Flyers Cup First Round Games

Flyers Cup Schedule for Monday, March 7

Class A First Round

Radnor 10 Plymouth Whitemarsh 8

Council Rock North 7 Penncrest 3

Palmyra 9 Strath Haven 4  

West Chester Henderson 6 Wissahickon 0

Tuesday, Match 8

Class AA First Round

1 Pennridge vs 16 Ridley 6:30 at Hatfield Gray

8 Downingtown East vs 9 Cumberland Valley 6:45 at Ice Line 3

4 Pennsbury vs 13 Owen J. Roberts 6:00 at Hatfield Blue

5 Avon Grove vs 12 Central Bucks East 6:30 at Ice Line 1

3 Council Rock South vs 14 Abington 8:10 at Hatfield Blue

6 Downingtown West vs 11 C.B. South 8:30 at Ice Line 1

7 Conestoga vs 10 Neshaminy 9:15 at Skatium

2 Haverford vs 15 Souderton 7:30 at Skatium

Quarterfinals in both classes are scheduled for Thursday, March 10. Game sites and times to be determined.

Jeff Mauro has written a book on the history of the Pennsylvania state high school hockey championship. To find out more and order a copy CLICK HERE

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Abington 6 Quakertown 2

HATFIELD TOWNSHIP— Abington took its first steps on its postseason journey Thursday night. Matt Kramer and Jordan Heydt scored two goals each as the Galloping Ghosts downed Quakertown 6-2 in a SHSHL American Division semifinal at Hatfield Ice.

Top-seeded Abington (14-1) will learn Sunday if it qualifies for the Class AA Flyers Cup field before taking the ice against Wissahickon for the American Division title Thursday.

Fourth-seeded Quakertown, playing its first playoff game in its three-year tenure in the SHSHL, finishes at 7-9.

Abington coach Ken Brzozowski noted his team turned in a workmanlike effort. “It’s kind of what we’ve been doing all year,” he said, “working hard. Our philosophy is ‘Carry the puck wide, get it deep, and and then go to work. We’ve got got some skilled guy that have got some pretty good hands and can find a little hole there through open space.”

Kramer and Heydt scored first-period goals to stake their team to a 2-0 lead.

Heydt extended his team’s lead with a backhander from the low slot midway through the second session. Ryan Porter made it a 4-0 game with 56 seconds left in the period.

The Panthers however did not back down. Anthony Pagliei and Lucas Cunnane scored goals 45 seconds apart to make it a 3-2 game 3:01 into the third period.

But Quakertown couldn’t get closer. Kramer scored his second goal of the game midway through the period before Sam Paulik added a goal of his own down the stretch.

“We couldn’t be prouder of the boys,” said Quakertown coach Keith Krem. “They came out and they played hard. It didn’t go where we want it to go but we were happy to be in a playoff game and taking our season to a new step.”

Quakertown 0 0 2—2

Abington 2 2 2—6

First—period goals: Matt Kramer (A) from Joe Stelacio, 9:48; Jordan Heydt (A) unassisted, 13:33

Second-period goals: Heydt (A) 8:13; Ryan Portner (A) from Stelacio, 16:04

Third-period goals: Anthony Pagliei (Q) unassisted, 2:16; Lucas (Q) from Wilham Shaw, 3:01; Kramer (A) from Heydt and Brian Murdoch, 8:32; Sam Paulik from Pat Stelacio,15:50

Shots: Abington 29, Quakertown 20;

SHSHL Update for 2-9-22

National/Continental-Class AA     W     L     T    OTL     Pts

Pennridge (13-0)                                8     0     0       0        16 

Council Rock South (10-1-1)            8     0     0       0        16

Pennsbury (8-3-1)                              6      2     0      0        12

Neshaminy (8-3-1)                             5     3     0      0        10

Central Bucks South (5-6-1)              5     3     0      0       10

Council Rock North (6-6)                  4      5     0      0        8

Souderton (6-6)                                  4      5     0      0        8

Central Bucks East (4-8)                    3     5     0      0        6

Bensalem (3-9)                                   1      7     0      0        2

Central Bucks West (4-8)                   1      7     0      0       0

North Penn (1-11)                               0      8    0       0       0

American Division-Class A                  W    L   T    OTL      Pts

Abington (10-1)                                        9     0  0     0         18

