Your Source for High School Hockey
Flyers Cup Rankings as of 1-23-23
Class AAA
Class AA
Class A
N.J./Delaware
1. Salesianum
2. Cherokee
3. Eastern
4. Washington Township
5. Moorsetown
Girls
National Division W L T OTL Pts
C.B. South (7-4-0-1) 4 1 0 0 8
Pennsbury (8-3) 4 1 0 0 8
Pennridge (8-3) 3 1 0 0 6
C.R. North (2-8-1-1) 2 3 1 1 6
C.R. South (7-1-0-1)) 2 0 0 1 5
C.B. East (6-4-1) 2 1 1 0 5
Neshaminy (7-3-1) 2 1 1 0 5
Souderton (4-7-0-1) 2 4 0 0 4
C.B. West (3-8) 1 3 0 0 2
Bensalem (2-7) 1 2 0 0 2
North Penn (3-7-1) 0 4 1 0 0
American Division W L T OTL Pts
Abington (10-0-1) 9 0 1 0 19
Plymouth Whitemarsh (7-4) 6 3 0 0 12
Wissahickon (5-5) 5 4 0 0 10
Quakertown (5-3-1) 4 3 1 0 9
Springfield (0-8-0-1) 0 8 0 1 1
The Grundy Skate Shop is a full-service hockey pro shop inside the Grundy Arena, offering a great selection of equipment, brands and various services. We do a full range of repairs as well as offer custom hockey jerseys. Owner Bill Keyser, has over 25 years experience in the industry and specializes in skate sharpening, including profiling. Please visit our Facebook page or stop in and check us out
Scoring
National Division G A Pts
Brendan Macainsh (Pb) 19 11 30
Andrew Savona (Pr) 13 17 30
Seth Grossman (Soud) 16 11 27
Kevin Pico (Pr) 13 12 25
Aydin Thierolf (CBS) 12 12 24
Alex Hood (Ben) 16 4 20
Shane Dachowski (Pr) 12 7 19
Corey Kosick (CBE) 12 6 18
Max Gallagher (Nesh) 12 5 17
D.J. Lidenmuth (CBS) 8 9 17
American Division G A Pts
Matthew Flynn (PW) 14 14 28
Will Hussa (Wiss) 20 5 25
Pat Stelacio (Ab) 14 10 24
Ian Heydt (Ab) 9 15 24
Dylan Novitski (PW) 13 10 23
Matt Kramer (Ab) 16 7 23
Branden McNally (Q) 13 9 22
David Branigan (PW) 7 15 22
Danny Hussa (Wiss) 12 6 18
Sam Paulik (Ab) 9 9 18
Jordan Heydt (Ab) 11 6 17
Seth Abramson (Ab) 8 9 17
Monday’s APAC game between Malvern Prep and La Salle will be streamed live from Hatfield Ice Arena on the Flyers Cup YouTube channel.
Monday’s game is the first of a 10-game Game of the Week package that will air between now and mid-February and feature games from each scholastic league in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
The YouTube package provides a vehicle for exposing high-school hockey to a wider audience, potentially including those who have not witnessed hockey at the high-school level before.
It’s not the first time that TV has been used as a medium to draw new fans to the sport.
In 1967, the National Hockey League expanded from six teams to 12. That’s when the Philadelphia Flyers came into existence, along with the Pittsburgh Penguins, the St. Louis Blues, the Minnesota North Stars (now the Dallas Stars), the Los Angeles Kings, and the California Seals (now defunct).
That same year, CBS launched a Game of the Week telecast which gave many American sports fans their first exposure to the National Hockey League.
The upcoming series of high-school games on YouTube will serve the same function.
