HATFIELD TOWNSHIP—For Springfield (Montco), the 2022-23 hockey season is the beginning of a new era. Springfield has fielded teams in the past, but this season marks the first time in an estimated 17 years that the Spartans have a team on the ice.

The road has been arduous at times. Springfield has lost its first seven games in the Suburban High School Hockey League’s American Division, including an 8-0 setback at the hands of Quakertown Wednesday night at Hatfield Ice.  The Spartans have been outscored 79-10.

But they made a vivid impression when they took the ice Wednesday night in their Navy blue and silver uniforms.

Despite the team’s won-loss record, defenseman Lucas Davidson, Springfield’s captain and the only senior on the 13-player roster, sees the big picture.

“It’s always more fun to win,” he said, “but this season isn’t necessarily about winning. It’s about starting up a new team, staring a new program and trying to carry this on, so that future years can play hockey.”

Davidson says the process of putting a team on the ice this season was fueled by interest within the Springfield student body.

“There’s a lot of interest in the sport,” he said. “There was just never really enough money or financial support to pour into it. And then one day, we got an e-mail, there were a couple of parents that really wanted to put one together. (And) one of the coaches from my club team, he was all about it. So, they put a team together and here we are.’

Davidson says there was enthusiasm mixed with some trepidation as word got around that the Spartans would be part of the SHSHL this season.

“A lot of people were really excited,” he said. “(But) we were also really nervous. It’s been a good while since we’ve had a team and we’re staring one up. 

“It was a double-edged sword. It was really awesome on one end but a little nerve wracking on the other.”

Davidson embraces his role in launching the program and laying a foundation for future seasons.

“I love it,” he said. “I always wanted a high-school hockey team. I reached out to a couple of other high schools but because (of SHSHL rules) I couldn’t.”

• Brandon McNally scored three goals for the Panthers Wednesday night and assisted on three others. Connor Elmore, Brandon Bishop, Randy Rhodomeyer, Cole Stemmer, and Lucas Cunnane also scored goals while Keira Shaw provided four assists. 

Matt Krem got the shutout on goal as Quakertown improved to 5-3 overall and 4-3 in divisional play.

Springfield 0 0 0—0

Quakertown 2 3 3—8

First-period goals: Connor Elmore (Q) from Keira Shaw and Brandon McNally, 3:22; Brandon Bishop (Q) from McNally, 15:21.

Second-period goals: Randy Rhodomeyer (Q) from Lucas Cunnane, 6:17; McNally (Q) from Keira Shaw, 10:42; McNally (Q) from Will Shaw and Keira Shaw, 12:22 (pp).

Third-period goals: McNally from Keira Shaw, 5:14; Cole Stemmer (Q) from McNally, 11:48; Cunnane (Q) from Stemmer, 12:59.

Shots: Springfield 22, Quakertown 41. Saves: Liam Baskin (Q) 33, Matt Krem (Q) 22