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By Craig Ostroff
Pennsbury standout Siegmund leads team into postseason push
It’s hard to find a flaw in Shane Siegmund’s game.
Pennsbury’s senior forward has the speed, the skills, and the hockey sense to have developed into one of the top scoring threats in the SHSHL. For four years, he has made goalies look foolish, faked defensemen out of their skates, and racked up multiple-goal games against a laundry list of opponents.
In the past, there may have been one weakness. But the Falcons’ two-year captain has addressed that drawback … in the only way he knows how.
“I led the team in penalty minutes last year,” Siegmund said with a laugh. “Someone would say something to me and you don’t want to let them get the last word. I’ve definitely had to work on it. I’m trying not to think about going after the guy … I work on scoring and shoving it in the other teams’ faces that way.”
From the moment he stepped on the ice as a freshman for Pennsbury, getting his name in the scorebook has never been a problem for Siegmund. He finished his rookie campaign with 20 points (10G, 10A), third-best on the team. But he not only established himself as a scoring threat, Siegmund also displayed an exceptional amount of leadership for a player so young.
“Shane made an impact immediately, and his personality showed right off the bat,” said Pennsbury coach Ryan Daley. “Even as a freshman, Shane was a leader. I like to have a younger guy represented with a letter, and it was a no-brainer to have Shane as an Assistant Captain as a sophomore, and we knew as a freshman that he’d be a captain one day. He’s such a good friend to everyone on the team, a guy everyone can go to and learn from. And he’s a guy who talks the talk and walks the walk.”
Being a four-year starter gives Siegmund an additional dimension when it comes to making the younger players feel like a valued part of the team.
“Shane lived it, so it’s something he can reflect back on when he talks to younger players,” Daley said. “Not all freshmen make varsity and some only play limited minutes, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have a role and have an impact. Shane knows that because he went through it and saw his classmates go through it as freshmen and sophomores.
“All four years, he’s always put his best foot forward. The younger guys look up to him. He embodies the ideal that you work hard, you get results, which is what I try to instill in the team, but when your leader buys in, that definitely helps the younger guys.”
Siegmund posted 12 points as a sophomore, then 26 points in 14 games in last year’s Covid-shortened season. Yet he’s managed to find another level as a senior.
Through 12 games coming into this week, Siegmund had already notched career highs with 14 goals, 21 assists, and 35 points. He’s scoring at a torrid pace of 2.92 points per game. And, through 12 games, Siegmund finds himself just 7 points shy of 100 for his career.
And he can notch those points no matter how many players are on the ice. Few are as poised while a man down, and Siegmund is just as likely to make an offensive move during those situations.
“Shane is one of the best penalty killers I’ve ever seen,” Daley said. “I wish we kept better statistics, because he’s got to be in the top of the league in shorthanded goals for his career. He’s just as dangerous shorthanded as he is on the power play. He does it all for us – he’s on our first power play line, our first penalty kill line, he’s a great leader, he’s disciplined. He’s like having a player-coach out there. He directs traffic, it’s like having someone from the coaching staff on the ice.”
Siegmund has also played a critical role in helping to turn a traditionally weaker team into a championship-caliber squad in such a short time.
“Shane has meant so much to our program,” Daley said. “He’s part of my second class of players that I’ve coached for all four years, so he’s been just as much a part of my experience in high school hockey as I have to him.
“He’s been majorly instrumental in the success of the team. The attitude of this team compared to my second year as a coach and his freshman year as a player, the culture and attitude of the team has grown exponentially. Back then, we were fighting for a .500 season. Now our goals are championships and the Flyers Cup.”
The Falcons have a couple more games to go as they gear up for what they hope will be a long postseason run. Up next is the team’s annual Pink Out game against nonleague opponent Harry S Truman on Friday at Grundy. Tickets are $5, with the middle school game beginning at 6 pm and the puck dropping on the varsity game at 7:30 pm. The funds raised will benefit a local family or families in the hockey community with a loved one battling cancer.
“We’ve been doing this for 11 years,” Daley said. “I actually played in the first two. It’s a great game, it’s one of the bigger crowds of the year. It’s a game that’s close to my heart. And Truman has been great partners with us.”
After that … well, it’s safe to say the Falcons have had the regular-season finale circled on their calendars for quite some time. In a game that could hold significant meaning in league playoff and Flyers Cup rankings, the Falcons will host familiar foe Neshaminy at 7:20 pm Feb. 17 at Grundy. Heading into this week, Pennsbury is two points ahead of Neshaminy in the National Conference standings, but Neshaminy has won the last four regular season matchups.