The games will be streamed HERE
The schedule is as follows
Monday 12-12 5:15 La Salle vs. Malvern Prep
Friday 12-16. 8:45 Lower Dauphin vs. Hershey
Thursday 12-22 7:00 Conestoga vs. Penncrest
Thursday, January 5 7:10 Plymouth Whitemarsh vs. Abington
Friday, January 13 6:30 Radnor vs. Owen J. Roberts
Friday, January 20 9:00 Eastern vs. Washington Township
Friday, January 27 6:30 Father Judge vs. Salesianum
Wednesday, February 1 7:20 Pennridge vs. Council Rock South
Friday, February 10 6:30 West Chester East vs. Avon Grove
Monday, February 13 9:00 West Chester Rustin vs. Conestoga Girls
Hockey Happenings is looking for interested individuals to shoot video of Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference games. We’re seeking students, parents, and hockey enthusiasts who have experience shooting/editing video.
For more information contact us at rwoelfel2013@gmail.com
A total of 66 teams, competing in five divisions, have been declared eligible for the 2023 Flyers Cup. The 44rd edition of the tournament will conclude the 2022-23 season.
The 66 eligible teams designated by the Flyers Cup Committee represent an increase of six teams over last year.
The boys’ teams were slotted based on enrollment, with line of demarcation between Class A and Class AA teams being 625 male students.
The biggest change will be in Class AAA where three co-op teams will be under consideration. Perkiomen Valley will combine with Coventry Christian, Archbishop Carroll will align with Pope John Paul while Bishop Shanahan has entered a co-op arrangement with Coatesville.
The co-op agreement those that the PIAA authorizes in other sports. Flyers Cup Committee President Eric Tye explains that the idea of the co-ops is to help new hockey programs get off the ground.
“It’s the Flyers Cup Committee trying to help new teams get started,” he said. “The co-op is only good for two years. So, in two years they need to do something.”
In recent years, the Class AAA bracket has been the exclusive domain of private schools. The last public school team to win a Class AAA Flyers Cup was Council Rock in 1991.
The list below is up to date through November 18 and is subject to change. The number of teams that will actually be invited will be determined by the Flyers Cup Committee.
The tournament field will be named on February 26; the tournament kicks off on March 6.
Class AAA (10)
Archbishop Carroll/Pope John Paul II
Bishop Shanahan/Coatesville
Cardinal O’Hara
Father Judge
Holy Ghost Prep
La Salle
Malvern Prep
Perkiomen Valley
Roman Catholic
St. Joseph’s Prep
Class AA
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
Neshaminy
North Penn
Owen J. Roberts
Pennridge
Pennsbury
Quakertown
Ridley
Souderton
Spring Ford
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
New Jersey/Delaware (6)
Cherokee
Eastern
Kingsway
Moorsetown
Salesianum
Washington Township
Girls (10)
Avon Grove
Conestoga
Downingtown West
Kingsway
Pennridge
Radnor
Unionville
West Chester East
West Chester Henderson
West Chester Rustin
National Division
Bensalem
Coach: Jordan Roth (second season)
Last year: 3-11
Key players: Jr. Ricky Gonzalez (G); Sr. Danny Mackley (D-F); Jr. Alex Hood (F-D); So. Alex Bazylevich (F-D); Fr. Lucas Gonzalez (F-D)
Outlook: The Owls took some big strides in their inaugural season last year and are looking continue that trend moving forward.
“This year we’re emphasizing the importance of ‘team’ Roth said. “Everything we do represents our team, our passion, and our purpose. As a team, we are ready to lead by example and be tough to play against.”
Central Bucks East
Coach: Jeff Mitchell (third season)
Last year: 6-10, Flyers Cup participant
Key players: Sr. Matt Magiacapre (G); Jr. Kyle McIntyre (D) Sr. Stephen DiRugeris (F); Jr. Corey Kosick (F)
Outlook: The Patriots feature a lineup that blends youth and experience. They’re backed by Mangiacapre, one of the area’s premier netminders.
Central Bucks South
Coach: Shuan McGinty (ninth season)
Last year: 6-7-1-2, Flyers Cup participant
Key players: Sr. Matt Crouch (D); Jr. Aidan Linso (D); So. Jake Stepp (D); Sr. Aydin Thierolf (F); Jr. Colin Mendham (F); Jr. D.J. Lindenmuth (F)
Outlook: The Bucks endured an up and down campaign a year ago but all signs point to brighter days on the horizon. As usual, McGinty will be counting on his veterans to lead the way
“It is time for the Titans to get back on track,” he said.
