La Salle 3, Holy Ghost Prep 0

BRISTOL— LaSalle seems poised for a stretch run in the Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference. Three different players scored goals Monday afternoon as the Explorers shut out Holy Ghost Prep in an APAC matchup at Grundy Arena.

The win was La Salle’s third straight in APAC after the Explorers (4-4 overall) started the conference campaign with three consecutive defeats. They were listed third in the Class AAA Flyers Cup rankings that were released Monday prior to game time.

“We’re starting to play hard,” said LaSalle coach Wally Muehlbronner. “We’re scoring some goals, which has helped and Liam (goaltender Liam Gross) is giving us a chance to win.

On this occasion Gross, a senior, stopped all 33 shots he saw. He noted the Explorers have picked up their play defensively of late.

“We struggled in the beginning of the year with that,” he said. ”But, the group is really coming together, especially the defensive four and the other goalie (Aries Carangi) so it’ really good to see how they battled for me, blocked shots, and made plays.”
Gross says the seniors on the La Salle roster have been providing effective leadership. “All the guys want to win so badly this year,” he said. “We felt like we could have won (a Flyers Cup) last year too (before the season was halted by the pandemic) so this is sort of like a redemption year and I think our leadership is really coming together. We have a young team this year. (The seniors) are leading the young guys on and showing them the way., and they’re picking up pretty fast too.”

After a scoreless first period, Dan Whitock beat Bobby Baehser in the Firebird net just 37 seconds into the second session. The Explorers extended their lead with 1:24 in the period when Ryan Warner poked in a rebound of a David Kimmel shot from the right point. That was it until Kimmel scored into an empty net with 1:07 remaining in regulation.

The Firebirds, who have lost three straight, saw their record fall to 4-4 overall and 3-4 in conference. They were listed second in Monday’s Flyers Cup rankings.

“I thought it was a good game,” said Holy Ghost Prep coach Gump Whiteside. “I liked our jump … We played well but not well enough. We’ve got to start finding ways to win.”
Whiteside said he’s encouraging his team to take a back-to-basics approach. “Just sticking with the fundamentals,” he said. “Doing things that they do well and not try to do things they can’t do well.”

La Salle 0 2 1—3

Holy Ghost Prep 0 0 0—0

Second-period goals: Dan Whitock (L) unassisted, :37; Ryan Warner (L) from David Kimmel and Michael Casey, 15:24

Third-period goal: Kimmel (L) from Casey, 14:53 (en)

Shots: La Salle 31, Holy Ghost Prep 33: Saves: Liam Gross (L) 33, Bobby Baehser (HGP) 30

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St. Joseph’s Prep 5, Holy Ghost Prep 3

BRISTOL—A new and improved version of St. Joseph’s Prep showed up at Grundy Arena on Friday night. The Hawks built a 3-0 lead and went on to a 5-3 win over Holy Ghost Prep in front a boisterous audience.

Jack Yerger scored what proved to be the winning goal with 5:21 remaining in regulation to give the Hawks their first win in four Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference starts (3-3 overall).

The goal came just four seconds after the Firebirds’ Brady Baehser was sent to the box for tripping; Yerger scored off the ensuing faceoff.

“We’ve been sticking to the script, trying to do the same thing every game,” he said. “We were getting balance tonight. Some of the calls didn’t go our way but we persevered and we found a way to get it done.”

Yerger a senior, noted that the Hawks were moving the puck well and getting contributions from all three lines. “We’re always moving in the neutral zone,” he said, “and breaking out of the zone. We’re trying to get free and trying to get available for our defensemen. It was all working our way tonight. We were getting open, getting passes, and taking advantage of our opportunities too, which is the biggest part.”

The Hawks were outshot 36-26 but Rocco Bruno was in top form in goal. Yerger said that type of effort in goal energizes he and his teammates.

“It’s a great feeling,” he said, “and we almost feel that every time we play with both of our goalies. (Bruno and Andrew Custer). They’re both rocks for us.”

