Tag: ice hockey

Holy Ghost Prep 4 La Salle 0

Holy Ghost Prep kept up its winning ways Wednesday afternoon. Four different players scored goals as the Firebirds bested La Salle 4-0 in an APAC encounter at Hatfield Ice.

Holy Ghost Prep (6-1 overall) has now won six straight decisions and stands a perfect 4-0 in the APAC.

Senior Jake Smaron scored one goal and assisted on another.

“It’s been a big change this year,” he said. “A lot of guys graduated but I think we’ve come together as a group really well. Especially in these early months, which you usually don’t see a lot.

“We’ve been pretty efficient with the way we scored. A lot of gritty goals I would say.”

The scoreless first period saw the Firebirds and La Salle (1-6, 0-4) battle on even terms. But the Explorers’ goal-scoring drought continued.

“We’re definitely making progress,” said La Salle coach Wally. Muehlbronner. “We’ve just got to find a way to score some goals.

“We had some really good opportunities in the first period. The goalie (Matt Salina) made some nice saves. We just had to find a way to get one past him.”

Chase Logue gave Holy Ghost Prep the lead 4:17 on a solo effort 4:17 into the second frame.

Smaron made it 2-0 with 3:51 left in the period when a loose puck eluded La Salle netminder Anthony Foster in the goal mouth and Smaron tucked it in the net.

“I’m a bit of a grinder they say?” Smaron said. “But sometimes, to get the puck in the net, it’s not going to be the most flashy. You’ve just got to get it in sometimes. That’s what we did today.”

Smaron, a defenseman, is in his second season as a full-time varsity player; he was a swing player as a sophomore. He commented on how his role has evolved over the course of his career.

“I kind of played as a little more of a goal scorer on JV,” he said. “But I’ve really accepted my role on varsity as kind of a leader and helping the younger guys.

“I’m not much of a flashy player but getting the puck in the net is kind of my thing.”

Lucas’s Gonzalez and Billy Harmar scored goals 88 seconds apart early in the third period to allow the Firebirds to build on their lead. Foster was lifted for Danny Trainor midway through the period.

Holy Ghost Prep coach John Ritchie is pleased to see his team getting production from a variety of sources. “We’re getting production from our top three lines,” he said. “Any time you can get scoring from any line, it’s always a positive.”

Ritchie notes the advantages of having a deep roster.

“It’s harder to match against when you have depth,” he said. “Last year we had a really elite player that I think most teams tried to zero in on and he was still able to produce. But, this year, we’ve got those top guys but {scoring] could come from anyone up front.”

Holy Ghost Prep. 0 2 2—4

La Salle 0 0 0—0

Second-period goals:  Chase Logue (HGP) unassisted, 4:17; Jake Smaron (HGP) from Sean Devine, 13:09

Third-period goals: Lucas Helms (HGP) from Lucas Gonzalez and Anthony Valeriote, 1:44; Billy Harmae (HGP)) from Lucas Helms and Smaron, 3:12

Shotas: Holy Ghost Prep 25, La Salle 30Holy Ghost Prep kept up its winning ways Wednesday afternoon. Four different players scored goals as the Firebirds bested La Salle 4-0 in an APAC encounter at Hatfield Ice.

Holy Ghost Prep (6-1 overall) has now won six straight decisions and stands a perfect 4-0 in the APAC.

Senior Jake Smaron scored one goal and assisted on another.

“It’s been a big change this year,” he said. “A lot of guys graduated but I think we’ve come together as a group really well. Especially in these early months, which you usually don’t see a lot.

“We’ve been pretty efficient with the way we scored. A lot of gritty goals I would say.”

The scoreless first period saw the Firebirds and La Salle (1-6, 0-4) battle on even terms. But the Explorers’ goal-scoring drought continued.

“We’re definitely making progress,” said La Salle coach Wally. Muehlbronner. “We’ve just got to find a way to score some goals.

“We had some really good opportunities in the first period. The goalie (Matt Salina) made some nice saves. We just had to find a way to get one past him.”

