APAC Previews 2025-26

The Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference is in the midst of beginning its eighth season.

Here’s a look at how the teams are shaping up.

Holy Ghost Prep

Head coach: John Ritchie (third season)

Last year: 21-5-1, 6-2 in APAC; APAC and Class AAA Flyers Cup Champion

Key players: Sr. Jack Botthof (G); Jr. Matt Salita (G); Sr. Brandon Watkins (D); Jr. Nate Romer (D); Jr. Brady Flynn (D); Sr. Anthony Valeriote (F); Sr. Lucas Gonzalez (F); Sr. Chris Marshall (F); Sr. Jack Gavaghan (F); Sr. Patryk Oszer (F); Jr. Chase Logue (F)

Outlook: Coming off a Flyers Cup title, the Firebirds are looking for more of the same this season. While 10 members of last year’s team are lost to graduation, a solid nucleus remains to face a demanding schedule. Botthoff and Salita form the APAC’s most experienced goaltending tandem.

“We play a very difficult non-league schedule this year,” Ritchie said, “that should help shape our roster for the end of the season. We graduated a core group from the Flyers Cup team, but believe with returners and program depth we should be in the mix again.”

Hun School

Head coach: Eric Szeker (third season)

Last year: 5-17-2, 0-8 in APAC)

Key players: Sr. Andrew Darst (D); So. Devin Espana (D); ); Sr. Luca Jean (F), Jr. Justin Bibeau (F); Sr. Nate Trawinski (F); Sr. Jacob Kelly-Lepage (F); Sr. Anders Van Raalte (F); So. Conor Mulligan (F),

Outlook: The Raiders endured a difficult season in 2025 due in part to youth and injuries but nine seniors will provide significant experience, depth, and off-ice leadership. Szeker is looking for balanced scoring, but is counting on Jean and Mulligan to set the pace.

La Salle

Head coach: Wally Muehlbronner (28^th season)

Last year: 17-8, 6-2 in APAC

Key players: Sr. Matt Kohlhepp (G); Jr. Patrick Murphy (G); Jr. Antony Foster (G); Sr. Tristan Mitchell (D); Jr. Matthew Jones(D); Jr. Danny Burke (D); Sr. Luke Baumann (F); So. Liam Greenwalt (F); So. Darrian Brown (F)

Outlook: The Explorers are starting fresh this season with one of their least-experienced teams of recent years, and the returnees will be assuming new roles. But if the past is any indication, they’ll mature with the passage of time and be playing their best hockey late in the season.

Malvern Prep

Head coach: Bill Keenan (seventh season)

Last year: 5-10-1, 3-5 in APAC

Key players: Sr. Ryan Caterino (G); Sr. Cole Scarbinsky (D); Sr. Logan Love (D); Sr. Reece Hanna (D); So. Finn McCullough (D); Sr. Andrew Starck (F); Sr. Henry Tesoriero (F); Sr. Pax Hoishik (F); Jr. House Young (F); So. Jake Weingartner (F); So. Luke Johnson (F); Fr. Ryan Jacobs (F)

Outlook: After having trouble scoring goals last season, the Friars are optimistic about the season ahead.

“We’re excited to compete with a strong core of returning players,” Keenan said, “complemented by key new additions on both the offensive and defensive sides of the puck. The team brings a balanced mix of experience, energy, and depth that we believe will position us well throughout the year.”

St. Joseph’s Prep

Head coach: Charlie Van Kula (first season)

Last year: 10-10, 5-3 in APAC

Key players: Jr. Declan Geary (G); Sr. Ben Kersun (D); Sr. Adam Charrafi (D); Jr. Cole Gargon (F); Jr. Frankie Ely (F)

Outlook: Van Kula takes over behind the Hawks’ bench for David Giacomin. He’ll put a veteran team on the ice one that includes in Ely and Gargon, two of the APAC’s top returning scorers.

The Community Comes Together for Philadelphia Blind Hockey

The area’s scholastic hockey community came together Friday night in the support of the Philadelphia Blind Hockey organization. The occasion was the third annual Blindness Awareness Showcase.

Some 50 athletes from 10 different high schools, split into two teams. assembled at Hatfield Ice in support of the effort.

Team Orange included players from Holy Ghost Prep, Pennridge, Central Bucks East, Father Judge, and Central Bucks South. Team Black featured players from Conestoga (girls), North Penn, Holy Ghost Prep, Pennridge, and Malvern Prep.

