APAC Preview 2024-25

The Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference is launching its seventh season. Here’s a look at what to expect from the five conference schools in the 2024-25 campaign.

La Salle

Coach: Wally Muehlbronner (27^th season)

Last year: 23-4, 8-0 in APAC; defending Founders Cup and Class AAA Flyers Cup champions

Key players: Sr. Jake Rossi (G); Sr. Cam Ross (D); Sr. Will Gregorio (D); Sr. Declan Kelly (D); Sr. Julian Tarsi (F); Sr. Grant LaGreca (F); Sr. Michael Zarzycki (F); So. Alistair St. Hilaire (F)

Outlook: The Explorers lost 12 seniors from last year’s Founders Cup and Flyers Cup champions but a solid nucleus returns. The defense corps is solid while Tarsi, LaGreca, Zarzycki, and St. Hilaire provide scoring balance. Rossi is a quality goaltender.

Holy Ghost Prep

Coach: John Ritchie (second season)

Last year: 12-14, 3-5 in APAC (0-1 in OT)

Key players: Sr. Ryan Lippy (D); Sr. Joe Kaufmann (D); So. Nate Romer (D); Jr. Chris Marshall (D-F); Sr. Colin Bara (F); Sr. Joe Spadaccino (F); Sr. Brian Kinniry (F); Jr. Anthony Valeriote (F); Jr. Jack Gavaghan (F); Jr. Lucas Gonzalez (F); Jr. Brady Logue (F); So. Chase Logue (F)

Outlook: The Firebirds struggled the first part of last season but were much improved after New Year’s.

“We were better the second half of the season,” Ritchie said, “which should help moving forward. The roster has a good core group of older experienced players, coupled with some talented newcomers.”

Spadaccino, Kinniry, and Bara will provide veteran experience up front while Lippy and Kauffmann will do the same in the back. The roster also includes three experienced goaltenders.

Hun School

Coach: Eric Szeker (second season)

Last year: 5-12, 1-7 in APAC (1-1 in OT)

Key players: Sr. Patrick Donoghue (G); Sr. Elliot Wong (G); Sr. Jr. Chase Preston (D; Jr. Andrew Darst (D); Sr. Luke Rassier (F); Jr. Jake Beck (F); Jr. Luca Jean (F); So. Justin Bibeau (F); Jr. Nate Trawinski (F); Jr. Jacob Kelly-Lepage (F); Jr. Anders Van Raalte (F); Sr Jake O’Connell (F)

Outlook: The Raiders will put a much deeper team on ice this season than they did a year ago. Ten seniors graduated but a talented junior class returns. Donoghue and O’Connell will be relied on for leadership in the locker room and on the ice. Szeker is looking scoring balance.

“Scoring will come from many players,” he said, “but Jake Beck, who had a strong sophomore season, will be counted on for production.”

Donoghue and Wong provide experience in goal.

Malvern Prep

Coach: Bill Keenan (sixth season)

Last year: 11-9, 4-4 in APAC (2-2 in OT); Class AAA Flyers Cup finalist

Key players: Sr. Matt Crawford (G); Sr. Matt Barbacane (D); Jr. Cole Scarbinsky (D); Sr. Gabe Bedwell (F); Sr. Teague Murray (F); Jr. Pax Hoishik (F); Jr. Henry Tesoriero (F); So. House Young (F)

Outlook: The Friars look to bounce back from a tough loss in the Flyers Cup finals. The team by a core group of seniors and upperclassmen with additions of talented underclassmen.

“This year is about resetting our mindset, getting back to the basics and finding our grit,” Keenan said. “This is one of the toughest schedules Malvern Prep will play in a few years so we are looking forward to a fun, competitive season.”

