Pennsbury 12 Souderton 2

HATFIELD—Pennsbury entered the season as the defending SHSHL Class AA championship and accompanied by an assortment of expectations. The Falcons had an up-and-down first half of the campaign in part due to injuries. On Thursday night however, they were in fine form.

Brendan Macainsh scored three goals and assisted on another as the Falcons steamrolled Souderton 12-2 at Hatfield Ice in a Class AA game that was terminated with 3:26 left in the third period via the 10-goal mercy rule.

Pennsbury improved to 4-2-1 overall and 2-1 in divisional play. While that record may not raise eyebrows among their SHSHL foes, the level of Thursday night’s performance likely will. The Falcons launched 37 shots in 47 minutes and 34 seconds of playing time.

“I love to have a lot of shots,” said Pennsbury coach Ryan Daley. “A lot of shots equals a lot of opportunities.

They’re really good at it. Kids love to score and it’s not too hard to get them to buy in on that.”

Macainsh echoed those sentiments. “When everything’s working, it’s always fun to play,” he said. “our defense was working tonight and our offense was on point. so, you can’t complain about much.”
The blitz began early. Macainsh put in a rebound of Shane Siegmund’s shot 3:10 into the first frame to give Pennsbury the lead and the Falcons pushed their advantage to 4-0 by period’s end on additional goals from Logan Doyle, Macainsh, and Reece Millman.

Carter Povazan got Souderton (5-5, 3-4) on the scoreboard 3:14 into the middle period but Siegmund and Evan Eisler quickly answered for the Falcons and even after Timothy Alexander scored Souderton’s second goal the outcome was never in doubt. The abbreviated third period was a mere formality.

“We got hit by a truck,” said Souderton coach Ryan Uchniat. “That Pennsbury team is very good.

“It took us a little bit to get our bearings. We had a tough time getting it out of our zone and they crashed our net with a lot of speed. We had problems playing man on down low; I think that’s where it started.

In addition to Macainsh’s four-point night, Siegmund contributed a goal and four assists.

Pennsbury 4 4 4—12

Souderton 0 2 0—2

First-period goals: Brendan Macainsh (P) from Shane Siegmund and Justin Marlin, 3:10; Logan Doyle (P) from Andrew Falkenstein, 4:27; Macainsh (P) from Marlin and Siegmund, 10:37 (pp); Reece Millman (P) from Connor Coyne, 16:02

Second-period goals: Carter Povazan (S) from Sean Ryan, 3:14 (pp); Siegmund (P) from Marcus Roberts, 4:16; Evan Eisler (P) from Marlin, 5:41; Timothy Alexander (S) from Liam O’Neill, 12:47 (pp); Reese Picker (P) from Doyle, 14:21; Eisler (P) from Siegmund, 16:24

Third-period goals: Falkenstein (P) from Eisler, 10:39; Stephen Grosscup (P) from Macainsh, 11:07; Macainsh (P) from Coyne, 11:57; Colin Michalak (P) from Siegmound and Jason Fowler, 13:34.Game terminated with 3:26 remaining in the third period.
Shots: Souderton 12, Pennsbury 37; Saves: Noah Connor (S) 25, Aaron McDaniel (P) 10

Quakertown 8, William Tennent 5

WARWICK—A new hockey program does not achieve maturity overnight. The process takes time and there are likely to be growing pains along the way. Quakertown is in its third season now in the SHSHL and progress the Panthers have made is readily apparent.

Melanie Pezzano and Anthony Pagliei scored two goals each as Quakertown built leads of 6-0 and 7-2 before going on to an 8-5 win over William Tennent Wednesday night at Revolution Ice Gardens.

The win lifts Quakertown to 4-3 in the SHSHL’s American Division and 4-5 overall.

Head coach Keith Krem took a moment to reflect on the progress has team has made over the course of its existence.

“We’re a much better balanced team than we have been in years past,” he said, “and playing a little bit better away from the puck, which has helped tremendously.”

Pezzano, a senior who skated at left wing on her team’s top line, has played a significant role in her team’s evolution.

“I think we got a good foundation from the last couple years,” she said. “I know we weren’t the best, but we really put in the work this summer and at the beginning of the year. I think we’re a really good group, where we are right now.”

