Tag: high school hockey

SHSHL Preview

 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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Updated Flyers Cup Schedule as of 3-11-21

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

Flyers Cup Rankings for 1-31-22

Class AAA

  1. Malvern Prep
  2. Sr. Joseph’s Prep
  3. La Salle
  4. Holy Ghost Prep
  5. Cardinal O’Hara

Class AA

  1. Pennridge
  2. Haverford
  3. Council Rock South
  4. Avon Grove
  5. Neshaminy

Class A

  1. West Chester East
  2. Springfield-Delco
  3. West Chester Rustin
  4. Hershey
  5. Plymouth Whitemarsh

NJ/Del

  1. Salesianum
  2. Eastern
  3. Shawnee
  4. Moorsetown
  5. Kingsway
  6. Cherokee

Girls

  1. West Chester Henderson
  2. Avon Grove
  3. Downingtown West
  4. Unionville
  5. Kingsway

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

Holy Ghost Prep Kicks Off 2021 Season

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.

APAC Considering Options for 2021

As the Stanley Cup playoffs continue, the members of the Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference are studying their options for the 2020-21 hockey season. Members of the hockey-only conference, which features La Salle, St. Joseph’s Prep, Malvern Prep, and Holy Ghost Prep, have been working to determine if, when how to go forward in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ice hockey is a varsity sport at all four institutions.

“The APAC schools & staff have been monitoring the situation closely since the spring,” said APAC Commissioner Jim Britt. “We are continuing to discuss our scheduling options, primarily through Zoom calls through the summer & now in the fall. No firm decisions as yet, but we have several plans in development as the scholastic environment becomes clearer over the next few weeks.

“The APAC schools typically begin their hockey season in November, so we are continuing to monitor and consider the guidance provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”

The four schools are expected to meet virtually at the end of this month to evaluate the situation.

La Salle won the first APAC titles as well as the 2019 Class AAA Flyers Cup and Pennsylvania state titles. Last year’s Flyers Cup tournament was abanndoned on March 12 because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

All-SHSHL Team Announced

The Hockey Happenings Suburban High School Hockey League All-League team was selected by hockeyhappenngs.com with input from league coaches.

A select team encompassing all three divisions is scheduled to be announced on March 29,

National Division

First Team

F Antii Autere       So. Council Rock South

F Michael Roby      Jr. Council Rock South

F Rob Seewagen    Jr. Neshaminy

D Matt Buchinski  Jr. Neshaminy

D Ken Duffield     So. Council Rock South

G Jimmy Sweeney  So. Council Rock South

Second Team

F Beau Brusius-Yedman        Sr. Pennsbury

F Joey DeMatteo                      Sr. Neshaminy

F Erik Eisler                             Jr. Pennsbury

D Ben Dous                             Sr. Pennsbury

D David Mueller                    Sr. Council Rock South

G Brian Nelson                      So. Neshaminy

 

Continental Division

First Team

F Colin Abbonizio                  Sr.  Central Bucks South

F Tyler Greenstein                Sr. North Penn

F Chris Trefz                          Sr. Central Bucks West

D Tom Boyle                          Sr. North Penn

D Ryan Gingras                     Sr. Central Bucks South

G Chris McIntyre                   Jr. Central Bucks East

Second Team

F Sean Gorman                      So.   Central Bucks East

F Jack Lowery                        So. Pennridge

F Dominic Patrone               Sr. Central Bucks South

D Conrad Frisch                   Jr. Pennridge

D Luke Van Why                 Jr. North Penn

G Mason Moyer                   Jr. Central Bucks South

 

American Division

First Team

F Bryan Garry                                            Jr. Wissahickon

F Aidan Keogh                                          So. Plymouth Whitemarsh

F Jake Weikel                                            Sr. Plymouth Whitemarsh

D Dean Keller                                             Sr. Plymouth Whitemarsh

D Ben Lerner                                             So. Hatboro-Horsham

G Ben Yuter                                                Sr. Plymouth Whitemarsh

Second Team

F Alex Howieson                                       Jr. Hatboro-Horsham

F Nick Hussa                                             So. Wissahickon

F Luke Weikel                                          So. Plymouth Whitemarsh

D Robert DiCrosta                                   Sr. Truman   

D Nolan Ryan                                           Jr. Wissahickon

G Joey Gambino                                     Sr. Hatboro-Horsham

Flyers Cup Game Times Updated

The latest information on game sites and times for the 41st Flyers Cup tournament

There will be a girls’ play-in game on Sunday, March 8

Bux-Mont 4 Avon Grove 1

 

 

Class A

Monday, March 9 at Ice Line

Semifinals

1 West Chester East vs 5 Hershey 6:15

2 Palmyra vs 3 West Chester Bayard Rustin 8:15

Tuesday, March 17 at Ice Line

6:15 Championship Game

 

New Jersey/Delaware

Quarterfinals

Tuesday, March 10 at the Coliseum in Voorhees

1 Eastern vs 8 Washington Township  6:00

4 Cherokee vs 5 Washington Township 6:15

3 Appoquinimink vs 6 Shawnee 8:15

2 Salesianum vs 7 Egg Harbor  8:30

 

 

Class AA

Wednesday, March 11 at  Skatium

Semifinals

6:30 2 Haverford vs 3 Perkiomen Valley

8:45 5 Downingtown West vs 8 Boyertown

Tuesday, March 17 at Ice Line

8:15  Championship Game

 

Class AAA

Thursday. Match 12 at Hatfield Ice

Semifinals

6:30 1 Holy Ghost Prep vs 5 Father Judge

8:45 2 La Salle vs 3 St. Joseph’s Prep

Wednesday, March 18 at Hatfield Ice

7:00 Championship Game

The six Pennsylvania boys’ semifinal games will air love via You Tube HERE

2020 Flyers Cup Seedings

A total of 53 high-school hockey teams have been named to the field for the 41st annual Flyers Cup tournament. The field, seedings, and first-round pairings were announced Sunday night.

