Souderton 6 C.B. West 1

HATFIELD TOWNSHIP— Souderton found out a lot about itself Thursday night. Coming off an emotional last-second loss 24 hours earlier, the Big Red responded with a solid effort in a 6-1 SHSHL National win over Central Bucks West at Hatfield Ice Arena.

It was Souderton’s first win in four tries while the Bucks dropped to 1-2. The result will not factor into the divisional standings as the two teams are scheduled to play again on January 25th.

But that mattered little to Souderton coach Ryan Uchniat, whose team came into the game thirsting for a win.

“I think they showed a lot of resiliency, he said. “They showed a lot of resiliency last night coming back in the third period.

“This team has a real positive attitude, they’ve a little bit of a giddy up. It’s fun to see, it’s fun to be a part of as well.”

Souderton’s top line had a big night. Nick Smith delivered a three-goal hat trick. Seth Grossman scored two goals and assisted on three others while Maxwell Ryon provided a goal and an assist.

Smith noted the win was especially satisfying after 4-3 loss to Council Rock North on Wednesday that saw the Big Red surrender the winning goal with 2.4 seconds remaining in regulation.

“It felt good,” he said. “After a tough loss like that with two seconds left, it felt good to finally win.”

Smith made his presence felt early on, scoring twice to put his team up 2-0 just 7:45 into the opening period.

The Bucks got closer when Adam Ricci won a goal-mouth scramble to put the puck behind Big Red netminder Noah Connor during a power play at the 8:21 mark of the second period.

But Souderton put its resiliency on display when Ryon answered back at 10:26 before Smith completed his hat trick with exactly four minutes left in the period.

Grossman scored his two goals in the third frame.

The Big Red enjoyed a 42-21 advantage in shots. West goalkeeper Liam Rogers did some quality work between the pipes to keep his team in the game for most of the way.

Smith spoke to the speed and skill of the Big Red’s number-one line.”I think that’s our strong point,” he said. “The first line has a lot of skill.”

Smith believes that Thursday’s performance is a sign of things to come. Souderton has scored nine goals in its last two games after scoring just three in its first two games combined.

“I think we can win some games finally,” Smith said. “We’re starting to finally score and not scoring one goal a game. I think we can finally capitalize on some opportunities.”

C.B. West 0 1 0—1

Souderton 2 2 2—6

First-period goals: Nick Smith (S) from Seth Grossman and Caden O’Neill, 2:50; Smith from Maxwell Ryon, 7:45

Second-period goals: Adam Ricci (CBW) from Luke Tremmel, 8:21 (pp); Ryon (S) from Grossman, 10:26; Smith (S) from Grossman and Matt Malanga, 13:00

Third-period goals: Grossman (S) unassisted, 3:31; Grossman (S) unassisted, 8:00

Shots: C.B. West 21, Souderton 42; Saves: Liam Rogers (CBW) 36, Noah Connor (S) 20

St. Joseph’s Prep 3 Holy Ghost Prep 2 OT

BRISTOL—A hockey fan couldn’t have wished for more. Tristan Winata’s goal 60 seconds into three-on-three overtime gave St. Joseph’s Prep a dramatic 3-2 win over Holy Ghost Prep Wednesday afternoon in an Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference game at Grundy Arena.

Winata’s game-winner, his second goal of the afternoon, came when he collected a feed from goaltender Rocco Bruno and put a backhander past Firebird netminder Colin Mudrick just moments after the Firebirds had a chance of their own.

The result squared the Hawks’ record at 1-1 in the APAC and 4-1 overall and came five days after a loss to Malvern Prep in their conference opener.

“It’s amazing to be part of that experience,” Bruno said. “The game was real tight, real close, the adrenaline was pumping, and it’s a great overall feeling to come out with a win.”

Bruno had as much to do with his team’s success as anyone in the building. The Firebirds (1-1 overall and in the the APAC) outshot the Hawks 46-25; Bruno finished his day’s work with 44 saves. He spoke to the importance of staying focused.

“Not letting yourself being distracted,” he said. “I’ve got to make sure I’m paying attention to my D-men and talking to them. I have to keep control of a lot of things at once, but I can’t get distracted by anybody other than who’s on the ice.”

