Tag: St. Joseph’s Prep

APAC Previews

The Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference beginning its fourth season with The Hun School joining Holy Ghost Prep, La Salle, and St. Joseph’s Prep. Each team will play eight conference games this season. 

Holy Ghost Prep

Coach: Gump Whiteside (13th season)

Last year: 7-7, 3-3-0-3 in APAC

Key players: Sr. Brian Butler (D); Sr. Colin Moore (D); Sr. Luke Panepresso (D); Sr. Sean Marshall (F); Jr. Brady Baesher (F); Jr. Landon Stout (F); Jr. Shaun Moore (F); Jr. Kieran Mulholland (F)

There is veteran experience on the blue line with veterans Butler, Moore, and Panepresso. Baesher, a first-team all-conference selection a year ago, is being counted on up front along with Stout, Marshall, Moore, and Mulholland, who will provide experience and quickness.

Whiteside is also expecting to get contributions from a talented group of underclassmen.

The Hun School

Coach: Ian McNally (11th season)

Last year: 0-3

Key players: Sr. Jack Borek (G); PG Nick Dimatos (D); Sr. Christian Clover (D); Sr. Riley Frost (F)

Outlook: The Raiders are the newest members of the APAC. They won’t begin on-ice practices until November 8 and won’t play a game until Thanksgiving Weekend.
Damatos, a post grad, is an offensive-minded defenseman. Clover is more of the stay-at-home mold. Frost is being counted on up front after not playing much hockey the last two years because of Covid and injuries while Borek is experienced in goal.

“It will be interesting to see what we actually have here,” McNally said. “We were only able to play a few games over the course of one week last year so were never able to see what are new players were actually capable of.  Anyone who was a part of our team two seasons ago will return much older and presumably bigger, faster and stronger.  I think there is the potential to have a pretty strong season this year, but we will learn a lot about our identity over these first weeks.

La Salle

Coach: Wally Muehlbronner (24th season)

Last year: 10-5, 6-3 APAC; conference co-champions

Key players:  Jr. Aries Carangi (G), So. Willum Braun (G), Sr. Gavin O’Connell (D), Jr. Chase Hannon (D), Sr. Daniel Whittock (F), Sr. Keenan Schneider (F), Sr. Max Maddalo (F), Sr. Chris Wnek (F)

Outlook: La Salle returns 13 players from a team that shared the APAC and reached the Class AAA Flyers Cup final.The lineup features experience and balance. Carangi saw quality time in goal a year ago and O’ Connell and Hannon are solid on the blue line. Whittock, Schneider, Maddalo, and Wnek all have demonstrated ability to put the puck in the net.
The Explorers will be trying to keep a streak alive; they shared the first two APAC titles before sharing the crown last year.

“We’re excited to hit the ice,” Muehlbronner said.

Malvern Prep

Coach: Bill Keenan (third season)

Last year: 15-1, 5-1-3 in APAC; conference co-champions, Class AAA Flyers Cup and Pennsylvania State Champions

Key players: Sr. Anthony Perti (G); Jr. Brandon Novabilski (G); Sr. Quinn Dougherty (D); Sr. Travis Buckley (D); Jr. Steven Getsie (D); So. Brady Doyle (D); So. Jack Sharer (D); Sr. Matt Harris (F); Sr. Pierre Larocque (F); Jr. Jimmy Jacobs (F); So. Jeremy Jacobs (F); 

Outlook: Much of last season’s Flyers Cup and state championship team returns and lineup is deep and talented, led by Perti and Harris, who were first-team all-conference selections last season. They’ll be joined by the likes of Dougherty and Buckley on defense along with Larocque up front.

The Friars will be trying to become the first Class AAA team in 13 years to successfully defend both the Flyers Cup and state titles.

“We are excited to get back to playing hockey,” Keenan said. “We have a good group of leaders returning as well as some younger guys filling in some gaps in the lineup. We are ready to get out there and compete and to have fun.”

St. Joseph’s Prep

Coach: David Giacomin (ninth season)

Last year: 4-10, 1-8 in APAC

Key players: Jr. Rocco Bruno (G); So. Ajay White (G); Sr. Nick Sorti (D); Sr. Declan Pierce, Sr. Michael Ahearn (D); Sr. Christian Short (D); Jr. Dante Passio (D); Jr. Jeffrey Hammond (F); Jr. Joey Samango (F); Sr. Quinn Egan (F); Sr. Charlie Maratea (F); Sr. Liam Mooney (F)

Outlook: The Hawks’ biggest strength will be in goal, where veteran Bruno and White will share responsibilities, and on defense. There is a veteran presence on the blue line in Pierce, Ahearn, and Short, and up front with Hammond and Mooney.

