A new era is at hand in the Middle Atlantic Conference. The MAC will have Automatic Qualifier status for the NCAA Division III men’s and women’s ice hockey tournaments beginning with the upcoming 2024-25 season.
The MAC has sponsored men’s and women’s ice hockey as a championship sport since 2017-18, but the conference was not eligible for an NCAA championship automatic berth with fewer than six institutions sponsoring the sports. In 2024-25, with the addition of Misericordia men’s ice hockey and Hood women’s ice hockey, under NCAA legislation, the MAC will be immediately eligible for automatic berths in the NCAA Division III Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey Championships.
Men’s ice hockey programs operating under the MAC banner include Alvernia, Arcadia, King’s, Lebanon Valley, Misericordia and Stevenson. The women’s alignment will include Alvernia, Arcadia, Hood, King’s, Lebanon Valley, and Stevenson.
MAC Executive Director Megan Morrison calls the move a step forward.
“This is the next logical step in the growth of ice hockey in the Middle Atlantic region,” she said. “The UCHC has been a good home for MAC institutions sponsoring ice hockey and we hope to continue that partnership through mutual scheduling arrangements to support the growth of the sport even further.” The teams will play a triple-round robin schedule with the top four teams qualifying for the single-elimination conference playoffs.
The schools that previously were affiliated with the United Collegiate Hockey Conference have ended that affiliation.
The Middle Atlantic Conference contributed to this post.
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.
The Neshaminy Ice Hockey Club issued this statement today folowing the death of longtime club president Bud Wilkins, who passed away on Wednesday.
It is with a very heavy heart that I announce our long-term standing Neshaminy Ice Hockey club President, Bud Wilkins, has passed away yesterday. Bud has been in the Hockey community for over 35 years volunteering and dedicating his time for many hockey organizations. He was the Vice President of Lower Bucks County Scholastic Hockey league and elected current board member acting as Secretary for the Suburban High School Hockey League (SHSHL).
Bud was one of the nicest, most genuine, and humble guy known by many in our community and hockey family. He dedicated a lot of his time and energy for our club and enjoyed watching many play the game of hockey, the sport he loved. Bud was also a crossing guard within the Neshaminy School district keeping our kids safe to and from school.
Please send good intentions to his wife Kathy and the entire Wilkins family at this most difficult time. Bud may you rest in forever peace and much gratitude for all you’ve done in the community for our children and the game of hockey, but especially for our Neshaminy Ice Hockey Club. You will truly be missed by many.
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.
Kelsey McGuire, the founder and executive director of Philadelphia Blind Hockey, has been named as one of three American finalists for the National Hockey League’s Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award Presented by Discover.
The general public my cast votes for the nominee of their choice through May 19. The public’s vote will be combined with votes by NHL executives and O’Ree himself before the winner is announced in June.
Individuals can vote once in each 24-hour period through this link.
The Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award honors the NHL’s first Back player. O’Ree played in his first NHL game for the Boston Bruins on January 18, 1958 despite being blind in his right eye. His 21-year professional career included 45 NHL appearances, all with the Bruins. The bulk of his career was spent in the Western Hockey League.
For more than 25 years, O’Ree has served as the NHL’s Diversity Ambassador, promoting the importance of inclusion and diversity in the sport.
Neumann University and the Ed Snider Foundation are joining forces for the construction of a hockey rink on the Neumann campus. The Ed Snider has pledged $15 million toward the construction of the building; the university will match that sum.
Once construction begins, the projected to take 12-15 months, perhaps a bit longer depending on weather issues.
Neumann University President Dr. Chris Everett Domes credits the Snider Foundation for making the project possible. The university and the foundation formed a partnership in January of 2020
“Thanks to their partnership and a $15 million commitment,” Domes said, “we’re able to launch this fundraising campaign to help us see this building through.
“This project will not only enliven student life hear on our campus, it also provides an avenue for academic programs as we continue to expand here at Neumann. Certainly, our sports business and sports management students, our physical therapy and athletic training students, will have first-hand access to a great facility.
But also, most importantly, this project helps us reach out to the broader community to [impart] our mission and our values at Neumann University through the interaction with the Snider kids. Young people that this organization looks to life up and support every single day.”
Scott Tharp is the President and CEO of Ed Snider Youth Hockey. To date, 23 Ed Snider Hockey participants have enrolled at Neumann. Two of that 23 have graduated and five more will enroll this fall. All have received financial assistance from the Foundation.
“When this opportunity to build a rink came up, it was a no brainer for us,” Tharp said.
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.
The Pa Hockey Foundation has begun the process of honoring Players, Coaches, Officials and teams for over 50 years in Pennsylvania. The Nomination Form is now available for the Top 10 for your school or Top 15 Players and Coaches and should be submitted to Jeff Mauro at jeffmauro@aol.com .
The goal is to have an induction of the Inaugural Class in March 2025 for Eastern and Western Pennsylvania. To be considered for the Eastern and Western Pennsylvania Selection Committees, please submit your selections to PAHF.
General Assembly of Member Schools
Eastern and WesternPennsylvania Schools will be part of the General Assembly to help honoring Players, Coaches, Officials and Teams for over 50 years for the Pennsylvania High School Hockey Hall of Fame. Our Vision is as Individuals and Teams are inducted, we welcome our school organizations, families, teammates and the hockey community to join us in celebrating the achievements at an Annual Banquet in honoring Players, Coaches, Officials and Teams from Eastern and Western Pennsylvania.
The General Assembly will have one or more individuals from Eastern and Western Pennsylvania Schools in charge of Celebrations of Historical Records and Accomplishment of each organization to displayed on the Pa Hockey Website at www.pahockey.net and League Websites.
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.”
Former La Salle College High School forward Sam Lipkin has signed an entry-level contract with the Arizona Coyotes.
Lipkin played for La Salle’s state championship team in 2019 before going on to play for the Chicago Steel in the USHL, where he was part of a Clark Cup championship team in 20212.
For the past two years, Lipkin has played college hockey for Quinipiac; he was part of an NCAA championship team last season.
He was the Coyotes’ seventh-round draft pick in 2021.
Lipkin will finish the 2024 season with the American Hockey League’s Tucson Roadrunners on an amateur tryout; his three-year entry-level contract will kick in next season.
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