Strath Haven 2 Moorestown 1

Strath Haven took its first steps into the Flyers Cup pool Monday night, and emerged to fight another day. Michael Leuthold’s goal with 12:30 left in the third period proved to be decisive as the Panthers bested Moorestown 2-1 Monday night in a Class A Flyers Cup play-in game at Hatfield Ice Arena.

The 13^th-seeded Panthers (5-13-2) will have little time to celebrate their victory; they’ll be back in action against fifth-seeded Kennett (6:30 at Ice Line) in a first-round game.

Going into the game, Strath Haven coach John Gavin anticipated that goals would be few, if only because his own team scored just 33 goals in 19 games prior to Monday night. He also knew that his goaltender Jacob Aranda was taking the ice with a .904 aver percentage.

“Given our goaltending, I knew their goaltending was strong, given how the stats played out, I figured that was the type of game we were going to have.

Primo Modesti gave Strath Haven a 1-0 lead when he beat Quakes netminder David Rho midst of a scramble in front of the net with 2:52 left in the first period.

As the game played out, it seemed one goal might be enough. Quality shots were rare, both goaltenders were sharp and physicality was minimal.

Michael Leuthold extended the Strath Haven lead 4:30 into the final period.

Jakub Brazina cut the deficit in half at the 7:15 mark but that was the only one of 41 Moorestown shots that Aranda could corral.

Gavin, naturally enough, celebrated the performance of his goaltender.

“It was a great win for the boys,” he said. “We got great goaltending from Jacob, who is a senior for us, who was great for us all night.

“We got two big goals that we desperately needed and now we have a big game {Tuesday} against Kennett.”

Gavin noted that his team avoided the breakdowns and errors that take a team out of a single-elimination tournament.

“We usually do a pretty good job with that,” he said. “Our struggle has been scoring goals. We’ve been working on the power play and I was hoping maybe tonight we’d get a power-play goal. We definitely generated some chances off of that I think led to momentum and scoring at even strength.

There were just five penalties called in the game, four of them against Moorestown The Panthers wound up with three power-play chances, one of them lasting four minutes but were outshot 41-26 for the evening.

Strath Haven 1 0 1—2

Moorestown 0 0 1—1

First-period goals: Primo Modesti (SH) from Carson Farrington, 14:08

Third-period goals: Michael Leuthold (SH) from Christian Henzel, 4:30; Hunter Orr (M) from Jakub Brazina and Charles Hartzell, 7:15

Shots: Strath Haven 26, Moorsetown 41 Saves: Jacob Aranda (SH) 40, David Rho (M) 24

Arcadia’ Koelzer Proud of Her Team’s Success—And Not Just on the Ice

The 14 women who helped launch the Arcadia women’s hockey program three seasons ago have accomplished a lot on the ice as their four-year record of 57-39-6 attests, including 19-3-3 this season. On Saturday the Knights will host Lebanon Valley in a Middle Atlantic Conference game; the winner will play for an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III women’s tournament next week.

Head coach Kelsey Koelzer is justifiably proud of all this. She sensed early on that her first recruiting class was capable of doing some remarkable things.

“Obviously, you never quite know fully what success you’re going to have year over year based sometimes on how your opponents fare year over year as well,” she said.

“But, I think the success we were able to find even within that first year (when the Knight finished 10-15-1, their only losing season) kind of gave me an inkling what the next three years were going to provide.

“I think each year as the team has grown older, we’ve been able to evolve and move past some of those milestones that have tripped us up in the past. A lot of that comes from maturity and experience.

“So, I think when you’re thinking about increased success, some of that is naturally going to come with your team growing together and going through different hardships, which we’ve definitely faced over our first three years.

“But I think it’s also a testament to the mindset that our team, has. I think that goes a really long way because you can’t be complacent with where you’re at, go through it thinking ‘Our experience is going to help us continue to achieve success.’ But our team has really put in the work”

“I think had you asked me at any point if we’d be 19-3-3 in our fourth season, that’s definitely a surprise, having a record that strong. But I 100 percent anticipated dour team having success within those first four years and I’m just happy the seniors have been able to bare winless to the hard work they’ve put in and have some of that success.”

The fact that Koelzer has been able to attract players who were willing and able to accept the challenge that come with being part a new program has contributed significantly to the Knights’ success.

