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Joe Samango scored there goals as the Hawks downed the Vikings in a Class AAA Flyers Cup quarterfinal Tuesday night at the Skatium. Tristan Winata also scored for the third-seed Hawks, who will face Holy Ghost Prep in a semifinal next week (date, site, time TBA).
Mason McCabe and Jonathan Waters scored goals for the sixth-seeded Vikings.
Perkiomen Valley 2 0 0—2
St. Joseph’s Prep 2 0 2—4
Won Lost OTW OTL Pts GF GA
La Salle (13-9-2) 6 2 0 0 18 33 23
Holy Ghost Prep (16-7) 4 2 1 1 15 39 33
St. Joseph’s Prep (14-6-2) 3 4 1 0 11 24 28
Hun School (11-13) 3 5 0 0 9 24 30
Malvern Prep (9-7) 2 5 0 1 4 23 28
This Week
Monday, 2-13
La Salle 6 Holy Ghost Prep 5
Tuesday, 2-14
Founders Cup Playoffs Play-in
Hun School 5 Malvern Prep 2
Wednesday, February 15
Wyoming Seminary 3 La Salle 2
Thursday, February 16
Hun School 5 Princeton Day 2
Semifinals at Hatfield Ice
4:00 La Salle 5 Hun School 2
6:15 Holy Ghost Prep 4 St. Joeph’s Prep 1
Monday, February 27
Malvern Prep 1, Salesianum 0
Wednesday, March 1
La Salle 7 Holy Ghost Prep 3
Scoring Leaders G A Pts
Brady Baehser (HGP) 10 9 19
Joe Samango (SJP) 11 4 15
Kieran Mulholland (HGP) 9 6 15
Jeremy Jacobs (MP) 6 8 14
Jeffrey Hammond (SJP) 4 10 14
Justin LaPlante (HS) 6 8 14
John Seravalli (HGP) 4 8 12
Elian Estulin (HS) 4 7 11
Triatan Winata (SJP) 4 6 10
Ryan Levesque (HS) 4 6 10
Playoff Semifinals
Wednesday February 22 at Hatfield Ice
Game Times 4:00 and 6:00
Wednesday, March 1
Founders Cup Championship Game hosted by highest seeded finalist
HAVERFORD TOWNSHIP —All the pieces fit together for St. Joseph’s Prep Friday night.
Joe Samango scored three goals and assisted on three others and Jeffrey Hammond added two goals and two assists as the Hawks, with the heart of their roster on hand, celebrated Senior Night with a 7-1 win over The Hun School 7-1 in an Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference game at the Skatium.
The win assured St. Joseph’s Prep (14-4-2 overall, 3-3-1-0 in the APAC) of a third-place finish in the conference regular-season standings; the Hawks will conclude conference play against Malvern Prep on Thursday.
The Raiders to 8-12 overall and 2-5 in the APAC.
It was a night when the Hawks had their big guns on hand. That hasn’t always happened this season; there have been multiple occasions on which they were shorthanded because of key players being away on club duty.
After witnessing his team’s effort Friday night, it was impossible for Coach David Giacomin not to speculate on what they might have achieved, and might accomplish going forward.
“I know we’re a really good team when we have everybody here and healthy,” he said.
The Hawks were shorthanded when they absorbed a 7-0 loss to the Raiders on December 7 and Giacomin said that result motivated his team Friday night.
“This was basically all the seniors having that will and desire,” he said. “They didn’t want to lose on Senior Night. That’s what it came down to.
Goals from Samango and Shane O’Neill, sandwiched around a goal from Hun School’s Brendan Marino, gave the hosts a 2-1 lead after one period before they broke the game open with four goals in the second frame, two from Hammond and one each from Samango and Tristan Winata, the Hawks’ number-one line.
Samango completed his hat trick in the third period. The trio accounted for 14 points.
“When we play together as one unit, we score a lot of goals,” Hammond said. “But when we don’t, we break apart.
“Games where we find each other and play s one unit we (do well).