The Hawks often found themselves shorthanded last year in terms of numbers, which led them running out of gas late in games. Giacomin anticipates having more depth on hand this season and is looking for the added manpower to allow his team to play at a quicker pace in all three zones.

This Space is Available to promote your product or service. Contact us at rwoelfel2013@gmail.com for for information

The APAC is Expanding

The Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference will be a five-team alliance for 2021-22. The Hun School from Princeton, N.J. will join Malvern Prep, Holy Ghost Prep, St. Joseph’s Prep, and two-time defending champion La Salle for the upcoming season.

Ian McNally is the Raiders’ hockey coach. “We’re excited to join the league,” he said. “We have competed with each of the APAC school programs for several years now and it will only improve the level of competition in our games when implications on standings, stats, playoff seeds and everything else that comes with league play are introduced.  I think we share a common understanding of scholastic athletics with the APAC member schools and so we have strong existing relationships with the other coaches and athletics offices.”  

Tracey Arndt is the Co-Director of Athletics at The Hun School. “The Hun School of Princeton is grateful for the opportunity for our Ice Hockey team to join the APAC this season,” she said. “This is a top-notch ice hockey league with likeminded schools that will allow us to compete at a high level throughout the year. We look forward to the competition with such respected programs.”

The Hun School is no stranger to the other conference members, having regularly competed against them in non-league games.

“The APAC was founded with the belief that exceptional schools and scholastic hockey could thrive side by side in a competitive league that values sportsmanship, academic distinction and a quality Spirit,” said Holy Ghost Prep coach Gump Whiteside. “The Hun School is a welcomed addition to strengthening our rivalries, traditions and desire for excellence.”

La Salle coach Wally Muehlbronner is enthusiastic about the Raiders coming on board. “La Salle is very excited to have Hun School join the Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference,” he said. “Hun has had a long history of great competition versus the founding APAC schools. Their commitment to competing at a high level further strengthens the conference.”

St. Joseph’s Prep coach David Giacomin is looking forward to competing against the Raiders. “St Joseph’s Prep is extremely excited to welcome The Hun School into the APAC,” he said. They are a great school and we can’t wait to compete for years to come.”

Bill Keenan is the head coach at Malvern Prep, the reigning Class AAA Flyers Cup and state champions. “We are excited to have The Hun School join the APAC this upcoming season. It is great to have another quality, competitive team join our league. We are looking forward to competing against them this season.”

APAC institutions have been successful at the highest levels of scholastic hockey, competing at national tournaments and capturing every Class AAA Flyers Cup and Class AAA Pennsylvania State Championship since 2017.
Last year’s postseason was not completed. La Salle and Malvern Prep were scheduled to meet in the Founders Cup final but that game was eventually cancelled because of Covid issues. Malvern Prep went on to win the Flyers Cup and the state championship.

APAC Names All-Conference Squad

The Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference has named its all-conference team for 2021.

The players were selected by the four conference coaches.

First Team

F Michael Casey, La Salle Sr.

F Matt Harris, Malvern Prep Jr.

F Brady Baehser, Holy Ghost Prep So.

D Chris Blango, Malvern Prep, Sr.

D Andrew Budzynski, La Salle  Sr.

G Anthony Perti, Malvern Prep Jr.

Second Team
F Dom Fantozzi, St. Joseph’s Prep Sr.

F Jack Constabile, Malvern Prep Sr.

F Evan Mudrick, Holy Ghost Prep Sr.

D E.J. Pohl, Holy Ghost Prep Sr.

D Nick Storti, St. Joseph’s Prep Jr.

G Liam Gross. La Salle Sr.

Honorable Mention

F Connor Burman, St. Joseph’s Prep

F David Kimmell,La Salle

F Ryan Sambuco, Malvern Prep

F Sean Marshall, Holy Ghost Prep

F Jeffrey Hammond, St. Joseph’ Prep

D Declan Pierce, St. Joseph’s Prep

D Chase Hannon La Salle

D Brian Butler, Holy Ghost Prep

D Quinn Dougherty, Malvern Prep

G Rocco Bruno, St. Joseph’s Prep

G Bobby Baehser, Holy Ghost Prep

The conference has decided that the Founders Cup final, the APAC championship game will not be played. APAC Commissioner Jim Britt issued a statement Monday night:

The Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference representatives have elected to not play the Founders’ Cup Final Championship game, originally scheduled for Wednesday, March 31st between LaSalle College HS and Malvern Prep. The original championship game had been postponed due to Covid protocols.  Both teams will be recognized as 2020-2021 finalists.  The decision was made in consultation with school administrators and athletic directors, with special consideration given to schedule conflicts and impacts on spring activities and other sports.

La Salle 4, St. Joseph’s Prep 0

 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