“Every single year we’ve looked to bring in players that are going to continue to push everyone,” she said, “but also fit seamlessly and be able to fit in with the mindset that that inaugural class set forth and be able to kind of commit them and their hard work.”

Koelzer spoke to how the Class of 2025 has evolved as hockey players over the course of their careers.

“They’ve done an absolutely incredible job and kept coming together as a group,” she said. That’ something they stressed early on, celebrting each other’s strengths and pushing each other through their weaknesses and finding ways to compliment each other on the ice and off the ice.

“Every year when you add new people into the mix, there’s an adjustment period to kind of figure that out but every single year what has helped a ton is this team’s ability to settle in with “What are those roles that every individual cam play and how can we play them to our best?’ They’ve really understood that, especially this year and worked to find what those best combinations are are and ‘How can I help the team in every single way, even if I’m playing a different role than I was last year or the year before?”

As pleased as she is with the quality of her program on the ice, Koelzer is particularly proud of how her player have evolved away from the ice.

“As individuals, I’ve seem so much growth in every single one of them,” she said. “A lot of them have been through a lot when it comes to learning who they are off the ice and what their goals and aspirations are long term for their lives.It’s been awesome to see how transformative these four years have been for them off the ice.

“So many of them have such big and lofty goals and they now have that confidence to continue pushing forward and achieve those goals and that’s obviously I think what I’m” most proud of.

When you look at the culmination of being a student-athlete over these four years its making sure that these girls feel prepared when they leave Arcadia and are no longer college athletes but are members of society that are going to contribute positively and I know every single one of them is going to do that.

“It’s been awesome just to see their growth off the ice these four years. It’s just been absolutely incredible.”

The multifaceted success of the Knights on the ice and in the classroom over the past four seasons sends a powerful message re; female empowerment.

“Every single one of our girls has aspirations to do big things,” Koelzer said. Even within traditionally I would say male dominated fields. Whether its STEM, forensic science, or within the medical fields. We have some that want to be lawyers. Girls that want to work within the sports industry.

All of those have been traditionally considered male dominant fields and it’s awesome to see they have never once hesitated in regards to having the confidence to pursue those dreams and the goals. It’s a huge step for female empowerment, absolutely.”

SHSHL Playoff Update for 2-26-25

National Division Semifinals

At Hatfield Ice

8:00 North Penn (17-2)

Coach: Kevin Vaitis

Players to watch: Samuel Norton 30 goals, 27 assists, 57 points; Cole Pluck 32-24-56; Nolan Shingle 20-16-36; Aidan Quigley 1.92 GAA, .924 save percentage; Andrew Norton 2.28 GAA, .901 save percentage

Central Bucks South (16-5)

Coach: Shaun McGinty

Players to watch: Sean Cutter 18 goals, 19 assists, 37 points; Jeff Kvecher 13-22-35; Joey Slobodrian 17-15-32; Dom Gibson 17-15-32 Jake Matkowski 3.75 GAA, .838 save percentage; Nate Napolitano 3.53, .866

Notes: The teams split two regular-season meetings. South won 6-5 on Thanksgiving Eve, November 27, and North Penn prevailed 4-2 on November 11.

The winner will play North Penn or Central Bucks South for the division title on Thursday. The highest seeded finalist will host.

North Penn is seeded second for the upcoming Class AA Flyers Cup. South is seeded fifth.

At Grundy Arena

7:30 Council Rock South (18-2)

Coach: Joe Houk

Players to watch: Jake Weiner 41 goal, 19 assists, 60 points; Jeremy Rayher 29-30-59; Jordan Sarne 18-23-41; Trey Prozzillo 2.98 GAA, .880 save percentage

Pennridge (13-7)

Coach: Jeff Montagna

Players to watch Shane Dachowski 35 goals, 26 assists, 61 points; James Rush 25-26-51; Jacob Winton 2.50 GAA, .921 save percentage

Notes: Council Rock South won both regular-season meetings, 6-5 on January 8 and 5-2 on February 13 Tonight’s winner plays North Penn or Central Bucks South for the division championship on Thursday. The highest seeded finalist will host. South is seeded first for the upcoming Class AA Flyers Cup. Pennridge is seeded seventh.

