Malvern Prep 2 Holy Ghost Prep 1

BRISTOL—Malvern Prep and Holy Ghost Prep took their first steps into the sometimes-perilous waters of the Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference Thursday afternoon. It was the Friars who found smooth sailing.

Brayden Baum and Aidan Kelly scored second-period goals to give their side a 2-1 win over the Firebirds at Grundy Arena. It was the Friars’ third win in four starts.

“We’ve got a lot of good kids on our team,” Kelly said. “Everyone’s really motivated after the year we had last year (10-8 and a loss in the opening round of the Founders Cup playoffs). The coaches are doing a great of getting us motivated.”

Kelly noted that he and his teammates, including the newcomers on hand, are adjusting to their roles in this year’s lineup.

“I think everyone is really excited with their new roles,” the senior said. “It comes with a little bit of nerves, a little bit of pressure, just playing for such a great team in such a great league.

“But I think the older guys, the more experienced guys, are doing a great of helping everyone fit their role and get used to playing at this level.”

Malvern Prep enjoyed a 14-5 shots advantage in the opening period but couldn’t solve Firebird netminder Jack Botthof and the first frame was scoreless.

Baum got the Friars on the scoreboard 12:17 into the middle period and Kelly made it a 2-0 game at 13:58.

Malvern Prep coach Bill Keenan was pleased with the way his players moved the puck.

“The puck was moving at both ends,” he said. “Not a lot of sustained pressure but we settled down into our game. “We were able to be a little more poised with the puck and get pucks deep and sustain that pressure. I’m pretty happy with the result.”

Two goals down and perhaps a bit back on their heels, the Firebirds (0-2, 0-1 in the APAC) came out swarming at the start of the third period.

It took A.J. Prete just 19 seconds to score and make it a one-goal game. But Matt Crawford in the Malvern Prep net was perfect the rest of the way; the junior stopped 15 of the 16 shots he saw in the final period.

“Matt is pretty much anchor here for us,” Keenan said. “He played that well against Council Rock South (a game the Friars lost in overtime) and he [played] that way here today too. I think overall, he’s got a good future here, especially within the APAC. He did well today.”

For a young Holy Ghost Prep team, Wednesday’s game was another step in the building process.

“Better than Game One,” Firebird coach John Richie said of his team’s effort. “Not good enough though. “That second period, we kind of took a step backwards, then that third period was much stronger.

“But we’re a team that can’t have a lapse in judgment for 10 minutes of the second period.”

Malvern Prep 0 2 0—2

Holy Ghost Prep 0 0 1—1

Second-period goals: Brayden Baum (MP) from Gabriel Bedwell and Paxton Hoishik, 12:17; Aidan Kelly (MP) from Caiden Canale and Matt Crawford, 13:58

Third-period goal: A.J. Prete (HGP) from Mike Holt, :19

Shots: Malvern Prep 27, Holy Ghost Prep 29; Saves: Matt Crawford (MP) 28, Jack Botthof (HGP) 25

CLICK HERE to learn more about Malvern Prep

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La Salle 3 St. Joseph’s Prep 1

HATFIELD TOWNSHIP—A bolt of lightning was followed by rolling thunder. La Salle scored two goals 69 second apart early in the third period and went on to a 3-1 win over St. Joseph’s Prep at Hatfield Ice Wednesday afternoon to officially kick off the Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference’s sixth hockey season.

Will Gregorio scored what proved to be the winning goal 1:24 into the third frame. Dean Carvalho added an insurance goal at the 2:33 mark as the Explorers (4-0 overall), the defending Founders Cup, Class AAA Flyers Cup and state champions, won their ninth straight game dating back to the close of the 2023 regular season.

Carvalho noted it was not a perfect performance.

“I didn’t think we played as a well as we could have,” he said. “There’s room for improvement, and every week we’re working to improve every game.”

The Hawks (1-1 overall) took the first lead of the afternoon, thanks to Bobby McGinn’s goal with 1:07 left in a first period in which La Salle dominated, but was unable to solve St. Joseph’s Prep netminder Jacob Aranda. The junior finished the period with 13 saves and the game with 32.

“He played great,” said St. Joseph’s Perp coach David Giacomin. “He made some quality saves, he’s always in position.

“I’d like to see the tape on a couple of goals, he might have given them a little too much, but he kept us in there the first period.”

Alastair St. Hiaire tied the game for the Explorers 7:11 into the second period and the two teams battled on even terms for the balance of the session.

Gregorio’s game winner came during a four-on-four situation with La Salle’s Patrick Brace and the Hawks’ Brayden Collins both in the box. Carvalho’s goal came after Brace’s penalty time had expired but with two seconds still remaining on Collins’ infraction.