Quakertown got off to a fast start. Brandon McNally and Anthony Pagliei scored goals to put their side up 2-0 8:55 into the opening period. William Shaw and Pezzano added goals in the second frame before Lucas Cunnane and Pezzano extended Quakertown’s lead in the third.

Frank Rosenberry got William Tennent (0-8, 0-5) on the board with back-to-back goals to make it a 6-2 game at the 7:15 mark of the final period.

At that point, the floodgates opened. A total of nine goals were scored in the third period, five of them over the last 9:45 of regulation.

Tennent coach Vince Rosica lamented his team’s sluggish start.

“It’s hard to win hockey games with 11 skaters, he said, “and it’s a lot harder to win hockey games when you only play 10 minutes of the game.

“I’ll always give my players credit for stepping on the ice very week knowing they’re half the roster size of (many of their opponents) but at the end of the day we need to find ways to compete all three periods. From the coaches to the players, all of us have to find ways to do so.”

Pezzano had a pair of assists to go with her two goals. McNally also had a four-point night. Andrew Metz scored two of Tennent’s goals.

Quakertown 2 2 4—8

William Tennent 0 0 5—5

First-period goals: Brandon McNally (Q) from William Shaw and Melanie Pezzano, 3:06; Anthony Pagliei (Q) from McNally and Pezzano, 8:55 (pp);

Second-period goals: Shaw (Q) unassisted, 2:45; Pezzano (Q) from McNally and Shaw

Third-period goals: Lucas Cunnane (Q) from Connor Elmore and Randy Rhodomoyer, 4:01; Pezzano (Q) from Elmore 5:00; Frank Rosenberry (WT) unassisted, 5:26; Rosenberry (WT) from Nate Silverman and Tre Dyer, 7:15 (pp); Jack Dilberto (Q) from McNally, 9:00 (sh); Andrew Metz (WT) from Silverman and Gavin Loughlin, 13:03 (sh); Metz (WT) from Loughlin, 14:05; Pagliei (Q) unassisted, 14:19 (pp); Quinn Morena (WT) from Brennan Corcoran, 15:18

Shots: Quakertown 43, William Tennent 29; Saves: Matt Krem (Q) 24. Thomas Lomas (WT) 35