St. Joseph’s Prep assistant coach Van Stefanou said Bruno’s play gave his teammates an energy boost but stressed the senior netminder had plenty of help.

“I think it gives our team a lot of momentum going forward,” he said. “Rocco played out of his mind, but our whole defensive corps, and even the forwards coming back and helping defensively out really turned it around especially from the last game. Our focus this game was to protect the house and our guys did just that.”

The Hawks took a 1-0 lead when Shane O’Neill scored from the high slot just inside the Holy Ghost Prep blue line 11:32 into the first period. Winata made it a 2-0 game during a power play at the 12:12 mark of the second frame.

But the Firebirds didn’t buckle. Kieran Mulholland and Brady Baehser scored goals five minutes apart and with 10:48 left in regulation it was a 2-2 game.

And as time marched on the level of play at both ends of the ice picked up, something even Gump Whiteside, the losing coach, could appreciate.

“That’s a great game,” he said. “Win, lose, or tie, two good teams playing.”

Whiteside was pleased with the way his troops recovered from the two-goal deficit.”

“I really liked the way our guts responded in the third period,” he said. “We did everything we wanted to do. I told the guys after the game, when you get to overtime, anything can happen. We had that opportunity early and it didn’t go our way.”

St. Joseph’s Prep 1 1 0 0 1—3

Holy Ghost Prep 0 0 2 0—2

Frost-period goal: Shane O’Neill (SJP) from Jeffrey Hammond and Tristan Winata, 11:32

Second-period goal: Winata (SJP) from Jake Schulz and Patrick Sweeney, 12:12 (pp)

Third-period goals: KIeran Mulholland (HGP) unassisted, 1:10; Brady Baehser (HGP) unassisted, 6:12

Overtime goal: Winata (SJP) from Rocco Bruno, 1:00

Shots: St. Joseph’s Prep 25, Holy Ghost Prep 46; Saves: Rocco Bruno (SJP) 44; Colin Mudrick (HGP) 22

Tristin Winata scores the winning goal

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For more information about Holy Ghost Prep CLICK HERE

Elsewhere: Hun School 4 Father Judge 0—Four different players scored goals as the Raiders won their season opener from the host Crusaders on Wednesday. Ryan Levesque, Justin Laplante, Charles-Etienne Jette, and Ethan Estulin were the goal scorers.

Stephen Chen (21 saves) and Julian Arsenault (10) combined on the shutout.

Hun School 1 2 1—4

Father Judge 0 0 0—0

First-period goal: Ryan Levesque from Tyler James, Mark Gall, 16:38

Second-period goals: Justin Laplante, 9:33 (SH)

Third-period goal: Elian Estulin from Laplante, Marino

Malvern Prep 4 St. Joseph’s Prep 1

HAVERFORD TOWNSHIP—Caidan Canale scored two goals and assisted on another as Malvern Prep opened defense of its Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference title with a 4-1 win over St. Joseph’s Prep Friday night at the Skatium.
Brayden Baum and Jeremy Jacobs also scored for the Friars (3-0 overall). Four of the game’s give goals came in the first period.
Ben Kerson have the Hawks (3-1, 0-1 in the APAC) a 1-0 lead 5:02 into the first period but Jeremy Jacobs, Brayden Baum, and Canale scored goals in a span of 9:38 to give the Friars (3-0 overall) a 3-1 lead after the opening period.

Canale added his second goal of the night with 10:15 left in the game.

Brandon Novabilski got the win in goal, making 31 saves.

Malvern Prep 3 0 1—4

St. Joseph’s Prep 1 0 0—1

First-period goals: Ben Kerson (SJP) from Jeffrey Hammond, 5:02; Jeremy Jacobs (MP) from Caidan Canale, 7:04 (pp); Brayden Baum (MP) from Jacobs and Steven Gestie, 8:01; Canale from Gabe Bedwell, 16:42

Third-period goals: Canale from Jacobs, 6:45

Shots: Malvern Prep 39, St. Joseph’s Prep 32 Saves: Brandon Novabiliski (MP) 31, Rocco Bruno (SJP) 35

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For more information about St. Joseph’s Prep CLICK HERE

APAC Preview

The Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference is set to launch its fifth season. Here’s a look at how its member schools shape up.