Quinn Egan and Christian Short scored goals 49 seconds apart to give the Hawks a 2-0 lead 6:03 into the first period. The goals came on similar plays that originated from the Hawks’ deep right-wing corner. Joseph Samango extended his team’s lead just 16 seconds into the second frame.
Carolos Rodriguez got the Firebirds (4-3, 3-1-0-2 in conference) at the 8:39 mark of the period. E.J. Pohl made it a one-goal game when he scored during a power play at 12:34. It was one of six power plays the Firebirds enjoyed over the course of the evening. Baehser drew the Firebirds even just 45 seconds into the final session.

After Yerger’s game winner, an empty-net goal with 51 seconds remaining assured the Hawks of their first conference win.

“We were chasing the game,” said Holy Ghost Prep coach Gump Whiteside. “I liked our response; we came back and were able to tie it up. We had every opportunity to win the game.”

St. Joseph’s Prep coach David Giacomin senses his team is rounding into form. “I told you If we had our three lines we were going to be a good team down the road,” he said. “And this is just one step, we’ve been playing pretty good hockey.”

St. Joseph’s Prep 2 1 2—5

Holy Ghost Prep 0 2 1—3

First-period goals: Quinn Egan (SJP) from Connor Burman and Michael Ahearn, 5:14; Christian Short (SJP) from Nicholas Storti

Second-period goals: Joseph Samango (SJP) from Liam Mooney and Short, :18; Carlos Rodriguez (HGP) from Luke Panepresso, 8:39; E,J. Pohl (HGP) from Panepreesso and Evan Mudrick, 12:34 (pp)

Third-period goals: Brady Baehser (HGP) from Mudrick, :45; Jack Yerger (SJP) from Charlie Maratee, 10:39 (sh); Samango (SJP) unassisted, 15:09 (en)

Shots: St. Joseph’s Prep 26. Holy Ghost Prep 36; Saves; Rocco Bruno (SJP) 33. Bobby Baesher (HGP) 31.

La Salle 5, Malvern Prep 2

HATFIELD— All season long, La Salle has been waiting for its offense to kick into high gear. It finally happened Wednesday afternoon. Keenan Schneider scored twice and three other players added one goal each as the Explorers built off a fast start and went on to defeat Malvern Prep 5-2 in an Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference game at Hatfield Ice.

The win was La Salle’s second in five APAC starts and improved the Explorers to 3-4 overall. The loss was the first for the Friars in eight games (2-1-2-0) in conference) and left then a point behind Holy Ghost Prep in an ongoing battle for first place in the APAC standings.

La Salle came out swarming and in less than four minutes built a 2-0 lead. Michel Casey beat Anthony Perti in the Friars’ net just 33 second after the opening faceoff and Schneider extended the lead at the 3:49 mark.
“We talked before the game about how differently we play if we score first,” said La Salle coach Wally Muehlbronner. “That definitely gave us a lot more spark.”

Jack Constabile got cut the La Salle lead in half when he put the puck past Liam Gross with 2:05 left in the period.

Max Maddalo responded for the Explorers 2:07 into the second session when he put in a rebound of Schneider’s original shot from directly in front of the net.

The La Salle penalty killing unit came up big later in the period when Max Mozo (interference) and Dan Whitock (unsportsmanlike conduct) drew simultaneous penalties. The Explorers ended up two men short for 91 seconds but the Friars were unable to capitalize.

Casey was on the ice for the Explorers for the entire kill. “It was a big kill,” he said. “We needed it. We knew they had a really good power play, that’s where they got most of their chances.”

Casey, a senior, spoke to the discipline necessary for a penalty killing unit to perform at its best. “It takes a lot of patience,” he said. “You have to be disciplined, you can’t get overaggressive. That’s what we did. We just stayed in our triangle, kept them out of the middle of the ice, and let them take their shots from the outside.”