“I thought we came out and played well out of the gate,” said La Salle coach Wally Muehlbronner. “Then I think we kind of got away from our game. And I think St. Joe’s did a really good job. Their goaltender made a lot of really good saves early on and they had some really good opportunities early on.

“I feel it was a pretty even game throughout.”

Even though it came out on the short end of the score,Giacomin was pleased with the effort of his young team; the 20 players who dressed for the Hawks included three freshmen and six sophomores.

“Obviously there are some things we messed up and I’d like to have back,” he said, “but we’re a very young team. I think what they learned today is, of they play the game the right way they can compete with pretty much anybody but with youngness comes taking your lumps here and there ands we made a couple mistakes.”

Ice chips: La Salle’s last loss came to Wyoming Seminary in its regular-season finale last season. The Explorers won five postseason games a year ago.

St. Joseph’s Prep 1 0 0—1

La Salle 0 1 2—3

First-period goal: Bobby McGinn (SJP) from Ben Kursun, 15:53

Second-period goal: Alastair St. Hilaire (L) from James Carpenter and Dean Carvalho, 7:11

Third-period goals: Will Gregorio (L) from Declan Kelly, 1:24; Dean Carvalho (L) from Gregorio, 2:33 (pp);

Shots: St. Joseph’s Prep 32, La Salle 35; Saves: Jacob Aranda (SJP) 32, Jacob Rossi (L) 31

Council Rock South 3 Malvern Prep 2 (OT)

Blaise Pepe’s goal with 1:27 left in overtime gave Council Rock South a 3-2 non-league win over host Malvern Prep Monday night at Ice Line.

Illia Mukhin and Chase Trovsky also scored for the Golden Hawks who have started the season with three consecutive wins, two of them over APAC opponents.

Tovsky’s shorthanded goal with 4:26 left in the second period tied the game after Brady Doyle scored a pair of goals two minutes apart to give the Friars (2-1) a 2-1 lead.

Trevor Rakszawski got the win in goal; he was credited with 54 saves. Matt Crawford was credited with 40 at the other end of the ice.

Council Rock South 1 1 0 1—3

Malvern Prep 0 2 0 0—2

First-period goal: Illia Mukhin (CRS) from Kevin Koles and Jake Weiner, 13:48

Second-period goals: Brady Doyle (MP) from Caiden Canale, 10:11; Brady Doyle (MP) from Jeremy Jacobs and Adan Kelly, 12:11 (pp); Chase Trovsky (CRS) unassisted, 12:34 (sh)

Overtime goal: Blaise Pepe (CRS) unassisted, 3:33

Shots: Council Rock South 56, Malvern Prep 43; Saves: Trevor Rakszawski (CRS) 54, Matt Crawford (MP) 40

Holt Embracing His Role at Holy Ghost Prep

As high-school senior, Mike Holt is experiencing some changes in his life, in the classroom and on the ice. Next spring, he will graduate from Holy Ghost Prep.

Even before he enrolled there, the Huntingdon Valley resident sensed he and the school would be a good fit.

“Going in (as an eighth grader) for your shadow day, you see the type of brotherhood and the type of community we have here” he said. “Whether it’s just talking with your friends at the lunch table, or getting together and maybe studying for a test, it’s the sense of brotherhood and community that you get at a smaller school like Ghost. I think that’s one of the biggest aspects for me being able to have close connections with my teachers and my friends in such a nice space.”

The curriculum at Holy Ghost Prep is set up to allow students to make an assortment of independent decisions. Invariably, as Holt points out, this leads to learning from a wrong decision, particularly in the area of time management.

“Definitely learning some things the hard way for sure,” he said, “but I think it’s a great opportunity for young men like us, trying to mold our minds and making those decisions on whether you want to go play basketball with your friends or if you need to get some work done.

“But, I think a big part of that maturity factor goes into our free time and how we access it, and I think a lot of people in our school do a great job at that.”

Holt speaks of the life lessons he’s absorbed during his years at Holy Ghost Prep, including the willingness to ask for help when he’s floundering.

“I think one of the biggest core values they try to teach us at Ghost is obviously being gentlemen and to be a man,” he said, “but with that comes the ability having the ability, to recognize when you need some help and recognize when you need to collaborate with someone and you need to talk to that teacher and you need to go for that extra [help].

“I think a lot of men today really think they can do it all themselves and I think Ghost is a great space where you can really kind of collaborate and work on what you need to work on without having to do it all by yourself so I think it’s definitely a great space where you can rely on each other in that sense.”

As a captain this season, Holt embraces the responsibility of showing the way for his teammates.