Chase Logue gave Holy Ghost Prep the lead 4:17 on a solo effort 4:17 into the second frame.

Smaron made it 2-0 with 3:51 left in the period when a loose puck eluded La Salle netminder Anthony Foster in the goal mouth and Smaron tucked it in the net.

“I’m a bit of a grinder they say?” Smaron said. “But sometimes, to get the puck in the net, it’s not going to be the most flashy. You’ve just got to get it in sometimes. That’s what we did today.”

Smaron, a defenseman, is in his second season as a full-time varsity player; he was a swing player as a sophomore. He commented on how his role has evolved over the course of his career.

“I kind of played as a little more of a goal scorer on JV,” he said. “But I’ve really accepted my role on varsity as kind of a leader and helping the younger guys.

“I’m not much of a flashy player but getting the puck in the net is kind of my thing.”

Lucas’s Gonzalez and Billy Harmar scored goals 88 seconds apart early in the third period to allow the Firebirds to build on their lead. Foster was lifted for Danny Trainor midway through the period.

Holy Ghost Prep coach John Ritchie is pleased to see his team getting production from a variety of sources. “We’re getting production from our top three lines,” he said. “Any time you can get scoring from any line, it’s always a positive.”

Ritchie notes the advantages of having a deep roster.

“It’s harder to match against when you have depth,” he said. “Last year we had a really elite player that I think most teams tried to zero in on and he was still able to produce. But, this year, we’ve got those top guys but {scoring] could come from anyone up front.”

Holy Ghost Prep. 0 2 2—4

La Salle 0 0 0—0

Second-period goals:  Chase Logue (HGP) unassisted, 4:17; Jake Smaron (HGP) from Sean Devine, 13:09

Third-period goals: Lucas Helms (HGP) from Lucas Gonzalez and Anthony Valeriote, 1:44; Billy Harmae (HGP)) from Lucas Helms and Smaron, 3:12

Shotas: Holy Ghost Prep 25, La Salle 30

North Penn Looks Back on 50 Years

The high-school hockey landscape has changed considerably over the past half century. When North Penn founded its ice hockey club for the 1975-76 season the sport was in the midst of a growth spurt, thanks in no small measure to the Philadelphia Flyers, who had just won their second consecutive Stanley Cup. In 1976 they reached the finals once more but were swept by the Montreal Canadians.

In that era, a lot of high-school players were less concerned about playing for a championship than they were happy to be playing on an enclosed rink with lies painted on the ice.

Pete Hendricks was North Penn’ first coach. For six seasons, he dealt with the challenges that are part and parcel to getting a program off the ground.

Dave Culp played for North Penn as a senior before graduating 1980. He went on to coach the Knights from 1986-94, a time when the team was at first unable to field a pure roster (consisting entirely of players from North Penn).

“When we first started, we had Lansdale Catholic and North Penn working together,” he said. “When {He started coaching}, North Penn was going downhill we couldn’t get anybody.

I was grabbing guys from North Penn Lansdale Catholic Souderton and one from a (private) Christian school.”

Culp recalls an early North Penn team being barred from the SHSHL playoffs over the purity issue.

“It took us about two years but we became pure,” he said. “We had all North Penn guys.”

Culp recalls North Penn teams playing games outdoors.

“There was a skating rink at Whites Road Park,” he said. “I remember having practices and games there when I was playing. We were playing a game there outside and snow was coming through your cage. It was the most incredible thing we’d ever done.”

Dan Vaitis has never coached North Penn, but he has been involved in the program for some 25 years and is today the club’s president, a role he has filled for a decade. His son Kevin is the longest-tenured head coach in the club’s history.

Dan Vaitis commented on the growth of amateur/scholastic hockey during his involvement with the sport.

“Ice hockey overall has become much more popular,” he said, “Not only club hockey but high school hockey and middle school hockey. I think that North Penn has set the standard over the years for being a first-class organization.

“It’s great to see all these kids participate in ice hockey. We’re extremely proud that many of our coaches are alumni of North Penn Ice Hockey in terms of love of the game, we have a lot of coaches that really love the game.”