American Division Semifinal

At Hatfield Ice

6:10 (2) Hatboro-Horsham vs (3) Springfield-Montco

Hatboro-Horsham (9-8, 9-7 in the American Division)

Coach: Shane Smith

Players to watch: Vince Graziani 22 goals, 25 assists, 47 points; Nate Nemchinov 27-28-45; Eric Miller 4.97 GAA, .800 save percentage

Springfield (8-8 overall and in the division)

Coach: Don Quinn

Players to watch: Owen Quinn 11 goals, 22 assists, 33 points; Grayson Quinn 14-9-23; Liam Baskin 3.02 GAA, .886 save percentage

Notes: Hatboro-Horsham won three of four regular-season meetings between the two teams. Wednesday’s winner faces top-seeded Plymouth Whitemarsh for the division Thursday at Hatfield Ice (6:00 start).

Hatboro-Horsham will be the 14^th seed in the upcoming Class A Flyers Cup regardless of how they fare Wednesday or Thursday. Springfield was not selected for the Flyers Cup.

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Dachowski Focusing on His Last Weeks With the Rams

Shane Dachowski has been making an impact in the SHSHL for four seasons now. He’s played four seasons of varsity hockey for Pennridge and has been part of two Flyers Cup/state-championship teams.

Last year he was fourth in the National Division (fifth overall) in scoring with 27 regular-season goals and 33 assists for 60 points.

This year, as a senior Dachowski has harrowed his focus. He’s stepped away from AAA-level club hockey to devote his time and energy to the Rams.

“I quit because it was my senior year,” he said. “I figured I’m just going to college for school and stuff and there was no real point in me playing AAA travel hockey.

“I would just be traveling everywhere, every weekend. And I just wanted to chill out this year and hang out with my friends. Travel hockey doesn’t give you a lot of time for that.”

Dachowski notes that the atmosphere at a high-school game can’t be replicated elsewhere.

“It’s the game aspect of high school hockey compared to club,” he said. “Because with high school games you have all your friends from school come. Parents and grandparents come to the games I just think it’s way more exciting.”

Dachowski started playing hockey at age 6, following in the footsteps of his brother Colin, who is 18 months his senior. The brothers were encouraged by their cousin Cole Pluck, who is now a senior at North Penn. Because of the difference in their ages, the Dachowski brothers were high-school teammates for three seasons but were club teammates only once; that was last season.

By the time Shane was 10 his ability was becoming apparent. So was his passion for hockey.

“I just thought it was the most fun I had playing any sport,” he said. “Because I played a lot of sports but hockey was just the most fun for me and it helped that I was not that bad at it.”

Dachowski has always been recognized for his offensive skills. Through January 23 he had accumulated 28 goals and 22 assists for 50 points, tops in the National Division.

Anyone who has watched him play will attest to the fact that Dachowski makes little effort to hide his emotions when he’s on the ice. This can be a blessing or a curse depending on the circumstances and has led to his share of trips to the penalty box.

Dachowski point out that his emotions are a big part of who he is aa a hockey player.

“{His emotions} definitely have gotten in my way,” he said but showing emotions and getting some penalties, that’s always been a part of my game. I feel like if that wasn’t part of my game, I wouldn’t produce as much. It’s just the way I play; aggressively. It kind of fuels me I guess.”

Ironically, Dachowski is not outgoing by nature. Now, as a senior and as an elite player, he finds himself cast in a leadership role, one he is still getting comfortable with. But as he has matured as a hockey player he has grown as a person.

Shane Dachowski

Pennridge coach Jeff Montagna calls Dachowski “The most misunderstood player I’ve ever coached.

“He’s learning what it means to be a leader,” Montagna said, “and it’s a work in progress.

“What I’m most proud of with him is he’s never had to be vocal before. Telling guys, especially the young guys that it’s okay. Not big-timing them.

“It’s not easy to be a leader and asking him in his senior year to do something he’s never done, he’s growing into that every single week. That’s really what I’m proud of him for.”

Dachowski understands the responsibilities that come with his stature.

“I would say this year I became a little bit more of a talker,” he said, “because of not having my brother there. Me and him were always known for setting examples but this year I’ve changed and been a little bit more of a talker.”