“I feel like [leadership ability] came pretty easy to me early on,” he said, “but obviously, there are things you always need to work on. I always had to work on being a better leader myself but I feel early on, freshman year, sophomore year, junior year, I was always feeling that need to help the guys out. If they needed something to get done, I’d help them out with it.

“I feel like the top leadership role is a new thing for me, but I also feel like I can rely on my teammates and I feel like I’ve grown in a space where I can really express that leadership and be the reliable kind of personality that the guys need and that I need from the guys.
“It’s not just all about me and the two other assistants, it’s about the team.”

Mike Holt

The Firebirds are putting a young team on the ice this season. Holt is counting on contributions from all hands.

“I feel athletically, obviously, we’re going to need guys to step up and play a role,” he said, “not just as good players but obviously as leaders. I think our captains are definitely capable of doing it this year and I think we’ve got a really strong corps of leaders that are able and willing to lead this team and I think that’s my mindset going into it.”

The competition in the Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference promises to be as rugged as ever. Holt says the team that develops cohesiveness will have the best chance of success.

“We have end players playing in the APAC,” he said. “Everybody knows that it is a very [ competitive] conference but I think it’s [about] the team that really molds together as a family and is willing to fight got each other. The guy to your left is the guy you want to be worrying about and it just goes up and down the line throughout the whole team.

“You’ve got to be able to really rely on each other and I think a big aspect of what teams are going to be successful with is working together and just being one team. A family.”

APAC Previews 2023-24

The Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference is embarking on its sixth season. Here’s a look at what to expect.

Holy Ghost Prep

Coach: John Richie (first season)

Last year: 18-8, 4-2-1-1 in APAC

Key players: Jr. Jack Unger (G); Sr. Mike Holt (D); Jr. Ryan Lippy (D); Sr. A.J. Prete (F); St. Matt Cholaj (Sr.); Sr. Jake McCaw (F)

Outlook: Richie, who once played for the Firebirds, takes over for the retired Gump Whiteside.

This year’s team will be a young group that will be lacking much of last season’s offensive firepower.

“The strength of this year’s team will be the returning defensive corps,” Richie said, “who have all played varsity before. We have great depth within the program and expect a lot of players to get opportunities at the varsity level this upcoming season as players look to establish their role and solidify their spots come playoff time.”

Unger’s experience in goal will help.

Hun School

Coach: Eric Szeker (first season)

Last year: 11-13, 3-5 in APAC

Key Players: Sr. Julien Arseneault (G); Sr. Charles-Étienne Jetté (D); Sr. Ryan Levesque (F); Sr. Justin Laplante (F); Sr. Brendan Marino (F); Sr. Jack Neckritz (F)

Outlook: Szeker, a Hun School alum, takes over for Ian McNally after serving as his assistant. Ten seniors are gone from last year’s team but some impressive talent returns and Szeker is enthused about the newcomers who will be stepping into the varsity lineup.

“We will be looking to our sophomore class to make a big jump this season,” he said, “with plenty of holes to fill.”

Arsenault heads up the goaltending corps, while Levesque, Laplante and Marino will be counted on to provide the majority of the scoring punch.

La Salle

Coach: Wally Muehlbronner (26^th season)

Last year: 16-9-2, 6-2 in APAC; defending Founders Cup, and Class AAA Flyers Cup and state champions

Key players: Jr. Jake Rossi (G); Sr. Thomas Doucet (D); Sr. Charlie Budd (D); Jr. Cam Ross (D); Jr. Will Gregorio (D); Dean Carvalho (F); Sr. James Carpenter (F), Sr. Patrick Brace (F); Sr. Ryan Wiley (F); Sr. Charlie Kennedy (F); Sr. Liam Donahue (F)

Outlook: The Explorers come into the season off their 11^th Flyers Cup title and seventh state championship. They’ve also claimed three of the previous five Founders Cup titles and shared another.

This year’s roster features what Muehlbronner calls “A nice group of players,” one that is deep and offers scoring balance.

Rossi is being counted on in goal.

Malvern Prep

Coach: Bill Keenan (fifth season)
Last year: 10-8, 2-5-0-1 in APAC

Key players: Jr. Matt Crawford (G); Sr. Brady Doyle (D); Jr. Matt Barbacane (D); So. Cole Scrabinsky (D); Sr. Jeremy Jacobs (F); Sr. Caiden Canale (F); Sr. Aidan Kelly (F); Sr. Brayden Baum (F); Jr. Gabe Bedwell (F); Jr. Teague Murray (F); So. Pax Hoishik F

Outlook: The Friars struggled in the APAC last season but they return a core group of experienced upperclassmen, including Jacobs, who is the APAC’s top returning scorer.