Holy Ghost Prep

Coach: Gump Whiteside (15^th season)

Last year: 12-12, 1-5-1-1 in APAC

Key players: Sr. Colin Mudrick (G); So. Ryan Lippy (D); Sr. Brady Baehser (F); Sr. John Seravalli (F); Sr. Landon Stout (F)

Outlook: The Firebirds started out strong last season but faded after the holiday break. Whiteside is counting on a strong senior class, including Baesher, a two-time first-team All-APAC selection.

Mudrick is experienced in goal.

“We are looking forward to starting the season,” Whiteside said. “The team chemistry is strong. The players have been working hard both on and off the ice. The seniors have really stepped up with a great work ethic.”

The Hun School

Coach: Ian McNally (12^th season)

Last year: 8-9, 3-4-1-0 in APAC

Key players: Sr. Stephen Chen (G); Sr. Vincent Gregoire (D); Sr. Elian Estulin (F); Sr. Mark Gall (F); Sr. Josh Sosner (F); Jr. Brendan Marino (F); Sr. Simon Gregoire (F)

Outlook: The Raiders lost 10 seniors to graduation.

“We have plenty of holes to fill,” McNally said.

But a solid group of returnees remains, led by Chen, who was the first-team All-APAC goaltender last season. Estulin will be counted on to score goals.

La Salle

Coach: Wally Muehlbronner (25^th season)

Last year: 8-10-1, 4-3-0-1 in APAC

Key players: Sr. Aries Carangi (G); Sr. Chase Hannon (D); So. Owen Quinn (D); Jr. Matt Conforti (F); Sr. Ryan Desmond (F); Jr. Pat Brace (F)

Outlook: This season’s edition of the Explorers will be young in spots but there is experience on hand in Carangi in goal, Hannon on the blue line, and Conforti up front, among others.

Muehlbronner is taking a back-to-basics approach.

“In the defensive zone, we just want to keep it simple,” he said. “That’s pretty much always been our approach. In the offensive zone, we’ve got some younger guys that are pretty creative. So, I want them to be creative but still play within our basic system.”

Malvern Prep

Coach: Bill Keenan (fourth season)

Last year: 16-4, 5-1-2-0 in APAC; Conference champions and Class AAA Flyers Cup champions

Key players: Sr. Brandon Novabilski (G); Sr. Steve Getsie (D); Sr. Jack Sharer (D); Jr. Brady Doyle (D); Jr. Jonathan Holt (D); Sr. Jimmy Jacobs (F); Jr. Jeremy Jacobs (F); Jr. Aidan Kelly (F); Jr. Caiden Canale (F)

Outlook: The Friars took their share of graduation hits in the offseason, but their returning veterans are supported by an impressive group of newcomers.

Doyle and Holt head up the blueliners while the Jacobs brothers are being counted on up front.

Keenan is cautiously optimistic.

“We are excited to see what this younger incoming class can do,” he said. “The culture within the program has strengthened over the past two seasons and we look to continue building on the brotherhood in which Malvern creates. Our upperclassmen have to set the tone early in the season but the younger guys have to find ways to contribute.”

St. Joseph’s Prep

Coach: David Giacomin (10^th season)

Last year: 11-8-1, 3-3-0-2 in APAC; Flyers Cup finalist

Key players: Sr. Rocco Bruno (G); Jr. Ajay White (G); Sr. Dante Passio (D); Jr. Shane O’Neill (D); Jr. Gareth McDonald (D); Sr. Jeffrey Hammond (F); Sr. Joey Samango (F); So. Tristan Winata (F); So. Jake Schultz (F)

Outlook: After reaching the Class AAA Flyers Cup finals, the Hawks must deal with loss of 10 seniors. Bruno and White are a formidable goaltending tandem while Passio leads the blue-line corps. Hammond and Samango are proven commodities up front.

“We hope to be a speed driven team that will play hard in all three zones,” Giacomin says. “Depth will play a big role this year. With offensive returnees and goaltending leading the way we hope to get off to a fast start and build from there.”

