Marshall Embracing Captain’s Role at Holy Ghost Prep

The captain’s role in hockey is unique in team sports. He’s expected to provide leadership on and off the ice, mentor his younger teammates, and perhaps serve as a liaison between the players and the coaching staff.

For Holy Ghost Prep senior Chris Marshall, the role is all encompassing.

”Basically, it’s doing anything to get the job done and win,” he said. “I feel like I have the opportunity to contribute to the team, that’s most important and we’re looking to having a really successful year again.”

Marshall spoke to the importance of the veterans in the Firebird showing the way for their younger teammates.

“That’s everything,” he said. “The seniors and juniors, the upperclassmen have to be there for the {underclassmen} and if they have a bad shift or a bad play, tell them to shake it off, go get the next one. It’s everything for us to be there for them and have one team all be united.”

This mutually supportive atmosphere does not always come to fruition around a hockey team or teams in other sports for that matter. But Marshall sees it as the norm on the Holy Ghost Prep teams he has played on.

“I think it’s the culture,” he said. “Everyone loves each other here. There’s no bickering, there’s no fighting and I think everyone knows what the job is that has to get done and I think everyone wants to work towards that.”

A Lower Bucks County native, Marshall started playing hockey at 6 and eventually followed his brother, a past Firebird captain to Holy Ghost Prep.

“I only really had eyes on Ghost,” he said. “There was no other school I wanted to go to.

“My family played hockey my whole life so I kind of grew up around the game It’s just been a part of my life.”

Holy Ghost Prep coach John Ritchie listed the attributes that Marshall brings to the captaincy.

“He understands what it means to be a Holy Ghost student-athlete,” Ritchie said. “He’s well like by everyone, he, has a positive demeanor and knows the right time when to speak up to try to motivate the team. He’s been on varsity for three years and witnessed the team struggle and succeed, as well as, his own personal accomplishments and obstacles.”

Ritchie says Marshall is well-equipped to handle the responsibilities that come with wearing the captain’s C.

“It’s important to me that the person wearing the C knows how to handle adversity individually because when they’re tasked with being in charge of the team, they can’t fold or disappear,” he said. “Chris is someone that meets these things head on and sets a good tone for our locker room. He is a role model for the younger players.”

Blust Takes Over at Central Bucks West

Central Bucks West has a deep connection to the Suburban High School Hockey League. West first joined the league in 1975-76, the SHSHL’s third season. Along with William Tennent, West was one of the first two Bucks County public school teams to skate under the SHSHL umbrella.

According to SHSHL records, that team lasted just one season but in the 1977-78 season a team was formed that blended athletes from Central Bucks East and West for a number of years before the Bucks regained their autonomy.
Under longtime coach Dave Baun, the program had periods of success, notably in 2017 when it reached the semifinals of the Class AA Flyers Cup tournament.

The team has struggled in recent seasons however and Frank Blust has taken on the challenge of restoring the program’s luster.

An experienced club hockey coach, Blust was expected to take over the program at Pennridge this season after Jeff Montagna announced his retirement. But Montagna decided to stay on and when Baun decided to retire after 20 seasons, West needed a coach and Blust stepped up.

{Baun} gave a lot to the program,” he said. “I know a lot of kids that played under him and respect him so much.”

The seniors West roster gave won just eight games over the course of their careers. Blust has told his troops to take things one shift at a time.

“As a team, we have to take it shift by shift,” he said. “We’ve got to win the next shift.

“We’ve had strong periods, then we fall apart for a period. So, if maybe we can put a couple more shifts together in a row, we’ll see what happens.

Blust is enthusiastic about the talent he has in the pipeline.

“We have a nice middle-school program coming up,” he said, “with a lot of strong players. We just have to work on the guys we have with us now and build that culture so the young guys coming up will feel the same way.

Blust is committed to giving his players a positive experience, regardless of their experience level or the team’s record.

“We’re in the mindset of we’re a very young team,” he said. “We’ve got a bunch of freshmen. We’ve got a couple of pretty strong juniors and sophomores.