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SHSHL Update for 12-20-21

National/Continental-Class AA W L T OTL Pts

Pennridge (7-0) 4 0 0 0 8

Souderton (5-3) 3 2 0 0 6

Council Rock South (5-1-1) 3 1 0 0 6

Neshaminy (5-1-1) 2 1 0 0 4

Central Bucks East (3-4) 2 1 0 0 4

Bensalem (3-3) 1 1 0 0 2

Central Bucks South (1-5-1) 1 1 0 0 2

Pennsbury (3-2-1) 1 1 0 0 2

Council Rock North (2-4) 1 3 0 0 2

Central Bucks West (3-4) 0 3 0 0 0

North Penn (1-6) 0 3 0 0 0

American Division-Class A W L T OTL Pts

Abington (5-1) 4 0 0 0 8

Plymouth Whitemarsh (5-0) 3 0 0 0 6

Wissahickon (3-4) 3 1 0 0 4

Quakertown (3-5) 3 3 0 0 6

Upper Dublin (3-5) 2 3 0 0 4

Hatboro-Horsham (1-5) 0 4 0 0 0

William Tennent (0-7) 0 4 0 0 0

Scoring

Class AA G A Pts

Shane Siegmund (PB) 9 10 19

Karson Grainey (CRN) 12 6 18

Kevin Pico (Pr) 11 5 16

Max Gallagher (Nesh) 8 7 15

Nick Hahn (CRN) 6 8 14

Kevin Koles (CRS) 6 7 13

Alex Hood (Bens) 9 5 14

Julian Sarne (CRS) 10 3 13

Kevin Koles (CRS) 6 7 13

Seth Grossman (Soud) 7 5 12

Class A G A Pts

Matt Kramer (Ab 14 8 22

Jack Bocul (UD) 14 5 19

Joe Stelacio (Ab) 8 11 19

A.J. Pounds (Wiss) 10 8 18

Matt Cholaj (Ab) 8 9 17

Will Hussa (Wiss) 10 6 16

Aidan Keogh (PW) 7 9 16

Nick Hussa (Wiss) 5 11 16

Luke Weikerl (PW) 7 7 14

Danny Hussa (Wiss) 10 3 13

Anthony Pagliei (Q-town 5 8 13

Goals Against

Class AA Minutes GA GAA

Ryan Pico (Pr) 301 7 1.19

Brian Nelson (Nesh) 257 12 2.38

Liam Rogers (CBW) 204 10 2.50

Carson Lopez (CRS) 362 18 2.54

Jason Magaruh (CBS) 155 8 2.63

Class A Minutes GA GAA

Ben Panella (Ab 153 6 1.88

Kolton Galie (PW) 195 10 2.61

Sam Nemec (Ab) 153 10 3.14

Matt Krem (Q-town) 405 40 4.74

Michael Bonnani (Wiss) 354 36 4.88

SHSHL Update for 12-14-21

National/Continental-Class AA W L T OTL Pts

Pennridge (6-0) 3 0 0 0 6

Souderton (5-2) 3 1 0 0 6

Council Rock South (4-1-1) 2 1 0 0 4

Bensalem (3-2) 1 0 0 0 2

Central Bucks East (2-4) 1 1 0 0 2

Central Bucks South (1-5-1) 1 1 0 0 2

Neshaminy (4-1-1) 1 1 0 0 2

Pennsbury (3-2-1) 1 1 0 0 2

North Penn (1-5) 0 2 0 0 0

Central Bucks West (3-3) 0 2 0 0 0

Council Rock North (1-4) 0 3 0 0 0

American Division-Class A W L T OTL Pts

Abington (4-1) 3 0 0 0 6

Plymouth Whitemarsh (4-0) 2 0 0 0 4

Wissahickon (2-3) 2 0 0 0 4

Upper Dublin (3-3) 2 1 0 0 4

Quakertown (1-5) 1 3 0 0 2

Hatboro-Horsham (1-4) 0 3 0 0 0

William Tennent (0-6) 0 3 0 0 0

Scoring

Class AA G A Pts

Shane Siegmund (PB) 9 10 19

Karson Grainey (CRN) 10 5 15

Max Gallagher (Nesh) 8 7 15

Kevin Koles (CRS) 6 7 13

Nick Hahan (CRN) 6 7 13

Kevin Pico (Pe) 6 7 13
Alex Hood (Bens) 9 4 13

Class A G A Pts

Matt Kramer (Ab 13 7 20

Jack Bocul (UD) 12 5 17

Joe Stelacio (Ab) 5 11 16

Nick Hussa (Wiss) 4 10 14

Will Hussa (Wiss) 9 5 14

Matt Cholaj (Ab) 8 6 14

Goals Against

Class AA Minutes GA GAA

Ryan Pico (Pr) 301 7 1.19

Liam Rogers (CBW) 204 10 2.50

Brian Nelson (Nesh) 206 11 2.72

Carson Lopez (CRS) 311 18 2.95

Ricky Gonalez (Bens) 252 17 3.44

Class A Minutes GA GAA

Kolton Galie (PW) 144 8 2.82

Sam Nemec (Ab) 252 10 3.44

Michael Bonnani (Wiss) 252 25 4.76

Emmett Kepniss (UD) 148 17 5.51

Save Percentage

Class AA Minutes Shots Saves Save Pct.

Ryan Pico (Pr) 301 232 225 .970

Brian Nelson(Nesh) 206 165 154 .933

Liasm Rogers (CBW) 204 239 129 .928

Carson Lopez (CRS) 311 229 211 .921

Ricky Gonzalez (Bens) 252 163 146 .896

Class A Minutes Shots Saves Save Pct.

Kolton Galie (PW) 144 73 65 .890

Sam Nemec (Ab) 153 78 68 .872

Michael Bonnani (Wiss) 252 168 143 .851

Abington 11 Hatboro-Horsham 0

WARWICK TOWNSHIP—Abington took the ice this season with something to prove. A loss in the SHSHL Class A final a year ago (and being left out of the Flyers Cup field) has served as a motivating force and the Galloping Ghosts are off to a 3-1 start (2-0 in divisional play) in the wake of their 11-0 two-period win over Hatboro-Horsham Friday night at Revolution Ice Gardens, a win that set a message to the rest of the SHSHL’s American Division, and anyone else who may be interested.

“We definitely have that loss in the back of our minds, said senior forward Pat Stelacio, “every practice and every game. Just trying to get back to where we were last year and win it all instead of losing in the finals.”