Just 20 seconds after the twin penalties expired, Schneider scored to give the Explorers a three-goal lead. Tim Whitock made it a 5-1 game 54 seconds after that.

Malvern Prep’s Matt Harris put in a rebound of a Chris Blango shot with 9:20 left in regulation for what proved to be the only goal of the third period.

Friars coach Bill Keenan anticipated the Explorers’ quick start. “We knew La Salle was going to come out fast,” he said. “They popped in two goals in the first four minutes of the game and our guys just never found their legs.”

• Perti was shaken up during a second-period collision. He was checked by a trainer at period’s end but played solidly in the third frame, making 14 saves.

Malvern Prep 1 0—2
La Salle 2 3 1—5
First-period goals: Michael Casey (L) from Dan Whitlock and David Kimmel; Keenan Schneider (L) unassisted, 3:49; Jack Constabile (MP) unassisted, 13:55
Second period goals: Max Maddalo (L) from Schneider and Jake Hannon, 2:07; Schneider (L) from Jake Hannon, 12:49; Tim Whitlock (L) from Chase Hannon, 13:43.
Third-period goal: Matt Harris (MP) from Chris Blango, 6:40.
Shots: Malvern Prep 22, La Salle 34; Saves: Anthony Perti MP) 29, Liam Gross (L) 20

Evan Mudrick Has Family Ties to Holy Ghost Prep

When he enrolled at Holy Ghost Prep three years ago, Evan Mudrick knew he would be comfortable. The Fairless Hills resident already had a family connection with the school.

“My brother went to Pennsbury his freshman and sophomore years and transferred to Ghost,” he recalls. “I went and watched his (hockey) games and I just fell in love with the brotherhood and the camaraderie of the team. There was nothing like it, seeing my brother just hang out with his buddies; they’re still some of his best friends now. There was just nothing like it. Nothing can compare to what I felt when I was watching his games; it was just incredible.”

Mudrick attended public school through eighth grade but was at ease at Holy Ghost Prep from the start. “It’s probably the easiest transition you could ask for,” he said. “It’s very welcoming here; smaller classes, you know everyone. If a kid walks by, you know his name it’s not like you’re in a school with (a large student population) and you barely know anyone. “Here you just feel happy and excited to come to school every day and you know people are going to be there that you like and that you can get along with and talk to without a doubt. It was one of the easiest transitions I’ve ever had.”

The curriculum at Holy Ghost Prep is designed to teach students how to make independent decisions. “I think it’s really, really good for development for a young man, a high-school student,” Mudrick said, “because you’re going to have to make decisions by yourself in life. But it’s not like they just send you out there in the dark. There’s always someone here to help you if you have a question, or need something. They’re always happy to help you.”

Mudrick says he and his fellow students are encouraged to ask for help when they need it. “The people here are always welcoming,” he said, “telling you, ‘If you ever need anything, come talk to me.’ Every teacher I’ve had at school always said ‘If you need anything, come talk to me. Every teacher here is always there for you, no matter what.”

Now a senior, Mudrick is following in his brother’s footsteps, on the ice and off. He’s one of the Firebirds’ captains and is committed to providing the leadership that others did for him in years past.

“It’s a big role that the seniors play,” he said. “The seniors play a big role when the freshmen come in. The sophomores are still the younger guys. It’s just great to have them there to guide the way for you. And that’s my responsibility now, that’s what I’m trying to do for some of the younger guys now.”

This hockey season has been unlike any other at Holy Ghost Prep. The compressed schedule has forced the players to put things together in a hurry. And certain rituals were put aside, specifically the Firebirds’ annual trip to Jamestown New York for the National Invitational Scholastic Showcase. Mudrick says he and his teammates are making the best of the situation.

“It was sad that we couldn’t go to Jamestown,” he said. “It’s annoying but you know, we’re still playing. I’m trying to bring the guys together and jell as quick as we can. “I’m going for a state championship this year. I’m not taking anything less than that. I’m just having my guys work hard every day and give it their best. That’s all we can do.”