Plymouth Whitemarsh (10-2)               7    1  0     0          14

Wissahickon (6-6)                                   6     3  0     0        12

Quakertown (6-7)                                   6     5  0     0        12

William Tennent (3-10)                          3      7  0    0         6

Upper Dublin (3-9-0-1)                          2    7   0     1        5

Hatboro-Horsham (1-11)                     0    10     0     0        0 

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Scoring

Class AA                                                  G      A      Pts

Karson Grainey (CRN)                         22      13     35

Shane Siegmund (PB)                         14     21       35

Brendan Macainsh (Pb)                     18      11      29

Kevin Pico (Pr)                                     14     13      27

Nick Hahn (CRN)                                  8       17     25

Kevin Koles (CRS)                                11       13     24

Max Gallagher (Nesh)                        12       10     22

Reece Millman (Pb)                            10       11     21

Aeryk Lehrhaupt (Pr)                           13      6      19

Aydin Thierolf (CBS)                             12      7      19

Julian Sarne (CRS)                                14      4       18

Class A                                                     G       A      Pts

Luke Weikel (PW)                                  30      17    47

Aidan Keogh (PW)                                 13      33     46

Matt Kramer (Ab                                    22      13     35

Joe Stelacio (Ab)                                    16       17    33

Matthew Flynn (PW)                               8       21    29

Danny Hussa (Wiss)                              20       8      28

Will Hussa (Wiss)                                   14      14     28

Jack Bocul (UD)                                      20      6       26 

A.J. Pounds (Wiss)                                 14     12      26

Matt Cholaj (Ab)                                    10     12       22

Frank Rosenberry (WT)                         12      9      21

Jeff Mauro has written a book on the history of the Pennsylvania state high school hockey championship. To find out more and/or order a copy CLICK HERE

SHSHL Update for 1-18-22

 National/Continental-Class AA     W     L     T    OTL     Pts

Pennridge (9-0)                                  5     0     0       0        10 

Council Rock South (7-1-1)               5      1     0       0      10

Neshaminy (6-1-1)                             3      1     0      0         6

Council Rock North (4-4)                  3      3     0      0        6

Souderton (5-5)                                  3      4     0      0        6

Pennsbury (4-2-1)                              2      1     0      0        4

Central Bucks East (3-6)                    2     3     0      0         4

Central Bucks South (2-5-1)              2      2     0      0       4

Bensalem (3-4)                                   1      2     0      0        2

Central Bucks West (3-5)                   0      4     0      0       0

North Penn (1-8)                                 0      5    0       0       0

American Division-Class A                  W    L   T    OTL      Pts

Abington (7-1)                                         6     0  0     0         12

Wissahickon (5-4)                                   5     1  0     0         10

Quakertown (4-6)                                   4      4  0     0         8

Plymouth Whitemarsh (5-1)                3      1  0     0         6

Upper Dublin (3-6)                                 2    4   0    0           4

Hatboro-Horsham (1-6)                         0    5  0     0           0 

William Tennent (0-8)                           0      5  0     0          5

Scoring

Class AA                                                  G      A      Pts

Shane Siegmund (PB)                          10      14      24

Karson Grainey (CRN)                         16      7        23

Max Gallagher (Nesh)                         9       9        18

Kevin Pico (Pr)                                      11     7        18

Alex Hood (Bens)                                 10     5       15

Kevin Koles (CRS)                                 8       7        15

Brendan Macainsh (Pb)                     10      5        15

Nick Hahn (CRN)                                  6       9        15

Julian Sarne (CRS)                               11      3        13

Jackson Accardi (CRN)                        8        5       13

Class A                                                     G       A      Pts

Matt Kramer (Ab                                  20      9      29

Aidan Keogh (PW)                                10     18     28

Luke Weikel (PW)                                  17      10    27

Jack Bocul (UD)                                     20      6       26 

Will Hussa (Wiss)                                   13       11    24

Joe Stelacio (Ab)                                     10       14    24

Danny Hussa (Wiss)                                16       5      21

A.J. Pounds (Wiss)                                   10     10      20

Matt Cholaj (Ab)                                       8       9        17

Nick Hussa (Wiss)                                    5        11      16

SHSHL Update for 1-9-22

 National/Continental-Class AA     W     L     T    OTL     Pts

Pennridge (8-0)                                  4     0     0       0        8 

Souderton (5-4)                                  3      3     0      0        6

Council Rock South (6-1-1)               4      1     0       0      8

Neshaminy (5-1-1)                             2      1     0      0        4

Central Bucks East (3-5)                    2     2     0      0         4

Bensalem (3-3)                                   1      1     0      0        2

Central Bucks South (2-5-1)              2      2     0      0       2

Pennsbury (3-2-1)                              1      1     0      0        2

Council Rock North (3-4)                  2      3     0      0        4

Central Bucks West (3-4)                   0      3     0      0        0

North Penn (1-7)                                 0      4    0       0       0

American Division-Class A                  W    L   T    OTL      Pts

Abington (5-1)                                         4     0  0     0          8

