La Salle 4, St. Joseph’s Prep 0

BRISTOL— Some of the actors assumed new roles in the production. But in the end the performance was more or less unaffected.

Despite fielding a lineup that had some pieces missing La Salle stayed focused on the task at hand and recorded a 4-0 win over St. Joseph’s Prep Monday night at Grundy Arena in an Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference semifinal. The win was La Salle’s sixth straight.

The two-time defending champion Explorers (8-4) will face regular-season champion Malvern Prep for the Founders Cup title Wednesday night at 8:00 at Ice Line.

La Salle’s big guns were as powerful as usual. Michael Casey scored a goal and assisted on two others. David Kimmel had a goal and an assist, while Keenan Schneider and Dan Whittock also scored goals.

But with only 15 skaters in uniform and several regulars missing, La Salle coach Wally Muehlbronner had to play mix and match several players got more ice time than usual as a result. One of them was senior forward Michael Roman.

“Definitely it’s a big chance to step up and help the team out,” he said. “I was definitely out there more, so it was more of a way to bring my leadership as a senior.”

Roman notes its important he set an example for his teammates even though, or perhaps because he doesn’t see a lot of ice time in many circumstances.

“It’s extremely important,” he said. “My main job, if I’m not on the ice, I’m giving everyone high-fives and telling everyone ‘Good work’, telling them what to do. Just trying to keep a positive energy on the bench.

Schneider gave the Explorers a 1-0 lead just 72 seconds after the opening faceoff on a shot from the inside of the right circle that seemed to catch St. Joseph’s Prep netminder Rocco Bruno by surprise
Kimmel made it a 2-0 when he put in a rebound of Whittock’s original shot.

Whittock himself extended La Salle’s lead at the 16:41 of the second period and Casey added a fourth goal 8:21 into the third.

Muehlbronner noted that Monday’s game was a new experience for some of his players who weren’t used to the postseason environment.

“It was the first time for a lot of these guys playing in that playoff atmosphere,” he said, “and I think it showed at times. We just looked a little bit hesitant at times but I think the older guys got it going, and in the end, were certainly happy with the result.

St. Joseph’s Prep (3-9) had just 13 skaters dressed. Hawks’ coach David Giacomin said the pace of the game eventually caught up to his players.

“They played so hard the first period,” he said, “and about halfway through (the second period), maybe three quarters of the way through, that’s when they lost their legs. If they played like they did … the consistent game, we’re going to be in every game and have a chance to win. But it’s really difficult playing game in and game out with the same 10-12 kids.”

St. Joseph’s Prep 0 0 0—0

La Salle 2 1 1—4

First-period goals: Keenan Schneider (L) from Max Maddalo, 1:12; David Kimmel (L) from Dan Whittock and Michael Casey, 11:10

Second-period goals: Dan Whittock (L) from Casey, 16:41

Third-period goals: Casey (L) from Kimmel, 8:21

Shots: La Salle 35, St. Joseph’s Prep 31; Saves: Rocco Bruno (SJP) 31. Liam Gross (L) 31

Van Stefanou Back Home at St. Joseph’s Prep

A decade and more ago, Van Stefanou skated for St. Joseph’s Prep. For five seasons now, he’s been one of the Hawks’ assistant coaches. In a sense, he has returned home.

Even as a young boy, Stefanou, a Tabernacle, N.J. native, was virtually certain he would attend St. Joseph’s Prep. It was a family tradition.

“All the men on my mom’s side of the family went to the Prep” he said, “and my great uncle was president of the Prep for 21 years. So, pending the passing of my entrance exam, I was going to the Prep. Other than that, the thought of being part of such a prestigious school with a great history was so appealing to me that going to the Prep was my only option.”

When he arrived on the school’s campus in the fall of 2006, Stefanou found himself being challenged academically and athletically.

“The classes at the Prep were definitely challenging,” he said, “and students were held to a high standard but that was expected at the Prep. I remember a lot of long nights. I would come home from Prep and club hockey practices around 9 or 10 o’clock most nights and have to start homework then.