The Raiders outshot the Hawks 31-29 but only Marino could solve Rocco Bruno in the Hawk net. The visitors’ frustrations boiled over on occasion; they were whistled for nine of the game’s 14 penalties.
“Obviously (St. Joseph’s Prep) they flipped the script here today,” said Hun School coach Ian McNally. “That’s kind of been the storyline for two weeks now. “It’s like, we’re trying really hard, we outshoot them, but we basically have very few actual scoring chances. And, every five minutes we let a team rush to the other end and score.”
Hun School 1 0 0—1
St. Joseph’s Prep 2 4 1—7
First-period goals: Joe Samango (SJP) from Patrick Sweeney and Shane O’Neill, 1;53; Brendan Marino (HS) from Justin LaPlante, 11:24; O’Neill (SJP) from Jeffrey Hammond and Samango, 14:04 (pp)
Second-period goals: Hammond (SJP) from Tristan Winata and Samango: 23; Samango (SJP) 5:33 (pp) Winata (SJP) from Hammond, 7:46; Hammond (SJP) from Samango, 14:21;
Third-period goal: Samango (SJP) from Winata and Hammond, 14:33
Shots: Hun School 31, St. Joseph’s Prep 29; Saves: Julian Arsenault (HS) 22; Rocco Bruno (SJP) 30
CLICK HERE for more about The Hun School
CLICK HERE for more about St. Joseph’s Prep
When Malvern Prep hosts St. Joseph’s Prep in an APAC game on Thursday, February 9 at Ice Line, the evening will be about more than just hockey.
The game itself will be the centerpiece of a dine-and-donate event to raise funds for the effort to find a cure for Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome, or RTS, a rare genetic syndrome.
RTS is a genetic syndrome which is typically a mutation of the CREBBP or EP300 gene. Those with RTS have an intellectual disability along with both developmental and growth delays. Some have other medical issues as well.
Malvern Prep coach Bill Keenan’s 3-year old son Connor is afflicted with RTS, which occurs in one of every 125,000 children.
“It’s a spectrum,” Kenan said, “so some kids have more impediments than others.
“My son was diagnosed last year, so, we’re trying to bring awareness to it for a good cause. We’ve met some other families with the syndrome and we want to do our part in raising awareness and giving back.”
The dine-and-donate event will begin at 7 p.m. and continue until 10:30. The game between the Friars and the Hawks will begin at 8:30.
Keenan’s entire family will join him in a ceremonial pick drop including his wife Sarah, Connor, and Connor’s siblings. 8-year old J.J. and 6-year old Olivia.
Keenan is grateful for the support he and his family have received from the Malvern Prep community and the area hockey community.
“We’re lucky to have such a great community from Malvern Prep and the hockey community that wants to help us raise awareness,” he said, “and we’re looking forward to a good night. This is our first year obviously having something like this and we’ll build onto it. Maybe have some other families come out in the future, and overall we’re just looking for it to be a fun night where everybody can learn and bring awareness.”
Keenan feels an obligation to be a voice for families dealing with RTS.
“As most people know, I don’t like to be in the spotlight,” he said, “and my family does not like to be in the spotlight. At the end of the day this event isn’t just about Connor. It is for all those with RTS and being able to educate others is a big part of what me and my family are trying to do.”
By Rick Woelfel
Friday night was a big night for Joe Samango. A very big night.
The senior scored all three of his team’s goals as St. Joseph’s Prep downed archrival La Salle 3-1 in an APAC game at the Skatium. The loss gave the Hawks a measure of revenge for a 5-1 setback at the hands of the Explorers nine days earlier at the APAC Outdoor Classic.
It was Samango’s second hat trick of the week. He scored five goals and assisted on another in an 8-4 win over Holy Ghost Prep last Monday.
Samanago says he and his teammates were especially motivated heading into the rematch with La Salle.
“Absolutely,” he said. “I don’t think we were prepared going into that (first meeting with La Salle) but we knew we weren’t going to let that happen again, so we all kind of came together, talked about it, decided we were going to play hard, and give it our best shot.”
