APAC Update 3-6-23

Won Lost OTW OTL Pts GF GA

La Salle (13-9-2) 6 2 0 0 18 33 23

Holy Ghost Prep (16-7) 4 2 1 1 15 39 33

St. Joseph’s Prep (14-6-2) 3 4 1 0 11 24 28

Hun School (11-13) 3 5 0 0 9 24 30

Malvern Prep (9-7) 2 5 0 1 4 23 28

This Week

Monday, 2-13

La Salle 6 Holy Ghost Prep 5

Tuesday, 2-14

Founders Cup Playoffs Play-in

Hun School 5 Malvern Prep 2

Wednesday, February 15

Wyoming Seminary 3 La Salle 2

Thursday, February 16

Hun School 5 Princeton Day 2

Semifinals at Hatfield Ice

4:00 La Salle 5 Hun School 2

6:15 Holy Ghost Prep 4 St. Joeph’s Prep 1

Monday, February 27

Malvern Prep 1, Salesianum 0

Wednesday, March 1

La Salle 7 Holy Ghost Prep 3

Scoring Leaders G A Pts

Brady Baehser (HGP) 10 9 19

Joe Samango (SJP) 11 4 15

Kieran Mulholland (HGP) 9 6 15

Jeremy Jacobs (MP) 6 8 14

Jeffrey Hammond (SJP) 4 10 14

Justin LaPlante (HS) 6 8 14

John Seravalli (HGP) 4 8 12

Elian Estulin (HS) 4 7 11

Triatan Winata (SJP) 4 6 10

Ryan Levesque (HS) 4 6 10

Playoff Semifinals

Wednesday February 22 at Hatfield Ice

Game Times 4:00 and 6:00

Wednesday, March 1

Founders Cup Championship Game hosted by highest seeded finalist

Hockey Community Comes Together to Support Malvern Prep

What happened on the ice at Ice Line Thursday evening paled in comparison to what happened off the ice.

The Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference game between Malvern Prep and St. Joseph’s Prep, a 4-1 win for the Friars, was preceded by a dine-and benefit event which raised funds to support the fight against Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome, or RTS, a genetic disorder that causes intellectual and developmental disabilities that affects one in 125,000 children.

Connor Keenan, the 3-year old son of Malvern Prep coach Bill Keenan is afflicted with the syndrome.

The dine- donate event, which included a 50-50 drawing, was held at Ice World’s Goal Line Pub prior to game time; a portion of the evening’s receipts will be donated to a foundation that is focused on treating and finding a cure for RTS.

During the pregame warmup, both teams wore specially designed jerseys highlighting the fight against RTS and Keenan and his family, including his wife Sarah and Connor, and, along with 6-year old Olivia and 8-year old J.J. took part in a ceremonial puck drop just prior to game time.

Keenan expressed her appreciation for the hockey community’s support of her family.

“It’s very humbling,” she said. “We really feel the love from the whole community, and it just goes to show what a great community the hockey world really is.”

Sarah Keenan spoke of the challenges the family has faced since Connor was diagnosed with RTS last year.

“It’s been overwhelming,” she said, “but we’ve made a lot of progress in the last year. Connor has shown us a lot and taught us a lot too.

Keenan noted the importance of educating the public about RTS.

“It’s very rare,” she said. “So, it’s important just make people aware of it for inclusion purposes and to get that research really going to see if they can help kids with the syndrome out.”

Bill Keenan expressed his thanks for the support he and his family have received.

“The community has been great,” he said. “It’s all new. It’s rare. So, to have a night like this is good and hopefully we can do it in years to come.”

The Keenan family; J.J. Olivia, Bill, Sarah, and Connor join Malvern Prep’s Steven Getsie (left) and St. Joseph’s Prep’s Jeffrey Hammond for the opening faceoff.