“I also had some really amazing teachers while at the Prep. To name a few, Mr. Hart, Mrs. (Kathleen) Sullivan, and Mr. (Andrew) Whelan were the teachers that left a longing impression after the Prep and instilled some of the qualities in me that I hold today.”

Today, Stefanou is appreciative of the support he received from the faculty during his high-school years, and the support he and his fellow students provided each other.

“While the Prep and extracurriculars were a challenge every day, my classmates and teammates were always there for each other,” he said. “I don’t keep in touch with them as much as I’d like to but we usually see each other at our alumni game every November and it’s great to catch up with them and hang out.”

During Stefanou’s years at the school, the St. Joseph’s Prep hockey program was still evolving into what it later became.

“It still felt like the program was in its early stages with a lot of potential for the future,” he said. “There were several coaches that put a lot into the program. You don’t really appreciate all that they do until you’re one of them.

“The program has definitely grown since I played. Winning a state championship like we did (in 2018) was almost unthinkable for us and now it feels like it’s attainable every year.

“That just goes to show how much the program has progressed in the last eleven years. I was proud to be part of the Prep hockey team then and am very lucky to coach now. I was part of a great group throughout the four years and I couldn’t have asked for a better class.”

After high school Stefanou played two years of junior hockey, a year in British Columbia and Washington in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League and then a year in North Carolina in the EJHL South.

From there, he played four years at UMass Dartmouth; as a freshman he played for a team that won a conference championship and qualified for the NCAA Division III tournament.

Today, Stefanou is proud to be coaching at the school that shaped his life.

“My four years at the Prep built the foundation of my character today,” he said. I took many values from my time at the Prep including humility, integrity and perseverance. It’s what brought me back to coach five years ago. When I was given the opportunity to give back to the Prep, there was no question in my mind that I would do it.”

For more about St. Joseph’s Prep Click Here

Malvern Prep 5, St. Joseph’s Prep 1

Malvern Prep scored four times in the first period and went on to a 5-1 over St. Joseph’s Prep Friday night in an APAC game at the Skatium.

Chris Blango, Ryan Sambuco, Pierre Laropcque, Gavin Wilson, and Jack Constabile all scored goals as the Friars improved to 11-1 overall and 5-1-3-0 in the APAC.

Jeffrey Hammond scored for the Hawks (3-7, 1-7) who will conclude their regular season next Friday against La Salle.

The result of this game, combined with La Salle’s 5-1 win over Holy Ghost Prep Friday night, locks in the matchups for the Founders Cup semifinals, which are set for the week of March 29. Malvern Prep will be seeded first, followed by La Salle, Holy Ghost Prep, and St. Joseph’s Prep in that order.

Malvern Prep 4 1 0—5

St. Joseph’s Prep 0 1 0—1

First-period goals: Chris Blango (MP) unassisted, 2:38; Ryan Sambuco (MP) from Matt Harris, 3:58 (sh); Pierre Larocque (MP) unassisted (pp); Gavin Wilson (MP) from Anthony Perti, second assist unavailable, 14:40

Second-period goals: Jeffrey Hammond (SJP) assist unavailable, 4:33; Jack Constabile (MP) from Jimmy Kirk and Quinn Dougherty, 12:25

Shots: Malvern Prep 44, St. Joseph’s Prep 40

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 with your own personalized podcast or advertorial content, tournament. Contact us at rwoelfel2013@gmail.com for more information.

La Salle 4, St. Joseph’s Prep 2

Four different players scored goals as La Salle downed St. Joseph’s Prep 4-2 Wednesday afternoon in an Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference game at Hatfield Ice.

The win was the Explorers’ third straight and improved them to 4-3 in the APAC (5-4 overall).
Keenan Schneider and Jack Armstrong scored first-period goals to give the hosts a 2-0 lead. Matt Moresco scored for the Hawks (3-6, 1-6) 3:44 into the second period to cut the margin in half but Max Mongo extended La Sake’s lead at the 5:56 mark.

Chase Hannon’s power-play goal with 2:37 left in the game sealed the win for the Explorers before Moresco added a power-play goal of his own with. 22 seconds remaining.

