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

Wissahickon 4, Abington 3

Nick Hussa scored a goal and assisted on three more as Wissahickon defeated Abington 4-3 Thursday night in the Suburban High School Hockey League American Division championship game at Hatfeld Ice.

It’s the fifth divisional title for the Trojans. They previously won championships in 2006, 2010, 2015, and 2019. A possible sixth championship in 2003 has not been verified.

Wisssahickon (12-1) took the lead on a goal from Bryan Garry 7:11 into the first period. Abington (8-4) drew even when Colin Bruton found the back of the net at the 15:36 mark during a power play.

Wissahickon’s Daniel Glazer and Abington’s Sam Paulik traded goals in the second period before Will Hussa gave Wissahickon the lead for good at the 13:28 mark with an assist from Nick Hussa, who extended the Trojans’ lead when he scored with 2:07 left in the period. Griffin Carpenter scored for Abington remaining in the second session; the third period was scoreless.

Wissahickon will move on to the Class A Flyers Cup and will face sixth-seeded West Chester Henderson next Thursday at Hatfield Ice (7:10).

Thursday’s loss concluded Abington’s season.

Abington 1 2 0—3

Wissahickon 1 3 0—4

First-period goals: Bryan Garry from Nick Hussa and Daniel Glazer, 7:11; Colin Bruton (A) from Tom Rourke and Matt Kramer, 15:36 (pp)

Second-period goals: Galzer from Garry and Hussa, 3:50; Sam Paulik (A) from Ian Heydt and Sean Faye, 8:13; Wil Hussa from Nick Hussa, 13:28; Nick Hussa from Garry, 14:53; Griffin Carpenter (A) unassisted, 15:42

Shots: Abington 28, Wissahickon 49; Saves: Sam Panella (A) 45, Michael Bonanni 25

SHSHL Playoff Recap 3-29-21

Council Rock South 7, North Penn 0

Blaize Pepe scored three goals to lead Council Rock South to a 7-0 over North Penn Monday night in a SHSHL National/Continental playoff game at Grundy Arena. Julian Wagenmann, Brennan Wright, Julian Sarne, and Jeremy all scored goals for the third-seeded Golden Hawks who will face second-seeded Central Bucks South in a Wednesday semifinal at Hatfield Ice (6:30 start).

Jimmy Sweeney earned the shutout in goal, stopping 34 shots.

Sixth-seeded North Penn (5-6-1-1) will be idle until it begins play in the Flyers Cup tournament next week.

North Penn 0 0 0—0

C.R. South 2 3 2—7

First-period goals: Blaize Pepe (CRS) from Kyle Schneider, 3:22; Jeremy Purcell (CRS) from Kyle Boss and Julian Sarne, 9:59

Second-period goals: Julian Wagenmann (CRS) from Andrew Darling, 6:25; Pepe (CRS) from Chase Tovsky and Doug Lopez, 8:40; Nrennan Wright (CRS) from Kevin Koles and Tovsky, 12:05

Third-period goals: Sarne (CRS) from Lopez and Sam Cherkassky 9:13; Pepe (CRS) from Purcell, 13:49

Shots: North Penn 34, C.R. South 33; Saves: Jon Boyles (NP) 26, Jimmy Sweeney (CRS) 34

Pennridge 4, Neshaminy 2

Four different Pennridge players scored goals as Pennridge downed Neshaminy 4-2 Monday night in a SHSHL first-round National/Continental playoff game at Hatfield Ice.
Andrew Savona’s goal with 1:52 gone in the opening period gave Pennridge (8-4) a 1-0 lead). Jacob Hems tied the game for Neshaminy (6-6-1) with 6:18 left in the period.

The Rams took the lead for good in the second period on goals from Jeff Manto and Aeryk Lehrhaupt.

Mike Duke scored a power-play goal for the ‘Skins 1:28 into the third period, but Jack Lowery provided insurance for the Rams with 5:42 remaining in regulation.