• The game—Four different players scored goals for the Friars, who closed the regular season at 8-6 (2-5-0-1 in the APAC. Caiden Canale, Gavin Wilson, Ryan Clark, and Brady Doyle all found the back of the net. Doyle also added two assists.
Caiden Kelly scored for the Hawks (14-5-2, 3-4-1-0)

St. Joseph’s Prep 0 0 1—1

Malvern Prep 1 2 1—4

First-period goal: Caiden Canale (MP) from Brady Doyle, 10:05

Second-period goals: Gavin Wilson (MP) from Aidan Kelly and Canale,: 15 (pp); Ryan Clark (MP) from Doyle, 1:00 (pp)

Third-period goals: Caiden Kelly (SJP) from Jeffrey Hammond, 1:59; Doyle (MP) from Kelly, 16:43 (en)

Shots: St. Joseph’s Prep 25, Malvern Prep 33; Saves: Ajay White (SJP) 29, Brandon Novabilski (MP) 24

St. Joseph’s Prep 7 The Hun School 1

HAVERFORD TOWNSHIP —All the pieces fit together for St. Joseph’s Prep Friday night.

Joe Samango scored three goals and assisted on three others and Jeffrey Hammond added two goals and two assists as the Hawks, with the heart of their roster on hand, celebrated Senior Night with a 7-1 win over The Hun School 7-1 in an Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference game at the Skatium.

The win assured St. Joseph’s Prep (14-4-2 overall, 3-3-1-0 in the APAC) of a third-place finish in the conference regular-season standings; the Hawks will conclude conference play against Malvern Prep on Thursday.

The Raiders to 8-12 overall and 2-5 in the APAC.

It was a night when the Hawks had their big guns on hand. That hasn’t always happened this season; there have been multiple occasions on which they were shorthanded because of key players being away on club duty.

After witnessing his team’s effort Friday night, it was impossible for Coach David Giacomin not to speculate on what they might have achieved, and might accomplish going forward.

“I know we’re a really good team when we have everybody here and healthy,” he said.

The Hawks were shorthanded when they absorbed a 7-0 loss to the Raiders on December 7 and Giacomin said that result motivated his team Friday night.

“This was basically all the seniors having that will and desire,” he said. “They didn’t want to lose on Senior Night. That’s what it came down to.

Goals from Samango and Shane O’Neill, sandwiched around a goal from Hun School’s Brendan Marino, gave the hosts a 2-1 lead after one period before they broke the game open with four goals in the second frame, two from Hammond and one each from Samango and Tristan Winata, the Hawks’ number-one line.

Samango completed his hat trick in the third period. The trio accounted for 14 points.

“When we play together as one unit, we score a lot of goals,” Hammond said. “But when we don’t, we break apart.

“Games where we find each other and play s one unit we (do well).

The Raiders outshot the Hawks 31-29 but only Marino could solve Rocco Bruno in the Hawk net. The visitors’ frustrations boiled over on occasion; they were whistled for nine of the game’s 14 penalties.

“Obviously (St. Joseph’s Prep) they flipped the script here today,” said Hun School coach Ian McNally. “That’s kind of been the storyline for two weeks now. “It’s like, we’re trying really hard, we outshoot them, but we basically have very few actual scoring chances. And, every five minutes we let a team rush to the other end and score.”

Hun School 1 0 0—1

St. Joseph’s Prep 2 4 1—7

First-period goals: Joe Samango (SJP) from Patrick Sweeney and Shane O’Neill, 1;53; Brendan Marino (HS) from Justin LaPlante, 11:24; O’Neill (SJP) from Jeffrey Hammond and Samango, 14:04 (pp)

Second-period goals: Hammond (SJP) from Tristan Winata and Samango: 23; Samango (SJP) 5:33 (pp) Winata (SJP) from Hammond, 7:46; Hammond (SJP) from Samango, 14:21;

Third-period goal: Samango (SJP) from Winata and Hammond, 14:33

Shots: Hun School 31, St. Joseph’s Prep 29; Saves: Julian Arsenault (HS) 22; Rocco Bruno (SJP) 30

CLICK HERE for more about The Hun School

CLICK HERE for more about St. Joseph’s Prep

Malvern Prep-St. Joseph’s Prep Matchup to Aid the Fight Against RTS

When Malvern Prep hosts St. Joseph’s Prep in an APAC game on Thursday, February 9 at Ice Line, the evening will be about more than just hockey.

The game itself will be the centerpiece of a dine-and-donate event to raise funds for the effort to find a cure for Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome, or RTS, a rare genetic syndrome.

RTS is a genetic syndrome which is typically a mutation of the CREBBP or EP300 gene. Those with RTS have an intellectual disability along with both developmental and growth delays. Some have other medical issues as well.