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SHSHL Preview

National Division

Bensalem

Coach: Jordan Roth (second season)

Last year: 3-11

Key players: Jr. Ricky Gonzalez (G); Sr. Danny Mackley (D-F); Jr. Alex Hood (F-D); So. Alex Bazylevich (F-D); Fr. Lucas Gonzalez (F-D)

Outlook: The Owls took some big strides in their inaugural season last year and are looking continue that trend moving forward.

“This year we’re emphasizing the importance of ‘team’ Roth said. “Everything we do represents our team, our passion, and our purpose. As a team, we are ready to lead by example and be tough to play against.”

Central Bucks East

Coach: Jeff Mitchell (third season)

Last year: 6-10, Flyers Cup participant

Key players: Sr. Matt Magiacapre (G); Jr. Kyle McIntyre (D) Sr. Stephen DiRugeris (F); Jr. Corey Kosick (F)

Outlook: The Patriots feature a lineup that blends youth and experience. They’re backed by Mangiacapre, one of the area’s premier netminders.

Central Bucks South

Coach: Shuan McGinty (ninth season)

Last year: 6-7-1-2, Flyers Cup participant

Key players: Sr. Matt Crouch (D); Jr. Aidan Linso (D); So. Jake Stepp (D); Sr. Aydin Thierolf (F); Jr. Colin Mendham (F); Jr. D.J. Lindenmuth (F)

Outlook: The Bucks endured an up and down campaign a year ago but all signs point to brighter days on the horizon. As usual, McGinty will be counting on his veterans to lead the way

“It is time for the Titans to get back on track,” he said.

Central Bucks West

Coach: Dave Baun (19^th season)

Last year: 5-9

Key players: Jr. Liam Rogers (G); Sr. Sammy Poliak (D); Jr. Johnny Cherubini (D) Sr. Luke Tremmel (F); Jr. Nick Bruno (F); So. Anthony Dowd (F); So. Jack Misoda (F); So. Zane Sanders (F)

Outlook: The Bucks feature a solid group of returnees, led by Rogers in goal. The veterans will be supplemented by a talented group of young players that Baun is counting on, especially up front.

Council Rock North

Coach: Greg McDonald (second season)

Last year: 10-8. Flyers Cup participant

Key players: So. Ian Goldberg (G); So. Jackson Accardi (D); Jr. Nick Hahan (D); Sr. Noah Epstein (F); Jr. Karson Grainey (F)

Outlook: The Indians did a lot last year with a team that was lacking in experience and numbers. McDonald expects to be able to dress a full roster of 20 this season and his troops will have an additional year’s experience. It shapes up as a promising season.

Council Rock South

Coach: Joe Houk (17^th season)

Last year: 16-2-2-1, SHSHL and Flyers Cup finalist

Key players: Sr. Carson Lopez (G); Jr. Kevin Koles (D); Jr. Blaize Pepe (F); Jr. Chase Tovsky (F)

Outlook: The Golden Hawks played for the SHSHL and Flyers Cup titles last season. This season they return a team that is deep and talented. Houk has three quality lines and five solid defensemen to call on, plus an outstanding goaltender. The ingredients are on hand for what could be a very special season.

Neshaminy

Coach: Matt DeMatteo (sixth season)

Last year: 10-7-1, Flyers Cup participant

Key players: Jr. Cory Hemberger (G); So. Liam Mooney (D); Sr. J.J. Hathaway (D); Sr. Max Gallagher (F); Sr. Nolan Geria (F); Sr. Danny McColgan (F); Sr. Noah Seewagen (F); Sr. Michael Knipple (F); So. Ryan DeMatteo (F)

Outlook: The ‘Skins are perhaps the most experienced team in their division. Eleven seniors return from a unit that reached the Flyers Cup quarterfinals last season.

DeMatteo is optimistic about what the future could hold.

“We’ll look to continue to build on the success we had in the regular season and the Flyers Cup to take the next step forward together as a team,” he said.