La Salle enjoyed a 42-20 edge in shots. The Explorers are now tied for second place in the APAC with a game in hand. The Explorers and the Firebirds will meet Friday night at Grundy Arena.

St. Joseph’s Prep 0 1 1—2

La Salle 2 1 1—4

First-period goals: Keenan Schneider (L) from Jake Hannon and Ryan Desmond, 7:11; Jack Armstrong (L) from Desmond, 12:59

Second-period goals: Matt Moresco (SJP) from Joseph Samango, 3:44; Max Mongo (L) from Armstrong, 5:56

Third-period goals: Chase Hannon (L) from Thomas Doucet, 13:23 (pp); Moresco (SJP) from Michael Ahearn and Dominic Fantozzi, 15:38 (pp)

Shots: St. Joseph’s Prep 20, La Salle 42; Saves: Rocco Bruno (SJP) 38, Liam Gross (L) 18

Correction… And APAC Update

We reported that Malvern Prep’s 4-3 over Holy Ghost Prep on Thursday clinched the APAC regular-season title for the Friars. This was incorrect. La Salle still has the opportunity to claim that distinction.

Our sincere thanks to the individual that pointed out our error and our apology to those that follow our site for posting erroneous information.

The updated APAC standings are listed below

Won Lost OTW OTL Pts

Malvern Prep (9-1) 3 1 3 0 15

Holy Ghost Prep (4-5) 3 3 0 2 11

La Salle (4-4) 3 3 0 0 9

St. Joseph’s Prep (3-4) 1 4 0 0 3

Remaining Conference Games

Monday 3-15: St. Joseph’s Prep vs. Malvern Prep, 3:30 at Ice Line

Wednesday 3-17: St. Joseph’s Prep vs. La Salle 4:00 at Hatfield

Friday 3-19: Malvern Prep vs. St. Joseph’s Prep, 7:00 at Skatium

La Salle vs. Holy Ghost Prep, 7:30 at Grundy

Friday, March 26: La Salle vs. St. Joseph’s Prep, 7:00 at Skatium

The Grundy Skate Shop is a full-service hockey pro shop inside the Grundy Arena, offering a great selection of equipment, brands and various services. We do a full range of repairs as well as offer custom hockey jerseys. Owner Bill Keyser, has over 25 years experience in the industry and specializes in skate sharpening, including profiling. Please visit our Facebook page or stop in and check us out!

Malvern Prep 4, St. Joseph’s Prep 1

Jack Constabile scored two goals to lead Malvern Prep to 4-1 win over St. Joseph’s Prep on Monday at Ice Line as the Friars celebrated Senior Night. Matt Harris and Pierre Larocque also scored for Malvern Prep, which moved into first place in the APAC standings with the win, their eighth of the season in nine starts (3-1-2-0 in the APAC).

“The boys came out fast,” said Friars’ coach Bill Keenan. After losing to La Salle (on March 3) we had to get back to basics. It was good to get a win for our seniors on Senior Night.”

Dominic Fantozzi scored for the Hawks (3-4, 1-4)

St. Joseph’s Prep 0 0 1—1

Malvern Prep 1 3 0—4

First-period goal: Jack Constabile (MP) from Chris Blango, 15:25

Second-period goals: Constabile (MP) from Matt Harris and Quinn Dougherty, 4:07; Jonathan Holt (MP) from Hayden Campbell and Blango, 6:54; Harris (MP) from Ryan Sambuco and Matt Donatucci, 15:55

Third-period goals: Dominic Fantozzi (SJP) Liam Mooney, 12:08

Shots: St. Joseph’s Prep 35, Malvern Prep 44; Saves: Rocco Bruno (SJP) 40; Anthony Perti (MP) 34

St. Joseph’s Prep 5, Holy Ghost Prep 3

BRISTOL—A new and improved version of St. Joseph’s Prep showed up at Grundy Arena on Friday night. The Hawks built a 3-0 lead and went on to a 5-3 win over Holy Ghost Prep in front a boisterous audience.