This year’s showcase featured a new format. Instead of a series of cross-ice fames, as had been the case in the past, the two teams played three 17-minute running-clock periods utilizing the full 200 x 85 surface of the arena’s Gray Rink. The players wore goggles that simulated various vision disorders while goaltenders were blindfolded.

For the record, Team Orange prevailed on the scoreboard but the real winner was Philadelphia Blind Hockey was the beneficiary of the evening’s ticket sales and drawings.

North Penn senior forward Luke Haftel took part in last year’s showcase and has been on the ice for Philadelphia Blind Hockey practices, working the visually impaired youngsters who share his love for hockey. He said utilizing the entire ice surface gave the event a different feel.

“It was a little different than last year, “from half ice to the full sheet. Everyone was having a good time, being able to play the full ice.

Haftel utilized several sets of goggles that allowed he and his peers to experience various eye issues.

“You switch throughout the game, you see different types,” he said. “So, kids experience them and have an understanding of how we’re raising awareness.”

Penncrest junior forward Donovan Scheidley has worked with Philadelphia Blind Hockey players in the but had never taken the ice wearing goggles until Friday night.

“I tried every one on for at least one shift,” he said. “I think it was really interesting.”

With his vision restricted, Scheidley found himself relying heavily on his sense of hearing.

“When you don’t have your sight, it’s surprising to see how much you rely on your hearing,” he said.

Holy Ghost Prep senior defenseman Chris Marshall was making his first showcase appearance. He says working with Philadelphia Blind Hockey participants helped forge a connection between those players and he and his Firebird teammates.

“That’s the most important part,” he said. “I think it’s a great experience for them to feel included and to be a part of our team.”

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Scholastic Season Kicks Off With Philadelphia Blind Hockey Event

The scholastic hockey season will kick off on Friday, October 3^rd when representatives from 10 high-school teams will converge at Hatfield Ice to take part in a fundraiser for Philadelphia Blind Hockey.

The players will wear goggles which replicate various visual disorders. Goaltenders will be blindfolded.

Two teams of adults will get the evening started at 6:30 with the high-school skaters scheduled to take the ice at 7:40. This year’s event will utilize a full-ice, five-on-five format.

The Orange Team will include players from Holy Ghost Prep, Father Judge, Central Bucks East, Pennridge, and Central Bucks South.

The Black Team will feature players from Malvern Prep, North Penn, Haverford High, Penncrest, and the Conestoga girls.

Admission will be five dollars.

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New Faces Coming to SHSHL as a Familiar Face Returns

Several Suburban Hugh School Hockey League teams will have new faces behind their benches when the 2025-26 season kicks off next month and a familiar face will be returning.

That familiar face is Jeff Montagna, who will be back for his eighth season at Pennridge; he had previously announced his resignation.

Josh Sklar, a former player and assistant coach at Central Bucks South, is taking over for Shuan McGinty, who has stepped down after nine seasons.

Frank Blust, an assistant to Montagna at the club level, will assume command of the program at Central Bucks West, replacing Dave Baun, who is retiring after 20 seasons in charge.

Ryan Uchniat, who directed Souderton for five seasons for five years before stepping away last year, is returning this season, replacing Scott Ryon.

There is one change in the league’s alignment this coming season. Council Rick North will not be part of the National Division. the Indians have formed a combined team with New Hope-Solebury that will compete in the Intercounty Scholastic Hockey League.

Van Kula Named Coach at St. Joseph’s Prep

Charlie Van Kula is the new varsity hockey coach at St. Joseph’s Prep. He replaces David Giacomin who spent 14 seasons behind the Hawks’ bench.

For the past three seasons Van Kula has coached the Hawks’ JV Gray team. He has also served as a varsity assistant and been a coach for the Ed Snider Youth Hockey organization.

A St. Joseph’s Prep graduate, Van Kula was a four-year letter winner as a goaltender for the Hawks before going on to Boston College where he was a student manager apart from a brief stint as a walk on during the 2015-16 season.

Van Kula returned to the Prep in 2018-19 as an Alumni Service Corps member, during which time he served as a Varsity and JV assistant coach. He was a frequent presence at subsequent Prep Hockey summer camps and clinics.