“Neshaminy is a good team and they’re always well-coached,” Daley said. “Obviously, we want to win that one both for what it means for the playoffs, but also for ourselves. They’ve gotten the better of us the last couple meetings, and that doesn’t sit well with the players. Winning that game would be massive.”
“There’s no better way to end the regular season,” Siegmund said. “It’s going to be an awesome game. We’re very ready.”
After the dust has settled from the latest installment of the neighborhood rivalry, the SHSHL Class AA champions will look to defend their title, then make a run in the Flyers Cup tournament.
Siegmund is ready to do everything in his power to help the Falcons achieve those goals.
“We would love to repeat the league championship, that would be an amazing end to my high school career,” he said. “Everyone wants it. We know how hard we have to work to get there, but we believe we have the talent to win this league again. I think it’s been a major goal from the beginning of the year. We want to repeat, move on to the Flyers Cup, and see what we can do there. But we can’t look past anyone. We have to focus on what’s in front of us right now.”
Grossman leading Indians on and off the ice
It’s easy to see what Seth Grossman means to Souderton in terms of his offensive output. In eight games coming into this week, the sophomore forward was leading the team in goals (12) and points (17).
The Indians are 5-3 in games in which Grossman plays (1-3 in games he’s missed). And in the five games in which Grossman has scored, the Indians are 5-0.
He’s posted three 2-goal games as well as a 5-goal effort in a recent win over Bensalem.
But it’s his leadership and ability to rally the team that makes Grossman invaluable to the Indians.
“Seth is setting a good example for his teammates,” said Souderton coach Ryan Uchniat. “There have been a couple games we’ve fallen behind by a couple goals and he’s the one that’s rallying the troops to dig in and step it up. He’s got that leadership quality.”
“He showed examples of that leadership as a freshman, but this year he’s really starting to go. He’s committed to this team, he’s a good teammate, and he leads the right way, with a lot of positive reinforcement.”
Having a large sophomore class has given numerous players a chance to quickly become leaders. Grossman is seizing his chance to step up and stand out.
“This is a group we’ve been waiting for—it’s a large group, and that doesn’t happen often,” Uchniat said. “The bulk of our team is in that sophomore class. We have 8, 9 players in that class that can have a significant impact. Seth is one of the main players from that group, and because that group is such a large part of the team, it puts him in the leadership realm with the team as a whole.”
The development of the sophomore class and the year of experience they gained as freshmen are sparking a turnaround in Souderton’s fortunes. The Indians currently stand at 6-6 overall, 4-5 in the Continental Conference – both are the highest win totals since the 2015-16 season. Following five straight losing seasons, the Indians have two games left and have a chance to secure their first winning season, first .500 division record, and first postseason appearance since that same 2015-16 season.
It’s been more than Grossman who as stepped up among the sophomores.
“Jacob Chow is one of the guys coming on this year. He’s got a great shot, he’s dangerous in the slot, and he’s got a great attitude as well, he’s friends with everybody, comes from a good family,” Uchniat said. “Sean Ryon is becoming a really solid defenseman and a strong skater. Matt Malanga brings a physical, hungry element we’re seeing more of as he gets older and stronger, he likes contact, likes to throw the big check, and it gets the team energized for sure. He also leads the team in penalties, so we’ve got to focus on playing within the rules, but he’s going to be a force in the next couple years for us.”
“The team has set up a great culture as far as everybody respecting everybody. It doesn’t matter how much experience you have, they just want to see Souderton succeed.”
It’s not going to be an easy close to the regular season. The Indians host Central Bucks East at 7:10 pm Thursday at Hatfield Gray, then visit Quakertown at 8:30 pm Feb 16 at Hatfield Gray for the finale.
“We’ve made a big jump as a team this year,” Uchniat said. “And we’re focused on next games, our focus right now is CB East. These next two games will determine if we have a postseason and who we potentially match up against. It would be nice to take that leap forward, but it comes down to taking care of what’s in front of us right now.
“I think everyone is on the same page. We have a tough couple matchups, but I think the team is up for that challenge. It doesn’t get much better than having meaningful games down the stretch. We’re playing out the rest of the season with the focus on the playoffs. It’s like we’re already playing playoff hockey these last couple games.”
Bright future at Upper Dublin
As was to be expected, Upper Dublin’s return to full varsity status in the SHSHL had its share of ups and downs this season.
