SHSHL and ICSHL to Stage Interleague Series

Tonight marks the start of a new partnership between the Suburban High Hockey League and the Inter County Scholastic Hockey League; the first two in a series of 12 interleague games between the two leagues as part of the regular-season schedule that will be played between tonight and December 5.

Tonight, Wissahickon from the SHSHL will face Strath-Haven from the ICSHL at Ice Works in Aston and Downingtown West from the ICSHL will host Central Bucks South from the SHSHL at Ice Line (the full schedule is listed below).

The two leagues square off against each other annually in the Flyers Cup tournament and regular-season interleague games are not new. This year’s series of games however, have more significance because the results will be considered by the Flyers Cup Committee when evaluating potential invitees.

Beyond the Flyers Cup tournament however, the series shines a spotlight on high-school hockey. Pennridge coach Jeff Montagna is looking forward to the crossover games.

“We go into the Flyers Cup every year blind [against the Inter County League teams] and how we match up,” he said. I know they’ve talked about it for a couple years and the coaches were all on board. It’s something I think is long overdue.

“I think for both leagues, to get a chance to see teams from the other league and it breaks up the monotony of the season and it gives you a different look altogether. It’s really cool thing they’re doing.”

Montagna likes playing interleague games as a change of pace,

“We maybe go down to Ice Line and whoever we’re playing brings a lot of fans in for a regular-season game,” he said. “It’s a playoff atmosphere you don’t always get when we’re playing teams two or three times a year.”

Haverford High coach John Povey says the series will be a boost for the high-school version of the sport.

“It’s something we’ve been trying to do for some time now,” he said. We just think it’s great for high-school hockey. When you get teams from each league, you’re going to get good hockey games and all that does promote the league promote the sport.

“It’s something we’ve been trying to do for a while and being able to make it happen this year is really good and it’s good for high-school hockey.”

Povey is no stranger to interleague games.
“We’ve been doing preseason games with each other for the last 10-plus years,” he says. “This is just a little bit different because it’s going to have a lot more meaning to it.”

When Shaun McGinty was playing high-school hockey at Council Rock High in the mid-1990s under legendary coach Paul Gilligan the Indians competed regularly against teams from throughout the area, including Delaware and Chester Counties.

McGinty notes that Gilligan wanted his teams to face the strongest opposition available.

“His mindset was to compete with the best to be the best.” McGinty said. “He always pushed his program and us as players.”

As a head coach himself, McGinty has regularly sought out top-flight non-league opposition.

“I’ve done it here from the time I was here with [former coach Tom Coyne},” said, “and since Tom’s left I’ve kept it going with Haverford and Father Judge. I’ve played Ghost and La Salle and those teams are great.

We’ve played Haverford and we’ve played Conestoga. It’s good that the leagues are doing it again. It’s great for the kids and good for the coaches to see what others leagues have.”

McGinty notes that games like the one his team will play Friday night against Downingtown East are tutorials of sorts for younger players who aspire to compete at the school varsity level.

“We try to sell our middle school here,” he said. When we’re in playoffs, we try to get the middle school kids come out to see the big boys play and promote the idea that ‘This is where I’ve got to get too, this is where I have to work to to get to this level of play. You’re going to see some talent. It’s a great way to promote the game and I think it’s huge.”

Crossover Schedule

Friday 11-8 Strath Haven 3 Wissahickon 1 at Ice Works

Friday 11-8 Downingtown East 6 C.B. South 1 at Ice Line

Wednesday 11-13 Prnnridge 6 Boyertown 3 at Hatfield

Thursday 11-14 Marple-Newtown at Hatboro-Horsham 7:10 at Hatfield

Thursday 11-14 Conestoga at Neshaminy 7:20 at Grundy

Friday 11-15 North Penn at Downingtown West 7:50 at Ice Line

Friday 11-15 Pennsbury at Spring-Ford 7:15 at Oaks

Friday 11-15 Central Bucks East at Avon Grove 8:00 at Ice Line

Wednesday 11-20 Lower Merion at Souderton 7:20 at Hatfield

Thursday 11-21 Radnor at Plymouth Whitemarsh 7:10 at Hatfield

Thursday 11-21 Haverford at Council Rock South 7:20 at Grundy

Thursday 12-5 Abington at Harriton 8:00 at Skatium

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

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.