Van Kula has also coached with a variety of the Ed Snider Youth Hockey and Education organization’s programs from 2018-2021. Since 2022 he has been a full-time member of St. Joseph Prep’s Institutional Advancement team.

In addition to his coaching and playing experience, Van Kula has been an on-ice official for the past 17 seasons, including three full-time seasons in the USHL and NAHL. He currently referees at the NCAA Division I and Division III levels.

Keystone State Games Rosters

Hockey players from throughout the Commonwealth will converge at Penn State University next weekend for the Keystone State Games. Round robin play will take place at Pegula Ice Arena next Friday and Saturday, July 25-26. The gold and bronze medal games will be played on Sunday, July 27.

Games will be played in five divisions: 12U, 14U, 16U, 18U, and 19U (female) with teams representing four regions in the state.

Listed below are the U16 and U18 rosters for the South region, which encompasses the five-county Philadelphia area.

18U

1 Aiden Mott G

2 David Brown D

3 Brett Linker D

4 Aiden Paster D

5 Michael Snyder D

6 Jake Stepp D

7 Wim van Rossum D

8 Sean Cutter F

9 Shane Dachowski F

10 Declan Dowd F

11 Thomas Ely F

12 Ryan Frey F

13 Grady Jones F

14 Socrates Kelly F

15 Mason McCabe F

16 Lucas Mott F

17 Kevin Pico F

18 Cole Pluck F

19 Reed Surak F

30 Jacob Rotwitt G

16U

1 Nate Napolitano G

2 Seth Bender D

3 Aiden Collins D

4 Gabriel Dunn D

5 Aiden North D

6 Sean Tobin D

7 John Wagner D

8 Ryan Christie F

9 Joseph Darrah F

10 Malakye Johnson F

11 AJ Marazzacco F

12 Sean Scott F

13 Gavin Tietz F

14 Dean Venner F

15 Delan Wilson F

16 Alex Wilson F

17 Connor Boland F

18 Kamren Wetherell F

19 Dominic Gibson F

30 Peter Neveil G

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APAC Names All-Stars

The Atlantic Prep Athletuc Conference has named its all-conference team for 2024-25. Players were selected by the five conference head coaches.

First Team

F Brady Logue Jr. Holy Ghost Prep

F Grant LaGreca Sr. LaSalle College High School

F Cole Gargon So. St Josephs Prep

D Will Gregorio Sr. LaSalle College High School

D Ryan Lippy Sr. Holy Ghost Prep

G Jake Rossi Sr. LaSalle College High School

Second Team

F Teague Murray Sr. Malvern Prep

F Julian Tarsi Sr. LaSalle College High School

F Joe Spaddacino Sr. Holy Ghost Prep

D Joe Kauffman Sr. Holy Ghost Prep

D Declan Kelly Sr. LaSalle College High School

G Jack Unger Sr. Holy Ghost Prep

Honorable Mention

Forwards

Micheal Zarzycki Sr. LaSalle College High School

Anthony Valeriote Jr. Holy Ghost Prep

Gabe Bedwell Sr. Malvern Prep

Pax Hoishuk Jr. Malvern Prep

Thomas Ely Jr. St Josephs Prep

Noah Stuhl Jr. St Josephs Prep

Defensemen

Cole Scarbinsky Jr. Malvern Prep

Adam Charaffi Jr. St Josephs Prep

Matt Barbacane Sr. Malvern Prep

Ben Kersun Sr. St Josephs Prep

Jake Beck Jr. The Hun School

Andrew Darst Jr. The Hun School

Goalies

Elliott Wong Sr. The Hun School

Patrick Donohue Sr.The Hun School

Matt Crawford Sr. Malvern Prep

Declan Geary So. Joesphs Prep

Pluck Looks Back on North Penn’s State Championship Win

It’s been not quite a week now since Cole Pluck and his North Penn teammates left the Robert Morris University Island Sports Center in procession of the Class AA Pennsylvania Cup after a 4-1 won over Erie Cathedral Prep.

The state-title game marked the conclusion of a remarkable senior season for Pluck, who finished with 27 goals and 37 assists for 64 points. He provided five goals and two assists in three Flyers Cup games to share the top of Class AA division pyramid in both goals and scoring but it could be argued his most significant contribution of the season came late in the state final.