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Malvern Prep 3, Holy Ghost Prep 2 SO

By Rick Woelfel

BRISTOL—For the second time in five days, Malvern Prep and Holy Ghost Prep needed a shootout to determine a winner. For the second time the Friars emerged victorious, and by the same score, 3-2 in an Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference game at Grundy Arena that matched the intensity and competitiveness of its predecessor.

A goal from Pierre Larocque 8:21 into the first period off a feed from Chris Blango and another from Matt Harris at the 13:52 mark off a turnover enabled Malvern Prep (7-0, 2-0-2-0 in the APAC) to take a 2-0 advantage.

The score remained unchanged through the second period but it was not for lack of effort on the Firebirds’ part. They held a 30-18 edge in shots to that point but were unable to solve Anthony Perti in the Friars’ net.

In the third period, Holy Ghost Prep (4-2 overall, 3-0-0-2 in conference) came out storming. Evan Mudrick beat Perti off a feed from Brady Baehser just 23 seconds into the period. The Firebirds successfully killed off a pair of minor penalties before stepping up the pressure down the stretch. Anthony Sparo tied the game with 1:13 left in regulation off a feed from Shaun Moore to force overtime.

Neither team seriously threatened in the extra five-minute session before Blango and Harris found the net in the shootout.

“Overtime is always fun,” Blango said, “but we’ve got to clean up stuff on our end, and especially in the third period in our D-zone. We can’t have days like this, where they score two third-period goals back to back. It’s fun, but we’ve got to take care of our stuff.”

Blango felt he and his teammates became, in his words “Too comfortable,” at some point. “We definitely got sloppy,” he said. “You could probably see it. Our passes weren’t made the same, we were not communicating as much. You’ve got to clean that up, headed into playoffs and the Flyers Cup.”

During the break between the second and third periods, Malvern Prep coach Bill Keenan urged his troops to maintain their focus. “Our message in between periods, the second and third was to tell our guys ‘The next goal’s important,’” he said. “Holy Ghost came out strong and ended up tying it, but it was good to see our guys fight back and get a win in the shootout.”

Holy Ghost Prep coach Gump Whiteside was philosophical about the loss. “It was a great game,” he said. “I don’t like the result, but I liked our response in the third period and we did what we had to do to win the hockey game. it’s tough to lose hockey games like that, but we did what we had to do.”

• The Firebirds outshot the Friars 50-34… Monday’s game was a makeup of a postponement. The Friars will face La Salle on Wednesday to start a stretch that will see them play three conference games in eight days. Holy Ghost Prep will take on St. Joseph’s Prep on Friday to begin a run of four conference games in 11 days.

Malvern Prep 2 0 0 0 (2)—3

Holy Ghost Prep 0 0 2 0 (0)—2

First-period goals: Pierre Larocque (MP from Chris Blango, 8:21; Matt Harris (MP) from Jack Constabile, 13:52

Third-period goals: Evan Mudrick (HGP) from Brady Baehser and Shaun Moore, :23: Anthony Sparo (HGP) from Moore and Mudrick, 14:47.

Shots: Malvern Prep 34, Holy Ghost Prep 50: Saves: Anthony Perti (MP) 48. Bobby Baehser (HGP) 32

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Malvern Prep 3, Holy Ghost Prep 2 (shootout)

WEST GOSHEN—In a normal hockey season, the field for the Flyers Cup tournament would be announced about now. Because of the pandemic, the 2021 regular season still has a month to go. But Wednesday night, Holy Ghost Prep and Malvern Prep demonstrated what a Flyers Cup game should look like.

Jack Constabile scored in the bottom of the fourth round of a shootout to give the Friars a 3-2 win over the Firebirds in an Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference game at Ice Line. The win kept Malvern Prep in six starts this season (3-0 in the APAC). It was the first loss for Holy Ghost Prep in four tries (2-1 in conference).