The Class AAA field will consist of eight teams, the Class AA and Class AA field will include 16 teams each. Eight additional teams will compete for the second South Jersey/Delaware title while five more will battle for the 12thannual girls’ championship.

First-round games in the Class A bracket will be played on Monday, March 2 while the opening round of the Class AA bracket will be played the following night. Quarterfinal games in all three Pennsylvania boys’ divisions are set for Wednesday and Thursday, March 4 and 5.

The tournament will conclude with championship games March 17-20. The three Pennsylvania boys’ champions will advance to state championship games on Saturday, March 21 at  Ice Line.

Note: All game sites and tines are subject to change.

Class AAA

First Round Thursday, March 5

1 Holy Ghost Prep vs. 8 Bishop Shanahan 6:45 at Grundy Arena

4 Malvern Prep vs. 5 Father Judge 8:15 at Ice Line

3 St. Joseph’s Prep vs 6 Cardinal O’ Hara 8:45 at Skatium

2 La Salle vs 7 Roman Catholic 7:30 at Hatfield Ice

Semifinals Thursday, March 12

Top half of bracket at 6:30 at Hatfield or 8:15 at Ice Line

Bottom half of bracket at 8:45 at Skatium or Hatfield

Wednesday, March 18. Championship Game

7:30 at Hatfield Ice or 8:15 at Ice Line

 

Class AA

Tuesday, March 3

1 Central Bucks South vs 16 Conestoga 6:40 at Hatfield Ice

8 Boyertown vs 9 Central Bucks East 6:15 at Ice Line

4 North Penn vs 13 Ridley 8:50 at Hatfield Ice

5 Downingtown West vs 12 Pennsbury 8:15 at Ice Line

3 Perkiomen Valley vs 14 Downingtown East 8:45 at Skatium

6 Council Rock South vs 11 Parkland 8:45 at Grundy

7 Neshaminy vs 10 Pennridge 6:30 at Grundy

2 Haverford High vs 15 Central Bucks West 7:00 at Skatium

Thursday, March 5 Quarterfinals

C.B. South/Conestoga vs Boyertown/C.B. East 6:20 at Hatfield

North Penn/Ridley vs. D-town West/Pennsbury 8:30 at Hatfield

Perk Valley/D-town East vs. C.R. South/Parkland 6:15 at Ice Line

Neshaminy/Pennridge vs. Haverford/C.B. West 7:00 at Skatium

Thursday March 12 Semifinals

Top half of bracket at Ice Line at 6:15 or Hatfield Ice at 6:30

Bottom half of bracket at Ice Line at 8:15, Hatfield at 8:45 or Skatium at 7:00

Tuesday March 17 or Wednesday March 18

Finals at Ice Line at 8:15 or Hatfield 6:30

 

Class A

Monday March 2 First Round

1 West Chester East vs 16 Lower Merion 6:15 at Ice Line

8 Plymouth Whitemarsh vs 9 Lower Dauphin 8:45 at Ice Line

4 Strath Haven vs 13 Sun Valley 7:00 at Ice Works

5 Hershey vs 12 West Chester Henderson 6:15 at Klick- Lewis

3 Bayard Rustin vs 14 Garnet Valley 8:15 at Ice Line

6 Unionville vs 11 Wissahickon 6:45 at Ice Line

7 Springfield Delco vs 10 Hatboro-Horsham 8:45 at Ice Works

2 Palmyra vs 15 Radnor 8:30 at Klick-Lewis

Wednesday March 4 Quarterfinals

WC East/Lower Merion vs PW/Lower Dauphin 6:15 at Ice Line

Strath Haven/Sun Valley vs. Hershey/WC Henderson 8:15 at Ice Line

WC Rustin/Garnet Valley vs Unionville/Wissahickon 6:30 at Ice Line

Springfield/HH vs Palmyra/Radnor 8:30 at Ice Line

Monday March 9 Semifinals

Upper half of bracket 6:15 at Ice Line

Bottom half of bracket 8:30 at Ice Line

Tuesday March 17 Finals

Semifinal winners 6:15 at Ice Line

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Rick Woelfel and Eric Tye will discuss the Flyers Cup in a. special edition of the Hockey Happenings podcast. It will be available HERE at 1 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, February 25.

 

Would you like to promote your product, service, or event on the Hockey Happenings web site during the Flyers Cup tournament? Contact us HERE to find out how to do that.

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!

 

New Jersey/Delaware

All games at Flyers Skate Zone in Vorhees

Tuesday March 10 Quarterfiinals

1 Eastern vs 8 Washington Township 6:00

4 Cherokee vs 5 Moorsetown 6:15

3 Appoquinimink vs 6 Shawnee 8:15

2 Salesianum vs 7 Egg Harbor 8:30

Monday March 16 Semifinals

Upper Bracket 6:00

Lower Bracket 8:15

Thursday, March 19 Finals

Semifinal winners 7:00

Girls

All games at Ice Line

Sunday March 8 Play In

4 Bux-Mont vs 5 Avon Grove 8:15

Monday March 16 Semifinals

1 Unionville vs Bux-Mont or Avon Grove 6:45

2 West Chester East vs 3 West Chester Henderson 8:30

Friday March 20

Semifinal winners 7:00