The mix will also include a group of promising newcomers.

“We are excited to see what this younger incoming class can do,” Keenan said. “The seniors in this group are probably one of the best groups of seniors that has come through our program since we won back in 2021. The boys are just having fun and are ready to compete day in and day out. The energy and work this group is putting in is great to see.”

St. Joseph’s Prep

Coach: David Giacomin (11^th season)

Last year: 16-7-2, 3-4-1-0 in APAC

Key players: Jr. Jacob Aranda (G); Sr. John Lynch (D); Sr. Gareth McDonald (D); Sr. Shane O’Neil (D); Sr. Tyler Degirolamo (D); Sr. Brayden Collins (F); Jr. Tristan Winata (F); Jr. Jake Schultz (F); Jr. Caden Kelly (F)

Outlook: The Hawks lost 10 seniors off last year’s team, one that was a formidable group when all the pieces were in place, and claimed a title at the prestigious Purple Puck tournament.

The returning corps of veterans will be bolstered by some promising newcomers, including Aranda in goal.

“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.”

Hockey Happenings is looking for interested individuals to provide video clips of APAC conferences games. If you’re interested or would like further information contact us at rwoelfel2013@gmail.com

Plymouth Whitemarsh 7 Wissahickon 5

HATFIELD TOWNSHIP—Plymouth Whitemarsh climbed out of a hole Wednesday night. Facing a three-goal deficit late in the first period, the Colonials rallied for a 7-5 win over Wissahickon in a crackling SHSHL American Division game at Hatfield Ice.

Tim Murphy scored the winning goal when he snapped a 5-5 dreadlock with a forehander from between the circles with 2:33 left in regulation time. Dylan Novitsky added empty-net insurance with 42 seconds left to bring down the curtain on a remarkable comeback.

Plymouth Whitemarsh (2-0) was forced to climb a steep hill. Daniel Hussa’s hat trick helped propel the Trojans (1-1) to a 4-1 lead with 2:54 left in the opening period. The Colonials hurt their own cause with a series of early penalties although only one Wissahickon goal came on a power play. That goal, Hussa’s second of the first frame, gave his team a 2-1 lead.

But the Colonials regained their focus.

“We have heart,” Murphy said. “ That’s the mindset on this team, heart. “We play for each other. We play for the name on the front, not the back. We play for the seniors. This could be the last year for them ever playing.”

David Branigan, who spent much of the first period serving a minor penalty plus a misconduct for a check from behind, unleashed some pent-up energy with a goal 31 seconds into the second session to make it a 4-2 game.

Hussa scored his fourth goal of the night at the 6:24 mark but the Trojans would not score again, in no small measure due to the work of Julian Lucks in the Colonial net and just as importantly, the efforts of the defense corps in front of him.

Meantime, Daniel Moloney was scoring two goals and Jason Segal contributed one of his own to tie the game with 12:02 left in the third period and set up the finish.

“It wasn’t the start we wanted,” said Plymouth Whitemarsh coach Dave Cox, “ but once we settled in, we kind of got our feet, we found our stride, and we really came together.

“When they called a timeout I said ‘We need to win our zone over the last five minutes and everything will take care if itself.”

The Trojans were able to take an abundance of positives away from the encounter. Like the Colonials, they gave a workmanlike effort at both ends of the ice and goaltender Fletcher Lynch made some quality saves down the stretch.

James Rumsey, in his second game behind the Wissahickon bench, was smiling at evening’s end despite coming up one goal short.

“We did a really good job,” he said. “We have a few less players (just 15 on the roster) but these guys state their heart out. Every time they play offense, they play defense.

“Our goalie played played defense for me in middle school two years ago. He stood on his head this game. He was awesome. We have a really good team and we’re excited to build on it.”

Ice Chips—The Trojans will honor their seniors Monday night when they will face Boyertown at the Wells Fargo Center,

Wissahickon 4 1 0—5

PW 1 3 3—7

First-period goals: Daniel Hussa from Logan Honeycutt, 3:13 (pp); Isaac Mishkin (PW) from Jason Segal and Tim Murphy, 4:12 (sh); Hussa unassisted, 5:29 (pp); Hussa unassisted, 9:56; Jack Rarberger unassisted, 14:06

Second-period goals: David Brannigan (PW) :31; Hussa from Aiden Brooks, 6:24; Daniel Moloney (P) from Daniel Gullet and Charles Spause, 9:25; Moloney (PW) from Brooks, 11:35

Third-period goals: Jason Segal (PW) unassisted, 4:58; Murphy (PW) from Mishkin, 14:27; Dylan Novitsky (PW) from Mishkin and Murphy, 16:18 (en)

Shots: Wissahickon 29, Plymouth Whitemarsh 30; Saves: Fletcher Lynch 23, Julian Lucks (PW) 24

Council Rock South 7 Holy Ghost Prep 4

WARWICK—Council Rock South came into the hockey season with great expectations. To date, those expectations have been met.
The Golden Hawks scored three times in the first 10 minutes of the opening period and went on to a 7-4 non-league win over Holy Ghost Prep Monday night at Revolution Ice Gardens. It was the Hawks’ second win of the new season.