It was the first of three regular-season meeting between the two teams who have emerged as the top contenders for the APAC championship. On Wednesday night, there was little that separated them.

“I thought Holy Ghost played a tremendous game,” said Malvern Prep coach Bill Keenan.”‘I think it’s a testament to our league, and how good the teams are, the strength.”

Malvern Prep’s Jack Constabile (in white) battles with Holy Ghost Prep’s Sean Marshall (photo: Gracie Cleveland)

On a night when the level of play was superb, the brightest star in the heavens was Friar goaltender Anthony Perti. He made 28 saves over the course of 48 minutes of regulation play and five minutes of three-on-three overtime including a half dozen that belong on a highlight reel. The junior sensed the importance of the occasion.

“I kind of knew,” he said. “Big moments, you’ve got to be ready for them if you want to be a big-time player, so I was definitely ready for them. It was a massive game.”

Bobby Baehser in the Firebirds’ net didn’t have to be as spectacular as his counterpart but he was just as efficient; he also finished with 28 saves.

Brady Baehser opened the scoring for Holy Ghost Prep 4:48 into the first period off a turnover deep in the Malvern Prep defensive zone. It took the Friars just 15 seconds to respond; Jeremy Jacobs won a goal-mouth scrum at the 5:03 mark.

The hosts took the lead with 1:05 left in the second stanza when Matt Harris tipped in Steven Getsie’s shot from the left point.

A few minutes prior to that however, Perti made his best save of the game when he denied Anthony Sparo at the end of a two-on-none rush.

The Firebirds stepped up the pressure in the third period, outshooting the Friars 13-5. It was Shaun Moore who scored the tying goal on a backhander from the right side of the net at the 8:11 mark.

Both teams had chances in overtime but only Constabile could find the net in the shootout. It wasn’t for a lack of trying however; the Firebirds found iron three times in four attempts.

“It was a great high-school hockey game,” said Holy Ghost Prep coach Gump Whiteside. “Two good teams. I though their goalie played really well, made some big stops.

“I thought at times we didn’t have good puck luck either, a couple posts here and there. But that’s hockey.”

Ice Chips—The Firebirds and the Friars will face each other Monday afternoon at Grundy Arena and again on March 11, also at Grundy with additional meetings possible in the APAC playoffs and during the Class AAA Flyers Cup tournament … The Friars unveiled a new set of white sweaters Wednesday which featured a logo commemorating the 50^th anniversary of the school’s hockey program. The school fielded its first team in 1970.

Holy Ghost Prep 1 0 1 0 (0)

Malvern Prep 1 1 0 0 (1)

First-period goals: Brady Baehser (HGP) unassisted 4:48; Brady Doyle (MP) from Chrs Blango, 5:03.

Second-period goal: Matt Harris (MP) from Steve Getsie and Ryan Sambuco, 14:55

Third-period goal: Shaun Moore (HGP) from Landon Stoudt and Sean Marshall, 8:11.

Shots: Holy Ghost Prep 30, Malvern Prep 30; Saves: Bobby Baehser 28, Anthony Perti (MP) 28

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Holy Ghost Prep 5, La Salle 3

HATFIELD—A lead that once seemed safe was on the verge of slipping away. After holding a three-goal advantage with just over eight minutes left in regulation and a two-goal lead with little more than five minutes remaining, Holy Ghost Prep spent the rest of Friday evening trying to kill three penalties but hung on for a 5-3 win over La Salle in the Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference season opener at Hatfield Ice.

The Firebirds (2-0 overall) were shorthanded the last 5:04 of regulation.

Sean Marshall’s empty-net goal with 35 seconds remaining finally settled matters but more importantly, the junior played a key role on his team’s penalty killing unit.

“We were up the whole game and we needed some big plays,” Marshall said. “I think we got them done on the (penalty kills). It was a total team effort.”

