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.”

Thank you for your interest in Hockey Happenings and scholastic hockey. If you’re interested in promoting your product, service, organization, or event, contact us here or at rwoelfel2013@gmail.com

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.

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.

Neumann University to Highlight Partnership With Ed Snider Foundation

Neumann University will highlight its ongoing partnership with the Ed Snider Foundation during a virtual meeting on Tuesday, April 30 at 5 p.m. Eastern Time.

The meeting will detail information about the future of the Neumann University hockey program and the SNIDER/NU Partnership Challenge.

Those interested in joining the event can register HERE

Jeremy Jacobs Taking the Next Step in His Hockey Career

Jeremy Jacobs taken another step in his development as a hockey player. Jacobs who will soon graduate from Malvern Prep, recently played five games for the Odessa (Texas) Jackalopes in the North American Hockey League.

Jacobs spoke to how it all came about.

“They came to one of my games,” he said. “They watched me for two months or so and ended up talking to me.

“I went down and was able to get in a game with them. And from then on, I was like ‘This is where I want to be.’ I ended up signing with them.”

Jacobs’ five-game stint with the Jackalopes included his first NAHL goal on April 4 against Corpus Christi. He was used at center and also spent a brief amount of time killing penalties.

But a lot of this postgraduate course in his hockey education was spent in practice, as a member of Odesa’s extended roster.

“I was there for two weeks and able to practice for those two weeks” he said, “and embrace the full two weeks rather than being in and out for a week.”

Jacobs’ time in Odessa gave him new insights into the game.

“You just pick up on the little details, he said, “and just how they go about things differently, how they see the game differently, and how it’s just at a faster level. It just helps you elevate your game and play better. It’s a faster speed.

“The guys were accepting and really, really helped me out. Being sent there helped me grow and be a better hockey player.”

It took some time but Jacobs adapted to the NAHL’s pace.

“Once you go there the first few minutes of practice are definitely a little shocking,” he said, “but after that you just pick right up where you left off.

“It’s not too bad, at least I thought. I thought the speed was pretty good, and I like playing at that speed.

“It’s definitely a great group around to help you elevate your game.”

Virtually everyone in the Tier II NAHL has aspirations of playing at a higher level of junior hockey and/or in college, and Jacobs, who has signed a tender to play in Odessa next season, is no exception.

But he will take his memories of his time at Malvern Prep with him. Jacobs finished his final high-school season with 18 goals and 19 assists for 37 points, including a goal and four assists in three Class AAA Flyers Cup games. He played on Flyers Cup championship teams his first two high-school seasons and on a state-championship team as a freshman. This year’s edition of the Friars, with Jacobs as their captain, reached the Flyers Cup finals before falling to La Salle.

“Winning that state championship is something I’ll remember forever,” Jacobs said, “and going back to back in the Flyers Cup.

“That (2022 team) was a special team and having a bigger role on that team as opposed to being a freshman, that was huge, being a bigger part. I thought I had a pretty solid part in my freshman year but I’ll definitely take away those first two years because we came out on top.”

As a captain, Jacobs embraced the role of mentor to his teammates.

“I enjoyed that,” he said, “being able to teach the younger guys what I was taught when I was younger.”

Some of Jacobs’ fondest memories of Malvern Prep were made off the ice.

“I’m going to take away the friendships and relationships I made with everyone,” he said. “Winning is great and all but the relationships are what I’m going to take away the most, just because it was a great experience all my four years.”

Jeremy Jacobs

Pennridge 7 C.R. South 3

Some are of the opinion that a hockey goaltender occupies the most important position in any team sport. Those who hold that view had it reinforced Wednesday night over the course of the Class AA Flyers Cup final.

At evening’s end, the scoreboard at Hatfield Ice indicated that top-seeded Pennridge had defeated second-seeded Council Rock South 7-3 to win its second Cup title in three years. It also indicated that the Golden Hawks had outshot the Rams 52-29 over the course of the 51-minute game.

All this is indicative of the performance Jacob Winton in the Pennridge net. When the Hawks were surrounding him like birds targeting their prey, Winton held firm, even as his team was being outshot 9-1 in the early going.

When the Rams (22-2-2) finally broke through at the other end, on Shane Dachowski’s goal 9:14 into the first period and not incidentally the first goal of the game, the tone of the evening shifted dramatically.