“The senior are great, but they’ll be gone next year. So, I think we need to make sure they build a strong culture with our young players.”

Van Kula Ready for APAC Debut

Wednesday will mark the start of a new chapter in APAC history Charlie Van Kula will takes his place behind the St. Joseph’s Prep bench as the Hawks open their conference schedule at La Salle (4:00 at Hatfield Ice).

Van Kula took over the Prep this season, replacing David Giacomin who directed the Hawks for 13 seasons. His team comes into its APAC opener off three non-league wins.

“I’ve got big shoes to fill,” Van Kula acknowledged.

Van Kula was a goaltender for the Hawks (Giacomin was his coach his senior season) and lettered four times before having a brief stint as a walk-on at Boston College where he served as a student manager.

For the past three seasons he has coached the Hawks’ JV Gray team. He’s also an on-ice official for USA Hockey.

Van Kula says he had visions of being the Hawks’ head coach one day, Just not right now.

“It’s a real honor, obviously. It’s something I always kind of had in the back of my mind, the possibility 20 years from now.

I told our alumni and parents it’s not something I take lightly, an and the program and where it’s come from.

“The program has grown from two teams to three and I take a lot of pride in being involved.”

Van Kula stresses the importance of the hockey program at his alma mater be the right fit with the educational and spiritual mission of the school.

“It’s critical,” he said, “as it is with all the sports at the Prep. We really emphasize that all of us. We’re not here to just coach our specific sports. Our sports are vehicles to fulfill the mission and the goals of the school as a whole.

“So, all of us are making sure our players are living up to that. Making sure that our players are living up to their academic expectations. Making sure we’re pushing the same goals an values the school is.”