St. Joseph’s Prep

Coach: David Giacomin (12^th season)

Last year: 16-7 4-4 in APAC (1-0 in OT): Founders Cup finalist

Key players: So. Declan Geary (G); Jr. Michael Garr (G); Jr. Bruno Mainardi (G); Sr. Caden Kelly (D); Jr. Patrick Sweeney (D); Jr. Ben Kerson Jr. Adam Charaffi (D); Sr. Tristan Winata (F); Sr. Carter Short (F); Jr. Noah Stuhl (F); Jr. Tommy Ely (F); Jr. Michael Castelli (F); So. Frankie Ely (F); and So. Cole Gargon (F)

Outlook: Team speed combined with veteran experience on the blue line will be recipe for success for the Hawks this season.
“We hope to be a speed driven team that will play hard in all three zones,” Giacomin said. “Depth will play a big role this year. With offensive returnees and the defense leading the way we hope to get off to a fast start and build from there.”

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.

Blind Hockey Showcase Brings Awareness to Vision Impairment Issues

The Philadelphia Blind Hockey Showcase returns this week, bigger and more inclusive. Players representing 10 high-school teams will joined by teams representing several community organizations will take part in the event, which is scheduled for Hatfield Ice Arena on Thursday night. Doors will open at 5:30; the first games half-ice games will begin at 6:10.

The players will wear specially designed goggles which replicate various types of vision disabilities. Goaltenders will be blindfolded.

The first half of the evening will see teams taking the ice representing Philadelphia Blind Hockey, the Philadelphia Flyers community staff and alumni, and the Flyers Warriors.

Following those games the high-school player will take the ice.

One team will include players from Central Bucks South, Father Judge, and Haverford High. Another will blend players from the Pennridge boys’ and girls’ teams with Malvern Prep. A third will combine players from North Penn, Central Bucks East, and Holy Ghost Prep. The fourth will put see players from Penncrest skating alongside players from Neumann University’s men’s club team.

Flyers Cup Committee President Eric Tye spoke to the impact of last year’s inaugural showcase.

“It was awesome,” he said. “I think well beyond the expectations of anyone involved. We raised a lot of awareness, we raided a lot of money for Philadelphia Blind Hockey and think all the kids that played in it really got a whole new perspective on what it’s like to have a vision disability.”

Tye noted that the players on the high-school teams involved in the showcase have been working with the Philadelphia Blind Hockey program on an ongoing basis.

“All 10 of them have spent time with Philadelphia Blind Hockey at a practice session. Whether it was this year, last year, or the year before. They’ve all spent time being out at practice, some of them two or three times.”

Steve Mescanti is the head coach at Penncrest. He says participating in the Philadelphia Blind Hockey program, including last year’s showcase. Made an impact on his players.

“The kids really respond to it,” he said. “I think they somehow really grasp it, quickly and easily, that we’re a heck of a lot more fortunate than a lot of other people.

I think kids look at it ‘If I can teach or help these kids to love hockey as much as I do that’s a good thing.”

Mescanti says the program allows his student-athletes to use the game of hockey to make an impact in their communities.

“This is an opportunity to go out and have fun,” he said, almost in the same vein as pond hockey; ‘I can give back, and I can have fun. I can do something that I love.

“At the end, it’s very rewarding because the blind hockey kids are so appreciative which I think lets the other guys know that ‘You know what? I did a good thing here. It was very much appreciated, it’s something that love and I’m helping someone else to maybe grow the love that I have for the game.”

Haverford High John Povey says his players are looking forward to being part of the showcase.

“We had a handful of seniors that went up and attended the event and the same thing this year,” he said. “The five or six guys we’ve got going up are all seniors. It’s a nice little event for them and obviiuly what comes out of it is the unique experience of what the children are going through and what they have to live with.

You always want to give back and I think it’s great for all the communities involve, all the clubs involved.”

Like the other participating schools, the Fords help out with Philadelphia Blind Hockey practice sessions.

“We’ve had a couple different experiences with this organization,” Povey said. “It really puts it in perspective some of the things they have to go through.

“(But) they never complain and they have every reason to. You walk into those locker rooms, you walk into those events, they’ve got smile from ear to ear. It’s really cool to see.”