Even after the Golden Hawks’ Chase Tovsky tied the game with 6:43 left in the period the Rams were not deterred. Kevin Pico put Pennridge back in front with 90 seconds left in the opening session and his team never trailed again.

Ilya Kudzinau tied the game for South (24-2) 23 seconds into the second frame but momentum continued to flow in the Rams’ direction. Dachowski and Pico scored goals to give their side a 4-2 advantage.

At that point South coach Joe Houk used his timeout and pulled goaltender Trevor Rakszawski, who had surrendered the four goals on 13 shots. Trey Prozzillo took his place.

At the other end of the ice, Winton remained resolute. He allowed a single goal over the final 33:37 of regulation.

“Making some of those [early] saves kind of set the tone for later in the game,” he said. “I think it just kind of put us in the right mindset going into the second and third periods.”

Houk felt a number of his players’ shots misfired. “We shot just as many pucks over the net as at him,” he said. “We pressured the goalie with less shots last game (in a semifinal win over Boyertown) than we did this game.

“We beat ourselves. I think we’re a better team than them but they got all the bounces tonight, they got the opportunities, and my goaltender was not very strong.”

Winton spoke to the momentum shift that occurred after Dachowski scored the game’ first goal.

“As soon as you score a goal momentum shifts,” he said. “We just kind of kept going from there.”

The Rams did just that. Colin Dachowski’s goal made it a 5-2 game 3:35 into the third period. Ilya Muhkin answered for South and it was a 5-3 game with 8:20 still remaining but Shane Dachowski and Pico closed the door on the Hawks and opened another for themselves; Pennridge will face Penguins Cup champion Thomas Jefferson Saturday at the Skatium in the state championship game (2:00 start).

Pennridge coach Jeff Montagna said Wednesday’s win should eliminate any doubt about the credibility of his program.

“We graduated eight really important guys two year ago,” he said. “The team had to listen, for two years, about us being a one-line hockey team. To win again tonight is a complete and total validation of this program.”

Ice chips—Winton was named the Bobby Clarke Award winner as the tournament’ Most Valuable Player. The rest of the All-Tournament team included Shane Dachowki (the tournament’s leading scorer), Colin Dachowski, Pico, and Blaise Pepe and Kevin Coles from Council Rock South.

Council Rock South 1 1 1—3

Pennridge 2 2 3—7

First-period goals: Shane Dachowski (P) from Andrew Savona, 9:14; Chase Tovsky (CRS) from Blaize Pepe, 10:17; Kevin Pico (P) from Tyler Manto and Savona, 15:30

Second-period goals: Gavin Nisenzon (CRS) from Ilya Kudzinau :23; Shane Dachowski (P) unassisted, 4:18 (pp); Pico (P) from Shane Dachowski, 13:38

Third-period goals: Colin Dachowski (P) from Ryan Mikulich, 3:35; Ilya Muhkin from Nikita Volbuiev and Kevin Koles, 8:40; Shane Dachowski (P) from Pico and Nick Young, 9:20; Savona (P) from Colin Dachowski, 14:30

Shots: Council Rock South 52, Pennridge 29; Saves: Trevor Rakszawski (CRS) 9 and Trey Prozzillo (CRS) 13, Jacob Winston (P) 49

La Salle 6 Malvern Prep 3

An early statement made a big impact. La Salle scored four goals by the time the game was barely seven minutes old and went on to a 6-3 win over Malvern Prep Wednesday night in the Class AAA Flyers Cup final at Hatfield Ice.

The win gave the top-seeded Explorers (23-3) their second consecutive Flyers Cup title and their 13th in school history, the most for any school in any classification. La Salle will face Pine-Richland, the Penguins Cup AAA champion, Saturday at the Skatium (5:00 start) in the state title game.

The four goals at the start certainly helped La Salle’s cause. None of the four were in themselves knockout blows. But the second-seeded Friars (11-9) who were seeking their 11th Cup, were back on their heels for most of rest of the evening.

“We came out really strong,” said La Salle head coach Wally Muehlbronner, “A lot of energy and just a good, simple approach is what we were looking for. We had some good opportunities and we were lucky to put them in.”

Cam Ross scored two goals for the Explorers. The junior defenseman was named the Bobby Clarke Award winner as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

“It feels amazing,” he said. “It’s awesome to go back to back.”