Wissahickon (4-4)                                   4     1  0     0          8

Quakertown (4-5)                                   4      3  0     0         8

Plymouth Whitemarsh (5-0)                 3      0  0     0         6

Upper Dublin (3-5)                                  2    3   0    0          4

Hatboro-Horsham (1-6)                         0    5   0    0         0 

William Tennent (0-8)                           0      5  0     0          5

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Scoring

Class AA                                                  G      A      Pts

Karson Grainey (CRN)                         13      7        20

Shane Siegmund (PB)                           9       10      19

Kevin Pico (Pr)                                      11      5        16

Max Gallagher (Nesh)                         8       7        15

Nick Hahn (CRN)                                  6       9        15

Alex Hood (Bens)                                 9        5       14

Julian Sarne (CRS)                               10      3        13

Kevin Koles (CRS)                                 6       7        13

Jackson Accardi (CRN)                        8        4       12

Seth Grossman (Soud)                        7       5        12

Class A G A Pts

Matt Kramer (Ab                                   14      8      22

Will Hussa (Wiss)                                   11       10    21

Jack Bocul (UD)                                     14      5      19 

Joe Stelacio (Ab)                                    8     11      19

A.J. Pounds (Wiss)                                10     8       18

Danny Hussa (Wiss)                             15       3     18

Matt Cholaj (Ab)                                    8       9      17

Aidan Keogh (PW)                                 7         9    16

Nick Hussa (Wiss)                                  5        11   16

Anthony Pagliei (Q-town                     7        8     15

C.B. South 3 Neshaminy 2

BRISTOL—A hockey team trying to find its way took a big leap forward Thursday night. Aidan Gaffney scored two goals as Central Bucks South surprised previously unbeaten Neshaminy 3-2 Thursday night at Grundy Arena.

It was the first win for the Titans in seven starts this season (1-5-1 overall, 1-1 in Class AA divisional play.

Assistant coach Tyler Skroski noted it was a team win in the truest sense of the term.

“We relied on our older guys, our seniors were coming through,” he said. “Our top players were coming through. That’s a full team win.”

The Titans also got a big contribution from a younger guy; freshman goaltender Jason Magaruh, who was credited with 50 saves.

Dan Kvechner gave South the first lead of the night just 2:28 into the opening period. Jacob Adami responded for the ‘Skins (4-1-1 overall 1-1 in the division) at the 12:50 mark on a shot from the right circle on which Magaruh was screened and it seemed the hosts were getting a handle on things. 

 But Gaffney put South ahead for the second time just 1:32 into the second period.

“The mindset was just north-and-south hockey,” he said. “We wanted to get pucks in deep and shoot everything we possibly could.”

The Titans skated themselves into a corner at the start of the third period. Kvechner was set off for tripping after 43 seconds. When Justin Montagna was flagged for the same offense at 1:25 South found itself skating two men short. When J.J. Hathaway tied the game for Neshaminy at the 2:22 mark the ‘Skins still had a full minute of power-play time left.

But Magaruh bolstered by his defense corps, held form.

“He’s a young goalie,” Gaffney said. “We’ll always support our goalie no matter what.

Gaffney’s game-winning goal came with 2:20 left in the game off a faceoff.

The ‘Skins enjoyed a 52-36 edge in shots on goal. Neshaminy coach Matt DeMatteo lamented the fact that an abundance of his team’s shot attempts never got to the net.

“I think that their defense stepped up,” he said. “Not that their goalie didn’t play well. We had trouble getting pucks through to him. We got some shots on, but they blocked a ton of shots.

 “I think that was their game plan going in to load up the middle and block shots. We just had trouble getting the pucks through to the goalie.”

Gaffney believes the win will be a springboard for the Titans and give them momentum. 

“Definitely,” he said. “It’s definitely a turnaround. “We’re looking to turn it around for the rest of the games and I definitely think we can.”