Dachowski played on state-championship teams as a freshman and again last season. He reflects on how close the players on those teams were with each other.

“Especially a couple years ago it was the closest team I’ve ever been a part of,” he said. “All of us grew up playing hockey together and then we moved to the same area.

“It was so awesome because we all hung out every single day and even last year when it was more seniors and everyone who was on the {2022 team} team, we were all still super close. We still do everything together as much as we can.”

But Dachowski’s high-school career is drawing to an end. Four weeks remain in the regular season with the SHSHL playoffs and the Flyers Cup tournament to follow. The occasions he’ll have to put on a Pennridge uniform are becoming few.

Those who have read this far would not be surprised to learn he plans to give it his all in the time he has left.

“My goal obviously is to get deep into the Flyers Cup and provide as much for me team as I can,” Dachowski said, “and just go out there every game like it’s my last because you don’t know when it could be your last game especially being a senior.”

Holy Ghost Prep 4 Hun School 1

The journey wasn’t easy at times. But, in the end, Holy Ghost Prep got the result it wanted Wednesday afternoon, a 4-1 decision over The Hun School in an APAC encounter at Ice Land.
With the win, the Firebirds, who have won eight of their last nine starts improved to 12-4 overall and 5-2 in the APAC. They’ll conclude conference play with a rematch against the Raiders next Friday.

The visitors jumped in front early on. Joe Spadaccino scored a power-play goal 3:30 into the opening period.

But the remainder of the first frame was challenging for both sides, a study in old-time hockey. There were 12 penalties called in the opening session.

“It didn’t seem like there was much flow to the game early on,” said Hun School coach Eric Szeker.

The visitors had the better of the play over the first two periods but were stymied repeatedly by Patrick Donoghue in the Hun School net. The senior finished with 51 saves. The Raiders are just 2-8-2 on the season (0-3 in the APAC) but Donoghue and Elliot Wong have been sold in goal all season.

“I think the one really nice thing is we have two really good goalies,” Szeker said. “I never worry about who is going between the pipes for us. They work hard, they’re best friends in the locker room, and they push each other every day.”

Anthony Valeriote extended Holy Ghost Prep’s lead 35 second into the third period but the Raiders responded a minute-and-a-half later when the Firebirds coughed up the puck directly in front of their own net, making it a one-goal game once more.

Brian Kinniry extended his team’s lead when he scored with 11:39 left in the third frame and then delivered an insurance goal with 2:01 remaining.

Spadaccino didn’t play in the last two periods but was proud of the way his teammates were able to get past the challenging first frame.

“It shows that no matter what gets in our path, we just keep on fighting,” he said. “We try to get to the end goal of winning.”

Firebird goaltender Matt Salita stopped 14 of the 15 shots he saw, earning praise from his coach John Ritchie.

“I thought Salita did a great job in net for a sophomore,” Ritchie said. “Those are tough games for goalies, only facing 15 shots dispersed throughout the game with power plays for them and stretches where he wasn’t seeing pucks.”

The Firebirds are listed first in the Class AAA Flyers Cup rankings that were released on Monday, but Ritchie says his team will need contributions from the entire lineup to reach its potential.

“We have a couple guys on our roster that carry the weight of this team on their backs game in and game out,” he said. “I know what to expect from them, so it’s just about getting all 20 guys, or all 18 skaters, to pull the rope in the same direction.”

Holy Ghost Prep 1 0 3—4

Hun School 0 0 1—1

First-period goals: Joe Spadaccino (HGP) from Brady Logue, 3:30 (pp)

Third-period goals: Anthony Valeriote (HGP) from Chase Logue and Brady Logue, :35; Luke Rassler (HS) unassisted, 2:03; Brian Kinniry (HGP) from Logan Barnes and Colin Bara, 5:21; Kinniry (HGP) from Barnes and Santino Tiberio, 14:59

Shots: Holy Ghost Prep 55, Hun School 15; Saves: Matt Salita (HGP) 14, Patrick Donoghue (HS) 51

Flyers Cup Rankings #2

Class AAA

Holy Ghost Prep
La Salle
St. Joseph’s Prep
Malvern Prep
Salesianum

Class AA

Council Rock South
Haverford High
North Penn
Downingtown West
Pennridge

Class A
1. West Chester Henderson

2. Garnet Valley

3. Kennett

4. Penncrest

5. Hershey

Girls

Avon Grove
Downingtown West
Conestoga
Kingsway
West Chester Henderson

This is the second of four sets of rankings that will be released prior to the Flyers Cup Selection Show on Sunday, February 23.