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SHSHL Recap 11-18-25

National Division W L T OTW OTL SOW SOL Pts

Council Rock South (5-0) 3 0 0 – – – – 12

North Penn (4-0) 3 0 0 – – – – 12

Central Bucks South (3-1) 3 1 0 – – – 12

Central Bucks East (2-1) 2 1 0 – – – 8

Souderton (0-2) 1 1 0 – 1 – – 5

Pennridge (1-1) 1 2 0 – – – – 4

Neshaminy (1-3) 1 1 0 1 – – – 3

Pennsbury (2-2) 0 2 0 – – – – 0

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

American Division W L T OTW OTL SHW SOL PTS

Hatboro-Horsham (4-0) 4 0 0 – – – – 16

Plym. Whitemarsh (3-0) 3 0 0 – – – – 12

Springfield (1-3) 1 3 0 – – – – 4

Wissahickon (1-3) 1 3 0 1 – – – 3

Abington (0-2) 0 1 0 – 1 – – 1

Scoring

National Division GP G A Pts

Jake Weiner CRS 5 15 9 24

Jordan Sarne CRS 5 6 8 14

Landon Bishop Pr 3 9 2 11

Max Ryon Sou. 3 8 3 11

Julia Kaminsky Sou. 3 7 2 9

Shane Gleisner Pb 4 6 3 9

Jackson Kelly Sou. 2 3 6 9

Chris Silvotti NP 4 5 4 9

Nolan Shingle NP 4 5 4 9

Ryan Burke Pr 3 1 7 8

Shawn Mooney Nesh 4 3 4 7

Cameron Fairweather Sou. 3 2 5 7

American Division GP G A Pts

Nate Nemchinov HH 4 8 7 15

Vincent Graziani HH 4 6 9 15

Daniel Guller PW 3 3 10 13

Cooper Kanze PW 3 6 3 9

Blake Ambler PW 3 3 6 9

Reid Rochestie PW 4 2 7 9

SHSHL Update 11-9-25

National Division W L T OTW OTL SOW SOL Pts

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

Council Rock South (3-0) 2 0 0 – – – – 4

North Penn (2-0) 2 0 0 – – – – 4

Neshaminy (2-1) 1 1 0 – – – – 2

Pennridge (1-1) 1 1 0 – – – – 2

Central Bucks East 1 1 0 – – – – 2

Pennsbury (1-2) 0 2 0 – – – – 0

Souderton (0-2) 0 2 0 – – – – 0

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

American Division W L T OTW OTL SHW SOL PTS

Hatboro-Horsham (3-0) 3 0 0 – – – – 6

Plym. Whitemarsh (2-0 2 0 0 – – – – 4

Wissahickon (1-2) 1 2 0 1 – – – 3

Abington (0-1) 0 1 0 – 1 – – 1

Springfield (0-2) 0 2 0 – – – – 0

Scoring

National Division GP G A Pts

Jake Weiner CRS 3 11 6 17

Landon Bishop Pr 3 10 3 13

Ryan Burke Pr 2 1 6 7

Jordan Sarne CRS 3 2 5 7

Cameron Fairweather Sou. 2 2 4 6

Dominic Gibson CBS 3 3 3 6

American Division GP G A Pts

Vincent Graziani HH 3 4 5 9

Daniel Guller PW 2 1 7 8

Joseph Mangin HH 3 5 2 7

Nate Nemchinov HH 3 4 3 7

Cooper Kamze PW 2 5 1 6

Reid Rochestie PW 3 1 5 6

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Council Rock South 6 Pennsbury 2

BRISTOL—It didn’t take Jake Weiner long to make an impact Wednesday night. Two minutes, 48 seconds, to be exact.

Weiner, who led the SHSHL in scoring last season, was in top form, giving his team the early lead and collecting three goals and two assists as Council Rock South bested Pennsbury 6 -2 in a SHSHL National matchup at Grundy Arena.

Jordan Sarne, Weiner’s linemate, didn’t do badly either, providing a goal and five assists as the Golden Hawks, the three-time defending division champions won their second straight to start the new season.

It was a tighter game than the final score indicates. South led just 2-1 after the second period before pulling away on the strength of four third-period goals in a span of 8:17.

“We persevered,” said South coach Joe Houk, “and we were good enough to win. Not a great game, not our best. But, we’ll bounce back.”

The Falcons (0-2) hung tough for two periods plus. Connor Gray lifted Pennsbury into a 1-1 tie with 5:22 left in the opening period with a shot from the top of the right circle that eluded South goaltender Troy Prozzillo.

The only goal of the middle period came from South’s Allen Pronin on a setup from Weiner and Sarne on a play that started on the deep right wing.

Starting the third frame the game was up for grabs but Sarne’s goal at 1:55 gave South some breathing room. Weiner, Nathaniel Grinberg, and Weiner again followed with additional goals to make it a 6-1 game with 6:48 left in regulation.

Shane Hicks added a consolation goal for Pennsbury with 4:46 left.

“They’re a good team over there,” Weiner said of the Falcons. “They have great coaches over there.

“We just worked. {Houk} always says ‘Work hard and we’ll find a way to win.’ That’s what we did tonight.”

Pennsbury coach Ryan Daley praised his team’s effort, which included 47 saves from goaltender Brendan Milliken.

“I’m really happy with the way we played,” he said. “It was very encouraging. They got that third goal on a broken play that we had a great chance to get out. Our guy gets tripped up a little, the play comes back the other way, they score.

“It was a little deflating. We kind of took our eye off the ball for a little it and they converted.”

Houk stresses that his two big guns do the little things well on a night-to-night basis, which sets an example for the rest of the lineup.

“It’s real important” Houk said, “because I preach to these guys about the little things you do in games that make a difference whether you win or lose. And, when they do all the right things all the time, they make mistakes, but the other guys feed off of that.”

Pennsbury 1 0 1–2

CR. South 1 1 4—6

First-period goals: Jake Weiner (CRS) from Jordan Sarne, 2:48; Connor Gray (P) unassisted, 11:38

Second-period goal: Allen Pronin (CRS) from Weiner and Sarne, 15:47

Third-period goals: Sarne (CRS) from Weiner, 1:55; Weiner (CRS) from Sarne, 7:54; Nathaniel Grinberg (CRS) from William Hollis and Chase Strattan, 8:22; Weiner (CRS) from Sarne, 10:12; Shane Hicks (P) unassisted, 12:14

Shots: Pennsbury 32, C.R. South 53; Saves: Brendan Milliken (P) 47, Troy Prozzillo (CRS) 30

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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.”