Jack Yerger scored what proved to be the winning goal with 5:21 remaining in regulation to give the Hawks their first win in four Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference starts (3-3 overall).

The goal came just four seconds after the Firebirds’ Brady Baehser was sent to the box for tripping; Yerger scored off the ensuing faceoff.

“We’ve been sticking to the script, trying to do the same thing every game,” he said. “We were getting balance tonight. Some of the calls didn’t go our way but we persevered and we found a way to get it done.”

Yerger a senior, noted that the Hawks were moving the puck well and getting contributions from all three lines. “We’re always moving in the neutral zone,” he said, “and breaking out of the zone. We’re trying to get free and trying to get available for our defensemen. It was all working our way tonight. We were getting open, getting passes, and taking advantage of our opportunities too, which is the biggest part.”

The Hawks were outshot 36-26 but Rocco Bruno was in top form in goal. Yerger said that type of effort in goal energizes he and his teammates.

“It’s a great feeling,” he said, “and we almost feel that every time we play with both of our goalies. (Bruno and Andrew Custer). They’re both rocks for us.”

Quinn Egan and Christian Short scored goals 49 seconds apart to give the Hawks a 2-0 lead 6:03 into the first period. The goals came on similar plays that originated from the Hawks’ deep right-wing corner. Joseph Samango extended his team’s lead just 16 seconds into the second frame.
Carolos Rodriguez got the Firebirds (4-3, 3-1-0-2 in conference) at the 8:39 mark of the period. E.J. Pohl made it a one-goal game when he scored during a power play at 12:34. It was one of six power plays the Firebirds enjoyed over the course of the evening. Baehser drew the Firebirds even just 45 seconds into the final session.

After Yerger’s game winner, an empty-net goal with 51 seconds remaining assured the Hawks of their first conference win.

“We were chasing the game,” said Holy Ghost Prep coach Gump Whiteside. “I liked our response; we came back and were able to tie it up. We had every opportunity to win the game.”

St. Joseph’s Prep coach David Giacomin senses his team is rounding into form. “I told you If we had our three lines we were going to be a good team down the road,” he said. “And this is just one step, we’ve been playing pretty good hockey.”

St. Joseph’s Prep 2 1 2—5

Holy Ghost Prep 0 2 1—3

First-period goals: Quinn Egan (SJP) from Connor Burman and Michael Ahearn, 5:14; Christian Short (SJP) from Nicholas Storti

Second-period goals: Joseph Samango (SJP) from Liam Mooney and Short, :18; Carlos Rodriguez (HGP) from Luke Panepresso, 8:39; E,J. Pohl (HGP) from Panepreesso and Evan Mudrick, 12:34 (pp)

Third-period goals: Brady Baehser (HGP) from Mudrick, :45; Jack Yerger (SJP) from Charlie Maratee, 10:39 (sh); Samango (SJP) unassisted, 15:09 (en)

Shots: St. Joseph’s Prep 26. Holy Ghost Prep 36; Saves; Rocco Bruno (SJP) 33. Bobby Baesher (HGP) 31.

Dominic Fantozzi Reflects on His Years at St. Joseph’s Prep

Most high school students will acknowledge that the beginning of high school brings with it an assortment of challenges. That was certainly true in Dominic Fantozzi’s case.

Today, Fantozzi is a senior at St. Joseph’s Prep and one of the captains of the Hawks’ hockey team. But as he prepared to enter high school Fantozzi, a Haverford Township resident, found himself at a proverbial fork in the road, deciding whether to continue in public school by attending Haverford High or enrolling at the Prep. When he chose the latter, he knew his life was going to change. Fortunately, he had hockey teammates to help show him the way.

“When I was in the eighth grade I was on a team with a couple kids from the Prep that were freshmen,” Fantozzi recalled, “and they told me just to get ready; ‘It’s going to be very hard but we all got through it. You’re going to struggle at first (but), you’re going to get through it.’ So, they just kept pushing me along and supporting me along the way.”

Thanks to the support of his club-hockey teammates, Fantozzi had a sense of what he was in for when he began his freshman year at the Prep. But he found the environment to be challenging nonetheless.