Malvern Prep coach Bill Keenan’s 3-year old son Connor is afflicted with RTS, which occurs in one of every 125,000 children.
“It’s a spectrum,” Kenan said, “so some kids have more impediments than others.

“My son was diagnosed last year, so, we’re trying to bring awareness to it for a good cause. We’ve met some other families with the syndrome and we want to do our part in raising awareness and giving back.”

The dine-and-donate event will begin at 7 p.m. and continue until 10:30. The game between the Friars and the Hawks will begin at 8:30.

Keenan’s entire family will join him in a ceremonial pick drop including his wife Sarah, Connor, and Connor’s siblings. 8-year old J.J. and 6-year old Olivia.

Keenan is grateful for the support he and his family have received from the Malvern Prep community and the area hockey community.

“We’re lucky to have such a great community from Malvern Prep and the hockey community that wants to help us raise awareness,” he said, “and we’re looking forward to a good night. This is our first year obviously having something like this and we’ll build onto it. Maybe have some other families come out in the future, and overall we’re just looking for it to be a fun night where everybody can learn and bring awareness.”

Keenan feels an obligation to be a voice for families dealing with RTS.

“As most people know, I don’t like to be in the spotlight,” he said, “and my family does not like to be in the spotlight. At the end of the day this event isn’t just about Connor. It is for all those with RTS and being able to educate others is a big part of what me and my family are trying to do.”

Malvern Prep 3 St. Augustine Prep 2 OT

Jimmy Jacobs scored a goal 46 seconds into overtime to give the host Friars a 3-2 over St. Augustine Prep Monday afternoon at Ice Line in a non-league encounter.

Gabe Bedwell and Jonathan Holt also scored for Malvern Prep, which improved to 7-5 on the season.

St. Augustine Prep 1 1 0 0—2

Malvern Prep 0 2 0 1—3

First-period goal: Caleb Capecci (SA) from Ty Simonet, 10:16 (pp)

Second-period goals: Gabe Bedwell (MP) from Aidan Kelly and Jonathan Holt, 6:25; Grayson Esposito (SA) from Dom Riccardi, 6:59; Holt (MP) from Bedwell and Kelly, 10:29

Overtime goal: Jimmy Jacobs (MP) from Jeremy Jacobs, :46

APAC Standings as of 2-8-23

Won Lost OTW OTL Pts GF GA

La Salle (10-8-2) 5 2 0 0 15 27 18

Holy Ghost Prep (15-5) 4 1 1 1 15 34 27

St. Joseph’s Prep (14-5-2) 3 4 1 0 11 24 28

Hun School (9-12) 3 5 0 0 9 24 30

Malvern Prep (8-6) 2 5 0 1 4 24 25

Game Results

Wednesday, February 8

Hun School 2, Malvern Prep 1

La Salle 4 Council Rick South 0

Holy Ghost Prep 7 Pennsbury 5

Hun School 4 Malvern Prep 2

Elian Estulin’s goal midway through the third period proved to be the game winner as Hun School bested Malvern Prep 4-2 in an Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference game Wednesday afternoon at Ice Line.

Scott Richmond, Ryan Levesque, and Justin LaPlante also scored goals for the Raiders, who improved to 5-8 overall
and moved into third place in the APAC standings with a 2-3 conference mark. LaPlante and Brendan Marino contributed two assists each.

Julian Arsensult got the win in goal, making 51 saves in the process.

Jimmy and Jeremy Jacobs scored goals for the Friars (7-4, 1-4).

Jimmy Jacobs gave Malvern Prep a 1-0 lead 10:22 into the second period. Richmond tied the game for the Raiders with a power-play goal at the 13:32 mark before Levesque put Hun School in front with 2:03 left in the middle period.

Jeremy Jacobs tied the game for the hosts 6:11 into the final period but Estulin’s effort with 8:27 left in the game proved decisive.

Hun School 0 2 2—4

Malvern Prep 0 1 1—2

Second-period goals: Jimmy Jacobs (MP) from Gabe Bedwell and Aidan Kelly, 10:22; Scott Richmond (HS) from Justin LaPlante and Brendan Marino, 13:32 (pp); Ryan Levesque (HS) from LaPlante and Marino, 14:57

Third-period goals: Jeremy Jacobs (MP) from Jack Sharer and Jimmy Jacobs, 6:11; Elian Estulin (HS) unassisted, 8:33; LaPlante (HS) from LeVesque, 16:06 (en)

Shots: Hun School 30, Malvern Prep 53; Saves: Julian Arsenault (HS) 51, Matt Crawford (MP) 26

APAC Offers a Memorable Evening With Inaugural Outdoor Classic

The Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference enhanced its legacy Wednesday night. The inaugural APAC Outdoor Classic brought four of the five conference schools to the Spring Mountain resort for a doubleheader in a unique outdoor setting.