There was more to the evening than the final result. Friday was also Pink the Rink night at the Skatium with the focus on collecting funds to benefit cancer victims and their families. Samango, a four-year varsity player, says the entire student body gets behind the effort.
“It does get promoted around school,” he said. “Everybody wants to chip in and help raise money. It’s always highly anticipated, everyone is excited to play, to wear the pink jerseys. It’s a great time.
Joe Samango #20 in pink in action in the Pink the Rink game on 1-20-23
(Video courtesy of Jost Winata)
“We always get a good crowd out there and get to raise some money and its always a fun game to play in.”
St. Joseph’s Prep starts this week with an overall record of 13-3-2 (2-3-1 in the APAC). Samango says the Hawks are a close-knit group off the ice.
“It’s just practice, texting each other, hanging out after school all that stuff,” he said. “Seeing each other at school, I think that’s the great thing about high-school hockey. You get to see all your teammates in school and you go to practice it’s a great bonding experience.
Like many of his peers, Samango, a resident of Haverford Township, found his freshman year at St. Joseph’s Prep was, in his words, “A huge adjustment.
“I was used to not traveling as much and that year,” he said. “I also made the jump to AAA hockey (Samango plays club hockey for the Little Flyers). That was big. I went from practicing twice a week to five times a week. playing games on weekends, traveling.
“And the work freshmen year at the Prep really hard. It’s a huge adjustment, but once you get used to it. Once you learn to manage your time, you get more used to it and it becomes second nature almost. You feel like you learn better when you’re doing all the work and it’s a really great process.”
That process includes having free periods that are built into the school day.
“That gives you a good opportunity to get some of your work done in school,” Samango said. “But also, whenever I get home, I plan out what I have to do and what comes first and really just manage it that way. Getting the big things out of the way first and just going from there.”
Samango credits the Prep’s faculty for their support of the students.
“A lot of the faculty has been there for a very long time,” he said. They push know but they know when to lay off a little bit. They want to bring the best out of you.”
Joey Samango delivered a hat trick to lead St. Joseph’s Prep to a 3-1 win over La Salle Friday night in an Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference game at the Skatium.
The win lifted the Hawks to 13-3-2 overall and 2-3-1 in APAC play. It also avenged a 5-1 loss to the Explorers at the APAC Outdoor Classic last Wednesday. La Salle dropped to 7-8-2 overall and 4-2 in conference play.
Both teams were missing several key players who were away on club duty.
Samango’s first goal was a shorthanded effort that came with 30 seconds left in the opening period while his teammate Dante Passio was serving a sentence for roughing.
Samango made it a 2-0 game 8:34 into the middle period.
James Carpenter scored for La Salle 3:01 into the third period to make it a one-goal game before Samango responded at the 8:35 mark.
The game included 17 penalties, including a skirmish at the final buzzer that saw five players penalized.
La Salle 0 0 1—1
St. Joseph’s Prep 1 1 1—3
First-period goal: Joey Samango (SJP) from Luke Schienholtz, 16:30 (sh)
Second-period goal: Samango (SJP) unassisted, 8:26;
Third-period goals: James Carpenter (L) from Dean Carvalho, 3:01; Samango (SJP) unassisted, 8:35
Shots: La Salle 27, St. Joseph’s Prep 21; Saves: Jake Rossi (L) 18. Rocco Bruno (SJP) 26
For more information about La Salle College High School CLICK HERE
For more information about St. Joseph’s Prep CLICK HERE
The Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference enhanced its legacy Wednesday night. The inaugural APAC Outdoor Classic brought four of the five conference schools to the Spring Mountain resort for a doubleheader in a unique outdoor setting.
For the record, Holy Ghost Prep edged Malvern Prep 6-5 and La Salle downed St. Joseph’s Prep 5-1. But as significant as the results were in the APAC conference standings, the impact of the evening and the setting made a deeper impression on the fans in attendance and most notably on the participants.
The Holy Ghost Prep-Malvern Prep matchup, which opened the doubleheader, was believed to be the first outdoor game in Malvern Pep history, and certainly the first outdoor game in the program’s modern era, which dates back more than half a century.