C.B. South 1 1 1—3

Neshaminy 1 0 1—2

First-period goals: Dan Kvechner (CBS) from Matt Crouch, 2:28; Jacob Adami (N) from J.H. Hathaway, 12:50

Second-period goals: Aidan Gaffney (CBS) from Justin Keilman and Aydin Theirolf, 1:32

Third-period goals: Hathaway (N) from Max Gallagher, 2:26 (pp); Gaffney (CBS) from Adam Cusick, 12:40

Shots: C.B. South 36, Neshaminy 52; Saves: Jason Magaruh (CBS) 50, Brian Nelson (N) 33

SHSHLUpdate for 12-6-21

Standings

 National/Continental-Class AA     W     L     T    OTL     Pts

Pennridge (5-0)                                  2      0     0       0        4 

Souderton (4-2)                                  2      1     0      0        4

Pennsbury (3-1-1)                              1      0     0      0        2

Council Rock South (3-1-1)               1      0     0       0       2

Neshaminy (4-0-1)                             1      0     0      0        2

Central Bucks East (2-3)                    1     1     0      0        2

Bensalem (2-2)                                   0      0     0      0        0

Central Bucks South (0-5-1)             0      1     0      0        0

North Penn (1-4)                                 0      1    0       0       0

Central Bucks West (2-3)                  0      2     0      0         0

Council Rock North (1-3)                  0      2     0      0        0

American Division-Class A                  W    L   T    OTL      Pts

Wissahickon (2-2)                                   2     0  0     0          4

Abington (3-1)                                        2     0  0     0           2

Upper Dublin (2-3)                                 1    1   0    0           2

Plymouth Whitemarsh (3-0)                 1      0  0     0        0 

Hatboro-Horsham (1-3)                        0     2  0     0          0 

Quakertown (1-4)                                  1      2  0     0          0

William Tennent (0-5)                           0      2  0     0         0

Scoring

Scoring

Class AA                                                  G      A      Pts

Shane Siegmund (PB)                           9       9      18

Karson Grainey (CRN)                         10      5        15

Max Gallagher (Nesh)                         8       6        14

Nick Hahan (CRN)                               5       6         11

Brendan Macainsh (PB)                      6       4       10

Seth Grossman (Soud.)                    6       4       10

Kevin Pico (Pr)                                  6       4       10

Class A                                                     G       A      Pts

Matt Kramer (Ab                                   12      6       18

Will Hussa (Wiss)                                   9       5       14

Joe Stelacio (Ab)                                    3      11      14

Matt Cholaj (Ab)                                    8       6       14

Jack Bocul (UD)                                     10     4      14  

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Jeff Mauro has written a book on the history of the Pennsylvania state high school hockey championship. To find out more and order a copy CLICK HERE

          

SHSHL Overview

Traditionally, the Thanksgiving holiday is the first guidepost on the SHSHL calendar.

Here is an overview of how the season has evolved to date.

By Jared Roberts

The Suburban High School Hockey Leagues is celebrating their 49th season. There is a lot to expect in the upcoming season from each division, and here is what we are looking at.

Continental Division

Central Bucks East: Under Head Coach Jeff Mitchell, the Patriots are look to blend the old and the new Junior Goalie Matt Mangiacapre enters the week with a 4.24 GAA, as well as senior Forward Phil McIntyre with 1 goal and 1 assist on the season. East, currently 1-2 on the season.  On Nov 24 when they take on rival Central Bucks West. 

Central Bucks South: The Titans and eight-year Head Coach Shaun McGinty are looking to remain sharp, with the young players looking to the veterans to set the stage for them,. Key players include senior Forward Daniel Kvecher who has 3 assists on the season mixed with sophomore Forward D.J. Lindenmuth, who has 2 assists of his own of the season. South currently sits at 0-2-1 and will look to capture their first victory of the season on Nov 24 against North Penn.

Central Bucks West: Under18-year Head Coach Dave Baun, the optimism is there, with young talent mixed with senior leadership, which seems to be the ultimate recipe for success. Key players include senior Forward Evan Hee, who has logged 1 goal and 2 assists this season, mix with sophomore Defenseman Grant Funseth, who has 1 goal and 5 assists on the season. West is currently 2-1 on the season and will look to carry the momentum into their next game against rival Central Bucks East on Nov 24. 

Pennridge: Head Coach Jeff Montagna to replicate what the Rams did last season. He will look to players like senior Goalie Ryan Pico, who is 2-0 with a 2.00 GAA and a .939SV%, as well as junior Forward Aeryk Lehrhaupt, who has been active in the young season, scoring 3 goals and having 1 assist so far. Pennridge has yet to lose this season, currently at 3-0 and will look to stay perfect when they take on Souderton on Nov 24. 