“For me as a coach, it’s good to see my players get involved and they do such a good job with it. They embrace it, they look forward to it, they’re excited about it.”

Admission to the showcase will be $5.

La Salle 3 Wyoming Seminary 2 OT

HATFIELD—A young hockey team found out some things about itself Wednesday afternoon. La Salle got a live-fire test from Wyoming Seminary before the Explorers emerged with a 3-2 overtime win at Hatfield Ice.

It was the second consecutive win for the defending APAC and Class AAA Flyers Cup champions to open the new season.

Julian Tarsi delivered the game-winning goal off a centering pass from Declan Kelly with 1:13 remaining in the extra period.

Tarsi liked his team’s mindset against a quality opponent.

“It’s good for us early in the year to play a good team like that,” the senior said. “It’s good to see the boys working hard like that and digging deep. Especially later in the game, find a way to win.”

After a scoreless first frame, Kelly gave the Explorers a 1-0 lead when he found the back of the net 8:01 into the middle period.

James Fitzpatrick answered right back for the Knights (1-3) at the 9:47 mark.

The third period also featured two goals in quick succession. Grant Lagreca gave the hosts the lead, albeit briefly at the 3:03 mark. Colin Donovan responded for the Knights at 5:05 during a power play after the Explorers were flagged for having too many men on the ice.

Jake Rossi got the win in goal, stopping 24 of 26 shots.

“We got some good work in our defensive zone,” said La Salle coach Wally Muehlbronner. “I thought we played pretty well in the D-zone. We’ve been working a lot on that in the practices that we’ve had.”

La Salle lost 11 seniors off last year’s championship team. Those stepping into this year’s lineup are going through a necessary, if sometimes challenging transition.

“For a lot of the newer guys, it’s a different pace than they’re used to,” Muehlbronner said. “That was a good team that we just played, so I’m very pleased. I think that we got better as the game went along and I think the guys learned what they needed to do. We simplified some things and played a good game.”

Tarsi says his younger teammates are moving in the right direction.

“They’ve just got to get adjusted to the system,” he said, “and I think they’ve done a good job of that so far. They’re working hard. I’m excited to see what he future holds for them.”

Tarsi spoke to the responsibility the veterans on the roster have to show their younger teammates the way.

“It’s very important,” he said. “We’re supposed to be the leaders of the team.

“Honesty, coming off a huge loss last year, a devastating loss [in the state championship game] we’ve got to lead these guys back and find a way to get the job done.”

Wyoming Seminary 0 1 1 0—2

La Salle 0 1 1 1—3

Second-period goals: Declan Kelly (L) from Jacob Warner, 8:01; James Fitzpatrick (WS) from Sebastian Bilde, 9:47

Third-period goals: Grant Lagreca (L) from Michael Zarzycki, 3:03; Colin Donovan (WS) from Heil DeSeve and Jagar MacDonald, 5:27 (pp)

Overtime goal: Julian Tarsi (L) from Kelly and Cameron Ross, 3:47

Shots: Wyoming Seminary 26, La Salle 36; Saves: Jonah Boles (WS) 33, Jake Rossi (L) 24

Blindness Awareness Event to Kick Off Scholastic Hockey Season

Nine high-school boys’ hockey team and one girls’ team will be on hand for the Philadelphia Blind Hockey Showcase, which is set for Thursday, October 24 at Hatfield Ice.

The Philadelphia Blind Hockey organization is staging the event for the second year in a row to commemorate Blindness Awareness Month.

The teams will skate using vision-restricted goggles which are intended to simulate various types of vision loss/vision issues.

The participating teams will include Central Bucks East, Central Bucks South North Penn, and Pennridge from the SHSH, Father Judge, Haverford, and Penncrest from the ICSHL, and Holy Ghost Prep and Malvern Prep from the APAC.

The Pennridge girls’ team will also be on hand along with the Philadelphia Flyers Warriors and the Neumann University men’s club team.

Doors will open at 5:30. The first games will begin at 6:10.