Senior Jimmy Jacobs is the Friars’ captain. “It was a really cool atmosphere,” he said. “It’s definitely a lot different than what we’re used to.
“When you’re playing outdoors, there’s nothing to complain about, It’s an awesome atmosphere. The ice is a little different, but that’s what we expected. It was really awesome to play outdoors.”
Holy Ghost Prep senior Landon Stout basked in the outdoor atmosphere. Wednesday marked Holy Ghost Prep’s second outdoor game in seven days; the Firebirds faced North Allegheny outdoors last Thursday in Pittsburgh.
“There’s nothing like it,” Stout said of playing outdoors. “That’s all I have to say. It’s a great experience.”
Stout noted the impact the conditions had on play. When the puck was dropped to begin the Holy Ghost Prep-Malvern Prep game, the temperature was in the low 40s, mild enough to impact ice conditions. The lighting conditions were impactful as well
“It’s a lot different than playing inside,” Stout said. “Especially for the goalies, it’s probably pretty hard to see the puck out here.”
St. Joseph’s Prep junior defenseman Shane O’Neill wasn’t happy with the loss to archrival La Salle. But playing a rivalry game in an outdoor setting left memories that are certain to endure.
“It was awesome,” he said. “We got a little taste of it last year against (Cardinal O’Hara), but it’s really nice coming out here under the stars and stuff.
O’Neill could feel a rush of energy when he first took the ice.
“It’s a lot of excitement,” he said. “It’s a different environment out here, but it’s still a lot of fun. At the end of the day, we’re still just playing hockey so, you try not to think too much about where we’re playing, and just get a win.”
La Salle senior Dante DeFuscio was in an observer’s role Wednesday night as the Explorers’ backup goaltender, but he embraced the setting as deeply as anyone in attendance.
“It was definitely unusual but surreal at the same time,” he said. “I don’t think many of our guys have played outside, maybe a handful, two or three. And, we’re just really thankful to be out there.”
DeFusico spent time attempting to absorb the energy and emotion of the occasion.
“I’m just trying to take it all in,” he said, “as much as possible. Especially because I don’t have to be 100 percent locked in. I have to be focused on the game (but) just enjoying keeping the guys loose.”
Holy Ghost Prep 6, Malvern Prep 5—The Firebirds scored three times in the first period and went on to the win that opened the APAC Outdoor Classic. The win kept the Firebirds alone in atop the conference standings with a 4-1-0-1 league record (12-4 overall).
Brady Baehser scored two goals in the win and assisted on another. Kieran Mulholland had a goal and two assists. Landon Stout, John Seravalli and Mike Holt also scored goals.
Jeremy Jacobs scored twice for Malvern Prep (7-3, 1-3) which was seeing its first action of the New Year. Brady Doyle, Jack Sharer, and Caiden Canale also scored for the Friars.
Holy Ghost Prep 3 2 1—6
Malvern Prep 1 3 1—5
First-period goals: Kieran Mulholland (HGP) from John Seravalli, 1:47; Brady Doyle (HGP) from Aidan Kelly, 5:45 (pp); Landon Stout (HGP) from Brady Baehser and Mike Holt, 8:38; Baehser (HG) from Shaun Moore and Mulholland, 12:54
Second-period goals: Jeremy Jacobs (MP) unassisted, 4:09; Jack Sharer (MP) from Matt Barbacane and Jimmy Jacobs, 11:08 (pp); Holt (HGP) from Mulholland, 13:53; Seravalli (HGP) from Mulholland and Shaun Moore, 14:27; Jeremy Jacobs (MP) unassisted, 15:00
Third-period goals: Baehser (HGP) from Seravalli, :48; Caiden Canale (MP) from Jeremy Jacobs, 13:28 (pp)
Shots: Holy Ghost Prep 34, Malvern Prep 44; Saves: Colin Mudrick (HGP) 39, Brandon Novabilski (MP) 28
LaSalle 5, St. Joseph’s Prep 1—Liam Donahue scored twice as the Explorers bested the Hawks in the nightcap of the APAC Outdoor Classic. Chase Hannon, Thomas Doucet and Evan Golato also scored for the Explorers who are now 6-7-2 overall but 4-1 in the APAC. La Salle is one point behind Holy Ghost Prep in the conference standings with a game in hand,
Jeffrey Hammond scored for St. Joseph’s Prep (12-3-2 overall, 1-3-1-0 in conference) which saw a seven-game unbeaten streak snapped.