Goals from Michael Connelly, Brady Baehser, and Shaun Moore gave the Firebirds a 3-0 lead with 6:32 left in the second period. Michael Casey scored for La Salle (0-1) with 1:23 remaining in the period but Evan Mudrick’s power-play goal 7:50 into the third frame extended the Holy Ghost Prep lead to three goals once more.

That’s when things began to get interesting. Dan Whitock scored for the Explorers with 5:38 remaining to make it a 4-2 game. With 5:04 remaining, the Firebirds’ E.J. Pohl went to the box for cross checking. Landon Stout drew a tripping penalty just 34 seconds later, leaving Holy Ghost Prep two men short for 1:26.

Chase Hannon scored a power-play goal for La Salle with 2:22 left to make it a one-goal game with La Salle still on a power play for another 52 seconds.

The Firebirds survived that stretch unscathed but Luke Panepresso was sent off for hooking with exactly two minutes to play, leaving his team shorthanded for the balance of regulation unless La Salle scored the tying goal. Instead, Marshall shot the puck from his side of the red line down the middle of the ice and into the empty net.

“They put a lot of pressure on us toward the end there,” said Holy Ghost Prep coach Gump Whiteside. “We found a way to win. We had a good jump early. Have a 3-0 lead helps, but it’s never secure when these two teams are playing.”

It was La Salle’s first game action since the Flyers Cup quarterfinals last March. The tournament was never completed because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We looked like we hadn’t played since March,” said La Salle coach Wally Muehlbronner. “We did some good things and we did a lot of things that looked like we hadn’t been playing together.”
Muehlbronner was pleased with the way his team rallied in the third period. “We definitely had some good opportunities,” he said. “Their goaltender (Bobby Baehser) did a great job, especially towards the end there. He did a great job. So, that’s something to build on.”

La Salle had a 27-25 edge in shots … The APAC has gone to a four-official system this season.

Holy Ghost Prep 1 2 2—5

La Salle 0 1 2—3

First-period goals: Michael Connelly (HGP) from Patrick McAneny, 9:40.

Second-period goals: Brady Baehser (HGP) unassisted, :21; Shaun Moore (HGP) from Cole Stevens and Ciaran Chambers, 9:28; Michael Casey (L) unassisted, 14:37.

Third-period goals: Evan Mudrick (HGP) from E.J. Pohl, 7:50 (pp); Dan Whitock (L) from Max Maddalo and Casey, 10:22; Casey (L) from Chase Hannon, 12:38 (pp); Sean Marshall (HGP) unassisted, (sh), (en), 15:25.

Shots: Holy Ghost Prep 25, La Salle 27; Saves: Bobby Baehser (HGP) 24, Liam Gross (L) 20

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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 Teams Ready to Hit the Ice

After three months of Covid-mandated delays, the Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference is ready to begin its third season. Here’s a look at what to expect from the four conference schools.

La Salle

Coach: Wally Muehlbronner (23^rdseason)

Last year: 14-10-2, 3-3-2-1 in APAC; won league title

Key players: Sr. Liam Gross (G); Sr. Andrew Budzynski (D); Sr. Nick Astolfi (D); Sr. David Kimmel (F); Sr. Jake Hannon (F); Jr. Keenan Schneider (F).

Outlook: The Explorers enter the season as the two-time defending APAC champions. They are also the defending Class AAA Flyers Cup and state champions, since those events were not completed/did not occur last season.

This year’s team is deep and experienced. Twelve players return from last year’s roster, including the top scoring line and some experienced defensemen.

Muehlbronner’s hope is that his corps of returnees will bond quickly with a group of eager newcomers to create cohesiveness in a compressed season.

Kimmel. Hannon, and Schneider are all proven goal scorers while Budzynski heads the blue-line corps.