Admission will be $5.

Hockey Happenings is seeking writers to assist with our coverage of scholastic hockey in the Philadelphia area this season. Seeking reliable individuals knowledgeable hockey who are available on weeknights. Writing experience preferred.

For details, contact us at rwoelfel2013@gmail.com

Steve Mackell Takes the Reins at APAC

A new era is dawning in the Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference this season. Steve Mackell, a longtime coach and administrator, is beginning his first season as the APAC’s commissioner.
He replaces Jim Britt, who served as the commissioner in the conference’s first six years of existence.

Mackell played high-school hockey at Cardinal O’Hara and junior hockey with the Quakers before playing for a year at West Chester State.

He began his coaching career alongside Jim McCrossin at Malvern Prep and later served as the Friars’ head coach. He also spent time behind the bench with the Quakers and Junior Flyers before joining Atlantic District player development staff.

“I’ve admired what the APAC mission was about”, Mackell said, “I know the schools, I know a lot of the coaches and the administrators from those schools and was really excited to be offered this opportunity.”

Mackell noted the unique stature that hockey is afforded at the five APAC member schools, Holy Ghost Prep, La Salle, Malvern Prep, St. oseph’s Prep, and Hun School.

“I think the common thread is hockey is recognized as a varsity sport in each of the schools,” he said. It’s run by the administration through the athletic director as well as the coaches.

“To be a varsity sport and have the backing of the school I think is paramount to being successful.”

Mackell points out the APAC’s success on the ice is coupled with a commitment to academic excellence.

“What the APAC has done in the [six] years they’ve been in existence is create a very competitive environment,” he said. “All those schools are academically challenging and I think they draw a lot of the same type student-athletes into the sport. They’ve been able to create a very high level of competitiveness through their individual scheduling at the schools as well as through the APAC scheduling.”

Since the APAC made it’ debut for the 2018-19 season, conference schools have won six consecutive Class AAA Flyers Cups. All told, they’ve won 24, including the last 13 in succession.

Heickert Approaching Arcadia Debut

The Arcadia University men’s hockey program has begun a new chapter in its history with the debut of a new head coach.

Ryan Heickert will be behind the bench when the Knights open the 2024-25 season at Western New England in Springfield, Mass. on November 1 as part of the Western New England Showcase.

Heickert takes over at Arcadia after three seasons as the head coach at Bryn Athyn College. The Oshawa, Ontario native played college hockey at what was then Neumann College (now Neumann University) and played for a national championship team in 2009.

He spent three years as an assistant coach at his alma mater before stepping away from on-ice duties but continued to serve as Neumann’s strength and conditioning coach.

Heickert spoke to what made the Arcadia position appealing.

“Being on the Philly area is great,” he said. “This is where I’ve been since I played at Neumann. Not having to relocate and have the opportunity to coach [at the NCAA level].

“And secondly is it being a newer program that is still trying to I think establish an identity and get its footing in in Division III hockey and the ability to step in and be a part of that is exciting.”

Heickert takes over the Arcadia program as it begins its fourth season. It’s the first season the Middle Atlantic Conference will have an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. As part of that transition, Arcadia has ended its affiliation with the United Collegiate Hockey Conference.

“It’s fantastic,” Heickert said of the new alignment. “Having an opportunity to step into a conference with an automatic qualifier and then getting back into the MAC and competing against some of the other schools that the other sports on campus are. And then travel-wise, it’s just fantastic regularly competing against so many local teams. It’s great.

Heickert spoke to how his years at Neumann as a player and coach shaped his own coaching philosophy.

“They were a team that hadn’t had much success,” he recalls. “I had some great coaches there and some great teammates, and I think what we want to shape here is the culture and I think they have thing going in the right direction.

“We have a lot of great guys on this team and I think what we can do is create an identity and a culture through hard work, teamwork, connecting with our community, connecting with the school, connecting with each other and building something that way.

The Knights have compiled a record of 18-51-7 through their first three seasons.