Illia Mukhin led the way for South by delivering a hat trick. Nikita Volobuiev added two goals of his own. Kevin Koles provided three assists.

It was a performance that put future opponents on notice.

“I think we’re playing great,” Koles said. “I think we’re moving the puck well. We’re communicating and doing all the right things, and playing good as a team.”

Volobuiev got things started for the Hawks 4:30 into the first period. Jake Weiner made it 2-0 just 16 seconds later.

A.J. Prete cut the lead in half when he scored for the Firebirds (0-1) at the 9:45 mark, but Mukhin found the back of the net at 13:36 to give South a 3-1 lead after one period.

The fast start sent a powerful message.

“Obviously scoring the first goal is very crucial in the game,” Koles said. “It gets our momentum going.”

Volobuiev and Holy Ghost Prep’s Brian Kinniry traded goals in the second period before Mukhin scored twice in a span of three-and-a-half minutes to give his team a 6-3 lead 6:23 into the third.
The Hawks stayed in control the rest of the way, although they spent more time in the penalty box than assistant coach Colin Murphy would have preferred. The two teams were whistled for 19 infractions, nine of them to the Hawks.

“We need to stick to our game,” Murphy said. “We kind of fell into [taking bad penalties]. We’ve got to regroup and kind of figure out that we need to play more as a team.”

Murphy noted the importance of doing the little things right.

“Mainly going back to the fundamentals,” he said, “and just kind of like we instill in these kids every year, that penalties kill us.”

Kinniry finished with two goals for the Firebirds, who were playing their first game with John Richie behind the bench.

“Especially at forward, we have a lot of young guys that need to figure out what their roles are,” he said, “and where they fit in this team. Obviously, we’re still adjusting lines but Council Rock South is going to be one of the best teams in the state at any level this year.

“It was a good test for us, I thought we got a little better as the game went on but obviously we’ve got a lot to learn between now and the end of the season.”

Richie noted that a number of his players are assuming new roles this season.

“For the most part, all these guys play on solid club teams,” he said, “so I don’t think game speed is an issue. But, for some of the younger guys, adjusting to the strength and some of the bigger guys will take a little bit of time, but I think overall I’m trying to figure out what the roles will be; who’s going to be a goal scorer, who’s going to be a grinder, who’s going to bring physicality, those types of things.”

Holy Ghost Prep 1 1 2—4

Council Rock South 3 1 3—7

First-period goals: Nikita Volobuiev (CRS) from Jordan Sarne, 4:30; Jake Weiner (CRS) from Jackson Mosley, 4:46; A.J.Prete (HGP) from Brendan Schultz, 9:45; Illia Mukhin (CRS) from Kevin Koles, 13:36 (pp)

Second-period goals: Volobuiev (CRS) unassisted, 2:51 (sh); Brian Kinniry (HGP) from Prete and Matthew Cholaj, :04

Third-period goals: Mikhin (CRS) from Volobuiev, 2:56; Mikhin (CRS) from Koles and Weiner, 6:23 (pp); Kinniry (HGP) from Nathan Romer, 10:39 (pp); Chas Tovsky (CRS) from Koles, 13:03 (sh); Anthony Valeriote, 15:52

Shots: Holy Ghost Prep 30, Council Rock South 30

SHSHL Preview

The Suburban High School Hockey League’s 51st season is underway. Here’s a look at how the teams shape up.

National Division

Central Bucks East

Coach: Jeff Mitchell (fourth season)

Last year: 8-10-1-0, 4-5-1-0 in division; Class AA Flyers Cup invitee

Key Players: Jr. Cole Breen (G), Sr. Sr Corey Kosick (F); Sr.

Carter Keiser (D); Sr. Kyle McIntyre (D); Sr. Ryan Gerkan (F)

Outlook: This season’s addition of the Patriot features a blend of experience and youth.

““The boys have looked great in practice,” Mitchell said. “You can tell they are eager to play some games, work together, and be better as a whole.

“Looking forward to what this and the coming seasons with this group have in store for us!”