SHSHL Previews

National Division

Central Bucks East

Coach: Jeff Mitchell (sixth season)

Last year: 10-10-1, 10-7-1 in divisional play; Class AA Flyers Cup invitee

Key players: So. Cameron Young (G); Sr. Alex Wilson (F); Sr. Ethan Cenci (F); Sr. Braedon Hahn (F); Sr. Evan Asimakopoulos (F); Sr. Cole Kleindienst (F)

Outlook: The Patriots are a team in transition, in Mitchell’s words “Retooling rather than rebuilding.” Some key pieces from last year’s team are lost to graduation. There may be early growing pains but the plan is to blend youthful energy and team chemistry to create success.

Central Bucks South

Coach: Josh Sklar (first season)

Last year: 17-7, 15-3 in divisional play; Class AA Flyers Cup invitee

Key players: Jr. Nathan Napolitano (G); Sr. JD Crouch (D); So. Braxton Lord (D); Sr. Ryan Frey (F); Sr. Ryan Montagna (F); Sr. Joey Slobodrian (F); Jr. Dominic Gibson (F); Jr. Grant Boyne (F); Fr. Owen Frey (F); Fr. Nolan Senigo (F)

Outlook: Sklar takes over for the retiring Shaun McGinty; he directed the Titans on an interim basis during portions of last season.

This year’s roster will feature a solid group of veterans, led by Napolitano in goal and a promising group of underclassmen.

The pieces are in place for a promising season.

Central Bucks West

Coach: Frank Blust (first season)

Last year: 0-18, 0-18 in divisional play

Key players: Jr. Issac Mays (G); Sr. Austin Griffin (D); Jr. Colin Murray (F/D); Sr. Jackson Hirsch (F); Jr. Alex Korolev (F); So. Tyler Ricci (F)

Outlook: Blust takes over behind the bench for Dave Baun, who retired after 20 seasons. He’s looking to field a lineup that blends youth and experience.

“We’ve brought back a nice core that I think will work well with some of our new faces,” Bust said. “They’ve worked hard to improve in all three zones and build some team chemistry.”

Council Rock South

Coach: Joe Houk (20^th season)

Last year: 22-3, 17-1 in divisional play, National Division champions; Class AA Flyers Cup finalist

Key players: Sr. Trey Prozzillo (G); So. Evan Ayala (G); Jr. Wes Mallon (D); Sr. Jake Weiner; Sr. Jordan Sarne (F)

Outlook: The Golden Hawks lost eight seniors off last year’s championship squad but Houk, the longest-tenured coach in the SHSHL, feels good about this year’s squad, which will be trying for its fourth straight National Division title and is poised to make another championship run.

Weiner led the SHSHL in scoring last season with 41 regular-season goals and 19 assists for 60 points. Sarne collected 41 points via 18 goals and 23 assists.

Neshaminy

Coach: Bill Mooney (second season)

Last year: 6-12-1, 5-12-1 in divisional play

Key players: Sr. Gianna Raggio (G); Fr. Tommy Fox (G); Jr. Sean Mooney (D); Fr. Kainen Thompson (D); Sr. Anthony DiCrosta (F); Sr. Angelo Veneziale (F); Sr. Jake Topoleski (F); So. Nate Parker F; So. Tyler Hathaway (F); So. Eli Kirsh (F); Fr. Chris Koehler (F)

Outlook: The ‘Skins lost three key players to graduation after last season and will be in adjustment mode at first after just missing the postseason a year ago.

“Our goals as a team this season are to continue to work hard, compete in every game,” Mooney said, “make the SHSHL playoffs and get an invite to this year’s Flyers Cup tournament.”