The Knights have won three SHSHL titles in their history and claimed their first Class AA Flyers Cup and state championships last season.

Senior Chase Kelly Del Ricci carries the program’s legacy forward as this year’s captain.

“It feels pretty hood,” he said. “I’ve been here since I was a freshman and it feels pretty good to be part of something that’s lasted this long.”

Blindness Awareness Showcase a Learning Event for Participants

For the participants in last Friday’s Blindness Awareness Showcase, the event was both a hockey experience and a life lesson.

Some 50 high-school hockey players from 10 different schools were on hand for the event, which was a fundraiser for Philadelphia Blind Hockey. For the first time, the players were divided into two teams and played a 51-minute game (with running-clock periods) on the full 200 x 85 ice surface on the Gray Rink at Hatfield Ice. The players wore goggles to simulate various vison disorders while the goaltenders wore blindfolds.

The caliber of play was impressive; even with restricted vision the players were able to display their hockey skills and athleticism. North Penn coach Kevin Vaitis said utilizing the full ice surface instead of playing crosspiece as had been the case the past two years elevated the players’ comfort level, but with a caveat.

“I think playing on the full ice, the kids were going out there and kind of got to experience what other players kind have to experience playing the game that they love.” Vaitis said. “Anybody can play the game of hockey. We all love to play, so it’s great to see those kids give back.”

Vaitis said the showcase exemplified the giving nature of the area hockey community.

“It’s a tight group,” he said, “and I think you see that when it comes to helping out with blind hockey, or a player in our area maybe suffers from cancer or something like that. Everybody kind of rallies around that individual; it’s great to see.”

Kelsey McGuire is the founder executive director pf Philadelphia Blind Hockey. The program launched in 2022 with coaches and high-school players assisting youngsters determined to play hockey despite theor vision issues. There were five participants that first year; this year the number has grown to 17.

McGuire is pleased with the Philadelphia Blind Hockey’s sustained growth.

“It’s pretty exciting that our numbers are growing,” she said. “and we just continue to grow and bring awareness to our program.”

McGuire says the high-school players who are involved with Philadelphia Blind Hockey in whatever fashion gain a unique perspective on the program.

“I think it’s a great way for them to understand where our community is when they give back,” she said, “and when they come to our practices, so they can actually see what it’s like for our players and how they do. It’s pretty cool and pretty rewarding for them to understand the challenges and the difficulties that our players live with every day.”

Arcadia’ Koelzer Proud of Her Team’s Success—And Not Just on the Ice

The 14 women who helped launch the Arcadia women’s hockey program three seasons ago have accomplished a lot on the ice as their four-year record of 57-39-6 attests, including 19-3-3 this season. On Saturday the Knights will host Lebanon Valley in a Middle Atlantic Conference game; the winner will play for an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III women’s tournament next week.

Head coach Kelsey Koelzer is justifiably proud of all this. She sensed early on that her first recruiting class was capable of doing some remarkable things.

“Obviously, you never quite know fully what success you’re going to have year over year based sometimes on how your opponents fare year over year as well,” she said.

“But, I think the success we were able to find even within that first year (when the Knight finished 10-15-1, their only losing season) kind of gave me an inkling what the next three years were going to provide.

“I think each year as the team has grown older, we’ve been able to evolve and move past some of those milestones that have tripped us up in the past. A lot of that comes from maturity and experience.

“So, I think when you’re thinking about increased success, some of that is naturally going to come with your team growing together and going through different hardships, which we’ve definitely faced over our first three years.

“But I think it’s also a testament to the mindset that our team, has. I think that goes a really long way because you can’t be complacent with where you’re at, go through it thinking ‘Our experience is going to help us  continue to achieve success.’ But our team has really put in the work”

“I think had you asked me at any point if we’d be 19-3-3 in our fourth season, that’s definitely a surprise, having  a record that strong. But I 100 percent anticipated dour team having success within those first four years and I’m just happy the seniors have been able to bare winless to the hard work they’ve put in and have some of that success.”

