By Craig Ostroff
Class AA
Lowery an unsung hero for Pennridge
“Trustworthy” might not sound like the most impressive compliment that a coach can bestow upon a player.
But when Pennridge coach Jeff Montagna describes senior captain Jack Lowery in such a manner, it’s clear that this is high praise indeed.
“I trust Jack implicitly in any situation, and I think that’s as big a compliment as any coach can pay a player,” Montagna said. “I don’t have to worry about coaching him. I know he’s going to go out there and do things the right way. That’s the simplest way to put it—he goes about the job the right way. You dream of having guys like Jack on the bench and as your captain.”
Of course, when you’re as steady and reliable a presence as Lowery has proven to be, there’s a tendency to get overlooked, especially in an offense as dynamic as the Rams possess.
“I do sometimes take him for granted because he’s so solid and you always know what you’re going to get from Jack,” Montagna said. “I sometimes lose him in the shuffle and forget about him when I’m talking about the team, and he really should get more from me. He’s so steady. And I can play him anywhere. He kills penalties, plays on the power play, he’s good offensively and good defensively.”
It’s a role that Lowery has embraced, though it’s not one he had originally envisioned for himself. After leading the Rams in scoring as a sophomore with 24 points, Lowery felt as though he was ready to step up and assume the mantle of the “go-to guy” on offense. Last season, despite finishing among the team’s scoring leaders with 16 points, Lowery found himself overshadowed by some of his teammates.
“Honestly, last year was probably the most frustrating year I’ve had in hockey,” he said. “I went from being ‘that guy,’ and that slipped away last year, others took over.
“I learned to be OK with that. As long as we’re winning as a team, that’s what matters. And as for me, I had to work on changing my game a bit, play more defense, work on my back check, set guys up more. I had to adapt to being a more situational player, not just an offensive-minded player.”
He also worked on his mental game, remaining calm under pressure and providing a steadying presence for teammates.
“It’s something we’ve had to work on as a team, and I had to work on it especially over the last couple of years,” Lowery said. “It’s my senior year. I don’t want to risk losing any games getting suspended for losing my temper and throwing a punch after the play or something like that. You just go out there, do your job, come off the ice. The best way to get back at the other team is if you win the game, you go home happy and they don’t.”
His work ethic, unwaveringly solid play, and level-headedness made Lowery the ideal player to wear the captain’s C for this year’s team.
“We’ve struggled with some guys with controlling their emotions,” Montagna said. “The first thing I did this year was name Jack a captain, because you don’t have to worry about that with him. He doesn’t let things get to him. He’s a guy who doesn’t worry about anything but what he has to do, doesn’t let things get under his skin
“You have to be able to control your emotions in these tight games, and that’s what he does best. He’s incredibly mature. He’s like what Brett Brown said about Jimmy Butler, he’s the adult in the room on a team that doesn’t always have a ton of adults.”
And in terms of leading by example, Lowery provides the perfect role model for younger players who think the only way to get ice time is to put the puck in the net. Lowery found his role, accepted it, and worked hard to play that role to the best of his ability.
“I would like to think the younger guys can look at Jack and see a guy who hasn’t scored as much as he had the last couple years, but he’s not losing any ice time in crunch time and when we’re protecting a lead,” Montagna said. “It’s not about scoring goals. You carve out your niche, you earn my trust and the coaches’ trust in those situations, and there’s always going to be ice time for you.”
Montagna points to Andrew David as another example of embracing your role on the team. A four-year player, David has sacrificed some playing time to other forwards this year, but that does not diminish his contributions to the squad’s success.
“Andrew is a guy who lost some ice time to younger guys, but he still comes in and does everything the right way,” Montagna said. “It’s hard to lose ice time, but he hasn’t complained or made waves. He comes in and does what he does and he’s just as important as anyone.
“Much like Jack, Andrew is a two-way player. He hasn’t scored as much as the last couple years, but he’s so good defensively. When we’re protecting a lead, he’s out there every second or third shift. He’s responsible defensively, and he stays within himself as a player and doesn’t try to do too much. It’s important to have guys who are responsible defensively, not enough guys are. Scoring goals gets you publicity, but the guys you can count on defensively are the guys you’re going to win with.”
Lowery, David and their senior classmates are guiding the Rams into the postseason following a dominant 13-0-1 regular season (9-0-1 in the Continental Division). Powered by eight players in double-digit scoring, and backed up by the stellar goalkeeping of Ryan Pico, the Rams are firing on all cylinders as they head into the postseason.