Senior Ben Panella is one of the SHSHL’s most experienced goaltenders. “I think the loss in the finals last year was al kick in the butt,” he said. “This year, we are coming out with something prove. We are hoping that we can take it all this year. We have a deeper lineup and we just want the league to know what we can do.”

Junior Matt Kramer led the scoring barrage for the Galloping Ghosts, scoring five goals and assisting on two others. Three of his goals and both his assists came in the first period as Abington took a 7-0 lead.

“A good start is what we need,” Kramer said.

At that point, Abington coach Ken Brzozowski had his troops ease up against the Hatters (1-3, 0-2) who had just 10 skaters dressed, and focused his attention on finding ice time for some of his second-line athletes. In addition to Kramer, four different players scored goals. Matt Cholaj finished with two while Jordan Heydt, Ton Rourke, and Jonathan Walker added one each.

Brzozowski noted he has a deeper lineup than is typical in the SHSHL’s Class A sector. “We’re lucky that we’ve progressed here over the last couple of years,” he said. ”We’ve got some juniors and seniors on the team. But the biggest thing is, we’ve got a couple new players on our team that really have some skill. Between the first, second, and third lines, we’ve got some players who can put the puck in the net.”

First-year Hatboro-Horsham coach Shane Smith praised his team’s effort despite being shorthanded. “The team came out and fought hard,” he said. “They battled hard. I saw a lot of things from players that they reached down in and pulled out some stuff they didn’t think they had.
“Obviously the score didn’t go the way we wanted it to but I think there were a lot of good thigs out on the ice. I think there was a lot of good, hard, forechecking and we had a few good opportunities that were there.”

Abington 7 4 x—11

Hatboro-Horsham 0 0 x—0

First-period goals: Mathew Cholaj (A) from Matt Kramer, :43; Kramer (A) unassisted, 1:24; Jordan Heydt (A) unassisted, 7:38, Kramer (A) from Sean Doyle, 9:43; Tom Rourke (A) from Seamus Donofry, 11:13; Kramer A) from Joe Stelacio, 13:00 Cholaj (A) from Kramer, 13:42
Second-period goals: Kramer (A) from Stelacio, 2:59; Ryan Portner (A) from Ian Heydt 3:08; Jonathan Walker (A) from Heydt, 10:54; Kramer (A) from Vinny Menniti, 13:36

Shots: Hatboro-Horsham 16, Abington 43; Saves: Mason Rush (HH) 32; Ben Panella (A) 16

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

Souderton 5, North Penn 3

HATFIELD—Call it a Souderton Surge. Trailing North Penn 2-0 early in the second period of Wednesday’s SHSHL Class AA matchup, the Big Red erupted for three goals in a 10-miute span and went on to record a 5-3 decision over the Knights at Hatfield Ice.

The win lifted Souderton to 3-2 overall (1-1) in divisional play. After an abbreviated 2021 campaign that saw them win just twice, the Big Red is making some major strides.

“We’re trying to play Souderton hockey,” said Head Coach Ryan Uchniat. “We’re trying to establish something here and I told the boys ‘It’s not where you start, it’s where you finish.’”

Uchniat’s players took that advice to heart Wednesday night.

Jack Bates and Ryan Kaufhold scored first-period goals to give the Knights (1-4, 0-1) the lead.
Rex Grossman got Souderton on the board 4:20 into the middle period with a wrister from in front of the net.

By the midway point of the period the pace of the game had picked up and that worked to Souderton’s advantage.

Grossman tied the game at the 13:37 mark during a power play after stationing himself to the left of the Knights’ crease. Just 26 seconds later, Nick Smith gave Souderton a 3-2 lead.

Justin Yothers tied the game for North Penn 3:27 into the final period but Smith put the game winner behind North Penn netminder Nick Ebbinghaus with 7:34 left in regulation.

Tim Alexander scored an empty-net goal with 23 seconds remaining.

“Their intensity rose in the second period and we didn’t match it, in the second,” said North Penn coach Kevin Vaitis. “I thought we played a great first period. We’re up 2-0 and outshooting them 15-7. They stepped it up a little bit in the second period. We didn’t capitalize on it, and then we couldn’t get the puck out of our zone and had too many turnovers.