Central Bucks West
Coach: Dave Baun (19th season)
Last year: 5-9
Key players: Jr. Liam Rogers (G); Sr. Sammy Poliak (D); Jr. Johnny Cherubini (D) Sr. Luke Tremmel (F); Jr. Nick Bruno (F); So. Anthony Dowd (F); So. Jack Misoda (F); So. Zane Sanders (F)
Outlook: The Bucks feature a solid group of returnees, led by Rogers in goal. The veterans will be supplemented by a talented group of young players that Baun is counting on, especially up front.
Council Rock North
Coach: Greg McDonald (second season)
Last year: 10-8. Flyers Cup participant
Key players: So. Ian Goldberg (G); So. Jackson Accardi (D); Jr. Nick Hahan (D); Sr. Noah Epstein (F); Jr. Karson Grainey (F)
Outlook: The Indians did a lot last year with a team that was lacking in experience and numbers. McDonald expects to be able to dress a full roster of 20 this season and his troops will have an additional year’s experience. It shapes up as a promising season.
Council Rock South
Coach: Joe Houk (17th season)
Last year: 16-2-2-1, SHSHL and Flyers Cup finalist
Key players: Sr. Carson Lopez (G); Jr. Kevin Koles (D); Jr. Blaize Pepe (F); Jr. Chase Tovsky (F)
Outlook: The Golden Hawks played for the SHSHL and Flyers Cup titles last season. This season they return a team that is deep and talented. Houk has three quality lines and five solid defensemen to call on, plus an outstanding goaltender. The ingredients are on hand for what could be a very special season.
Neshaminy
Coach: Matt DeMatteo (sixth season)
Last year: 10-7-1, Flyers Cup participant
Key players: Jr. Cory Hemberger (G); So. Liam Mooney (D); Sr. J.J. Hathaway (D); Sr. Max Gallagher (F); Sr. Nolan Geria (F); Sr. Danny McColgan (F); Sr. Noah Seewagen (F); Sr. Michael Knipple (F); So. Ryan DeMatteo (F)
Outlook: The ‘Skins are perhaps the most experienced team in their division. Eleven seniors return from a unit that reached the Flyers Cup quarterfinals last season.
DeMatteo is optimistic about what the future could hold.
“We’ll look to continue to build on the success we had in the regular season and the Flyers Cup to take the next step forward together as a team,” he said.
North Penn
Coach: Kevin Vaitis (14th season)
Last year: 1-15
Key players: St. Nick Crist (G) Sr. Sam Mostochuck (D); St. Tyler Porubski (D); Fr. James Boyle (D); Jr. John Stinson (F); Jr. Joey Silvotti (F); So. Cole Pluck (F); Sr. Derek Delong (F)
Outlook: The Knights endured a long, cold winter last season. Vaitis is looking to turn things around with a back-to-basics approach.
“We are focusing early on this season on coming together as a team,” he said, “focusing on key system specifics, and hard work. We do not want to be outworked during the season. Another area we are focusing on is getting puck support in the zone with lots of shots and traffic in front.”
Pennridge
Coach: Jeff Montagna, fifth season
Last year: 22-0-1, defensing SHSHL, Class AA Fyers Cup and state champions
Key players: So. Nick Young (D); Jr. Colin Dachowski (D); Jr. Trey Mikulich (D); Jr. Kevin Pico (F); So. Shane Dachowski (F); Jr. Andrew Savona (F); Jr. Tyler Manto (F): Sr. Dane Fichette (F)
Outlook: The 2022 edition of the Rams put together one of the most remarkable seasons on record. This year’s group is looking to pick up where they left off. An abundance of firepower returns up front and there is experience within the blue-line corps. The only question mark may be in goal.