North Penn

Coach: Kevin Vaitis (14^th season)

Last year: 1-15

Key players: St. Nick Crist (G) Sr. Sam Mostochuck (D); St. Tyler Porubski (D); Fr. James Boyle (D); Jr. John Stinson (F); Jr. Joey Silvotti (F); So. Cole Pluck (F); Sr. Derek Delong (F)

Outlook: The Knights endured a long, cold winter last season. Vaitis is looking to turn things around with a back-to-basics approach.

“We are focusing early on this season on coming together as a team,” he said, “focusing on key system specifics, and hard work. We do not want to be outworked during the season. Another area we are focusing on is getting puck support in the zone with lots of shots and traffic in front.”

Pennridge

Coach: Jeff Montagna, fifth season

Last year: 22-0-1, defensing SHSHL, Class AA Fyers Cup and state champions

Key players: So. Nick Young (D); Jr. Colin Dachowski (D); Jr. Trey Mikulich (D); Jr. Kevin Pico (F); So. Shane Dachowski (F); Jr. Andrew Savona (F); Jr. Tyler Manto (F): Sr. Dane Fichette (F)

Outlook: The 2022 edition of the Rams put together one of the most remarkable seasons on record. This year’s group is looking to pick up where they left off. An abundance of firepower returns up front and there is experience within the blue-line corps. The only question mark may be in goal.

Pennsbury

Coach: Ryan Daley (sixth season)

Last year: 12-5-1, Flyers Cup participant

Key players: Jr. Aaron McDaniel (G); Sr. Justin Marlin (D); So. Chris Sarver (D-F); Sr. Brendan MacAinsh (F); Sr. Andrew Falkenstein (F)

Outlook: As they launch a new season the Falcons are confronting some heavy graduation losses.

“Luckily we have a strong and talented group of underclassmen ready to fill their shoes,” Daley said.

Souderton

Coach: Ryan Uchniat (fifth season)

Last year: 7-7

Key players: Sr. Noah Connor (G); So. Patrick Callahan (D); Jr. Seth Grossman (F); Jr. Jacob Chow (F); Jr. Liam O’Neill (F); Sr. Timmy Alexander (F)

Outlook: The Big Red matured last year and are hoping to build on that success. Uchniat expects his team to be solid up front with a strong defense backed by quality goaltending.

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American Division

Abington

Coach: Ken Brzozowski (sixth season)

Last year: 15-2, defending divisional champion; Flyers Cup participant

Key players: Sr. Sam Nemec (G); Sr. Sean Doyle (D); Sr. Pat Stelacio (F); Sr. Matt Kramer (F); Sr. Ian Heydt; Sr. Griffin Carpenter (F)

Outlook: The Galloping Ghosts not only won the SHSHL’s American Division (Class A) title last season but earned a place in the Class AA Flyers Cup tournament. Brzozowski is looking to pick up where last year’s team left off.

“The team has been working hard in practices,” he said, “and looks forward to picking up where we left last year with winning results.”

Plymouth Whitemarsh

Coach: Dave Cox (first season)

Last year: 11-6, Flyers Cup participant

Key players: Sr. Chris Maslij (G); Sr. Conlan Carpenter (D); Sr. Jacob Elgart (D); Sr. Matt Flynn (F); Sr. Jeffrey Mencken (F)

Outlook: Cox, a Plymouth Whitemarsh graduate, takes over for Josh Aiello. He inherits a roster that’s deep in experience, one that should make an impact in the division.

Quakertown

Coach: Keith Krem (fourth season)

Last year: 7-9

Key players: Jr. Matt Krem (G); Sr. Jack Diliberto (F-D); Sr. Will Shaw

Outlook: The Panthers are thin in numbers; there are just 10 skaters on the roster. But they are an experienced group. There are five seniors on hand and Krem is a quality goaltender who will keep his team in games.

Springfield

Coach: Bernie Gillespie (first season)

Last year: No team

Key players: So. Liam Baskin (G); Sr. Lucas Davidson (D); Jr. Kenny Granderson (D); So. Felix Boccella (D); So. Gabe Wells (F); Fr. Grayson Quinn (F); So. Chris Cahill (F); So; Thomas Manchester (F); Jr. Marcel Camper (F)

Outlook: The Spartans are new to the SHSHL but not to hockey; the roster features players who are experienced at the club level.