Souderton:, Head Coach Ryan Uchniat, now in his his fourth season, looks to guide the young team towards success. He is will looking to junior goalies Noah Connor and Liam Kelly, who combined have a 2.92GAA, as well as freshman Forward Nicholas Smith who has 4 goals so far this season. Souderton sits at 2-1 and will look to take first place when they play division leader Pennridge on Nov 24. 

North Penn:. Head Coach Kevin Vaitis is looking to lead this group to make a deep run with relying on the young players to step up. Forward Justin Yothers has shown promise early in the season, as he has 1 goal and 2 assists, as well as Defensemen John Stinson, who has logged 1 goal and 1 assist. North Penn is still looking for their first victory of the season, sitting at 0-3, and will look to capture it on Nov 24 when they take on Central Bucks South. 

National Division

Bensalem: The Owls are starting with the one of the youngest teams in the SHSHL.  Although they had no varsity team last season, first year Head Coach Jordan Roth, is optimistic about their chances in the division. With key players such as sophomore Goalie Ricky Gonzalez with a 1.45GAA and a .930SV% on the young season and sophomore Forward Alex Hood who has 4 goals and 1 assist this season. Bensalem looks to make a name for itself when they take on Wissahickon on Dec 1. 

Pennsbury: The defending SHSHL Class AA champions and show no signs of slowing down this season., Head Coach Ryan Daley us encuring that the team is as sharp as they can be, and intends to stick to the gameplan that  it had last season. With young sophomore Goalie Aaron McDaniel, who is 2-0-1 with a 0.94GAA and a .926SV% on the season, as well as senior Forward Shane Siegmund, who has 4 goals and 4 assists on the season. Sitting at 2-0-1, Pennsbury will look to continue their win streak on Nov 24 when they take on Neshaminy and look to take first place.

Council Rock North: Similar to Bensalem, Council Rock North did not have a varsity team last season, however they make their return under first season Head Coach Greg McDonald. Another young team, North has judst one senior on their team, captain Wilton Pasch, who has logged 1 assist on the young season. Another notable name is freshman Defenseman Nicholas Hahn, who has 2 goals and 4 assists so far this season and shows no signs of slowing down. Council Rock North is currently 1-1 on the season and will look to continue their rise in the division as they take on Council Rock South on Nov 24. 

Council Rock South: Head Coach Joe Houk, who is entering his sixteenth season with the club, has most of that team returning for the season. There is not much doubt that they should carry over that success into this season. Looking at players such as senior Goalie Carson Lopez, who sports a 1.88GAA and a .915SV% in 2 games this season, as well as Defenseman Kevin Koles who has been lighting it up with 4 goals and 3 assist on the year. Council Rock South is currently 2-0-1 and will look to add another W on Nov 24 when they take on Council Rock North. 

Neshaminy: Neshaminy is coming off a season which was a learning experience for the younger players on the team, going 6-6-1, with the same group, now juniors, they look to make a serious run this season under fifth year Head Coach Matt DeMatteo. senior goalie Brian Nelson, who has a 2.45 GAA and a .904 SV%, the team also will lean on junior forward Max Gallagher who has been dominant, scoring 3 goals and 2 assists in 3 games. Neshaminy currently sits atop of the division at 2-0-1 and will attempt to hold onto first place when they take on Pennsbury Nov 24. 

American Division

Abington: Coming off of a season in which they went 7-4 and went to the SHSHL American Division title game, Abington, under fifth year Head Coach Ken Brzozowski, will look to continue their dominance. Rolling up on the season with an experienced lineup is always a big key to success, and Brzozowski has a lineup filled with them. Junior Forward Matthew has been sharp over the course of the early season, having 5 goals and 2 assists, and add senior Forward Joe Stelacio who has been just as electric, scoring 2 goals and 5 assists on the season. This team is hungry to win, and the seniors will have one last chance to bring it all home and will look to prove it when they take on Hatboro-Horsham Dec 3. 

Hatboro-Horsham: First year Head Coach Shane Smith will have his work cut out for him on the season. haa some experience with some of the players, such as senior Goalie Mason Rush who is 1-1 with a 4.85GAA and a .853 SV%, as well as senior Forward Tarek Elsabbagh, who has 2 goal and 2 assists on the year. Hatboro-Horsham, currently 1-1, will look to bounce back in the W column when they take on Moreland/New Hope Nov 24. With the seniors leading this team, the younger players and the new coach should have a real shot of making some noise in the division.