“Unfortunately, if you have too many turnovers, one is going to end up in the back of your net.”

Grossman finished the evening with two goals and two assists. He’s played in three of Souderton’s five games and has produced four goals and three assists. He said the second-period flurry was a matter of willpower.

“I think we just wanted to win,” he said, “and we didn’t want to lose against one of our biggest rivals. I think everybody just wanted to go out there and do what they could to get the win.”

Grossman, a sophomore, says the fact that last year’s young team is now collectively a year older has helped spur its improvement.

“To me, the biggest thing is everybody has gotten older, everybody has gotten better, he said. “We’ve all bonded I think as a team. We’re all starting to playa s one team, passing the puck better, shooting the puck better. (Goaltender Noah Connor) has played big all year and I think that people have stepped up when they need to step up.”

Ice Chips— Smith has six goals in four games. The Big Red outshot the Knights 36-30.

Souderton 0 3 2—5

North Penn 2 0 1—3

First-period goals: Jack Bates(NP) from Julian Ma, 1:48; Ryan Kaufhold (NP) unassisted, 11:30

Second-period goals: Seth Grossman(S) from Jaime Avaria and Liam O’ Neill, 4:20; Grossman (S) from Tim Alexander, 13:37 (pp); Nick Smith (S) from Grossman, 14:03

Third-period goals: Justin Yothers (NP) from Nolan O’ Toole, 3:27; Smith (S) from Carter Potvazan and Grossman, 9:26, Alexander (S) unassisted, 16:37 (en)

Shots: Souderton 36, North Penn 30; Saves: Noah Connor (S) 27, Nick Ebbinghaus (NP) 31

Jeff Mauro has written a book on the history of the Pennsylvania state high school hockey championship. It would make a great gift for the hockey fan on your list. To find out more and order a copy CLICK HERE

SHSHL Update for 11-22

National/Continental-Class AA W L T OTL Pts

Pennridge (4-0) 2 0 0 0 4

Pennsbury (2-0-1) 0 0 0 0 0

Council Rock South (2-0-1) 0 0 0 0 0

Neshaminy (2-0-1) 0 0 0 0 0

Central Bucks West (2-1) 0 0 0 0 0

Bensalem (1-1) 0 0 0 0 0

Central Bucks East (1-2) 0 0 0 0 0

North Penn (1-3) 0 0 0 0 0

Central Bucks South (0-4-1) 0 0 0 0 0

Souderton (2-2) 0 1 0 0 0

Council Rock North (1-2) 0 2 0 0 0

American Division-Class A W L T OTL Pts

Wissahickon (2-1) 2 0 0 0 4

Abington (1-1) 1 0 0 0 2

Upper Dublin (1-3) 1 1 0 0 2

Plymouth Whitemarsh (2-0) 0 0 0 0 0

Hatboro-Horsham (1-1) 0 1 0 0 0

Quakertown (0-2) 0 1 0 0 0

William Tennent (0-2) 0 1 0 0 0

Scoring

Class AA G A Pts

Shane Siegmund (PB) 4 6 10

Brendan Macainsh (PB) 5 4 9

Carson Grainey (CRN) 7 1 8

Julian Sarne (CRS) 5 2 7

Kevin Koles (CRS) 4 3 7

Reece Millman (Pb) 4 3 6

Grant Funseth (CBW) 1 4 5

Adam Ricci (CBW) 2 3 5

Alex Hood (Ben.) 4 1 5

Class A G A Pts

Will Hussa (Wiss) 8 5 13

Nick Hussa (Wiss) 2 9 11

A.J. Pounds (Wiss) 5 3 8

Danny Hussa (Wiss) 6 2 8

Frank Rosenberry (WT) 5 3 8

Jack Bocul (UD) 7 1 8

Goals Against

Class AA Minutes GA GAA

Ricky Gonzalez (Bens) 99 3 1.45

Aaron McDaniel (Pb) 158 5 1.52

Ryan Pico (Pr) 102 4 2.00

Carson Lopez (CRS) 158 7 2.13

Brian Nelson (Nesh) 104 5 2.45

Class A Minutes GA GAA

Kolton Galie 102 7 3.50

Mason Rush (HH) 99 10 4.85

Emmett Kepniss (UD) 148 17 5.51

Michael Bonnani (Wiss) 150 18 5.76

Save Percentage

Class AA Minutes Shots Saves Save Pct.