Heickert says his recruiting efforts will emphasize finding players that fit the program as people as well as hockey players.

It’s a lot of getting the road,” he said. “Watching video, watching how guys play but then outside of that talking with their coaches talking with their GMs getting to know how they interact with their teammates and then getting to know them. Making sure they’re going to fit what we want and fit that culture.”

• Arcadia’s first seven games are on the road. The Knights’ home opener is set for November 21 against Stevenson.

Bud Wilkins Obituary

Edmond “Bud” James Wilkins Jr, aged 73, passed away on August 27, 2024, at St. Mary’s Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. Bud was a cherished resident of Langhorne, PA, where he was known for his dedication to community service and his unwavering commitment to his family and friends.

Born in Camden, NJ, Bud was the beloved son of Edmond Wilkins Sr. and E. Ora Wilkins (nee Hagan). He graduated from Egan High School in 1969, where he remained actively involved, including serving on the reunion committee. Bud continued his education at the University of Hawaii, which set the foundation for his long and fulfilling career.

Bud spent over 50 years working as a manager at Big Marty’s Carpet, a role in which he earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues. Following his retirement, he took on the role of a Crossing Guard for the Neshaminy School District, demonstrating his continued commitment to his community. Bud also proudly served in the United States Navy as a Cryptologist for four years, earning the National Defense Service Medal and a Navy Commendation Medal.

Bud’s passion for hockey and youth development was evident in his 35 years of service with Neshaminy Ice Hockey, where he was a dedicated Club President and a long-time commissioner for USA Hockey. He also served as an elected board member and secretary for the Suburban High School Hockey League. His volunteer work extended to the Special Olympics, local orphanages, and numerous other charitable organizations. Bud was a 3rd degree Knights of Columbus member and supported causes such as the Gift of Life and Project Children.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edmond and E. Ora Wilkins, and his sister Margaret Johnson (nee Wilkins). Bud is survived by his devoted wife Kathy Wilkins (nee Hogan), his son Mark Wilkins (Sarah), and his daughter Erika Evans (Kenneth Jr). He was a loving grandfather to Kenny III and Ella Evans, and Jack and Madison Wilkins. Bud is also survived by his siblings: MaryOra Hedgepath (John), Fran Wilkins, Nancy Frey, Joe Wilkins (Holly), numerous nieces and nephews, and his grand niece Liberty Frey. His extended family includes Dolores Butynskyi, Diana Snyder (late Jim), John Hogan (Marjie), and their families.

A visitation will be held on Monday, September 9, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at James J. Dougherty Funeral Home, 2200 Trenton Road, Levittown, PA 19056. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 AM, officiated by Father Nasta from Our Lady of Grace Church. Bud will be laid to rest with full military honors at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Road, Newtown, PA 18940, at 1:00 PM.

Bud’s legacy of service, kindness, and dedication will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him. He leaves behind a lasting impact on his community and a legacy of love for his family.

Jim Britt Steps down a APAC Commissioner

After guiding the Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference through the first six years of its existence, Jim Britt is stepping away from his commissioner’s post. The conference issued a statement Monday afternoon.

Jim Britt has notified the Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference (APAC) schools that he is stepping back from his role as Commissioner. Jim will assist during the transition and will remain affiliated with the conference in the future as an advisor. APAC schools are grateful for the leadership that Jim has provided the conference since its inception in 2018. Jim’s understanding of the conference schools, his belief in scholastic hockey and all the great things that the game of hockey teaches, made him the right man to help build APAC.

At the APAC May meeting, conference schools appointed Steve Mackell as their new Commissioner. Steve is a longtime coach in the Atlantic District at the youth level and as a former head coach at Malvern Prep. For many years, Steve has also been heavily involved with the Atlantic District Player Development Program Staff. He is a proven leader who knows the conference schools, the value they place on providing a well-rounded education, and their commitment to the sport of ice hockey. APAC school administrators and coaches are excited to work with Steve in the years ahead.