Explorers, Firebirds Win at Spring Mountain

La Salle 3 Malvern Prep 0

Three different players scored goals as La Salle bested Malvern Prep 3-0 Wednesday night in the opening game of the Atlantic Prep Athletic conference doubleheader at Spring Mountain Adventures.

The game was scoreless for almost two periods. Cameron Ross put the Explorers (8-5, 4-2 in the APAC) in front with 11 seconds left in the second period. Nole Donohue extended La Salle’s lead with 6:28 remaining in regulation and Grant LaGreca completed the scoring with 1:20 remaining.

Jake Rossi earned the shutout in goal with 13 saves. Matt Crawford stopped 23 shots for the Friars, who slipped to 2-7 overall and 1-4 in conference.

Malvern Prep 0 0 0—0

La Salle 0 1 2—3

Second-period goals: Cameron Ross (L) from John Greenwalt 16:49

Third-period goals: Nole Donohue (L) from Alistair St. Hillaire, 10:32; Grant LaGreca (L) unassisted, 15:40

Shots: Malvern Prep 13, La Salle 26 Saves: Matt Crawford (MP) 23, Jake Rossi (L) 13

Holy Ghost Prep 5 St. Joseph’s Prep 1

Brady Logue scored three goals and assisted on another as Holy Ghost Prep downed St. Joseph’ Prep 5-1 Wednesday night in the second half of the Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference doubleheader at Spring Mountain Adventures.

The Firebirds improved to 10-3 on the season and 4-2 in the APAC while the Hawks dropped to 8-5 overall and 4-2 in conference play.

Logue scored his first goal with one second remaining in the first period to give Holy Ghost Prep the lead. Patryk Oszer made it a 2-0 game 3:37 into the second period before Logue extended his team’s lead with a power-play goal with 43 seconds remaining.

Logue completed his hat trick 32 seconds into the third period and Joe Spadaccino made it a 5-0 game with 12:33 left in regulation.

Cole Gargon scored for St. Joseph’s Prep with 10:13 remaining.

Jack Unger earned the shutout in goal for Holy Ghost Prep by stopping 23 shots.

“It’s always difficult to judge the quality of a game when there are external factors like rink size and weather affecting the outcome,” said Holy Ghosy Prep coach John Ritchie, “but our guys had fun and it was good to get a win for eding decision down the road.

“The conditions were most difficult for the goalies. I was happy with how Unger handled the condtions.”

Holy Ghost Prep 1 2 2—5

St. Joseph’s Prep 0 0 1—1

First-period goal: Brady Logue (HGP) unassisted, 16:59

Second-period goals: Patryk Oszer (HGP) from Nathan Romer, 3:37; Logue (HGP) from Anthony Valeriote and Joe Spadaccino, 16:17

Third-period goals: Logue (HGP) from Joseph Kauffman, :32 (pp); Spadaccino (HGP) from Logue and Lucas Gonzalez, 4:27; Cole Gargon (SJP) from Frankie Ely, 6:47

Shots: Holy Ghost Prep 24, St. Joseph’s Prep 23; Saves: Jack Unger (HGP) 23, Bruno Mainardi (SJP) 19

P-W 6 Wissahickon 2

HATFIELD TOWNSHIP—Coaches in all sports talk a lot about remaining disciplined. Plymouth Whitemarsh was in a winner in that department Thursday night and eventually prevailed on the scoreboard.

Blake Ambler scored two goals and assisted on another as the Colonials prevailed over Wissahickon 6-2 in a SHSHL American Division matchup at Hatfield Ice Arena.

The win kept Plymouth Whitemarsh unbeaten at 8-0 overall and most importantly, head and shoulders above the rest of the division with a 7-0 mark.

The key moment of the game came with 4:49 left in the second period just moments after Logan Discus scored a goal to left the Trojans (5-4, 5-3 in the division) into a 1-1 tie.