For the record, Holy Ghost Prep edged Malvern Prep 6-5 and La Salle downed St. Joseph’s Prep 5-1. But as significant as the results were in the APAC conference standings, the impact of the evening and the setting made a deeper impression on the fans in attendance and most notably on the participants.

The Holy Ghost Prep-Malvern Prep matchup, which opened the doubleheader, was believed to be the first outdoor game in Malvern Pep history, and certainly the first outdoor game in the program’s modern era, which dates back more than half a century.

Senior Jimmy Jacobs is the Friars’ captain. “It was a really cool atmosphere,” he said. “It’s definitely a lot different than what we’re used to.

“When you’re playing outdoors, there’s nothing to complain about, It’s an awesome atmosphere. The ice is a little different, but that’s what we expected. It was really awesome to play outdoors.”

Holy Ghost Prep senior Landon Stout basked in the outdoor atmosphere. Wednesday marked Holy Ghost Prep’s second outdoor game in seven days; the Firebirds faced North Allegheny outdoors last Thursday in Pittsburgh.

“There’s nothing like it,” Stout said of playing outdoors. “That’s all I have to say. It’s a great experience.”

Stout noted the impact the conditions had on play. When the puck was dropped to begin the Holy Ghost Prep-Malvern Prep game, the temperature was in the low 40s, mild enough to impact ice conditions. The lighting conditions were impactful as well

“It’s a lot different than playing inside,” Stout said. “Especially for the goalies, it’s probably pretty hard to see the puck out here.”

St. Joseph’s Prep junior defenseman Shane O’Neill wasn’t happy with the loss to archrival La Salle. But playing a rivalry game in an outdoor setting left memories that are certain to endure.

“It was awesome,” he said. “We got a little taste of it last year against (Cardinal O’Hara), but it’s really nice coming out here under the stars and stuff.

O’Neill could feel a rush of energy when he first took the ice.

“It’s a lot of excitement,” he said. “It’s a different environment out here, but it’s still a lot of fun. At the end of the day, we’re still just playing hockey so, you try not to think too much about where we’re playing, and just get a win.”

La Salle senior Dante DeFuscio was in an observer’s role Wednesday night as the Explorers’ backup goaltender, but he embraced the setting as deeply as anyone in attendance.

“It was definitely unusual but surreal at the same time,” he said. “I don’t think many of our guys have played outside, maybe a handful, two or three. And, we’re just really thankful to be out there.”

DeFusico spent time attempting to absorb the energy and emotion of the occasion.

“I’m just trying to take it all in,” he said, “as much as possible. Especially because I don’t have to be 100 percent locked in. I have to be focused on the game (but) just enjoying keeping the guys loose.”

Holy Ghost Prep 6, Malvern Prep 5—The Firebirds scored three times in the first period and went on to the win that opened the APAC Outdoor Classic. The win kept the Firebirds alone in atop the conference standings with a 4-1-0-1 league record (12-4 overall).
Brady Baehser scored two goals in the win and assisted on another. Kieran Mulholland had a goal and two assists. Landon Stout, John Seravalli and Mike Holt also scored goals.

Jeremy Jacobs scored twice for Malvern Prep (7-3, 1-3) which was seeing its first action of the New Year. Brady Doyle, Jack Sharer, and Caiden Canale also scored for the Friars.