“It was very difficult,” he said. “I’m not going to lie. We had to take Latin my freshman and sophomore years and that was really hard.

“I never knew how to study before, I never really had to and then I came to Prep; it was like a slap in the face. I had to learn really quick how to study and time management, and get all my work done before I had practice and games.”

Fantozzi who also plays baseball at the Prep (he’s considering playing club hockey or baseball in college) found himself studying nightly during the week rather than socializing with friends

“I chose to stay home and study,” he said, “because I knew in my first month at the Prep if I slacked off on any little bit I would be in big trouble by the end of the week with all my work. So, it was a little tough in the beginning … But in the end, it’s worth it in my opinion.”

Fantozzi notes that the St. Joseph’s Prep faculty encourages students to reach out for help if they’re struggling.

“They want us to come to them right away, meet with them and take extra time to focus on what we need help with,” he said. “That’s what I’ve been hearing since my first day, freshman year; ‘If you need help, come see me. That’s what I try to do and it really helped a lot.”

Fantozzi admits he was hesitant to approach his teachers for extra help at first, but eventually overcame his reluctance. “Once you do it, it’s so much more worth it in the end,” he said. “It’s intimidating at first, but once teachers keep saying it and you really see your grade and realize you need help, it becomes your only option.
“I struggled my freshman year in World History and my teacher (Jason Zazyczny) was amazing. He was no nice. He became the principal the next year, he was the old principal before that. He was a great guy and he was the one who made me realize (the importance of asking) for help. Because they’re not going to bite, (the faculty) is going to be real nice about it and help you.”

As a captain, Fantozzi is being counted on for leadership. How he goes about providing it depends on the circumstances.

“I try to be vocal,” he said. “Sometimes, it’s not always there. But when I’m passionate about something like during a game or with a big game coming up, I’m always going to be there, trying to get the boys hyped for the game, getting ready for the game.

“There will be times when I don’t know what to say and there will be times I know exactly what to say.”

As one of the veteran leaders of a young hockey team, Fantozzi recognizes setting a positive tone for his teammates. “I think the biggest thing for this team is most of them are young,” he said. “So, me and the captains and all the seniors need to set an example.

“The first day of practice all these kids were questioning whether they’d be good or not and I told them ‘Don’t think like that. Keep practicing and once we all fit together, the wins will come.”

The Hawks have had some ups and downs this season; they’ve dropped their first two Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference games (A third, against Malvern Prep was postponed on February 22). But Fantozzi is confident better days are ahead.

“It’s been a little bit of a struggle,’ he said, “because we can’t really get everyone together. Because we’re only in school twice a week, and one of the days that we have practice, nobody is even in school, so it’s harder to get everyone to the rink.
“We haven’t clicked yet. But I feel like once everybody gets together and we can start practicing and playing more, we’ll start clicking a lot better.”

For more about St. Joseph’s Prep Click Here:

Holy Ghost Prep-St. Joseph’s Prep Matchup a Nod to Hockey History

Friday’s Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference matchup between Holy Ghost Prep and St. Joseph’s Prep at the Skatium will have considerable significance. It will be the first APAC conference game to be played at the celebrated venue.

When the puck is dropped shortly after 7 p.m., the lengthy history of the rink and the brief but impressive record of the APAC will be officially linked.

Located on Darby Road in Haverford Township, and built at a cost of $1.5 million, the Skatium opened its doors on September 20, 1974. The timing could not have been better. The Flyers had won their first Stanley Cup just four months and a day earlier and enthusiasm for hockey in the Philadelphia area was at an all-time high.

The name of the venue was determined via a contest that was open to all residents of Haverford Township. Twelve-year old Michael Steinberg submitted the winning entry. At first, use of the township-owned facility was restricted to Haverford Township residents, but that stipulation was eventually dropped and the rink soon became arguably an epicenter for the growth of amateur hockey in the Philadelphia area in general and Delaware County in particular. And while newer, larger facilities have been built in the years since, none have replicated the Skatium’s intimacy.