“We’re looking forward to our first season in the league,” Gillespie said.

Wissahickon

Coach: Ken Harrington (eighth season), Flyers Cup participant

Last year: 9-9, Flyers Cup participant

Key players: So. Aiden Brooks (D); Sr. Konrad Foulk (D); Sr. Griffin Lynch (F-D); Sr. Will Hussa (F); So. Danny Hussa (F)

Outlook: The Trojans are likely to be lacking in numbers this season and Harrington is searching for a goaltender. But they should excel at putting the puck in the net.

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Malvern Prep 4 Calvert Hall 1

Jeremy Jacobs scored two goals and Caiden Canale and Gavin Wilson also scored as defending Class AAA Flyers Cup and APAC champion Malvern Prep opened its season Monday with a 4-1 win over Calvert Hall at Ice Line.

The Friars took control of the game in the first period when Wilson, Jacobs, and Canale scored in a span of 7:44.
Brandon Novabilski got the win in goal, making 36 saves.

“Over the last two years we graduated a lot of seniors and needed some young guys to step up,” said Malvern Prep coach Bill Keenan. “I was pleased with our energy and tempo we set from the beginning. Our goalie came out strong and played a great game.”

APAC Getting Ready for Year 5

As the start of a new scholastic hockey season approaches, the Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference is continuing to evolve.

The APAC, which will be starting its fifth season this fall, will once again include five teams. Defending conference and Class AAA Flyers Cup champion Malvern Prep will be joined by Holy Ghost Prep, The Hun School, St. Joseph’s Prep, and La Salle.

In addition, the conference has created partnerships with two other private schools, The Haverford School and Devon Prep which will compete against APAC member schools this season.

“The APAC schools are coordinating as scheduling partners with The Haverford School and Devon Prep, two institutions with developing varsity ice hockey programs,” said APAC Commissioner Jim Britt. Those games will not count as part of the APAC regular-season standings, but the competitions will help develop future opportunities.”

While the complete APAC schedule has yet to be announced, the conference has scheduled two doubleheader events for this season. The first will be sometime in mid-November on a date and at a site to be announced. The second will be an outdoor event on January 11, 2023 at the Spring Mountain outdoor rink in Spring Mount.

Counting Down to the SHSHL Season

Sixteen teams will skate under the Suburban High School Hockey League umbrella during the 2022-23 season.

The new season will commence on Wednesday, November 2 with 12 teams skating in the National Division (Class AA) and five more competing in the Class A American Division.

The National Division will feature defending league, Flyers Cup, and state champion Pennridge along with Bensalem, Council Rock North, Council Rock South, Central Bucks East, Central Bucks West, Central Bucks South Neshaminy, North Penn, Pennsbury, and Souderton.

Defending champion Abington heads the American Division which will also include Plymouth Whitemarsh, Quakertown, Wissahickon, and newcomer Springfield (Montco).

Teams will not necessarily be in the same classifications for the regular season and the Flyers Cup tournament.

Hatboro-Horsham and William Tennent, which both skated in the American Division a year ago, have combined forces this year and will skate against American Division opponents. The team will play a full league schedule but their results will not be reflected in the standings, nor will they be eligible for the SHSHL playoffs or the Flyers Cup tournament.

20222-23 marks the SHSHL’s 50^th season. The league as it is known now made its debut in 1973-74, coincidentally the same

National Scholastic Field Set

Defending champion Holy Ghost Prep heads the field for the 16^th annual National Invitational Scholastic Showcase. The annual extravaganza is scheduled for December 2-4 in Jamestown, NY and will feature teams from Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, and Ontario who will all be on a quest to win the Governor’s Cup.