Going into the third period, North Penn trailed, 1-0 having had a an apparent game-tying goal waved off late in the second period because the net was dislodged. Sam Norton drew his team even however with a power-play goal 2:49 into the final session. Norton’s goal the Knights a fresh surge of energy as momentum swung in their direction.

“We were all excited to get one on the board,” Pluck said, “especially after one was waved off. And yeah, it swung the momentum our way. And then we had more energy.”

As the clock wound down inside the four-minute mark the Knights got control of the game with two quick goals. Pluck assisted on James Boyle’s effort with 3:36 left in regulation. Daniel Cabrales extended his team’s lead just 19 seconds later.

{Cathedral Prep} didn’t know what to do at that point Pluck recalled.

Nolan Single added the final goal to put the finishing touches on a season that saw North Penn win 21 of 24 starts. At one point, they won 13 consecutive games.

After dropping their opener, the Knights won three straight, outscoring their opponents 30-6. Pluck said it was about then he and his teammates realized they had the potential to do something special.

“I would say after the first couple games when we were just blowing teams out,” he said.

“We knew we were going to be a good team coming into it. But we didn’t know we would make it this far for sure. we definitely didn’t know that we’d win states.”

Pluck, who is hoping to play college club or junior hockey next season, notes that North Penn’s roster blended youth and experience. Of the 25 players on the Knights’ Flyers Cup roster, 11 were underclassmen, including four freshmen.

“The younger kids aren’t afraid to show what the can do on the ice,” he said. “The older kids, they have confidence and don’t have a problem with them showing what they can do.’

Pluck said there was no resentment among the veterans about losing ice time to younger teammates.

“I don’t think anybody had a problem,” he said. “we just all wanted to win.”

In the end the depth on the roster was a big reason for the Knights’ success.

“It was a huge factor,” Pluck said. “We all contributed.”

Seneca Valley 7 Holy Ghost Prep 2

The chasm proved too wide to navigate. Seneca Valley scored twice in the first period and went on to a 7-2 win over Holy Ghost Prep in the Pennsylvania Class AAA state championship game Saturday night at the Robert Morris University Island Sports Center in suburban Pittsburgh.

The state title was Seneca Valley’s first.

The Firebirds, who closed the season at 21-5-1, were seeking their second state championship, and their first came in 2017.

Ethan Riffle got the Raiders started 7:30 into the opening period when he had an open look and beat Jack Unger from the edge of the left faceoff circle. Braden Morin made it a 2-0 game with 3:29 left in the first frame. Marshall Hewitt etended the Seneca Valley lead 3:32 into the second session, leaving the Flyers Cup champion with a steep hill to climb.

They gave it their best shot. John Gavaghan scored off a setup from Brady Logue 7:07 into the period and when Ryan Lippy put in a rebound during a power play with 2:56 left in the period the Firebirds appeared to have the momentum.

But Jimmy Murphy responded for the Raiders just 84 seconds later and when Murphy scored his second goal of the game 1:04 into third period the outcome was no longer in doubt. Holt Ghost Prep coach John Ritchie lifted Unger at that point.

“I’m disappointed, obviously,” Ritchie said, “but I don’t think the score did the game justice.

Seneca Valley is s really good team and they finished their chances off our mistakes.”

Ritchie wants his players to look back with pride on their season once they over the pain of Saturday’s loss.

“I am very proud of our players,” he said. It’s an incredible group of kids and a season to remember at some point when they get away from the emption of losing tonight.

“They should be very proud of what they accomplished.”

Holy Ghost Prep 0 2 0—2

Seneca Valley 2 2 3—7

First-period goals: Ethan Riffe (SV) from Tyler Maxwell, 7:30; Braden Morin (SV) from Carter Hoehn and John Sroka, 13:31 (pp)

Second-period goals: Marshall Hewitt (SV) from Sroka , 3:32; John Gavaghan (HGP) from Brady Logue, 7:07; Ryan Lippy (HGP) unassisted, 14:04; Jimmy Murphy (HGP) from Owen Martin. 15:38

Third-period goals: Murphy (SV) from Martin, 1:04; Morin from Hewitt, 4:30; Morin (SV) from Hewitt, 7:02 (en)

Shots: Holy Ghost Prep 26, Seneca Valley 30; Saves: Jack Unger (HGP) 15 and John Botthof 7, Chris Brown (SV) 24