North Penn

Coach: Kevin Vaitis (17^th season)

Last year: 21-3, 16-2 in divisional play; Class AA Flyers Cup and state champions

Key players: Jr. Aidan Quigley (G); So. Any Norton (G); St. James Boyle (D); Sr. Danielle Cabrales (D); Sr. Chase Kelly Del-Ricci (D); Sr. Gabe Dunn (D); Jr. Sam Norton (F); Sr. Nolan Shingle (F); Jr. Chris Silvotti (F); St. Luke Haftel (F)

Outlook: When you’ve won a Flyers Cup and a state title, what do you do for an encore? North Penn will do its best to answer that question with an impressive corps of returnees.

Norton is second among the division’s returning scorers with 30 regular-season goals a year ago and 27 assists for 57 points.

“We know everyone is going to bring their best against us,” Vaitis said, “and we have to be ready every night we step on the ice. We will be led by great goaltending, strong defense, and multiple lines that can contribute up front. We are focused on getting better each week.”

Pennsbury

Coach: Ryan Daley

Last year: 6-14, 6-12 in divisional play

Key players: Sr. Brendan Milliken (G); Sr. Franky DeLucia (D); Jr. Connor Gray (D); Sr. Shane Gleisner (F); Jr. Jake Sarver (F)

Outlook: A young Falcon team went through some growing pains last season. But the additional year of experience will pay dividends this time around.

“With more experience at the varsity level we look to make a jump in the standings,” Daley said, “and push for another postseason run.”

Pennridge

Coach: Jeff Montagna (eighth season)

Last year: 14-9, 11-7 in divisional play; Class AA Flyers Cup quarterfinalist

Key players: Jr. Andrew Slutsky (G); St. Justin Dinsmore (D); r. Ryan Burke (F); Jr. Landon Bishop (F); Jr. Dean Venner (F); Sr. Kaden Gunning (F);

Outlook: Montagna is behind the bench after announcing he was stepping away at the close of last season. He’ll be presiding over a new era of Pennridge hockey; there are just skaters on the roster, four of whom are new to varsity competition.

“I told them it will be a challenge,” Montagna said, “but that they will find out a lot about themselves as players and competitors. We will have to play a completely different style but they are up for it and we will have some fun with it. I’m really excited to see how it works.”

Souderton

Coach: Ryan Uchniat (eighth season)

Last year: 6-13, 6-12 in divisional play

Key players: Sr. Max Ryon (F); Jr. Cameron Fairweather (F); Jr. Matthew Cross (F)

Outlook: Uchniat will be back behind the Souderton bench after taking a year off. The Big Red will be short in numbers but there are some game-changing players in the lineup. Ryon scored 26 regular-season goals last year and added 32 assists for 58 points to finish third in the National Division in scoring.

American Division

Abington

Coach: Ken Brzozowski (ninth season)

Last year: 0-16, 0-16 in divisional play

Key players: Jr. Matt Evangelist (G); Sr. Moses Garcia (D); Jr. Ben Biko (D); R. Liam Gura (D); Sr. Jamison Donofty (F); So. Joey Widmeier (F)

Outlook: The Galloping Ghosts will be one of the youngest teams in the SHSHL; there are just three senior on the roster. The lineup also features Evangelist, a quality goaltender.

A preseason camp at the University of Delaware got the team off on the right foot.

“We’re looking to build on the early season momentum” Brzozowski said. “The coaches are committed to and look forward to being part of the team’s continued improvements and progression towards returning Abington back to a championship level”

Hatboro-Horsham

Coach: Shane Smith (fifth season)

Last year: 12-9, 9-7 in divisional play; American Division champion, Class A Flyers Cup quarterfinalist

Key players: Jr. Eric Miller (G); Jr. Reid Rochestie (D); So. Joseph Magnon (F); Sr. Nate Nemchinov (F); So. Vincent Graziani (F) Jr. William Moffa (F)

Outlook: The Hatters come into the season off an American Division title and the first Flyers Cup win in school history.

Graziani with 22 goals and 25 assists (47 points) and Nemchinov (27-18-45) were second and third in the division in scoring last season.