Discus and one of the Colonials exchanged pleasantries and what began as pushes and shoves evolved into a skirmish in front of the Plymouth Whitemarsh bench. When the dust had settled, the Trojans found themselves without Aiden Brooks and Joseph Gambino, two of their top four scorers. The Colonials were minus Charles Spause but also were granted a five-minute power play.

Ambler’s first goal of the night came with 49 seconds left in the second frame when he carefully put the puck to the right of Wissahickon netminder Fletcher Lynch to give his team a lead it would hold for the balance of the evening.

Ryan Jagher made it a 3-1 game 2:39 into the final period. Logan Honeycutt scored for the Trojans two minutes and change later to make it a one-goal game once more but the Colonials answered emphatically with three goals in a span of 4 minutes, 41 seconds and left their opponents in their wake.

“With the holiday break you could tell there was a little bit of rust, aid Plymouth Whitemarsh coach Vince Forti. “But, I think halfway through the second, we started picking it up and getting back to our game. And, I think it showed by the end result.

Forti credited his team for the way it moved the puck.

“I would say that’s been one of our strengths all season,” he said. “Our puck movement has been great. We try to work on it a lot at practice but {the players} deserve a lot of credit too because they’ve been really good about that.”

Wissahickon coach James Rumsey said the altercation impacted his team’s cohesion.

“We have too small a team to lose two people,” he said. “Especially key people. That hurt us a lot. But we felt good for the time we were playing. We had a close game the whole time up until then.”

Ambler noted the importance of the Colonials maintaining their composure following the altercation.

“If we started brawling and fighting everyone, then it would just turn into penalty after penalty, after penalty” he said. “You wouldn’t be able to do anything, you wouldn’t be playing hockey. You’ve just got to play hockey if you want to go out and win.”:

Plymouth Whitemarsh 1 1 4—6

Wissahickon 0 1 1—2

First-period goals Daniel Molony (PW) from Daniel Guller, 13:51

Second-period goals: Logan Discus unassisted, 12:11; Blake Ambler (PW) from Luke Smith and Chris Londen, 16:11 (pp)

Third-period goals: Ryan Jagher (PW) from Londen, 2:39; Logan Honeycutt unassisted, 4:54; Guller (PW) from Smith and Ambler, 9:16; Cooper Kanzee (PW) unassisted, 9:30; Ambler (PW) from Londen and Kanzee, 13:57

Shots: Plymouth-Whitemarsh 49, Wissahickon 26; Saves: Julian Lucks (PW) 24, Fletcher Lynch 40

Point to Ponder at World Juniors

While most high-school hockey players in the Philadelphia area are taking a break over the holidays, another group of young players is at center stage.

The 49^th edition of International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship is underway in Ottawa. The 10-team field features players under age 20.

The entire tournament is available on the NHL Network, which provides an opportunity for players at other levels to observe the premier young talent in the sport.

North Penn coach Kevin Vaitis was asked what his players could learn from watching the tournament.
“If any of them are watching the World Junior, I would suggest just watching the decision making that takes place to try and raise the hockey awareness/hockey IQ of the players playing today,” he said. “Seeing players go to the net, dump pucks in and make line changes, etc. those are the small things that for the players competing in the World Juniors could be the difference in a win or a loss and therefore a medal or no medal.”

Springfield-Montco coach Don Quinn says his player could enhance their hockey knowledge by watching the World Junior.

“I would first of all hope that they just watch because you can learn a lot from just watching the game,” he said.

“And while watching, watch the players without the puck. Watch how each of them support the player with the puck.”

Penncrest coach Steve Mescanti listed four key points he wanted his players to take away from the tournament.

“Obviously, skill level of the players involved,” he said. “And puck movement. Rarely does a guy have the puck in his stick for more than two or three touches.

“Ice vision and hockey sense. Really tied to [puck movement] in a way, but the players are always looking to make a smart play. Of course, the hockey sense piece really comes in with play away from the puck.

“And intensity on the backcheck and puck pursuit.

Central Bucks South coach Shaun McGinty is encouraging his players to spend some time watching the World Juniors

“I hope my players are just enjoying the games with family and friends,” he said. “The level of play is just incredible.”

McGinty listed the key points he wanted his players to focus on.