Holy Ghost Prep 3 2 1—6

Malvern Prep 1 3 1—5

First-period goals: Kieran Mulholland (HGP) from John Seravalli, 1:47; Brady Doyle (HGP) from Aidan Kelly, 5:45 (pp); Landon Stout (HGP) from Brady Baehser and Mike Holt, 8:38; Baehser (HG) from Shaun Moore and Mulholland, 12:54

Second-period goals: Jeremy Jacobs (MP) unassisted, 4:09; Jack Sharer (MP) from Matt Barbacane and Jimmy Jacobs, 11:08 (pp); Holt (HGP) from Mulholland, 13:53; Seravalli (HGP) from Mulholland and Shaun Moore, 14:27; Jeremy Jacobs (MP) unassisted, 15:00

Third-period goals: Baehser (HGP) from Seravalli, :48; Caiden Canale (MP) from Jeremy Jacobs, 13:28 (pp)

Shots: Holy Ghost Prep 34, Malvern Prep 44; Saves: Colin Mudrick (HGP) 39, Brandon Novabilski (MP) 28

LaSalle 5, St. Joseph’s Prep 1—Liam Donahue scored twice as the Explorers bested the Hawks in the nightcap of the APAC Outdoor Classic. Chase Hannon, Thomas Doucet and Evan Golato also scored for the Explorers who are now 6-7-2 overall but 4-1 in the APAC. La Salle is one point behind Holy Ghost Prep in the conference standings with a game in hand,

Jeffrey Hammond scored for St. Joseph’s Prep (12-3-2 overall, 1-3-1-0 in conference) which saw a seven-game unbeaten streak snapped.

St. Joseph’s Prep 0 1 0—1

La Salle 2 2 1—5

First-period goals: Chase Hannon (L) from Evan Golato, 3:03; Thomas Doucet (L) from Hannon, 9:16

Second-period goals: Liam Donahue (L) from Max Monzo and Will Gregorio, 1:36; Jeffrey Hammond (SJP) unassisted, 7:17 (pp); Donahue (L) from Monzo, 10:24

Third-period goal: Golato (L) from Declan Kelly, 9:28 (pp)

APAC to Host Outdoor Classic

The Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference will stage an outdoor doubleheader Wednesday night at the Spring Mountain resort in Schwenksville.

The event will feature two APAC conference games. Holy Ghost and Malvern Prep will open the doubleheader at 5:00; St. Joseph’s Prep and La Salle will follow at 7:15.

Malvern Prep comes into the week 7-2 overall and 1-2 in APAC play. Jeremy Jacobs has collected two goals and five assists for the Friars in three conference games, while his teammate Caiden Caniale has contributed five goals and an assist in APAC play.

Malvern Prep coach Bill Keenan is looking forward to seeing four APAC schools facing off under the lights.

“I think introducing the APAC Outdoor Classic is a way to bring a fun, entertaining atmosphere for all teams,” he said. “For these kids to get an opportunity to play outside is something they have looked forward to since playing hockey.

“This is the first time our program will be playing outdoors. The boys are eager to experience the excitement of this game. This will be a memory for many years to come.”

Holy Ghost Prep starts the week with an 11-3 overall record and in the first place in the APAC with a 3-0-0-1 conference mark; its conference loss was to St Joseph’s Prep in overtime.

Brady Baehser leads the APAC in scoring with five goals and five assists in conference games. Kieran Mulholland (six goals) and Landon Stout (three goals, three assists) are next with six points each).

LaSalle comes into the week with a 5-6-2 overall mark; the Explorers stand 3-1 in the APAC. Dean Carvalho is the Explorers’ top scorer in conference play, with three goals and three assists. James Carpenter has contributed four goals in conference games.

St. Joseph’s Prep comes into the week with an 11-2-2 overall mark after winning the National Capital Tournament over the holidays. The Hawks are 0-2-1-0 in conference play. Tristan Winata (two goals, one assist) and Jeffrey Hammond (one goal, two assists) are the top scorers in APAC play.

David Giacomin has taken his St. Joseph’s Prep team to Spring Mountain in the past. He’s looking to Wednesday’s return trip.

“St Joes’ is looking forward to returning to Spring Mountain for an outdoor game,” he said. “The boys are excited to participate with the other APAC teams and hopefully make this a yearly special event. “

Malvern Prep10 Haverford School 0

Malvern Prep scored four times in the first period and went on to a 10-0 shutout of The Haverford School Thursday night in a non-league game at Ice Line. that celebrated Senior Night.

Jeremy Jacobs and Jack Sharer each scored twice for the Friars. Steven Getsie, Aidan Kelly, Gavin Wilson, Emmy Jacobs, Pax Hoishik, and Ryan Clark also scored goals.

Haverford School 0 0 0—0

Malvern Prep 4 2 4—10