Central Bucks South

Coach: Shaun McGinty (eighth season)

Last year: 9-9-0-1, 6-4 in division; Class AA Flyers Cup invitee

Key Players: Sr. Aidan Linso (D); Jr. Jake Stepp (D); Sr. D.J. Lindenmuth (F); Sr. Colin Mendham (F); Jr. Sean Cutter (F); So. Ryan Frey (F)

Outlook: After being dispatched in the first round of both the SHSHL playoffs and the Flyers Cup tournament a year ago, the Tians are looking for a bounce back season. Lindenmuth figures to be one of the area’s top offensive talents.

Central Bucks West

Coach: Dave Baun (20th season)

Last year: 5-11-0-1, 3-6-0-1 in division

Key Players: Sr. Liam Rogers (G); Sr. Johnny Cherubini (D); Sr. Adam Ricci (F); Sr. Nick Bruno (F); Jr. Zane Sanders (F); Jr. Brandon March (D); Jr. Anthony Dowd (F)

Outlook: The Bucks are blending an experienced corps of returnees, including Rogers in goal with some talented newcomers.

“We’re counting on strong senior leadership” Baun said. “We are looking forward to a successful season “The key to our success this season will be how well we play together and how hard we work at doing it.”

Council Rock North

Coach: Ryan Dorsey (first season)

Last year: 6-11-1-1, 3-5-1-1 in division; Class A Flyers Cup quarterfinalist

Key Players: Jr. Ian Goldberg (G); Sr. Nick Hahn (F); St. Jesse Schaaf (D); Jr. Jackson Accardi (D); So. Danny Maglathlin (D); Sr. Ryan Kell (F)

Outlook: Dorsey replaces the late Greg McDonald, who passed away October 10.

“Our program is still relatively young,” he said. “We will look to build off of the past few seasons and take strides forward. We especially will look to continue to build off of a strong finish last season.”

Goldberg is solid in goal while Hahan and Accardi provide scoring punch.

Council Rock South

Coach: Joe Houk (18^th season)

Last year: 19-2-0-1, 9-0-0-1 in division; Won division championship; Class AA Flyers Cup semifinalist

Key Players: Sr. Kevin Koles (D); St. Blaise Pepe (F); St. Illia Mukhin (F); Sr. Chase Tovsky (F)

Outlook: The defending SHSHL National Divisions champions should be formidable again this season. Pepe (12 regular-season goals, 16 assists, 28 points) provides firepower along with Koles (11-16-27).

“We should have a solid team this year with good depth,” Houk said.

Neshaminy

Coach: Bill Keyser (first season)

Last year: 13-7-1, 6-3-1-0 in the division; Class AA Flyers Cup quarterfinalist

Key Players: Sr. Cory Hemberger (G); Sr. Aidan Hullings (G); Jr. Liam Mooney (D); Sr. Aiden Gaspari (D); Sr. Stephen York (D); Sr. Ryan DeMatteo (F); Sr. Coleman Boles (F)

Outlook: Keyser, the one-time head coach at Truman, replaces the retired Matt DeMatteo. His ‘Skins will be young in spots but are experienced on defense and in goal. Hemberger and Hullings form one of the best goaltending tandems in the area.

North Penn

Coach: Kevin Vaitis (15^th season)

Last year: 5-10-1-1, 2-7-1-1 in the division

Key Players: Sr. Maks Harkins (G); So. James Boyle (D); So. Chase Kelly Del Ricci (D); Sr. Joey Silvotti (F); Sr. John Stinson (F); Sr. Cole Pluck (F); So. Nolan Shingle (F)

Outlook: After a disappointing season last winter the Knights are looking for bigger and better things this time around. Having 14 returnees in the lineup should help along with some talented newcomers.

“We hope to have a bounce back season where we will be looking to compete with the other top teams in the Suburban League” Vaitis said.

Pennridge

Coach: Jeff Montagna (sixth season)

Last year: 16-6, 8-2 in division; Class AA Flyers Cup finalist

Key Players: Jr. Jacob Winton (G); Sr. Tyler Manto (D); Sr. Trey Mikulich (D); Sr. Colin Dachowski (D); Jr. Nick Young (D); Sr. Andrew Savona (F); Jr. Shane Dachowski (F); Sr. Kevin Pico (F)

Outlook: The Rams prided themselves last season on their ability to put the puck in the net. That circumstance shouldn’t change this year as the bulk of the roster returns. Pico (24 goals, 25 assists, 49 points) paced the SHSHL’s National Division in scoring while Savona (16-22-38) was third in that category>

Pennsbury

Coach: Ryan Daley (seventh season)

Last year: 18-7-1, 8-2 in the division; runner-up in division; Class AA Flyers Cup champion and state finalist

Key Players: Sr. Aaron McDaniel (G); Sr. Conor Kane (D); Sr. Logan Doyle (F); Jr. Chris Sarver (F); So. Shane Gleisner (F)
Outlook: The Falcons graduated five seniors from last year’s Flyers Cup champions, but Daley is upbeat about what lies ahead.