Pennsbury
Coach: Ryan Daley (sixth season)
Last year: 12-5-1, Flyers Cup participant
Key players: Jr. Aaron McDaniel (G); Sr. Justin Marlin (D); So. Chris Sarver (D-F); Sr. Brendan MacAinsh (F); Sr. Andrew Falkenstein (F)
Outlook: As they launch a new season the Falcons are confronting some heavy graduation losses.
“Luckily we have a strong and talented group of underclassmen ready to fill their shoes,” Daley said.
Souderton
Coach: Ryan Uchniat (fifth season)
Last year: 7-7
Key players: Sr. Noah Connor (G); So. Patrick Callahan (D); Jr. Seth Grossman (F); Jr. Jacob Chow (F); Jr. Liam O’Neill (F); Sr. Timmy Alexander (F)
Outlook: The Big Red matured last year and are hoping to build on that success. Uchniat expects his team to be solid up front with a strong defense backed by quality goaltending.
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American Division
Abington
Coach: Ken Brzozowski (sixth season)
Last year: 15-2, defending divisional champion; Flyers Cup participant
Key players: Sr. Sam Nemec (G); Sr. Sean Doyle (D); Sr. Pat Stelacio (F); Sr. Matt Kramer (F); Sr. Ian Heydt; Sr. Griffin Carpenter (F)
Outlook: The Galloping Ghosts not only won the SHSHL’s American Division (Class A) title last season but earned a place in the Class AA Flyers Cup tournament. Brzozowski is looking to pick up where last year’s team left off.
“The team has been working hard in practices,” he said, “and looks forward to picking up where we left last year with winning results.”
Plymouth Whitemarsh
Coach: Dave Cox (first season)
Last year: 11-6, Flyers Cup participant
Key players: Sr. Chris Maslij (G); Sr. Conlan Carpenter (D); Sr. Jacob Elgart (D); Sr. Matt Flynn (F); Sr. Jeffrey Mencken (F)
Outlook: Cox, a Plymouth Whitemarsh graduate, takes over for Josh Aiello. He inherits a roster that’s deep in experience, one that should make an impact in the division.
Quakertown
Coach: Keith Krem (fourth season)
Last year: 7-9
Key players: Jr. Matt Krem (G); Sr. Jack Diliberto (F-D); Sr. Will Shaw
Outlook: The Panthers are thin in numbers; there are just 10 skaters on the roster. But they are an experienced group. There are five seniors on hand and Krem is a quality goaltender who will keep his team in games.
Springfield
Coach: Bernie Gillespie (first season)
Last year: No team
Key players: So. Liam Baskin (G); Sr. Lucas Davidson (D); Jr. Kenny Granderson (D); So. Felix Boccella (D); So. Gabe Wells (F); Fr. Grayson Quinn (F); So. Chris Cahill (F); So; Thomas Manchester (F); Jr. Marcel Camper (F)
Outlook: The Spartans are new to the SHSHL but not to hockey; the roster features players who are experienced at the club level.
“We’re looking forward to our first season in the league,” Gillespie said.
Wissahickon
Coach: Ken Harrington (eighth season), Flyers Cup participant
Last year: 9-9, Flyers Cup participant
Key players: So. Aiden Brooks (D); Sr. Konrad Foulk (D); Sr. Griffin Lynch (F-D); Sr. Will Hussa (F); So. Danny Hussa (F)
Outlook: The Trojans are likely to be lacking in numbers this season and Harrington is searching for a goaltender. But they should excel at putting the puck in the net.
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Tuesday, March 15
Class A Semifinals
West Chester East 6 Hershey 1
Springfield-Delco 6 Palmyra 1
Girls First Round
Unionville 3 Kingsway 0
5 Pennridge Conestoga 3
Wednesday, March 16
Class AAA Semifinals
St. Joseph’s Prep 2, La Salle 0
Malvern Prep 6 Holy Ghost Prep 2
Class AA Semifinals
Pennridge 8 vs Avon Grove 1
Council Rick South 4 Haverford 1
Thursday, March 17
Girls Quarterfinal
Downingtown West 8 Pennridge 1
NJ/Delaware
Friday, March 18
Salesianum 4 Moorsetown 1
Eastern 10 vs Shawnee 3
Class AAA
Class AA
Class A
NJ/Del
Girls
Rankings determined by the Flyers Cup Competition Committee based on game results and personal observations. The field for the 43rd Flyers Cup tournament will be announced on Sunday, February 27.
