By GORDON GLANTZ
When Wissahickon rallied to upset Hatboro-Horsham in overtime, 8-7, on Jan. 29, it did more than create shockwaves through the SHSHL standings.
It created a major ripple effect in the American Division.
While the win boosted the confidence of the surging Trojans (5-7), who have resurrected their season with two straight wins, it also put pressure on Hatboro Horsham and Springfield.
If the Hatters (11-1, with an overtime loss) are to grab the top spot in the final standings, and the first-round playoff bye that goes with it, they will need to win out in their two remaining games against PW (11-1, with a game in hand) on Thursday (8:50, Hatfield Gray) and Feb. 11 (9, Hatfield Blue).
In fact, the second meeting will mean nothing without taking the first.
The Hatters prepared for what’s next with an encouraging nonleague 2-1 win over Kennett last Friday night.
“Yeah, it’s definitely a big one,” said HH coach Shane Smith. “We put ourselves in a position where we need to win out if we want that first-round bye.
“With a crossover win against Kennett, we were able to get some momentum going and I think the team is up to the challenge.”
The situation became even more precarious for the Spartans (4-8), as the third and final playoff berth was placed in peril.
They will now need to win out against the Trojans. That quest begins Friday (6:40, BCI) and on Feb. 18 (9, Hatfield Blue).
“Wissahickon certainly didn’t make it easy on us,” said Springfield coach Don Quinn. “They beat us and then they had that great win against Hatboro Horsham.
“We just need to compete every shift and have enough to get those key victories.”
Eyes on the Prize
In the National Division, the playoff puzzle is fairly complete.
North Penn (11-0) and Council Rock South (11-2) would seem to have locked down the two byes awarded to the top two regular season finishers.
They are currently followed in the standings by Central Bucks South (9-3), Pennsbury (8-4-1), Pennridge (5-6) and Central Bucks East (5-7-1).
Souderton, at 3-8 with an overtime loss, can theoretically still upset the apple cart.
The details can be sorted out more this week as Pennridge plays C.B. South Wednesday (7:20, Hatfield Blue) and Council Rock South takes on Pennsbury on Thursday (8:45, Grundy B).
Positive Outlooks
Two other teams –Neshaminy (2-10) and Central Bucks West (0-13) – are more or less eliminated.
“It has definitely been a rough season for us so far,” said Neshaminy coach Bill Mooney, whose only wins are against C.B. West.
However, for those squads, the future is more important than the present.
For example, Neshaminy will lose just four seniors, meaning nine players will be back in the fold, along with reinforcements from the middle school team.
Among them will be his son, junior captain Sean Mooney (5 goals, 3 assists) who has given consistent play at both ends of the ice.
While Mooney’s squad will see seniors Angelo Veneziale (4 goals, 4 assists) and Anthony DiCosta(1 assist) depart, juniors Carter Lennon (3 goals, 5 assists) and Eli Kirsh will be part of the returning nucleus.
With freshman goalie Tommy Fox transferring out to Notre Dame in Mercer, N.J., Mooney has had no choice to turn to senior Gianna Raggio for the duration.
Raggio has a .732 save percentage and both of the team’s wins.
“I give her credit, standing in there with the boys,” said Mooney. “She never shies away, but snipers – like Council Rock South’s Jake Weiner, Pennsbury’s Shane Gleisner and North Penn’s Sam Norton – are tough to defend against. She’s a great kid and a good teammate. She is always positive, considering some of the games we have played.
“It’s tough. I can’t even pull her out for some relief because she is by herself now. We just have to be better in our defensive zone.”
Good Vibrations
C.B. West coach Frank Blust heaped similar praise for his goalie, Isaac Mays, who he says has been his team’s “rock.”
Mays has managed an impressive save percentage of .861.
“I think there’s an argument that he could be the best goalie in the league, and in the top three without a doubt,” said Blust. “He gives us everything he has, game in and game out, and he doesn’t always get the credit he should.”
While the Bucks have not been in many games, Blust knows better days are ahead.
“Obviously, it’s been a tough season, but we are just trying to build a culture that will hold beyond this season,” said the first-year coach. “We’re a young team with only two seniors (Austin Griffin andJackson Hirsch) and over 20 seventh and eighth graders we hope will move up with us, so it will be important that our freshmen and sophomores can be strong leaders for them to get us in the right direction as a program.”
Blust added that he is looking forward to the challenges of the building process.
“I have no plans to go anywhere, and I’m excited about the future,” he said, pointing to a high number of fifth through eighth graders in the pipeline. “We had two middle school teams this year, both with pretty full rosters.
“We will get eight new skaters next year, and probably three or four that really help and add depth. Then, the following year, we have a strong group of AA and Tier 1 players hopefully joining us.
“It will be worth the wait in the long run.”
Blust singled out Brayden John, Brett Schusterand Tyler Ricci for their hard work.
“Brayden has arguably been our best player, aside from Mays,” said Blust. “He was a forward coming into the year and has stepped back into a different role for us as a defenseman. He has grown into a force for us on the walls and in front of our net, and he is starting to show a little more offensive ability.”
Blust added that Schuster (1 assist) and Ricci (3 goals, 1 assist) have also evolved over the course of the long season.
“Ricci has been responsible for most of our offense this season, doing the best that he can to get some relief for Isaac,” said the coach. “We are looking forward to seeing him grow and develop as we backfill with some younger players the next two years.
“We have asked a lot Shuster this past year. As a freshman, we’ve asked him to play on every line and in every situation. He’s improved with each game, and we think he’s got a bright future for us.”
The Bucks also lead the league in female players.
“We do,” said Blust, who has been impressed with their hustle and courage. “Emily Kremser had been with the team in prior years, and then Jillian Thornburg and Sophia Carter joined us this year.
“Jillian started playing more recently and is quickly picking up the game. Emily has been relied on to play a regular shift and has definitely improved throughout the year.”
Carter is the younger sister of Isabella Carter, who blazed a trail as a regular defender for the Bucks.
“I can’t give enough credit to Sophia, who takes a beating in front of the net and in the corners and is always willing to get right back out there,” said Blust. “She’s so physical and loves to get back into it with the other team in those key areas.
“While she might get overpowered at times, she has got as much heart as anyone on the team.”
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