“Hockey IQ and Decision-Making—By observing elite players, they can see how quickly decisions are made under pressure. I want them to notice how these players read plays and anticipate movements.

Effort and Compete Level— High-level hockey showcases relentless effort in every shift. I’d like my players to see how these athletes compete for every puck and battle in every corner, demonstrating that effort can often outweigh raw talent.

Positional Play and Systems—Watching structured hockey can reinforce the importance of systems and staying disciplined within them.

Puck Support and Communication—I encourage them to pay attention to how players support one another on the ice, both offensively and defensively. The constant communication, both verbal and non-verbal, is key to success at any level.

Work Ethic and Preparation—Observing the speed, strength, and precision at higher levels underscores the dedication it takes to compete. My players should understand that excellence is no accident—it’s the product of hard work, preparation, and commitment.

Finally, I hope they are inspired to put in the work and embrace the passion and joy these players show for the game.

A Word of Caution: As passionate as high-school hockey players are about their sport, there is the risk of them being totally consumed by it, particularly if they are playing club hockey and high-school hockey simultaneously.

North Penn coach Kevin Vaitis emphasis that the holidays are an opportunity for players to take a break from hockey.

“The break is important for two things,” he said. “One for these players to get a break from hockey, allow themselves to recharge for the stretch run and also spend time with family, friends, or just being a teenager. We cannot forget that these kids are on the ice six or seven days a week for some of them so giving them a break at this time is always good to rest up

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St. Joseph’s Prep 4 Malvern Prep 1

PHILADELPHIA—Cole Gargon stepped up for St. Joseph’s Prep in a big way for Sr. Joseph’s Prep Wednesday afternoon. The sophomore scored three of his team’s goals as the Hawks bested Malvern Prep 4-1 in an APAC encounter at the University of Pennsylvania’s Class of 1923 Arena.

The win lifted St. Joseph’s Prep (5-1, 3-1 in the APAC) into a three-way tie for the top spot in the conference standings but the Hawks have a game in hand over Holy Ghost Prep and La Salle, the teams they are tied with.

The hosts had to play from behind. After a scoreless first frame Gabe Bedwell gave the Friars (2-5, 1-3) the lead 6:50 into the second people when he put in a rebound of Matt Barbacane’s shot.

Gargon tied the game with a power-play goal at the 7:56 mark and put his team ahead for good 86 seconds later when he weaved his way through traffic front of the net and beat Malvern Prep goaltender Riley Doyle.

Gargon completed his hat trick six minutes into the third period before Frank Ely, who missed some time after being helped off the ice with an injury early in the first period finished the scoring with 2:08 left in the game.

Afterwards, Gawk coach David Giacomin credited Gargon and his linemates for their effort.

“Their line played well,” he said. “It was tough being without Frankie Ely for a while because of the injury but once he came back it was nice to be able to get that line back.”

Giacomin noted his team had some ups and downs over the course of the afternoon.

“The first 10 minutes of the game we played really well,” he said. “Then they took it to us a bit and won the board battle and all that stuff and it took us a little while to get back into it.”

Giacomin said the break for an ice cut between the second and third periods helped the Hawks regain their focus.

“Today it was well needed,” he said. The second period was not a pretty period to watch. There were a lot of scrums, there wasn’t much up-and-down skating. We had to get them back to doing what we were supposed to do.”

The Friars were limited to just 15 shots on goal.

“We’ve been stressing moving through the ice, good zone entry, and getting shots on net,” aid Malvern Prep coach Bill Keenan. “We weren’t able to get much traffic today.

“Overall, I thought our effort was there for a period-and-a-half and then it tailed off.”

Malvern Prep 0 1 0—1

St. Joseph’s Prep 0 2 2—4

Second-period goals: Gabe Bedwell (MP) from Matt Barbcane and Paton Hoishak, 3:50 (pp); Cole Gargon (SJP) from Frank Ely, 9:04; Gargon (SJP) unassisted, 10:30 (pp)

Third-period goals: Gargon (SJP) from Michael Castelli and Ely, 6:00; Ely (SJP) unassisted, 14:52

Shots: Malvern Prep 15, St. Joseph’s Prep 25; Saves: Riley Doyle (MP) 21, Declan Geary (SJP) 14

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