Plymouth Whitemarsh: Josh Aiello will enter his eighth season as Head Coach of Plymouth Whitemarsh. Expectations are high this season, however, that added pressure adds fuel to the fire with senior Goalie Kolton Galie, who is 2-0 with a 3.50 GAA and a .879 SV%, looks to carry the dominance throughout the rest of the season. Also feared on the team is senior Forward Luke Weikel, who has 3 goals and 3 assists on the year. Plymouth Whitemarsh will look to stay undefeated when they take on Quakertown on Dec 1. 

Quakertown: Head Coach Keith Krem enters his third season with a majority of the same team he has coached for the past two year With a good blend of young and old, Quakertown looks to build on the foundations of youth and to have the experienced players pass the torch to their younger players. Junior Defensemen William Shaw has turned some heads in the early goings of the season, scoring 3 goals and 1 assist, as well as senior Forward Anthony Pagliei, who has 2 goals and 1 assist of his own. Quakertown is currently sitting at 0-3 and will look to capture their first win when they take on Plymouth Whitemarsh on Dec 1. 

Upper Dublin: Upper Dublin is getting get back into the mix of the SHSHL after being on a two-year hiatus due to roster issues. Head Coach Anthony Richichi is entering his sixth season with the team, and his second stint as the head coach.  He will lean on the seniors to be beacons for the younger players. Sophomore Forward Jack Bocul has had an electric start to the season, with 7 goals and 1 assist, and the same could be said about Forward Louis Gamburg, who has 5 goals and 1 assist. Upper Dublin is currently 1-3 on the year and will look to carry momentum into their Dec 1 game against Council Rock North. 

William Tennent: Vincent Rosica enters his first season as head coach of William Tennent, taking over for Nick D’Aurizio.. Rosica has a lot of work to do with this team. Forward Frank Rosenberry has been a spark in the offense so far this season, posting 5 goals and 3 assists, paired with Forward Matthew Castan’s 3 goals, the team certainly has the offensive prowess to make a statement. William Tennent currently sits at 0-3 and will look to capture their first victory on Nov 24 when they take on Archbishop Wood. 

Wissahickon: Wissahickon is looking to defend the SHSHL American Division/Class A title. Head Coach Ken Harrington, entering his seventh season, is dealing with some graduation losses, however, the optimism is that they can repeat. Seniors Will and Nick Hussa will be heavily relied on, with Will having 8 goals and 5 assists in 3 games this season and Nick with 2 goal and 9 assists in the same time frame. Another big name to watch out for is freshman Forward Danny Hussa, who has 6 goals and 2 assists on the season, a good sign that both the younger and older players are mingling well together. Wissahickon currently stands at 2-1 and will look to stay undefeated when they take on Bensalem Dec 1. 

SHSHL Previews

The Suburban High School Hockey League is celebrating the start of its 49th. season.

Here’s a look at what to expect..

National Conference

Bensalem

Last year: No varsity team

Coach: Jordan Roth (first Season)

Key Players: So. Ricky Gonzalez (G), So. Alex Hood (F); Fr. Aliaksandr Bazylevich (F-D); Fr. Cole Saladya (F-D)

Outlook: It’s been going on two decades since Bensalem last fielded a varsity hockey team. The core of this year’s squad won squad won a middle-school championship last season. Consequently, it will be one of the youngest teams in the SHSHL but Roth, a teacher in the district, is optimistic.

“Purpose, poise, and passion in the classroom and on the ice will dictate how we perform as a new program,” he said, “and grow the hockey culture in the Bensalem community.”

Central Bucks East

Coach: Jeff Mitchell (second season)

Last year: 6-5-1-1

Key players: Jr. Matt Mangiacapre (G); Sr. Tyler Godown (F); Sr. Phil McIntyre (F); Jr. Steven DiRugeris (F); Jr. Bogdan Borodenko (F);

Outlook: The Patriots will field a blend of youth and experience this season. Mangiacapre in goal and Godown up front will provide veteran leadership.

Central Bucks South

Coach: Shaun McGinty (eighth season)

Last year: 8-6-1

Key players: Jr. Jake Stepp (D); Jr. Matt Crouch (D); Sr. Daniel Kvecher (F) Sr. Aidan Gaffney (F); Jr. Aydin Thierolf 

 (F). So. Colin Mendham (F); So. D.J. Lindenmuth (F)

Outlook: The Titans will be young in places this season but there is also some experience on hand. If past history is any indication, the veterans on the roster will set the tone for the newcomers with their work ethic and focus and the Titans will be as dangerous as ever.