“The leadership group in the locker room is as good as it’s ever been,” he said, “and we have a lot of guys that know what it takes to win championships. We have a strong goaltender and a lot of talent in front of him. I’m excited to see what we can do this season!”

Souderton

Coach: Ryan Uchniat (sixth season)

Last year: 6-12, 3-7 in the division

Key Players: Sr. Seth Grossman (F); Sr. Jacob Chow (F); Jr. Nick Smith (F): So. Max Ryon (F)

Outlook: The Big Red were and an up-and-down season a year ago but the core of the lineup returns, which bodes well for what lies ahead.

American Division

Abington

Coach: Ken Brzozowski (seventh season)

Last year: 16-1-1-1, 10-0-1-1 in American Division; won division championship. Class AA Flyers Cup invitee.

Key Players: Jr. Devin Brown (G); Sr. Sam Abramson (D); Sr. Seamus Donofry (F); Sr. Mike Romano (F); Sr. Devin Bates (F); Sr. Owen Adamski (F)

Outlook: The Galloping Ghosts are looking for their third straight division title, something that has never been done in the American Division since the SHSHL adopted a two-division format in 2003-04. They will be the divisional standard until they are dethroned.

“I am extremely excited for the next generation of players and equally proud of our returning players,” Brzozowski said, “and their commitment to our program and continuing another successful season.”

Bensalem

Coach: Bill Hood (first season)

Last year: 3-12-0-1, 2-7-0-1 in National Division

Key Players: Sr. Ricky Gonzalez (G); Sr. Justin Rapone (D); Jr. Danny Klein (D); Sr. Alex Hood (F); Jr. Alex Bazylevich (F); So. Lucas Gonzalez (F)

Outlook: The Owls were hurt by a lack of numbers last season as they skated in the National Division against schools with larger rosters. The new season finds them in what should be a more competitive environment.

“The team continues to improve every season,” Hood said, “and is hoping to compete for a playoff spot this season.

Plymouth Whitemarsh

Coach: Dave Cox (second season)

Last year: 12-8, 7-5 in American Division; Class A Flyers Cup invitee

Key Players: Jr. Julian Lucks (G); Fr. Jason Segal (D); Sr. Dylan Novitski (F); Sr. Tim Murphy (F); Sr. Issac Mishkin (F); Sr. David Branigan (F)

Outlook: The Colonials took some graduation hits off last year’s division runner-ups. This year’s roster will be perhaps the youngest in the SHSHL, and will feature a number of freshmen, but there will also be a strong veteran presence.

“We are very eager to take the ice and starting working our way back to the championship game,” Cox said. “The returning varsity players have used last year’s championship loss as fuel to start off the season strong.”

Springfield

Coach: Don Quinn (first season)

Last year: 0-16, 0-12 American Division

Key Players: Jr. Liam Baskin (G); Jr. Jack Sarsfield (G); Sr. Kenny Granderson (D); Jr. Owen Quinn (D); Sr. Marcel Camper (F); Jr. Chris Cahill (F); Jr. Gabe Wells (F); So. Grayson Quinn (F)
Outlook: The Spartans endured tough times in their inaugural SHSHL season but are looking to take some steps forward this season.

“The team is excited to get the season started,” Quinn said. “We have been working hard all off-season and hoping to be tough competition for our opponents all season.”

Wissahickon

Coach: James Rumsey (first season)

Last year: 9-8, 6-6 in American Division; Class A Flyers Cup invitee

Key Players: So. Fletcher Lynch (G); Sr. Daniel Hussa (D), Sr. Jack Raebiger (D)

Outlook: Rumsey takes over for Ken Harrington. His team will be one of the young in spots, one that will be looking to build off last year’s Flyers Cup appearance.

“The team has been working hard at practices to play each game like it’s the championship,” Rumsey said.

Flyers Cup Candidates Named

A total of 59 teams are included on the eligibility list for the 45^thannual Flyers Cup tournament, which will once again serve as the conclusion to scholastic hockey season.

The size and composition of the fields for each of the five divisions will be determined by the Flyers Cup Committee, whose members will evaluate teams over the course of the season.