The fact that Koelzer has been able to attract players who were willing and able to accept the challenge that come with being part a new program has contributed significantly to the Knights’ success.

“Every single year we’ve looked to bring in players that are going to continue to push everyone,” she said, “but also fit seamlessly and be able to fit in with the mindset that that inaugural class set forth and be able to kind of commit them and their hard work.”

Koelzer spoke to how the Class of 2025 has evolved as hockey players over the course of their careers.

“They’ve done an absolutely incredible job and kept coming together as a group,” she said. That’ something they stressed early on, celebrting each other’s strengths and pushing each other through their weaknesses and finding ways to compliment each other on the ice and off the ice.

“Every year when you add new people into the mix, there’s an adjustment period to kind of figure that out but every single year what has helped a ton is this team’s ability to settle in with “What are those roles that every individual cam play and how can we play them to our best?’ They’ve really understood that, especially this year and worked to find what those best combinations are are and ‘How can I help the team in every single way, even if I’m playing a different role than I was last year or the year before?”

As pleased as she is with the quality of her program on the ice, Koelzer is particularly proud of how her player have evolved away from the ice.

“As individuals, I’ve seem so much growth in every single one of them,” she said. “A lot of them have been through a lot when it comes to learning who they are off the ice and what their goals and aspirations are long term for their lives.It’s been awesome to see how transformative these four years have been for them off the ice.

“So many of them have such big and lofty goals and they now have that confidence to continue pushing forward and achieve those goals and that’s obviously I think what I’m” most proud of.

When you look at the culmination of being a student-athlete over these four years its making sure that these girls feel prepared when they leave Arcadia and are no longer college athletes but are members of society that are going to contribute positively and I know every single one of them is going to do that.

 “It’s been awesome just to see their growth off the ice these four years. It’s just been absolutely incredible.”

The multifaceted success of the Knights on the ice and in the classroom over the past four seasons sends a powerful message re; female empowerment.

“Every single one of our girls has aspirations  to do big things,” Koelzer said. Even within traditionally I would say male dominated fields. Whether its STEM, forensic science, or within the medical fields. We have some that want to be lawyers. Girls that want to work within the sports industry.

All of those have been traditionally considered male dominant fields and it’s awesome to see they have never once hesitated in regards to having the confidence to pursue those dreams and the goals. It’s a huge step for female empowerment, absolutely.”

Dachowski Focusing on His Last Weeks With the Rams

Shane Dachowski has been making an impact in the SHSHL for four seasons now. He’s played four seasons of varsity hockey for Pennridge and has been part of two Flyers Cup/state-championship teams.

Last year he was fourth in the National Division (fifth overall) in scoring with 27 regular-season goals and 33 assists for 60 points.

This year, as a senior Dachowski has harrowed his focus. He’s stepped away from AAA-level club hockey to devote his time and energy to the Rams.

“I quit because it was my senior year,” he said. “I figured I’m just going to college for school and stuff and there was no real point in me playing AAA travel hockey.

“I would just be traveling everywhere, every weekend. And I just wanted to chill out this year and hang out with my friends. Travel hockey doesn’t give you a lot of time for that.”

Dachowski notes that the atmosphere at a high-school game can’t be replicated elsewhere.

“It’s the game aspect of high school hockey compared to club,” he said. “Because with high school games you have all your friends from school come. Parents and grandparents come to the games I just think it’s way more exciting.”

Dachowski started playing hockey at age 6, following in the footsteps of his brother Colin, who is 18 months his senior. The brothers were encouraged by their cousin Cole Pluck, who is now a senior at North Penn. Because of the difference in their ages, the Dachowski brothers were high-school teammates for three seasons but were club teammates only once; that was last season.

By the time Shane was 10 his ability was becoming apparent. So was his passion for hockey.

“I just thought it was the most fun I had playing any sport,” he said. “Because I played a lot of sports but hockey was just the most fun for me and it helped that I was not that bad at it.”

 Dachowski has always been recognized for his offensive skills. Through January 23 he had accumulated 28 goals and 22 assists for 50 points, tops in the National Division.