Central Bucks West

Coach: Dave Baun (18th season)

Last year: 0-10

Key players: Sr. Evan Hee (D); Sr. Reese Dalzell (D); Sr. Grant Funseth (D); Sr. Billy Loughnane (F); Sr. Joey McFadden (F); So. Nick Bruno (F); So. Liam Rogers (G).

Outlook: The Bucks didn’t win a game last year. But Baun sees a promising season ahead.

“We really like this group,” he said. “We are young but talented. Most importantly, we have two important ingredients for success: good senior leadership, and hard-working kids willing to learn. These, together with solid goaltending give you a chance to win in any league.”

Council Rock North

Coach: Greg McDonald (first season)

Last year: No varsity team

Key players: So. Nick Hahn (D); Sr. Wilton Pasch (F); So. Karson Grainey (F)

Outlook: The Indians return to varsity competition this season under McDonald, who has extensive coaching experience at the club level. His team that is extremely young. Pasch, the only senior on the 17-man roster and the team’s captain is being counted on as a playmaker. Hahn is a defenseman with offensive skills while Grainey’s quickness will be an asset at center ice.

Council Rock South

Coach: Joe Houk (16th season)

Last year: 9-5-0-2

Key Players: Sr. Carson Lopez (G); Sr. Kyle Boss (D) Sr. Julian Sarne (D); Sr. Sam Cherkassky (F); Sr. Julian Wagenmann (F);

Outlook: The Golden Hawks played for the SHSHL Class AA title last season and much of that team returns. If all the pieces fit together the stage is set for a very promising season.

Neshaminy 

Coach: Matt DeMatteo (fifth season)

Last year: 6-6-1

Key players: Sr. Brian Nelson (G); Jr. J.J. Hathaway (D); Jr. Nolan Geria (D); Jr. Mike Knipple (D); Jr. Noah Seewagen (F); Jr. Danny McColgan (F)

Outlook: After enduring the challenges associated with youth last season, Neshaminy approaches the 2021-22 season as a team dominated by juniors, juniors who earned a substantial amount of ice time a year ago.

“We will continue to build on the experience gained last year as a young team,” DeMatteo said, “and look to take another step forward this season. It will take a team game and contributions from our entire line-up to make a successful run this year.”

North Penn

Coach: Kevin Vaitis

Last year: 6-9-1-1

Key players: Sr. Nich Ebbinghaus (G); Jr. Nick Crist (G); Sr. Ben Mostochuk (D); Jr. Tyler Porubski (D); Sr. Justin Yothers (F; Jr. Nolan O’Toole (F); So. Joey Silvotti (F); So. John Stinson (F)

Outlook: The Knights lost nine players due to graduation and Vaitis will be looking for his younger players to step up and play key roles. The return of Ebbinghaus for his senior year in goal should help.

Pennsbury

Coach: Ryan Daley (fifth season)

Last year: 16-2-2

Key players: So. Aaron McDaniel (G); Sr. Reece Millman (D); Sr. Connor Coyne (D); Sr. Justin Marlin (D): Jr. Andrew Falkenstein (D); Sr. Shane Siegmund (F); Jr. Brendan MacAinsh (F) 

Outlook: The defending SHSHL Class AA champions return with a high-powered offense. But there is talent on blue line as well and in goal.

“The team is hungry to repeat as champions and make a deep run in the Flyers Cup,” Daley said. “The game plan hasn’t changed much from last year. We need to keep the pedal down and pick up where we left off.”

Pennridge

Coach: Jeff Montagna (fourth season)

Last year: 10-6
Key players: Sr. Ryan Pico (G); Sr. Aidan Boyle (D); Sr. Ryan Schuler (D); So. Colin Dachowski (D); Sr. Jack Lowery (F); Sr. Aeryk Learhaupt (F); Sr. Andrew David (F)

Outlook: The Rams lost just four players from a team that reached the Class 2A Flyers Cup semifinals a year ago.  There is an abundance of experience on the roster including Pico, one of the area’s premier netminders.

Souderton

Coach: Ryan Uchniat (fourth season)

Last year 2-8

Key players: Jr. Noah Connor (G); Sr. Carter Pozavan (D); So. Seth Grossman (F); Jr. Timothy Alexander (F)

Outlook:  A freshman-dominated team endured growing pains a year ago, but gained invaluable experience. The Big Red Is looking to take some steps forward this season.