Class A (17)

Council Rock North

Garnet Valley

Hershey

Lower Dauphin

Marple Newtown

Palmyra

Penncrest

Plymouth Whitemarsh

Radnor

Springfield-Delco

Springfield-Montco

Strath Haven

Unionville

West Chester East

West Chester Henderson

West Chester Rustin

Wissahickon

Class AA (19)

Abington

Avon Grove

Bensalem

Boyertown

Central Bucks East

Central Bucks South

Central Bucks West

Conestoga

Council Rock South

Cumberland Valley

Downingtown East

Downingtown West

Haverford

Lower Merion

North Penn

Pennridge

Pennsbury

Souderton

Spring Ford

Class AAA (9)

Archbishop Carroll/John Paul II

Devon Prep

Father Judge

Holy Ghost Prep

La Salle

Malvern Prep

Owen J. Roberts

Perkiomen Valley

St. Joseph’s Prep

Delaware/South Jersey (5)

Cherokee

Eastern

Kingsway

Moorsetown

Salesianum

Girls (9)

Avon Grove

Conestoga

Downingtown West

Kingsway

Pennridge

Radnor

Unionville

West Chester East

West Chester Henderson

Neshaminy 3 C.B. South 3

HATFIELD TOWNSHIP—Two teams feeling their way plus one hot goaltender added up to an entertaining 56 minutes of hockey Thursday night. At evening’s end, Neshaminy and Central Bucks South left Hatfield Ice deadlocked at 3-3.

The Titans (0-1-1 overall) had the majority of the scoring chances, officially outshooting the ‘Skins 41-20 but Neshaminy (0-0-1) netminder Cory Hemberger kept them at bay and kept his team in the game; officially, he was credited with 38 saves.

“It gives us the most confidence in the world,” said Hemberger’s teammate Ryan DeMatteo. “I think he’s the best goalie in the league and he’s going to help us win games.”

No one in the building was a bigger fan of Hemberger’s effort than South coach Shaun McGinty.

“He did exactly what he was supposed to do,” McGinty said. “The one thing I would say for our boys, we didn’t get frustrated, there wasn’t finger pointing and there wasn’t blaming on the bench.

“We kept getting changes, we controlled the momentum as far as the offensive opportunities. We had our chances, but sometimes the puck just doesn’t go in. Tonight, I give all the credit to [Hemberger].”

After a scoreless first frame, Jeff Kvetcher and Aidan Linso scored goals 37 seconds apart to put the Titans up 2-0 1:22 into the second period.

DeMatteo cut the deficit in half 15 seconds later but Sean Cutter extended South’s lead once more with a power-play goal of his own at 3:45; the fourth goal in a span of exactly three minutes.

But the Titans would not score again. Angelo Veneziale brought the ‘Skins within a goal when he found the back of the net with 2:13 left in the period.

At the start of the third period, Dominic Varacallo stepped into the South net, replacing starter Jason Magarah. DeMatteo greeted him by scoring off a left offensive circle faceoff just 19 seconds into the final session.

That turned out to be the last goal of the evening but there was plenty going on to keep spectators interested.

Neshaminy got a boost when the Titans’ D.J.Lindenmuth drew a roughing penalty with 62 seconds left in regulation and a subsequent bench minor allowed Neshaminy to start the overtime with a two-man advantage.

As it turned out, Lindenmuth himself had the best chance in the extra period; he hit the center of the left post on a breakaway 70 seconds into the five-minute session. But the Titans never found the key to unlock the door that would give them a win.

For Neshaminy coach Bill Keyser, the game served as a ‘Welcome back’ to high-school hockey. Keyser, who previously served as the head coach at Truman, replaced the retired Matt DeMatteo.

“I had a good time with these kids,” he said. “This is what made me come out and coach again, the fight in the dog.

“Even though we were the underdogs, we came out and we kept fighting and we came out with a tie. It felt good to be out here tonight.”

Ice Chips—The Titans wore throwback blue and gray uniforms to commemorate their 20^th anniversary season.

Neshaminy 0 2 1 0—3

C.B. South 0 3 0 0—3

Second-period goals: Jeff Kvetcher (CBS) from Jake Kunkle, :45; Aidan Linso (CBS) from Colin Mendam, 1:22; Ryan DeMatteo (N) unassisted, 1:37 (pp); Sean Cutter (CBS) from Jake Stepp. 3:45 (pp); Angelo Veneziale (N) from Coleman Boles and DeMatteo, 14:47

Third-period goal: DeMatteo (N) unassisted, :19

Shots: Neshaminy 20, C.B. South 41; Saves: Corey Hemberger (N) 38, Jason Magarah (CBS) 3 and Dominic Varacallo (CBS) 14