Neshaminy outshot the Rams 50-41. Pennridge goaltender Ryan Pico was credited with 48 saves.

Pennridge will face top-seeded Pennsbury on Wednesday in the semifinals (7:20 at Grundy Arena).

Neshaminy 1 0 1—2

Pennridge 1 2 1—4

First-period goals: Andrew Savona (P) from Kevin Pico, 1:52; Jacob Helms (N) unassisted, 9:42

Second-period goals: Jeff Manto (N) from Aeryk Lehrhaupt, 5:44; Lehrhaupt (P) from Aidan Boyle and Manto, 11:01

SHSHL Playoff Schedule

Monday 3-29

Nat/Continental First Round

3 Council Rock South vs. 6 North Penn 7:15 at Rev. Ice Gardens

4. Neshaminy vs. 5 Pennridge 7:20 at Hatfield Ice

Wednesday 3-31

Nat/Continental Semifinals

1 Pennsbury vs. TBD 7:20 at Grundy

2. Central Bucks South vs. TBD 6:30 at Hatfield

American Division Semifinals

1 Wissahickon vs. 4 Hatboro-Horsham 8:40 at Hatfield

2. Abington vs. 3 Plymouth Whitemarsh 9:00 at BCI

Thursday, April 1

Championship games in both divisions; sites, times TBD

Flyers Cup Selection Show 2021

The 2021 Flyers Cup Selection Show can be accessed here at 7:30 Eastern Time tonight.

Click Here to access the Flyers Cup YouTube Channel

Following the completion of the program we will post information related to the tournament, including seedings and first-round matchups.

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SHSHL Announces Playoff Schedule

The Suburban High School Hockey League has announced its postseason schedule, a schedule that has been impacted by the pandemic.

Because of Covid issues, several teams in playoff contention, will not be able to complete their regular-season schedules by the end of this week; for a variety of reasons related to ice availability and the upcoming Flyers Cup tournament, the regular season cannot be extended beyond that point.

As a result, the SHSHL will determine playoff qualifiers and seedings based on winning percentage. Any scheduled games that are not played by week’s end will be considered ‘no game.’

The six playoff qualifiers in Class AA (the combined National and Continental Divisions) have been determined, although not all the seeds have been finalized.

Pennsbury is assured of being the number-one seed. Council Rock South, Central Bucks South, Neshaminy, and Pennridge will fill positions two through five although the order will not be finalized until Friday night. North Penn will be seeded sixth.

The Class AA playoffs will begin Monday night, March 29 with the third seed facing North Penn and the fourth and fifth seeds facing each other. The sites and times of those games are still to be determined.

The Class AA semifinals are set for Wednesday, March 31 and the two semifinal winners will play for the championship on Thursday, April 1 at Grundy Arena.

The four playoff qualifiers in the American Division are also set. Top-seeded Wissahickon will face fourth-seeded Hatboro-Horsham in a semifinal game next Wednesday, March 31 at Hatfield Ice. That same evening, Abington will face Plymouth Whitemarsh in the other semifinal (site and time TBD). Those two teams will be seeded second and third, although which is seeded where is still to be determined.

The American Division championship game is scheduled for Thursday, April 1 at a site and time to be determined.

The results of the playoffs will have no bearing on the seedings for the upcoming Flyers Cup tournament. Those seedings will be announced this coming Sunday, March 28. The Flyers Cup tournament is scheduled to begin on April 5.

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SHSHL Announces Playoff Format

The Suburban High School Hockey League has officially announced its playoff format. The postseason will begin on Monday, March 29. Six teams vie for the National/Continental division championship while four other teams will square off for the American Division crown.

On Match 29, the number National/Continental seed will face the number six seed while the fourth seed will face the fifth seed. The winners will advance to play the top two seeds in the semifinals Wednesday, March 31.

The American Division semifinals will also be contested on March 31 with Wissahickon, the top seed, facing the fourth seed and the second seed going against the third seed. The championship games in both classes will be played on Thursday, April 1.