Anyone who has watched him play will attest to the fact that Dachowski makes little effort to hide his emotions when he’s on the ice. This can be a blessing or a curse depending on the circumstances and has led to his share of trips to the penalty box.

Dachowski point out that his emotions are a big part of who he is aa a hockey player.

“{His emotions} definitely have gotten in my way,” he said but showing emotions and getting some penalties, that’s always been a part of my game. I feel like if that wasn’t part of my game, I wouldn’t produce as much. It’s just the way I play; aggressively. It kind of fuels me I guess.”

Ironically, Dachowski is not outgoing by nature. Now, as a senior and as an elite player, he finds himself cast in a leadership role, one he is still getting comfortable with. But as he has matured as a hockey player he has grown as a person.

Shane Dachowski

Pennridge coach Jeff Montagna calls Dachowski “The most misunderstood player I’ve ever coached.

“He’s learning what it means to be a leader,” Montagna said, “and it’s a work in progress.

“What I’m most proud of with him is he’s never had to be vocal before. Telling guys, especially the young guys that it’s okay. Not big-timing them.

“It’s not easy to be a leader and asking him in his senior year to do something he’s never done, he’s growing into that every single week. That’s really what I’m proud of him for.”

Dachowski understands the responsibilities that come with his stature.

“I would say this year I became a little bit more of a talker,” he said, “because of not having my brother there. Me and him were always known for setting examples but this year I’ve changed and been a little bit more of a talker.”

Dachowski played on state-championship teams as a freshman and again last season. He reflects on how close the players on those teams were with each other.

“Especially a couple years ago it was the closest team I’ve ever been a part of,” he said. “All of us grew up playing hockey together and then we moved to the same area.

“It was so awesome because we all hung out every single day and even last year when it was more seniors and everyone who was on the {2022 team} team, we were all still super close. We still do everything together as much as we can.”

But Dachowski’s high-school career is drawing to an end. Four weeks remain in the regular season with the SHSHL playoffs and the Flyers Cup tournament to follow. The occasions he’ll have to put on a Pennridge uniform are becoming few.

Those who have read this far would not be surprised to learn he plans to give it his all in the time he has left.

“My goal obviously is to get deep into the Flyers Cup and provide as much for me team as I can,” Dachowski said, “and just go out there every game like it’s my last because you don’t know when it could be your last game especially being a senior.”

Point to Ponder at World Juniors

While most high-school hockey players in the Philadelphia area are taking a break over the holidays, another group of young players is at center stage.

The 49th edition of International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship is underway in Ottawa. The 10-team field features players under age 20.

The entire tournament is available on the NHL Network, which provides an opportunity for players at other levels to observe the premier young talent in the sport.

North Penn coach Kevin Vaitis was asked what his players could learn from watching the tournament.
“If any of them are watching the World Junior, I would suggest just watching the decision making that takes place to try and raise the hockey awareness/hockey IQ of the players playing today,” he said. “Seeing players go to the net, dump pucks in and make line changes, etc. those are the small things that for the players competing in the World Juniors could be the difference in a win or a loss and therefore a medal or no medal.”

Springfield-Montco coach Don Quinn says his player could enhance their hockey knowledge by watching the World Junior.

“I would first of all hope that they just watch because you can learn a lot from just watching the game,” he said.  

“And while watching, watch the players without the puck. Watch how each of them support the player with the puck.”

Penncrest coach Steve Mescanti listed four key points he wanted his players to take away from the tournament.

“Obviously, skill level of the players involved,” he said. “And puck movement. Rarely does a guy have the puck in his stick for more than two or three touches. 

“Ice vision and hockey sense. Really tied to [puck movement] in a way, but the players are always looking to make a smart play.  Of course, the hockey sense piece really comes in with play away from the puck.

“And intensity on the backcheck and puck pursuit.

Central Bucks South coach Shaun McGinty is encouraging his players to spend some time watching the World Juniors

“I hope my players are just enjoying the games with family and friends,” he said. “The level of play is just incredible.”

McGinty listed the key points he wanted his players to focus on.  