After dropping its first three games, the Cardinals ran off a three-game winning streak to bring their record to 3-3. But a short bench and some Covid and confidence issues have the Cards winless in their last seven games as of Monday. Heading into Wednesday’s games, Upper Dublin stands at 2-6-0-1 in the American Conference, 3-8-0-1 overall.
But progress is measured in more than just wins and losses. And for Upper Dublin coach Anthony Richichi, the leadership he’s seen from his veteran players and the progress he’s seen in some of the newcomers have him feeling good about where this team is headed.
It all starts with the team’s leadership. Seniors Max Frearson, Louis Gamburg and Andrew Kearney, and junior Aidan McCarthy have been crucial in setting the tone, providing the positive role models, and getting the team to buy into the strategies and culture of the program.
Fittingly, it’s Frearson who sets the perfect example for his younger teammates. A player who has exceeded all expectations, also developed his leadership abilities and wears the captain’s C on this year’s squad.
“Max has been a real pleasant surprise over the years,” Richichi said. “When he joined as a freshman, I knew what he was capable of, but I have to admit that I didn’t anticipate him growing into such a strong player. He’s strong willed and such a powerful player for someone his size. He’s developed into an all-around defenseman, he’s superior at body contact, he’s really good at separating the man from the puck, plays much bigger than he is. And he generates a good amount of offense as well. He’s got a cannon for a shot.
“He’s grown as a player and he’s grown into being captain. I couldn’t be more proud of selecting him.”
Gamburg provides a perfect example of a player willing to sacrifice personal statistics for the sake of the team. A natural center, Gamburg has spent a majority of the season on the blue line to help bolster the Cardinal defense. His 6 goals are tied for second on the team, but he’s passed up the opportunity to score more in order to play where he’s needed most.
“When the younger kids see Louis going back there and giving up his second line center spot, I think that that plants a seed that it’s all about the team,” Richichi said. “On offense, he’d be good for 10, 12 goals, but he’s giving that up to block shots, take hits. That’s what we needed from him this year, and he volunteered to go back and play defense.”
Kearney is a player who can slot in wherever needed, and he has been a strong presence in the locker room during the team’s struggles.
“Andrew is a utility player who can play anywhere,” Richichi said. “He’s got tons of energy, plays offense and when we’ve got injuries, he’ll drop back and play defense. He’s always a positive kid. Things have been tough the last couple of weeks, but he’s been a really positive influence on the team, which is very much appreciated.”
McCarthy has also provided a quiet, steady presence. Though he will miss this week with a concussion, Richichi is hopeful he will clear all protocols and return for the club’s finale.
“Aidan has been fantastic,” Richichi said. “He’s very good at the physical game, and also brings a good amount of offense. And he’s a very trustworthy, honest kid. He’s not the most vocal guy, but he plays hard and plays the right way.”
And while the junior and sophomore classes are developing well—among them junior Zach Keenan and team scoring leader Jack Bocul (20G, 6A, 26P)—so is the small but talented freshman class.
Gavin Richichi is a physical forward who can play center or wing. Kevin McGinly has 6 goals on the season and has talent and creativity to be among the team’s top scorers in the years to come.
When it comes to students of the game, there may be no finer example on the team than freshman Jayne Gamburg.
“Jayne has crazy good hockey sense,” Richichi said. “She’s an absolute pleasure to coach. She recognizes the right way to play, she doesn’t take shortcuts … she’s a dream for a coach. She probably has the best hockey sense of all our forwards.
And Cole Rosenthal might not be the most vocal of the newcomers, but his play speaks volumes.
“One of the biggest surprises, because he’s so quiet, is Cole,” Richichi said. “He’s our fourth line center, he’s 5-3 but plays like he’s 6-4. He will hit anyone or anything. He doesn’t always win the battle but he’s an absolute hound dog. He’s progressively gotten better each game. He’s going to be a very good defensive forward for us.”
And while wins will hopefully be more abundant in Upper Dublin’s future, it would be nice to close out the season with a win or two as well. The Cards close out the regular season against Hatboro-Horsham, who the Cards defeated 9-3 early in the season. It would be a nice way to send out the seniors as well as giving the younger players a positive to bring into the offseason.
“For the seniors who have been playing for the last 6, 7 years, it’s crucial to send them off the right way,” Richichi said. “They’ve been pulling on this jersey all this time, waiting to be a senior, have their Senior Night … to catch that last win would be clutch for them. They deserve that. I want them to go out on a high, and for the future of our team, we want everybody else to go out on a win. It’s good for the psyche, sets tone for next year.”
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