St. Joseph’s Prep 0 1 0—1
La Salle 2 2 1—5
First-period goals: Chase Hannon (L) from Evan Golato, 3:03; Thomas Doucet (L) from Hannon, 9:16
Second-period goals: Liam Donahue (L) from Max Monzo and Will Gregorio, 1:36; Jeffrey Hammond (SJP) unassisted, 7:17 (pp); Donahue (L) from Monzo, 10:24
Third-period goal: Golato (L) from Declan Kelly, 9:28 (pp)
The Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference will stage an outdoor doubleheader Wednesday night at the Spring Mountain resort in Schwenksville.
The event will feature two APAC conference games. Holy Ghost and Malvern Prep will open the doubleheader at 5:00; St. Joseph’s Prep and La Salle will follow at 7:15.
Malvern Prep comes into the week 7-2 overall and 1-2 in APAC play. Jeremy Jacobs has collected two goals and five assists for the Friars in three conference games, while his teammate Caiden Caniale has contributed five goals and an assist in APAC play.
Malvern Prep coach Bill Keenan is looking forward to seeing four APAC schools facing off under the lights.
“I think introducing the APAC Outdoor Classic is a way to bring a fun, entertaining atmosphere for all teams,” he said. “For these kids to get an opportunity to play outside is something they have looked forward to since playing hockey.
“This is the first time our program will be playing outdoors. The boys are eager to experience the excitement of this game. This will be a memory for many years to come.”
Holy Ghost Prep starts the week with an 11-3 overall record and in the first place in the APAC with a 3-0-0-1 conference mark; its conference loss was to St Joseph’s Prep in overtime.
Brady Baehser leads the APAC in scoring with five goals and five assists in conference games. Kieran Mulholland (six goals) and Landon Stout (three goals, three assists) are next with six points each).
LaSalle comes into the week with a 5-6-2 overall mark; the Explorers stand 3-1 in the APAC. Dean Carvalho is the Explorers’ top scorer in conference play, with three goals and three assists. James Carpenter has contributed four goals in conference games.
St. Joseph’s Prep comes into the week with an 11-2-2 overall mark after winning the National Capital Tournament over the holidays. The Hawks are 0-2-1-0 in conference play. Tristan Winata (two goals, one assist) and Jeffrey Hammond (one goal, two assists) are the top scorers in APAC play.
David Giacomin has taken his St. Joseph’s Prep team to Spring Mountain in the past. He’s looking to Wednesday’s return trip.
“St Joes’ is looking forward to returning to Spring Mountain for an outdoor game,” he said. “The boys are excited to participate with the other APAC teams and hopefully make this a yearly special event. “
Looking back on St. Joseph’s Prep’s victory at the 2022 National Capital Hockey Tournament, popularly known as Purple Puck Tournament.
The Hawks tied their opening game before winning their next four to claim the tournament title.
This video, which was produced by Mr. Jost Winata, commemorates that achievement.
Our thanks to Mr. Winata for allowing us to post it here,
Game Scores
St. Joseph’s Prep 4 Gonzaga 4
St. Joseph’s Prep 3 Loyola Academy 2
St. Joseph’s Prep 3 Archbishop Spaulding 0
St. Joseph’s Prep 7 O’Connell 1
St. Joseph’s Prep 6 Archbishop Spaulding 1
Geoffrey Hammond scored three goals and assisted on another as St. Joseph’s Prep down Father Judge 7-4 Wednesday night in a non-league game at Flyers Skate Zone Northeast. Joey Samango added two goals and two assists as the Hawks improved to 7-2-1 on the season.
John Lynch and Matt Guiliani also scored goals.
Hockey Happenings 