Their 3-3 tie against Council Rock South in the regular-season finale proved to be critical for the Rams. Down 3-1 after one period, the Rams showed they could overcome adversity by battling back and forging the tie game.
“To have to come back in the game, that’s what I took from that game,” Montagna said. “They’re going to have to face the situation where they have to come back in a game. To have come back and not get frustrated, not allow the pressure to get to them, and took that game over and tied a really good Council Rock South team, that was a big thing for us.”
The Rams have their sights set on the Class AA and the Flyers Cup titles. They’ll take their first step tonight against seventh seed Central Bucks East at 7:20 pm at Hatfield Ice.
“We’re really excited,” Lowery said. “For the seniors, this is our last chance to get a couple championships out of this.
“The team is really ready. In the playoffs, anything can happen, and CB East gave us some trouble the first time we played them. We have our goals, but we’re focusing on the next man up for us. We’re focused on Central Bucks East, and we’ll go from there.”
Class AA (National/Continental Division) Quarterfinals
(8) Souderton at (1) Council Rock South
Feb. 23, 7:50 pm, Warwick
Records: Council Rock South (9-0-1, first place National Division [11-1-2]). Souderton (4-6-0, fourth place Continental Division [7-7-0])
Head-to-head: Council Rock South 8-0 (Feb. 4)
Top scorers: Council Rock South: Kevin Koles (13G, 15A, 28P); Julian Sarne (15G, 4A, 19P); David Vergules (9G, 10A, 19P); Julian Wagenmann (11G, 7A, 18P); four players tied with 13 points. Souderton: Seth Grossman (13G, 6A, 19P); Nicholas Smith (10G, 2A, 12P); Tim Alexander (6G, 5A, 11P); Liam O’Neill (5G, 6A, 11P); Jacob Chow (3G, 5A, 8P).
Goalkeeper: Council Rock South: Carson Lopez (11-1-2; 1.89 GAA, .935 SV%). Souderton: Noah Connor (5-5-0; 5.10 GAA; .864 SV%), Liam Kelly (2-2-0; 2.41 GAA; .936 SV%)
Game facts: With a 5-4 win against Central Bucks South and a 3-3 tie against Pennridge to end the season, Council Rock South knows how to play in tight games as the playoffs begin. The Golden Hawks have posted four shutouts this season, including one against Souderton. It’s been an up-and-down season for the Indians, who have won just two of their final seven games to end the regular season.
(7) Central Bucks East at (2) Pennridge
Feb. 23, 7:20 pm, Hatfield
Records: Pennridge (9-0-1, first place Continental Division [13-0-1]). Central Bucks East (5-5-0, third place Continental Division [6-8-0]).
Head-to-head: Pennridge 5-1 (Dec. 8); Pennridge 5-0 (Jan. 19)
Top scorers: Pennridge: Kevin Pico (16G, 13A, 29P); Aeryk Lehrhaupt (15G, 5A, 20P); Shane Dachowski (13G, 6A, 19P); Tyler Manto (8G, 11A, 19P); Aidan Boyle (5G, 12A, 17P). Central Bucks East: Phil McIntyre (8G, 6A, 14P); Tyler Goodwin (10G, 3A, 13P); Corey Kosick (2G, 8A, 10P); Bogdan Borodenko (4G, 5A, 9P); Stephen DiRugeris (3G, 6A, 9P); Aiden Schmidt (5G, 4A, 9P)
Goalkeeper: Pennridge: Ryan Pico (11-0-1; 1.42 GAA; .959 SV%). Central Bucks East: Matt Mangiacapre (5-8-0; 3.85 GAA; .892 SV%).
Game facts: Despite an undefeated season that included a victory and a tie over top seed Council Rock South, Pennridge is relegated to the second seed. SHSHL rules state that if National/Continental teams meet twice in a season, the first one will not count toward league standings. That left both teams sporting a 9-0-1 record in their respective divisions, but South earned the top seed on a tiebreaker by way of having allowed one fewer goal this season. Still, there may be no more complete or dangerous team than Pennridge, which has proven that two Picos are better than one, with goalkeeper extraordinaire Ryan Pico patrolling the crease while his brother Kevin is the team’s leading scorer. They’ll square off against an East team that has won three of its last four games, including two shutouts. Chris McIntyre has been solid in net, sporting a 2.80 GAA, and the Patriots will rely on the likes of Phil McIntyre, Bogdan Borodenko, Aiden Schmidt, and Tyler Godown to try to figure out how to score on the stingy Rams.
