prefer an abundance of scoring left Ice Works satisfied in the wake of the Jaguars 12-5 Central League win.

The goal-scoring barrage started early when Springfield’s Jake Heston beat Garnet Valley goaltender Garrett Stoops just seven seconds after the opening faceoff. Jake Robinson responded for the Jaguars three-and-a-half minutes later and the fireworks display continued unabated.

By the time the first period ended, eight goals had been scored and the Jaguars (2-0) had a 6-2 lead. They stayed in control the rest of the way.

Kaden Longo paced the Jaguars with a hat trick. He also added an assist. A.J. Tenhuisen scored twice and seven other players scored one goal each.

Heston scored twice for the Cougars (1-2).

It was a tough night to be a goaltender. Springfield’s Aidan Fifti saw 40 shots while Garrett Stoops, his Garnet Valley counterpart, had to deal with 31.

Garnet Valley assistant coach Pat Conway thought his team performed well after an uncertain start.

“We were a little sloppy in the first period,” he said, “but we kind of brought back together, started passing the puck and moving the puck around. Letting their practice take over and capitalize on being a team.”

Conway noted the importance of his players remaining committed to the team concept.

“Once they get back into a grove of realizing we got that lead because we were playing like a team and they get back on track playing as a team, it works out a lot better,” he said.

Garnet Valley defenseman Nolan Stott scored a shorthanded goal in the closing seconds of the first period and later added an assist. He was admittedly surprised by his team’s margin of victory.

“I thought it would be way closer,” he said. “In the last couple years, all the games have been close so I thought it would have been closer but the boys came together today. We really rallied against them and worked as a team and got the job done.”

Stott spoke to the importance of getting off to a fast start in the Central League race.

“It means everything to get a fast start,” he said. “Get on the horse early, let the other teams know we’re not here to mess around and we want this league.”

Springfield coach Dan Dilbeck said the evening was another step in his team’s development.

“We have a young team that’s still trying to figure some things out,” he said. “We’re still trying to jell together as a team and sometimes we just get outworked. And that’s what we have to figure out.

Springfield 2 1 2—5

Garnet Valley 6 3 3—12

First-period goals: Jake Heston (S) unassisted, :07; Jake Robinson (GV) from Kevin Walton and Evan Reilly, 3:40; Kaden Longo (GV) from A.J. Tenheuisen, 5:05; Chase Robinson (GV) unassisted, 10:35; Heston (S) from Cole Kuzmick and Mason Stallings, 14:06; Tenhuisen (GV) from Longo , 14:42; Reilly (GV) from Robinson and Walton, 15:41; Nolan Stott, GV unassisted,16:53 (sh)

Second-period goals: Stallings (S) from Ben Wyant, :07 Owen Parker (GV) unassisted, 11:58; Walton (GV) from Stott and Matt Abbonizio, 13:58; Tenhuisen (GV) from Stott, 16:20

Third-period goals: Brett Rosser (S) from Kuzmick, 5:10; Longo (GV) from Reilly, 5:44; Longo (GV) from Stott and Parker, 11:50; Ryan McGhee (GV) from Tenhuisen; Brendan Becker (S) from Joseph Clifford, 13:14

Shots: Springfield 31, Garnet Valley 40; Saves: Aidan Fifti (S) 28, Garrett Stoops (GV) 26

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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.