The field will include:

• Bethel Park Blackhawks WPA – 2021 Pa Hockey Scholastic Showcase Champions

• Buffalo St Francis Red Raiders NY – 2006 NISS Governors Cup Champions

• Cathedral Prep Ramblers WPA – 2019 NISS Governors Cup Champions

• Culver Academy IND – 32-Time Indiana Champions

• Franklin Regional Panthers WPA – 2022 Penguins Cup Finalists

• Holy Ghost Prep Firebirds EPA – 2022 and 5 NISS Governors Cup Champions

• Glenbrook South Titans ILL – 2022 Hoosier Cup Champions

• Meadville Bulldogs WPA – 8 Time Pennsylvania Champions

• Medina Bees OHIO – 3-Time Ohio Club Champions

• North Allegheny Tigers WPA – 3-Time Pennsylvania Cup Champions

• Ontario Hockey Academy – 3-time NISS Governors Cup Champions

• Peters Township Indians WPA – 2022 Pennsylvania Champions

• St Edwards Eagles OHIO – 11-Time Ohio State Champions

• St Ignatius Wildcats OHIO – 7-Time Ohio State Champions

• St Joseph’s Marauders NY – 10- Time New York State Champions

• University School Preppers OHIO – 2-Time Ohio State Champions

Quinn Egan’s Remarkable Journey

The importance of giving back through community service is emphasized to every student at St. Joseph’s Prep and, indeed, to students at each of the Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference institutions. Serving overseas however, in a part of the world impacted by war, requires a different level of commitment.

Quinn Egan chose to take that step. A senior at St. Joseph’s Prep and a forward on the hockey team, Egan, a Blue Bell resident, spent his spring break in Poland last month assisting Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war that continues to decimate their homeland.

His father, Tom Egan, accompanied him. In fact, the trip was Tom Egan’s idea.

“(His father) has always been really interested in world events,” Quinn Egan said. “So, he had been reading up on this for six or seven months, just watching the tension build. He used to tell me about it every day and started giving me daily updates and I realized how big of a deal it truly was.

“He thought it was something that we could go over and get involved in and it would good to help people.”

The trip was arranged through Caritas, a Catholic service organization. Father and son flew from Newark to Warsaw, Poland and drove from there to Lublin, a city located roughly an hour west of the Ukraine border. They spent the first two days of their trip there packing clothing.

“There were shipments coming from throughout the world,” Egan said. “They had tons and tons of clothes.

“We packed them into boxes and put them on a bunch of pallets, then onto a huge truck that every night was driven into the Ukraine somewhere.

Egan and his father also spent much of two days at the border assisting incoming refugees.

“We pretty much greeted and welcomed refugees,” Egan said. “We gave them food, basically any necessities that we had Anything they needed, we would try and give them if we had it.

“There was also a shelter where refugees could be registered and eventually, after one or two days, sent off to somebody’s house to live in to give them a more permanent home.”

That new home would likely be in Poland but theoretically could be anywhere in the EU.

Egan that the refugees he encountered were optimistic despite their circumstances. “They truly believed they will win the war,” he said. “They do have a positive mindset when it comes to that.”

Egan says there was one instance that gave him pause.

“There was one moment when I felt nervous and did not know what was happening,” he said. “One morning I woke before my dad. I went out to go to a bakery and just grab a donut or a piece of bread or whatever.

“There was a plane that flew overhead really low. And where we are (in Lublin), there’s no major airport so no flights are coming in. Ukraine is only a quick drive away.

“When the plane flew overhead in the Old Town, the pedestrian-only area, everybody went inside, into a building. Hundreds of people just ran into a building. It was completely uncertain. Nobody knew if it was a Russian plane an American plane, a Finnish or a Polish plane. Nobody knew. So, that was the only time I felt even a little bit unsafe. But, besides that, I felt completely safe the whole time. And the Polish people, I’ll say, are very confident nothing will happen to them.”

Egan returned to St. Joseph’s Prep following the Easter holiday with a fresh perspective on the war.

“I think experiencing something in general makes the news way whatever it is more powerful,” he said. “So, actually going over there and meeting the people that are being forced out of their homes or having their homes destroyed while maybe having a family member also being killed, makes it really powerful to see what’s happening.

Egan reflected on how his trip tied into his school’s concept of community service.

“When I was in eighth grade I remember a Prep presentation given by a few students and the admissions director Howie Brown,” he said. “And I remember them really emphasizing the importance of service, of helping others no matter how big or small I know that’s been a major emphasis from Day One at the Prep and even before the Prep that you should always try to be involved I whatever you can.”