(6) Neshaminy at (3) Pennsbury
Feb. 23, 7:20 pm, Grundy
Records: Pennsbury (8-2-0, second place National Division [10-3-1]). Neshaminy (5-5-0, third place National Division [8-5-1])
Head-to-head: Neshaminy 6-3 (Nov. 24); Pennsbury 2-1 (Feb. 17)
Top scorers: Pennsbury: Shane Siegmund (15G, 22A, 37P); Brendan Macainsh (20G, 13A, 33P); Reece Millman (10G, 11A, 21P); Chris Sarver (6G, 7A, 13P); Jake McCaw (7G, 5A, 12P). Neshaminy: Max Gallagher (13G, 10A, 23P); JJ Hathaway (8G, 7A, 15P); Daniel McColgan (7G, 7A, 14P); Nolan Geria (0G, 9, 9P); Noah Seewagen (5G, 3A, 8P).
Goalkeeper: Pennsbury: Aaron McDaniel (10-3-1; 3.12 GAA; .857 SV%). Neshaminy: Brian Nelson (4-4-1; 3.10 GAA; .921 SV%), Corey Hemberger (4-1-0; 1.80 GAA; .938 SV%).
Game facts: Does anything more than this need to be said: Local rivals Pennsbury and Neshaminy open the playoffs against one another, with the teams having split their two meetings during the regular season. The rubber match, local bragging rights, and advancing to the semifinals are all on the line. Throw out the seedings, all the stats, all the rankings. This one will be emotional and hard-fought, and should be one heck of a hockey game.
(5) Council Rock North at (4) Central Bucks South
Feb. 23, 8:30 pm, Hatfield
Records: Central Bucks South (6-3-0-1, second place Continental Division [6-6-1-1]). Council Rock North (5-5-0, fourth place National Conference [8-6-0])
Head-to-head: Central Bucks South 4-2 (Jan. 28)
Top scorers: Central Bucks South: Aydin Thierolf (15G, 7A, 22P); Aidan Gaffney (8G, 11A, 19P); Adam Cusick (2G, 11A, 13P); DJ Lindenmuth (6G, 7A, 13P); Daniel Kvecher (6G, 7A, 13P). Council Rock North: Karson Grainey (25G, 13A, 38P); Nicholas Hahn (10G, 18A, 28P); Jackson Accardi (15G, 7A, 22P); Zach Weissman (2G, 12A, 14P); Jackson Mosley (6G, 7A, 13P); Wilton Pasch (6G, 7A, 13P).
Goalkeeper: Central Bucks South: Jason Magruh (5-3-1; 2.41 GAA; .909 SV%); Dominic Varacallo (1-4-0; 5.60 GAA; .822 SV%). Council Rock North: Ian Goldberg (5-5-0; 6.00 GAA; .856 SV%), Zachary Borden (2-1-0; 4.33 GAA; .860 SV%)
Game facts: Central Bucks South won five of seven to close out the season and earn the fourth seed. The two teams met less than a month ago, with South using a three-goal third period to rally to a victory. With a spread-out offense and a solid goalie in Jason Magruh, the Titans are aiming high this postseason. Council Rock North, in its first year back as an SHSHL team, enters the postseason riding a four-game winning streak—including impressive victories over Neshaminy and Plymouth Whitemarsh—and seven wins in its last nine games.
Semifinals:
March 2, 7:50, Warwick: Council Rock South/Souderton winner vs Council Rock North/Central Bucks South winner
March 2, 7:10, Hatfield: Pennridge/Central Bucks East winner vs Neshaminy/Pennsbury winner
Final:
March 3, 7:10, Hatfield
Class A
Kramer powering Ghosts’ offense into playoff run
Matt Kramer made an immediate impact when he suited up for Abington last season. The then-sophomore led the Ghosts in goals with 13 and finished second on the team with 21 points in 9 games in the Covid-shortened season.
One year later, Kramer continues to thrive. And continues to torment opposing goalkeepers. Not only do his 28 goals and 44 points lead the Ghosts, but the junior finds himself among the league leaders in both categories (third in points; second in goals).
“I don’t want to say that he’s blossomed … that’s not the right word because he came in last year with a very high skill set and was a big part of the team last year,” said Abington coach Ken Brzozowski. “But he’s continued to grow that skill set.
“In addition to being our leading scorer this year, Matt is filling the role we expected him to play, which is a smart, intelligent hockey player. He sees the ice, he knows when we’re on a penalty kill to pull the puck back and kill a couple extra seconds. He’s a smart player, he’s made everyone else around him a smarter player as well.”