Ryan Pico (Pr) 102 66 62 .939

Carson Lopez (CRS) 158 112 105 .938

Ricky Gonzalez (Bens) 99 43 40 .930

Aaron McDaniel (Pb) 158 67 62 .925

Brian Nelson (Nesh) 104 52 47 .904

Class A Minutes Shots Saves Save Pct.

Kolton Galie (PW) 102 58 51 .879

Mason Rush (HH) 99 68 58 .853

Michael Bonnani (Wiss) 150 105 87 .829

Thomas Lomas (WT) 127 96 79 .823

To be eligible goaltenders must have played a minimum of 99 minutes

SHSHL Cracking Down on Fan Behavior

The Suburban High School Hockey League is taking a stand against inappropriate behavior by student spectators. SHSHL Commissioner Kenny Haas issued a directive on Tuesday that states studentswho behaves inappropriately at an SHSSL game will, without warning, be banned from attending league games for the balance of the season.

Inappropriate behavior includes, but is not limited to, the use of alcohol, intoxication, profanity, ejection and/or discipline from the on-ice officials, altercations in the stands, trash talking opponents on the ice or opponent spectators off-ice.

A number of spectators were removed from last Thursday’s game between Council Rock South and Central Bucks South at Hatfield Ice Arena.

SHSHL Previews

The Suburban High School Hockey League is celebrating the start of its 49th. season.

Here’s a look at what to expect..

National Conference

Bensalem

Last year: No varsity team

Coach: Jordan Roth (first Season)

Key Players: So. Ricky Gonzalez (G), So. Alex Hood (F); Fr. Aliaksandr Bazylevich (F-D); Fr. Cole Saladya (F-D)

Outlook: It’s been going on two decades since Bensalem last fielded a varsity hockey team. The core of this year’s squad won squad won a middle-school championship last season. Consequently, it will be one of the youngest teams in the SHSHL but Roth, a teacher in the district, is optimistic.

“Purpose, poise, and passion in the classroom and on the ice will dictate how we perform as a new program,” he said, “and grow the hockey culture in the Bensalem community.”

Central Bucks East

Coach: Jeff Mitchell (second season)

Last year: 6-5-1-1

Key players: Jr. Matt Mangiacapre (G); Sr. Tyler Godown (F); Sr. Phil McIntyre (F); Jr. Steven DiRugeris (F); Jr. Bogdan Borodenko (F);

Outlook: The Patriots will field a blend of youth and experience this season. Mangiacapre in goal and Godown up front will provide veteran leadership.

Central Bucks South

Coach: Shaun McGinty (eighth season)

Last year: 8-6-1

Key players: Jr. Jake Stepp (D); Jr. Matt Crouch (D); Sr. Daniel Kvecher (F) Sr. Aidan Gaffney (F); Jr. Aydin Thierolf

(F). So. Colin Mendham (F); So. D.J. Lindenmuth (F)

Outlook: The Titans will be young in places this season but there is also some experience on hand. If past history is any indication, the veterans on the roster will set the tone for the newcomers with their work ethic and focus and the Titans will be as dangerous as ever.

Central Bucks West

Coach: Dave Baun (18^th season)

Last year: 0-10

Key players: Sr. Evan Hee (D); Sr. Reese Dalzell (D); Sr. Grant Funseth (D); Sr. Billy Loughnane (F); Sr. Joey McFadden (F); So. Nick Bruno (F); So. Liam Rogers (G).

Outlook: The Bucks didn’t win a game last year. But Baun sees a promising season ahead.

“We really like this group,” he said. “We are young but talented. Most importantly, we have two important ingredients for success: good senior leadership, and hard-working kids willing to learn. These, together with solid goaltending give you a chance to win in any league.”

Council Rock North

Coach: Greg McDonald (first season)

Last year: No varsity team

Key players: So. Nick Hahn (D); Sr. Wilton Pasch (F); So. Karson Grainey (F)

Outlook: The Indians return to varsity competition this season under McDonald, who has extensive coaching experience at the club level. His team that is extremely young. Pasch, the only senior on the 17-man roster and the team’s captain is being counted on as a playmaker. Hahn is a defenseman with offensive skills while Grainey’s quickness will be an asset at center ice.