Ryan Wiley got things started for La Salle when he beat Matt Crawford in the Malvern Prep net 3:42 into the opening period. Ben Falicki made it a 2-0 game just 11 second later. Ross scored his first goal at the 6:41 mark and Grant Lagreca made it a 4-0 game 23 sends after that.

We just couldn’t get an offensive pressure,” said Malvern Prep coach Bill Keenan. “La Salle was in our end a lot and going down four goals in the first six minutes of the game it was hard to come at them.”

Jeremy Jacobs got Malvern Prep on the scoreboard with a power-play goal with 52 seconds left in the period in his team’s first real surge of the evening.

Ross scored his second goal of the game 2:06 into the second frame, it was a shorthanded effort. Pax Hoishik answered for the Friars with a power-play goal at the 5:34 mark.

At one point, Keenan felt his troops were on the verge of getting back in the game.

“After our timeout the guys responded well,” he said. “I thought we took it to them. I think in the second period we outworked them. I think we outshot them (13-10) There was a period of time there when I thought we were buzzing.”

But after Hoshik’s goal, the Friars could get no closer. Charlie Kennedy extended La Salle’s lead once more with 6:07 left ln the game before Jonathan Holt finished the scoring with 47 seconds remaining.

Ross said he had no worries about he and his teammates losing their focus despite leading from start to finish.

“From what (Muehlbronner) teaches us, we know we have to keep going,” he said. “We go until that buzzer hits zero.

Ice chips—Joining Ross on the All-Tournament team were Lagreca, Jacobs, La Salle’s James Carpenter, Malvern Prep’s Brady Doyle, and La Salle goaltender Jake Rossi.

This was Muehlbronner’s 11^th Flyers Cup title as a coach, an all-time record.

Malvern Prep 1 1 1—3

La Salle 4 1 1—6

First-period goals: Ryan Wiley (L) from Charlie Kennedy, 3:42; Ben Falicki (L) from James Carpenter, 3:53; Cameron Ross (L) from Wiley and Kennedy, 6:41; Grant Lagreca (L) unassisted, 7:04; Jeremy Jacobs (M) from Brady Doyle and Jonathan Holt, 16:08

Second-period goals: Ross (L) 2:06 (sh); Pax Hoishik (MP) from Holt and Henry Tesoriero, 5:34 (pp)

Third-period goals: Kennedy (L) 10:53; Holt (MP) unassisted, 16:13

Shots: Malvern Prep 34, La Salle 47; Saves: Matt Crawford (MP) 36 and Riley Doyle (MP) 5; Jake Rossi (L) 31

Hershey 5 Unionville 1

Tyler Lucas and Blake Umberger scored first-period goals in a three-minute span and Hershey went on to defeat Unionville 5-1 Wednesday night in the Class A Flyers Cup final at Ice Line.

It marks the first time a team from the Central Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League has won a Flyers Cup championship. The Trojans were finalists last season but fell to West Chester East in the championship game. They’ve reached the finals on three other occasions.

Ryan Dhawan and Brady Cox added third-period goals for the Trojans (21-4) who advance to Saturday’s state championship game.

Lucas opened the scoring for third-seeded Hershey 8:46 into the opening period. Umberger followed with a power-play goal at the 11:20 mark.

Ryan Dhawan, who assisted in Umberger’s goal, added one of his own 3:01 into the third period.

Alex Tomasewicz got ninth-seeded Unionville (10-12) on the scoreboard with 9:48 left in the game before Cox added an insurance goal with 5:17 remaining.

Tucker Valoczki scored am empty-net goal with five seconds remaining.

Unionville 0 0—1

Hershey 2 0 3—5

Second-period goals: Tyler Lucas (H) from Kyle Koss, 8:46; Blake Umberger (H) from Ryan Dhawan and Matt Dalkiewicz, 11:40;

Third-period goals: Dhawn (H) from Umberger and David Maishm 3:01; Alex Tomasewicz (U) unassisted, 7:12; Brady Cox (G) from Dhawan and Dalkiewicz, 11:43; Tucker Valoczki (H) unassisted, 16:55

Shots: Unionville 29, Hershey 23; Saves: Zach Tomaszewicz (U) 18, Alexander Placeres 28