Today it is the home rink for a half dozen Inter County League teams, as well as teams from the Independence League, the St. Joseph’s University club team, and the Haverford Hawks youth program.

Holy Ghost Prep coach Gump Whiteside has made numerous trips to the Skatium as a player and coach. He enjoys the venue’s atmosphere.

“I remember when it was first opened up and going there for youth games as a player and then later as a coach,” he said. “It was always clean. I liked the stands on that one side. The benches were really tight but then they did some renovations and made the benches a lot bigger and nicer, but it was a really good atmosphere to play in.”

Whiteside recalls the atmosphere in the building as being difficult for visiting teams to deal with. “It was a tough barn to play in,” he said. It’s a great atmosphere. I can remember coaching both (Germantown Academy) and Holy Ghost and having some tough games against O’Hara over the years. It’s been a great atmosphere.”

David Giacomin is in his eighth season as the head coach at St. Joseph’s Prep. When he started his career with the Hawks the team played its home games at the Skatium before moving to the University of Pennsylvania’s Class of 1923 rink. The Hawks returned to the Skatium this season.

Giacomin was asked what makes the building unique. “I think it’s the atmosphere,” he said. “In a typical year where you can have fans.

“it is an old barn. The student body and everything is all on one side. It’s built up over the glasses. You feel like everybody’s right on top of you. The ceiling has got a decent height to it but it feels like everything is on top of you. So, it’s very quaint.”

Giacomin considers the Skatium an ideal setting for high-school hockey. “It’s just a very exciting place to play,” he said. “It’s usually loud and raucous and when two teams meet, they bring their fans there. It’s just a super, great place.

“There’s the visual, the lighting in there, the ice surface is awesome. Teams seem to enjoy playing at that place, but what makes it special is the 800 to a thousand people that can be in there. It’s kind of suited for a high school hockey game.’’

In 2014, Giacomin’s first year at St. Joseph’s Prep, the Hawks were the top seed in the Class AAA Flyers Cup and faced La Salle in the one-game final at the Skatium a game eventually won by the Explorers 5-4 in overtime

Giacomin recalls that building was packed.

“It was one of those games where we didn’t know going into it how many people would show up,” he said. “Delaware County’s got a lot of hockey folks, and it wasn’t just people from St. Joe’s or La Salle there, it was people who liked hockey who wanted to come over and watch a good game.

“It was just so many people, five deep behind the benches and people wrapped three, four deep around the glasses, in that area and then on the way to the locker room it was almost 11 deep. Both teams took time to get the locker room in between periods.

“It was just a great atmosphere to be a part of and probably something that those kids will never forget.”

Giacomin is enthusiastic about the Hawks returning to the Skatium this season and bringing the APAC along with them.

“Don’t get me wrong, plying at Penn is a great experience, as well,” he said. “That’s another one of those old buildings. But if you brought in 800 people you wouldn’t know 800 people were there. With the Skatium, and all the people who love high school hockey around the area, if you brought in 800 people, you’re going to know they’re all there because it’s going to be loud. It’s just a great place to play we’re looking forward to it.

“Hopefully, we can continue that for years to come because I think presenting the APAC in that area, geographically would enhance our league.”

St. Joseph’s Prep 6, Haverford High 1

St. Joseph’s Prep 6, Haverford High 1—Connor Burman scored two goals as the Hawks opened their season with a non-league win over Haverford High Friday night at the Skatium. Joe Samango, Christian Short, Matt Moresco, and Jeffrey Hammond also scored.

Andrew Custer and Rocco Bruno split the game in goal.

Haverford 0 1 0—1

St, Joseph’s Prep 2 2 2—6

First-period goals: Jeffrey Hammomd (SJP) from Dominic Fantozzi, :44; Matt Moresco (SJP) from Hammond, 7:27.

Second-period goals: Mike McGeoch (H) unassisted, 6:44; Connor Burman (SJP) from Hammond, 7:20; Burman (SJP) from Hammond, 7:33.

Third-period goals: Joe Samango (HGP) from Hammond, 14:36; Christian Short (SJP) from Michael Ahearn, 15:39.