Council Rock South

Coach: Joe Houk (16^th season)

Last year: 9-5-0-2

Key Players: Sr. Carson Lopez (G); Sr. Kyle Boss (D) Sr. Julian Sarne (D); Sr. Sam Cherkassky (F); Sr. Julian Wagenmann (F);

Outlook: The Golden Hawks played for the SHSHL Class AA title last season and much of that team returns. If all the pieces fit together the stage is set for a very promising season.

Neshaminy

Coach: Matt DeMatteo (fifth season)

Last year: 6-6-1

Key players: Sr. Brian Nelson (G); Jr. J.J. Hathaway (D); Jr. Nolan Geria (D); Jr. Mike Knipple (D); Jr. Noah Seewagen (F); Jr. Danny McColgan (F)

Outlook: After enduring the challenges associated with youth last season, Neshaminy approaches the 2021-22 season as a team dominated by juniors, juniors who earned a substantial amount of ice time a year ago.

“We will continue to build on the experience gained last year as a young team,” DeMatteo said, “and look to take another step forward this season. It will take a team game and contributions from our entire line-up to make a successful run this year.”

North Penn

Coach: Kevin Vaitis

Last year: 6-9-1-1

Key players: Sr. Nich Ebbinghaus (G); Jr. Nick Crist (G); Sr. Ben Mostochuk (D); Jr. Tyler Porubski (D); Sr. Justin Yothers (F; Jr. Nolan O’Toole (F); So. Joey Silvotti (F); So. John Stinson (F)

Outlook: The Knights lost nine players due to graduation and Vaitis will be looking for his younger players to step up and play key roles. The return of Ebbinghaus for his senior year in goal should help.

Pennsbury

Coach: Ryan Daley (fifth season)

Last year: 16-2-2

Key players: So. Aaron McDaniel (G); Sr. Reece Millman (D); Sr. Connor Coyne (D); Sr. Justin Marlin (D): Jr. Andrew Falkenstein (D); Sr. Shane Siegmund (F); Jr. Brendan MacAinsh (F)

Outlook: The defending SHSHL Class AA champions return with a high-powered offense. But there is talent on blue line as well and in goal.

“The team is hungry to repeat as champions and make a deep run in the Flyers Cup,” Daley said. “The game plan hasn’t changed much from last year. We need to keep the pedal down and pick up where we left off.”

Pennridge

Coach: Jeff Montagna (fourth season)

Last year: 10-6
Key players: Sr. Ryan Pico (G); Sr. Aidan Boyle (D); Sr. Ryan Schuler (D); So. Colin Dachowski (D); Sr. Jack Lowery (F); Sr. Aeryk Learhaupt (F); Sr. Andrew David (F)

Outlook: The Rams lost just four players from a team that reached the Class 2A Flyers Cup semifinals a year ago. There is an abundance of experience on the roster including Pico, one of the area’s premier netminders.

Souderton

Coach: Ryan Uchniat (fourth season)

Last year 2-8

Key players: Jr. Noah Connor (G); Sr. Carter Pozavan (D); So. Seth Grossman (F); Jr. Timothy Alexander (F)

Outlook: A freshman-dominated team endured growing pains a year ago, but gained invaluable experience. The Big Red Is looking to take some steps forward this season.

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American Conference

Abington

Coach: Ken Brzozowski (fifth season)

Last year: 7-4

Key players: Sr. Ben Panella (G); Sr. Tommy Rourke (D); Sr. Joe Stelacio (F); Jr. Matt Kramer (F); Jr. Ian Heydt (F); Jr. Griffin Carpenter (F)

Outlook: The Galloping Ghosts, who reached the SHSHL American Division title game last winter, will field an experienced lineup this season. Five seniors will play key roles.

“The team has been working hard in practices,” Brzozowski said, “and looks forward to translating that effort to winning results. I am extremely proud of the seniors and excited to continue our journey into another successful season.”

Hatboro-Horsham

Coach: Shane Smith (first season)

Last year: 4-5-1-1

Key players: Sr. Mason Rush (G); Sr. Jack Steinberg (D); So. James Cortez (D); Sr. Tarek Elsabbagh (F)

Outlook: Smith takes over for Gianni Lafratta behind the Hatters’ bench. He’ll have some experience to call on, notably Rush in goal and Elsabbagh up front.