The Grundy Skate Shop is a full-service hockey pro shop inside the Grundy Arena, offering a great selection of equipment, brands and various services. We do a full range of repairs as well as offer custom hockey jerseys. Owner Bill Keyser, has over 25 years experience in the industry and specializes in skate sharpening, including profiling. Please visit our Facebook page or stop in and check us out!
Jeff Mauro has written a book on the history of the Pennsylvania state high school hockey championship. To find out more and order a copy CLICK HERE
Deaglan Kelly’s hat trick propelled St. Augustine Prep to a 5-2 win over Malvern Prep Wednesday night at Ice Line. Christian Rapattoni and Jackson Vailo also scored for the winners.
Jimmy Jacobs and Matt Harris scored for the Friars.
St. Augustine 2 1 2—5
Malvern Prep 2 0 0—2
West Chester East defeated Malvern Prep 3-0 Monday afternoon in a non-league game at Ice Line in West Chester.
By Rick Woelfel
When Holy Ghost Prep Firebirds hit the ice Monday night, an easily disenable wave of positive energy swept through the Green Rink at Hatfield Ice.
After weeks of waiting, and wondering if they would have a season at all, the Firebirds were back to playing the game they loved.
“We’ve been through a lot as a country,” said Holy Ghost Prep coach Gump Whiteside. “It’s just nice to be back on the ice with these kids, and in the locker rooms, and seeing their smiles and practicing, and now to be able to play in a game, it’s just nice.
“This where they need to be, and it’s a nice way to kick off the season.”
Whiteside noted that playing their first game of the season gave his players a sense of normalcy. “This is where they thrive,” he said. “You can hear the laughter, the chatter, the camaraderie they have. It’s a special team and I’m just fortunate to be a part of it.”
Perhaps no one enjoyed the evening more than Firebird defenseman Jake Marek. The senior was making his return to the ice after missing his entire junior season because of a torn ACL that he sustained just prior to the first game of last season.
“I haven’t played with these guys in a while,” Marek said. “And some of the underclassmen I’ve never played with ever. So, going out, I was a little skeptical on how we were going to be as a team. But, it’s family. This team jells. And it was very, very nice to play with.”
Despite his injury, Marek remained with the team last season and at times could set his concerns about his injury and his hockey future aside.
“I was still with the team,” he said. “And, to be out there with the guys, I didn’t feel it.”
Not so long ago, Marek was thinking he might have played his last game with the Firebirds, but not because of his injury. “I knew I was going to come back from the injury no matter what,” he said. “But with the pandemic, I was very, very scared. I’m very, very thankful to be in this spot today.”
Marek’s greatest concern is that his senior season of high-school hockey will be further interrupted. “I want a season,” he said. “I don’t just want a couple games, I want a season, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen.”
Brady Baehser and E.J. Pohl scored twice for the Firebirds. Bobby Baehser got the win in goal. Mason Moyer was in goal for the Titans, his first action of the season.
The Firebirds and La Salle will open the APAC season Friday night at Hatfield Ice with a scheduled 6:50 start.
Holy Ghost Prep 4 2 2—8
C.B. South 0 0 0—0
First-period goals: Brady Baehser (HGP) from Brian Butler. 5:42; E.J. Pohl (HGP) from Jason Soule and Evan Mudrick, 8:17 (pp); Sean Marshall (HGP) and Sean Moore, 12:57 (sh); Baehser (HGP) unassisted, 14:47.
Second-period goals: Anthony Sparo (HGP) from Mudrick, 10:25; Pohl (HGP) from Moore and Mudrick, 15:58.
Third-period goals: Landon Stoudt (HGP) from Carlos Rodriguez, Jr., 5:32; Patrick McAneny (HGP) from James Littley, 8:30.
Hockey Happenings 