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American Conference

Abington

Coach: Ken Brzozowski (fifth season)

Last year: 7-4

Key players: Sr. Ben Panella (G); Sr. Tommy Rourke (D); Sr. Joe Stelacio (F); Jr. Matt Kramer (F); Jr. Ian Heydt (F); Jr. Griffin Carpenter (F)

Outlook:  The Galloping Ghosts, who reached the SHSHL American Division title game last winter, will field an experienced lineup this season. Five seniors will play key roles.

“The team has been working hard in practices,” Brzozowski said, “and looks forward to translating that effort to winning results. I am extremely proud of the seniors and excited to continue our journey into another successful season.”

Hatboro-Horsham

Coach: Shane Smith (first season)

Last year: 4-5-1-1

Key players: Sr. Mason Rush (G); Sr. Jack Steinberg (D); So. James Cortez (D); Sr. Tarek Elsabbagh (F)

Outlook: Smith takes over for Gianni Lafratta behind the Hatters’ bench. He’ll have some experience to call on, notably Rush in goal and Elsabbagh up front.

Plymouth Whitemarsh

Coach: Matt Aiello (eighth season)

Last year: 7-5

Key players: Sr. Aidan Keogh (F); Sr. Luke Weikel (F); Sr. Kolton Galie (G); Jr. Matt Flynn (F); Jr. Conlan Carpenter (D);

Outlook: The Colonials have expectations this season, in no small measure because their two leading scorers from last year return in Weikel and Keogh. Galie is experienced in goal.

Quakertown

Coach: Keith Krem (third season)

Last year: 1-10-0-1

Key players:  So. Matthew Krem (G); Jr. Will Shaw (D); Sr. Anthony Pagliei (F); Jr. Jack Diliberto (F); Sr. Melanie Pezzano (F); Fr. Branden McNally (F); Fr. Corbin Cassel (F)

Outlook: The Panthers embark on their third SHSHL season with a roster that blends youth and experience. Krem is pleased with the leadership being shown by his upperclassmen.

“This is our most complete and balanced team yet,” he said.

Upper Dublin

Coach: Anthony Richichi (sixth season in second stint as coach)

Last year: 12-4 as an independent team

Key players: Sr. Emmett Kepniss (G); Sr. Sr. Andrew Kearney (D); Sr. Max Frearson (D); Jr. Aiden McCarthy (D); Louis Gamburg (F); Jr. Jack Boucl (F); So. Will Hurlburt (F)

Outlook: The Flying Cardinals are back in the SHSHL after a two-year hiatus due to a roster issue; they were lacking a goaltender who attended Upper Dublin High. Kepniss, a newcomer to organized hockey, has stepped up to fill that role.

Gamburg, Kearney, and Frearson will provide senior leadership.

“We are thrilled to have the chance to compete,” Richichi said, “with the goal of making playoffs and, hopefully, a Flyers Cup berth.”

William Tennent

Coach:  Vincent Rosica (first season)

Last year: 4-5-1-1

Key players: Sr. Tom Lomas (G); Sr. Gavin Loughlin (D); Sr. Matt Castan (F)

Outlook: Rosica moves behind the Panther bench to take over for longtime SHSHL fixture Nick D’Aurizio. There will be some graduation losses to overcome; all three of last year’s captains are gone, but Lomas returns in goal.

Wissahickon

Coach: Ken Harrington (seventh season)

Last year: 12-2

Key players: Sr. Michael Bonnani; Sr. Ty Schiff (D); Jr. Griffin Lynch (F-D); Sr. Nick Hussa (F); Jr. Will Hussa (F); Sr. A.J. Pounds (F);

Outlook: the Trojans will be attempting to defend the SHSHL American Division (Class A) title, and despite having to deal with some graduation losses, they have the firepower to do so. Will and Nick Hussa are proven scorers and Schiff will provide experience on the blue line.

SHSHL Sets Alignment for 2021-22

A total of 17 varsity teams will skate under the Suburban High School Hockey League banner this season. Eleven Class AA teams and six Class A squads will be in the fold when the 2021-22 season commences on Wednesday, November 3.

There will be some changes in the makeup of the league; Council Rock North will return to the Class AA sector. Bensalem will skate in Class AA this season while Truman, which was a Class A team a year ago, will not field a varsity team this winter.

The Class AA National Division will include defending champion Pennsbury, along with Neshaminy, Council Rock South, Council Rock North, and Bensalem. The Continental Division will encompass North Penn, Souderton, Central Bucks East, Central Bucks West, and Central Bucks South.

The American Division will feature the league’s Class A schools, including defending champion Wissahickon, Plymouth Whitemarsh, Hatboro-Horsham, Quakertown, William Tennent, and Abington.