Plymouth Whitemarsh

Coach: Vince Forti (second season)

Last year: 17-3, 15-1 in divisional play; American Division regular season champion, Class A Flyers Cup quarterfinalist

Key players: So. Max Yoder (G); So. Lucas Bennett (G); Sr. Ryan Jagher (D); Sr. Danny Guller (F-D); Sr. John Zawislak (F); So. Cooper Kanze (F)

Outlook: The Colonials return the bulk of the lineup of last year’s regular-season champions.

“We are looking forward to getting the year started,” Forti said. “The team chemistry has been great. Our guys have been practicing hard, unsatisfied with the results of last season. We hope to get off to a strong start and continue to build on that throughout the season. “

Guller (19 goals, 33 assists, 52 points) is the division’s top returning scorer.

Springfield (Montco)

Coach: Don Quinn (third season)

Last year: 8-9, 8-8 in divisional play

Key players: Fr. Emmett Kline(G), So. John Barr(D), Jr. Luke Belles (D); Sr. Gavin McManus(F), Sr. Kellen Warman(F), Sr. Grayson Quinn(F)

Outlook: The Spartans reached the playoffs a year ago and Quinn is hoping to use that as accomplishment as a springboard to success this season.

“We will rely heavily on our seniors to lead on and off the ice,” he said, and we have some young skilled players that will contribute this season.”

Wissahickon

Coach: James Rumsey (third season)

Last year: 8-9, 8-8 in divisional play

Key players: Sr. Fletcher Lynch (G); St. Logan Dicus (D), Jr. Joey Gambino (F); Jr. Logan Honeycutt (F); Jr. Mark Risnychok (F)

Outlook: The Trojans lost five seniors to graduation but Rumsey is excited about what lies ahead.

“We are excited to see the new generation of players take the ice and step up to the challenge,” he said. “Our players seem to have a great connection at practice and really seem to enjoy being on the ice together.

“We have a short bench in numbers but a lot of grit to make up for it. I have no doubt this group will leave everything they have on the ice this year.”

APAC Previews 2025-26

The Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference is in the midst of beginning its eighth season.

Here’s a look at how the teams are shaping up.

Holy Ghost Prep

Head coach: John Ritchie (third season)

Last year: 21-5-1, 6-2 in APAC; APAC and Class AAA Flyers Cup Champion

Key players: Sr. Jack Botthof (G); Jr. Matt Salita (G); Sr. Brandon Watkins (D); Jr. Nate Romer (D); Jr. Brady Flynn (D); Sr. Anthony Valeriote (F); Sr. Lucas Gonzalez (F); Sr. Chris Marshall (F); Sr. Jack Gavaghan (F); Sr. Patryk Oszer (F); Jr. Chase Logue (F)

Outlook: Coming off a Flyers Cup title, the Firebirds are looking for more of the same this season. While 10 members of last year’s team are lost to graduation, a solid nucleus remains to face a demanding schedule. Botthoff and Salita form the APAC’s most experienced goaltending tandem.

“We play a very difficult non-league schedule this year,” Ritchie said, “that should help shape our roster for the end of the season. We graduated a core group from the Flyers Cup team, but believe with returners and program depth we should be in the mix again.”

Hun School

Head coach: Eric Szeker (third season)

Last year: 5-17-2, 0-8 in APAC)

Key players: Sr. Andrew Darst (D); So. Devin Espana (D); ); Sr. Luca Jean (F), Jr. Justin Bibeau (F); Sr. Nate Trawinski (F); Sr. Jacob Kelly-Lepage (F); Sr. Anders Van Raalte (F); So. Conor Mulligan (F),

Outlook: The Raiders endured a difficult season in 2025 due in part to youth and injuries but nine seniors will provide significant experience, depth, and off-ice leadership. Szeker is looking for balanced scoring, but is counting on Jean and Mulligan to set the pace.