“Hockey IQ and Decision-Making—By observing elite players, they can see how quickly decisions are made under pressure. I want them to notice how these players read plays and anticipate movements.  

Effort and Compete Level— High-level hockey showcases relentless effort in every shift. I’d like my players to see how these athletes compete for every puck and battle in every corner, demonstrating that effort can often outweigh raw talent.

Positional Play and Systems—Watching structured hockey can reinforce the importance of systems and staying disciplined within them. 

Puck Support and Communication—I encourage them to pay attention to how players support one another on the ice, both offensively and defensively. The constant communication, both verbal and non-verbal, is key to success at any level.

Work Ethic and Preparation—Observing the speed, strength, and precision at higher levels underscores the dedication it takes to compete. My players should understand that excellence is no accident—it’s the product of hard work, preparation, and commitment.

Finally, I hope they are inspired to put in the work and embrace the passion and joy these players show for the game.

A Word of Caution: As passionate as high-school hockey players are about their sport, there is the risk of them being totally consumed by it, particularly if they are playing club hockey and high-school hockey simultaneously.

North Penn coach Kevin Vaitis emphasis that the holidays are an opportunity for players to take a break from hockey.

“The break is important for two things,” he said. “One for these players to get a break from hockey, allow themselves to recharge for the stretch run and also spend time with family, friends, or just being a teenager. We cannot forget that these kids are on the ice six or seven days a week for some of them so giving them a break at this time is always good to rest up

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ICSHL Set for All-Star Games

The Intercounty Scholastic Hockey League has announced selections for its annual all-star games.

The New Year’s Day tradition will renew next Thursday at Ice Line.

The six-game card will see more than 250 players taking the ice representing their teams and leagues.

The six-game card begins at 11 AM

11:00 Girls’ All-Star Game

Noon   JV American

1:00 D2

2:00  JV National

3:00 Ches-Mont League vs. Central League

5:00 PCL/Prep Division vs. Pioneer Athletic Conference

The schedule is highlighted by the 3:00 matchup between the Central League and the Ches-Mont League, the Hunger Game. Proceeds from this game will be donated to food banks in Montgomery, Delaware, and Chester Counties. Ice Line is donating this ice for this game and the on-ice officials are donating their services.

Rosters for each game are available HERE

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Greg McDonald Foundation to Host Golf Event

The Ridge at Back Brook in Ringoes, NJ will host the inaugural Greg McDonald Foundation Golf Classic on September 12, 2024.  Sponsoring the event are:

  • Gold: Hampton Consulting Corp.
  • Silver: Princeton Brain & Spine; Stoltzfus Structures; Structural Services
  • Bronze: Courtyard Marriott; Firstrust Bank; Cargas

Greg was a Philadelphia Eagles Executive for nearly 24 years.  He was a loving husband and father of two young children.  Sadly, he passed away from Appendiceal Cancer in October of 2023.  He is sorely missed at home, at work, and on the ice – as he was a dedicated youth hockey coach for 20 years in the Philadelphia area. 

The Greg McDonald Foundation (GMF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization with a mission to empower the hockey community by providing opportunities to those with the greatest need through scholarships, equipment donations, and community service. 

“We will have two large scale events each year: The GMF Golf Classic; and a Pond Hockey Tournament.  The funds raised at these events will continue to support our mission.  Greg’s journey, woven with threads of leadership, passion for ice hockey, and boundless love for his family, continues to inspire us and we are committed to keeping Greg’s legacy alive”, explains Patti, Greg’s widow.  “We are thrilled to be able to give back to a community that provided Greg with so many opportunities in his life.  Paying it forward was very important to him, and we will continue to honor that.”

The golf registration is now full for the GMF Golf Classic.  Limited seating is still available for the post-golf banquet – which runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  The banquet will include live music, great food and drinks, celebrity guests, and a silent auction.  If you would like to be placed on the waiting list for golf, or if you would like to purchase a seat at the banquet, please email: patti@gregmcdonaldfoundation.org For more information about Greg and the foundation, please visit: www.gregmcdonaldfoundation.org