Holy Ghost Prep

Coach: Gump Whiteside (12^thseason)

Last year: 16-5-1, 5-3-1-0 in APAC

Key players: Sr. Bobby Baeshser (G); Sr. E.J. Pohl (D); Sr. Jake Marek (D); Sr. Jimmy Littley (D); Jr. Luke Panepresso (D); Jr Brian Butler (D); Brady Baesher (F); Sr. Evan Mudrick (F); Sr. Cole Stevens (F); Sr. Carlos Rodriguez, Jr. (F); Sr. John Connelly (F); Sr. Michael Connelly (F); JR. Sean Marshall (F); Sr. Pat McAneny (F); So. Anthony Sparo (F).

Outlook: The Firebirds’ lineup will feature an abundance of experienced veterans. Mudrick and Stevens will be counted on up front while Pohl is a fixture on the blue line and Baehser is experienced in goal.

Whiteside is expecting his senior class to provide leadership but will be looking to his younger players to step up when called upon.

Malvern Prep

Coach: Bill Keenan (second season)

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

Key players: Sr. Chris Blango (D); Sr. Ryan Sambuco (F); Sr. Jack Costabile (F); Jr. Matt Harris (F); Jr. Anthony Perti (G); Jr. Pierre Larocque (F); Jr. Quinn Dougherty (D); Fr. Jeremy Jacobs (F); So. Jimmy Jacobs (F); Fr. Brady Doyle (D).

Outlook: The Friars will enter APAC play having already played and won three non-league games.

There is a strong core of returnees, featuring Perti in goal and Blango and Dougherty on the blue line. Harris, Constabile, Sambuco, and Larocque are being counted on up front.

St. Joseph’s Prep

Coach: David Giacomin (eighth season)

Last year: 15-13, 3-2-0-4 in APAC

Key players: St. Andrew Custer (G); Sr. Ryan Newby (D); Sr. Dominic Fantozzi (F); Sr. Connor Burman (F); Sr. Riley Abel (D); Sr. Ben Miraglia (F); Sr. Jack Yerger (F); Jr. Matthew Moresco (D); Jr. Nick Storti (D); So. Rocco Bruno (G); So. Jeffrey Hammond (F); So. Joe Samango (F).

Outlook: This season’s edition of the Hawks is lacking in experience but Giacomin likes this group’s enthusiasm.

“We can’t wait to get playing” he said. We have leadership in key areas”.

One of those key areas is in goal, where Custer and Bruno figure to be an effective tandem.

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APAC Eyeing Mid-January Start

The Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference has formulated plans to begin its 2021 season the week of January 11.

According to APAC Commissioner Jim Britt, the schedule now under consideration would see the four conference schools, La Salle, Malvern Prep, St. Joseph’s Prep and Holy Ghost Prep play a 10-game regular season schedule that would see each team face each of the others three times while also playing one additional game against a Class AAA team from the Intercounty Scholastic Hockey League (Cardinal O’Hara, Father Judge, and Roman Catholic would be among the possibilities).

That 10^thgame is important because as of now, teams are required to play 10 league games to be eligible to compete in the Flyers Cup tournament this coming spring.

The four APAC schools have been off the ice in the wake of Governor Tom Wolf’s executive order that closed indoor recreational facilities around the state, including ice rinks, effective December 12. They will remain closed until January 4.

Prior to the shutdown, Malvern Prep played and won two non-league games but the other three league schools have yet to play a game this season.

Britt is hoping that APAC teams will be able to get back on the ice for practice on or shortly after January 4. He acknowledged that that may not happen.

“At this time, there is no guarantee that the pause will be lifted at that time,” he said, “potentially causing delays to the planned restart of practices and the regular season. Player safety, with a reasonable amount of practices before starting the regular season, is an important consideration.”

Britt said the goal is to conclude the APAC regular season by mid-March with the league playoffs, prior to the start of the Flyers Cup tournament on April 5. The tournament is scheduled to conclude on April 20.

Hun School to Join APAC

Britt also announced that The Hun School will become the fifth member of the APAC beginning with the 2021-22 season. The school’s membership application was unanimously approved by the four current conference members but due to Covid restrictions in place in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the school has suspended its winter sports programs for the current school year. Hun School has competed against APAC schools in non-league games in the past.