La Salle

Head coach: Wally Muehlbronner (28^th season)

Last year: 17-8, 6-2 in APAC

Key players: Sr. Matt Kohlhepp (G); Jr. Patrick Murphy (G); Jr. Antony Foster (G); Sr. Tristan Mitchell (D); Jr. Matthew Jones(D); Jr. Danny Burke (D); Sr. Luke Baumann (F); So. Liam Greenwalt (F); So. Darrian Brown (F)

Outlook: The Explorers are starting fresh this season with one of their least-experienced teams of recent years, and the returnees will be assuming new roles. But if the past is any indication, they’ll mature with the passage of time and be playing their best hockey late in the season.

Malvern Prep

Head coach: Bill Keenan (seventh season)

Last year: 5-10-1, 3-5 in APAC

Key players: Sr. Ryan Caterino (G); Sr. Cole Scarbinsky (D); Sr. Logan Love (D); Sr. Reece Hanna (D); So. Finn McCullough (D); Sr. Andrew Starck (F); Sr. Henry Tesoriero (F); Sr. Pax Hoishik (F); Jr. House Young (F); So. Jake Weingartner (F); So. Luke Johnson (F); Fr. Ryan Jacobs (F)

Outlook: After having trouble scoring goals last season, the Friars are optimistic about the season ahead.

“We’re excited to compete with a strong core of returning players,” Keenan said, “complemented by key new additions on both the offensive and defensive sides of the puck. The team brings a balanced mix of experience, energy, and depth that we believe will position us well throughout the year.”

St. Joseph’s Prep

Head coach: Charlie Van Kula (first season)

Last year: 10-10, 5-3 in APAC

Key players: Jr. Declan Geary (G); Sr. Ben Kersun (D); Sr. Adam Charrafi (D); Jr. Cole Gargon (F); Jr. Frankie Ely (F)

Outlook: Van Kula takes over behind the Hawks’ bench for David Giacomin. He’ll put a veteran team on the ice one that includes in Ely and Gargon, two of the APAC’s top returning scorers.

Flyers Cup Chair Eric Tye Tees it Up in Adaptive Golf Event

Anyone who has spent time around Eric Tye is aware of his passion for hockey. But Tye, who oversees the Flyers Cup scholastic hockey tournament each March, is also passionate about his golf.

And the Golf Association of Philadelphia’s Adaptive Championship has enhanced his passion.

Tye was part of the field of 60 golfers competed in the two-day 36-hole test at Indian Valley Country Club in Telford last Monday and Tuesday. It’s the second year in succession that GAP has hosted an adaptive championship for golfers with physical or mental disabilities.

Tye, who was born without a lower right arm, has played in the event twice. He finished back in the pack, in part due to a balky putter but his enthusiasm for golf and for the Adaptive Championship was undiminished.

“I guess it’s just the compete level,” he said. “Anything you ever want to do, you just want to compete.

“This is hard. I didn’t put very well. I had two bad holes {during the final round} and three or four {during the opening round}. It deflates your ego a little bit.”

Despite his handicap, Tye considers himself fortunate.

“I’m just missing my arm from my elbow down. But you look around here. I got it easy man. I got it so easy compared to some of these people.”

Tye says the fact that he was born with his disability has made it easier for to deal with compared to someone who may have lost a limb due to an injury.

“I think it makes it easier for me because I’ve never known anything but to do it the way I do it,” he said. “I had no choice. “Some of these guys may have lived 15 or 20 years and then lost their arm so they’ve had to learn how to do everything all over again, so there’s a big difference there.”

The atmosphere at the event is characterized by mutual respect and support along with good fellowship

“We have fun,” Tye said. “We definitely have fun. Playing practice rounds at these things, you meet everyone and everyone’s just hanging out, it’s a good time.”

The GAP event is one of a number of adaptive golf events held around the country each year. Tye says he’d like to start playing in them more frequently.

“It’s just awesome,” he said. “We do these events and we see each other at these events. It puts life in a whole new perspective.

“Now that I know these guys, I’m going to start going to start going around and playing in different ones when I can. It’s hard, because a lot of them now they are in November, December, January, and February.”