Plymouth Whitemarsh

Coach: Matt Aiello (eighth season)

Last year: 7-5

Key players: Sr. Aidan Keogh (F); Sr. Luke Weikel (F); Sr. Kolton Galie (G); Jr. Matt Flynn (F); Jr. Conlan Carpenter (D);

Outlook: The Colonials have expectations this season, in no small measure because their two leading scorers from last year return in Weikel and Keogh. Galie is experienced in goal.

Quakertown

Coach: Keith Krem (third season)

Last year: 1-10-0-1

Key players: So. Matthew Krem (G); Jr. Will Shaw (D); Sr. Anthony Pagliei (F); Jr. Jack Diliberto (F); Sr. Melanie Pezzano (F); Fr. Branden McNally (F); Fr. Corbin Cassel (F)

Outlook: The Panthers embark on their third SHSHL season with a roster that blends youth and experience. Krem is pleased with the leadership being shown by his upperclassmen.

“This is our most complete and balanced team yet,” he said.

Upper Dublin

Coach: Anthony Richichi (sixth season in second stint as coach)

Last year: 12-4 as an independent team

Key players: Sr. Emmett Kepniss (G); Sr. Sr. Andrew Kearney (D); Sr. Max Frearson (D); Jr. Aiden McCarthy (D); Louis Gamburg (F); Jr. Jack Boucl (F); So. Will Hurlburt (F)

Outlook: The Flying Cardinals are back in the SHSHL after a two-year hiatus due to a roster issue; they were lacking a goaltender who attended Upper Dublin High. Kepniss, a newcomer to organized hockey, has stepped up to fill that role.

Gamburg, Kearney, and Frearson will provide senior leadership.

“We are thrilled to have the chance to compete,” Richichi said, “with the goal of making playoffs and, hopefully, a Flyers Cup berth.”

William Tennent

Coach: Vincent Rosica (first season)

Last year: 4-5-1-1

Key players: Sr. Tom Lomas (G); Sr. Gavin Loughlin (D); Sr. Matt Castan (F)

Outlook: Rosica moves behind the Panther bench to take over for longtime SHSHL fixture Nick D’Aurizio. There will be some graduation losses to overcome; all three of last year’s captains are gone, but Lomas returns in goal.

Wissahickon

Coach: Ken Harrington (seventh season)

Last year: 12-2

Key players: Sr. Michael Bonnani; Sr. Ty Schiff (D); Jr. Griffin Lynch (F-D); Sr. Nick Hussa (F); Jr. Will Hussa (F); Sr. A.J. Pounds (F);

Outlook: the Trojans will be attempting to defend the SHSHL American Division (Class A) title, and despite having to deal with some graduation losses, they have the firepower to do so. Will and Nick Hussa are proven scorers and Schiff will provide experience on the blue line.

Flyers Cup Results: Tuesday, April 6 and Future Schedule

Flyers Cup Schedule for Tuesday, April 6

Class AA First Round

Downingtown West 5 Ridley 1

Neshaminy 4, Perkiomen Valley 0

Spring Ford 8. Downtown East. 1

Avon Grove 3, Council Rock South 2 OT

Haverford 12, North Penn 1

Central Bucks South 3 Owen J. Roberts 1

Pennridge 4, Central Bucks East 2

Pennsbury 2, Conestoga 1

Thursday, April 8

Class AAA Quarterfinal

3 Holy Ghost Prep vs 6 Cardinal O’Hara 8:40 Hatfield Ice Blue

Class A Quarterfinals

1 West Chester East vs. 8 Penncrest 6:15 Ice Line 1

4 Spring.-Delco vs 5 Sun Valley 8:50 Ice Works 3

3 Wissahickon vs 9 WC Henderson 7:10 Hatfield Gray

2 Strath Havem vs WC Bayard Rustin 8:50 Ice Works 4

Class AA Quarterfinals

1 Downingtown West vs 9 Neshaminy 8:45 at Ice Line 3

4 Spring Ford vs 12 Avon Grove 6:45 at Ice Line 3

3 Haverford vs 6 Central Bucks South 8:15 at Ice Line 1

2 Pennsbury vs. 10 Pennridge. 6:30 at Hatfield Blue

Tonight’s games and all Flyers Cup games are available on the Flyers Cup You Tube channel: HERE