The results of the playoffs will have no bearing on the seedings for Flyers Cup tournament, which will be announced on March 28.

SHSHL Update for 3-15

SHSHL Standings as of 3-15-21

National/Continental W L T OTL Pts.

Pennsbury (9-0-0-1) 6 0 0 0 12

Council Rock South (6-3-0-2) 4 2 0 1 9

Neshaminy (5-3-1) 4 1 0 0 8

Pennridge (6-3) 4 2 0 0 8

Central Bucks South (4-3-1) 3 1 0 0 6

North Penn (5-4-1-1) 3 3 0 1 7

Central Bucks East (5-3-1-1) 1 3 0 1 3

Souderton (2-7) 1 5 0 0 2

Central Bucks West (0-10) 0 6 0 0 0

American Division W L T OTL Pts.

Wissahickon (10-1) 10 1 0 0 20

Abington (5-3) 5 3 0 0 10

Plymouth-Whitemarsh (6-4-) 5 4 0 0 10

Hatboro-Horsham (4-4-1-1) 4 4 1 1 10

William Tennent (4-5-1-0) 4 5 1 0 9

Truman (4-6) 4 6 0 0 8

Quakertown (1-8-0-1) 1 7 0 1 3

SHSHL Update 3-7-21

National/Continental W L T OTL Pts.

Pennsbury (8-0-0-1) 6 0 0 0 12

Pennridge (6-3) 4 2 0 0 8

Neshaminy (5-3-1) 4 1 0 0 8

Central Bucks South (4-3-1) 3 1 0 0 6

North Penn (5-4-1-0) 3 3 0 0 6

Council Rock South (4-3-0-2) 2 2 0 1 5

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

Central Bucks West (0-8) 0 5 0 0 0

Souderton (1-7) 0 5 0 0 0

American Division W L T OTL Pts.

Wissahickon (9-1) 9 1 0 0 18

Plymouth-Whitemarsh (6-3-0-1) 5 3 0 1 11

Abington (5-3) 5 3 0 0 10

Hatboro-Horsham (4-4-1-1) 4 4 1 1 10

William Tennent (4-4-1-0) 3 4 1 0 9

Truman (3-6) 3 6 0 0 6

Quakertown (1-7-0-1) 1 7 0 1 3

National Conference Scoring GP G A. Pta

Brendan Macainsh (Pb) 9 9 13 22

Adam Bostock (CBE) 8 10 11 21

Thomas Gallagher (Nesh) 8 9 8 17

Robert Seewagen (Nesh) 9 10 6 16

Seth Grossman (Soud) 6 14 2 16

Aeryk Lehrhaupt (Pr) 9 11 3 14

Shane Siegmund (Pb) 9 5 9 14

Ryan Cunningham (NP) 10 7 6 13

Julian Sarne (CRS) 9 3 10 13

Blake Stewart (Pr) 7 6 6 12

Andrew David (Pr) 9 6 6 12

American Division Scoring GP G A Pts

Bryan Garry (Wss) 10 36 19 55

Nick Hussa (Wiss) 9 12 21 33

Jeremy McCartney (Tr) 9 13 12 25

Luke Weikel (PW) 10 11 12 23

Joe Stelacio (Ab) 8 7 13 20

Eric Orzehoski (Q) 9 10 10 20

Justin Carrelli (WT 9 13 6 19

Aidan Keough (PW) 10 7 12 19

A.J. Pounds (Wiss) 6 9 9 18

Seth Lerner (HH) 8 13 5 18

The scholastic hockey season will conclude in April with the Flyers Cup tournament. We’d love to help you promote your product, service, or event during the tournament. Contact us at rwoelfel2013@gmail.com for more information.

If you or a family member, or friend are looking for a dentist, we’re proud to recommend All Smiles Family Dentistry. They’re located at 1620 South Broad Street in Lansdale.

Call for an appointment at 215-616-0609 or e-mail them at allsmilesfamilydentistry@verizon.net. You can also find them on line at www.allsmileslansdale.com.