Kramer has at least one goal in all but one game this season for the Ghosts (he dished out 4 assists in that game, though) and has four hat tricks (including a 4-goal and a 5-goal effort) among his efforts.
And while Kramer’s game speaks volumes, he tends to be more on the quiet side off the ice.
“To Matt’s credit, he’s not a loud, boisterous person,” Brzozowski said. “He looks to the seniors, he knows this team is led by seniors.
“Matt knows his time’s going to come to step up and be a leader, but he is a leader by what he does on the ice. He sets an example by his hard work, his ability to control his temper. I’m not sure if he’s had a penalty this year.”
Actually, Kramer has made three trips to the sin bin, but none since Dec. 10.
“That’s a testament to the smartness of his hockey,” Brzozowski said. “He’s out there to have fun, play hard and win games, and he does it the right way.”
Joined by the likes of Joe (39 points) and Pat Stelacio (34 points), Matt Cholaj (28 points), and Sam Paulik (25 points), among others, the Ghosts bring a fearsome offense into the SHSHL Class A playoffs. Abington carries an undefeated league season (12-0, 13-1 overall) into the postseason. First up is fourth seed Quakertown. The puck drops Thursday at 7:10 pm at Hatfield Ice.
Class A (American Division) Semifinals
(4) Quakertown at (1) Abington
Feb. 24, 7:10 pm; Hatfield Ice
Records: Abington (12-0-0; 13-1-0). Quakertown (7-5-0; 7-8-0)
Head-to-head: Abington 6-2 (Dec. 10); Abington 5-1 (Jan. 13)
Top scorers: Abington: Matt Kramer (28G, 16A, 44P); Joe Stelacio (18G, 21A, 39P); Pat Stelacio (22G, 12A, 34P); Matthew Cholaj (14G, 14A, 28P); Sam Paulik (10G, 15A, 25P). Quakertown: Anthony Pagliei (13G, 8A, 21P); William Shaw (9G, 6A, 15P); Branden McNally (7G, 6A, 13P); Cole Slemmer (7G, 5A, 12P); Jack Diliberto (5G, 4A, 9P).
Goalkeepers: Abington: Ben Panella (7-0-0; 3.92 GAA; .869 SV%); Sam Nemec (5-1-0; 2.52 GAA; .913 SV%). Quakertown: Matthew Krem (7-8-0; 4.09 GAA; .874 SV%)
Game facts: Undefeated in league play, the Ghosts are scoring at a staggering rate of 9.25 goals per game. With three players among the league scoring leaders and nine players in double-digit scoring, the Ghosts are poised to continue their dominance. Quakertown, having shown remarkable growth and improvement in its third year in the league, makes its first postseason appearance looking to play the spoiler. They’ll need to rely on their defense limiting Abington’s shots and giving goalkeeper Matt Krem clear sight of Abington shots, while trying to make life busy for Abington’s defense.
(3) Wissahickon at (2) Plymouth Whitemarsh
Feb. 24, 8:50 pm; Hatfield Ice
Records: Plymouth Whitemarsh (9-3-0; 11-4-0). Wissahickon (8-4-0; 8-7-0)
Head-to-head: Plymouth Whitemarsh 7-5 (Jan. 19); Wissahickon 7-2 (Feb. 10)
Top scorers: PW: Aidan Keogh (18G, 40A, 58P); Luke Weikel (36G, 19A, 55P); Matt Flynn (9G, 23A, 32P); Danny Smith (8G, 8A, 16P); Tim Murphy (7G, 7A, 14P). Wissahickon: AJ Pounds (18G, 16A, 34P); Will Hussa (16G, 15A, 31P); Danny Hussa (21G, 9A, 31P); Nick Hussa (11G, 15A, 26P); Ty Schiff (6G, 10A, 16P)
Goalkeeper: PW: Kolton Galie (9-2; 3.90 GAA; .885 SV%). Wissahickon: Michael Bonanni (8-7; 4.16 GAA; .861 SV%)
Game facts: The two teams split the regular season meetings, with PW taking the early game, and Wissahickon taking the win earlier this month. The Colonials have lost three of four heading into the postseason, while the defending Class A champion Trojans have won three of four. Wissahickon will need to neutralize Aidan Keogh and Luke Weikel, the top two point-scorers in the league. The Trojans are no slouches in the offensive zone, with not one, not two, but three Hussa brothers, each averaging more than 2 points per game.
Class A Final: March 3, 8:30 pm, Hatfield
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