Craig Ostroff's notebook features Souderton's strong start and also highlights Abington & Neshaminy. Photo courtesy of Tracy Valko. Check the complete gallery at the following link: https://solsports.zenfolio.com/p102082102
By Craig Ostroff
Continental Conference
Focus, consistent work ethic paying off for Indians
For the first time in many years, the Souderton ice hockey team has set some lofty goals for itself this season. But the first step in achieving those goals is to think no further ahead than the next team on the schedule.
“‘Short-term focus leads to long-term goals’—that’s what we’re telling the kids,” said Souderton coach Ryan Uchniat. “Our focus is to bring the work ethic every week and build off the positives. Our goal is to be in playoffs, be in Flyers Cup, but ultimately our focus is on the short term, and that’s who’s in front of us.”
It’s been a very satisfying and successful start for the Indians. Coming into this week at 4-2-0-0 overall, the Indians have already doubled their win total from last year, a campaign that saw a young, inexperienced team drop its first seven games before winning two of its last three.
But even in the later stages of last season, Uchniat could see the pieces beginning to fall into place. Players were stepping up, upperclassmen were setting the example and the younger players were following suit, and the team as a whole was buying into the dedication and team culture that Uchniat has been working to establish.
This year, it’s paying dividends.
“These kids are having a lot of fun,” Uchniat said. “We had a big freshman group last year, and that group took the strides forward we needed them to. We’re getting contributions up and down the lineup, and we haven’t had that the past couple years. We’ve got two or three lines that can potentially put a goal in, create pressure. Our defense is strong and we continue to have great goaltending.
“But I think the best part is the team culture we have going. Everyone is hanging out outside of hockey, and we’re having fun when we’re at the rink.”
It’s translated into a group of players who want to be there to support one another—a team that knows what it takes to win and also knows how to respond to losses.
Edged 5-4 by Plymouth Whitemarsh early in the season, the Indians went out the next game and topped Quakertown. And one week after suffering a 10-0 loss at the hands of league powerhouse Pennridge, the Indians rallied from two goals down to defeat North Penn, 5-3.
“We buckled down after that Pennridge shellacking,” Uchniat said. “The wheels didn’t fall off the bus, where in the past they might have. Everyone buckled in, we had a good practice, and we’ve played great games this past week.
“We got walloped by Pennridge, we didn’t execute. Then North Penn beat up on us in the first period, and we locked it down and turned it around. We’re trying to play a game focused on minimizing odd-man rushes, trapping opponents in the defensive zone. The team is playing disciplined, and our focus moving forward is to minimize giving up bad chances and odd-man rushes and turnovers. I feel like the team has really turned that corner. We’re hoping to keep building off it.”
Two-year captain Carter Povazan continues to serve as the heart and soul of the team. A natural defenseman, the senior has seen his time split on both ends of the ice so far this year, and he’s thriving no matter where he’s positioned.
“Carter gives us a lot of versatility,” Uchniat said. “He started the year off as our anchor on defense. In our game against C.B. West, we moved him up to forward to get a spark in the second period. He showed tremendous offensive abilities. He gives us the ability to make changes with the lineup to put him in the best possible position for the team. He’s turning it on right now.
“As far as being a leader on this team, he’s the guy that’s going to look out for his teammates whether they’re a senior who’s played four years or a freshman playing his first game, and he’s going to make sure they’re comfortable.”
Last season’s scoring leader Seth Grossman returns. With 10 points (6G, 4A) in his first four games, Grossman is poised to shatter last season’s points total of 16. He’s joined for team lead in goals with freshman Nick Smith, who has recorded three 2-goal games so far.
“Nick is a very good hockey player,” Uchniat said. “He can play center, wing, he’s responsible defensively. He can drive his line and create his own scoring opportunities, and he’s being rewarded for that.”
Sophomore Tim Alexander is picking up where he left off last season, with 3 goals and 2 assists already. Classmates Liam O’Neill and Jacob Chow have each registered 2 goals and 3 assists.
“Jacob has a great shot. If he gets any open looks, there’s a good chance it’s going in,” Uchniat said. “You can see that he’s feeling more comfortable, his confidence is going up, and we’re expecting good things moving forward.”
Still young but now experienced, the future seems bright for the Indians. But they’re not looking at the future just yet. They’re too focused on the next game.
“This is still a young group, we still have a lot to work on, but we’re getting there,” Uchniat said. “Yes, we have goals for the end of the season, but if we want to reach them, we can only do that by focusing on the next game.”
For Souderton, that means a matchup against National Conference frontrunner Neshaminy on Dec. 16 at 7:20 pm at Grundy.
National Conference
Oh, brother(s)!
After years of Tom Gallagher and Robbie Seewagen terrorizing opposing goalkeepers, the rest of the National Conference was undoubtedly relieved to see the Neshaminy offensive powerhouses graduate last season.
Don’t look now, but the names Gallagher and Seewagen are all over the scoreboard once again, sparking Neshaminy to an undefeated opening to the new season at 4-0-1-0 overall. Except this time, it’s juniors Max Gallagher and Noah Seewagen picking up right where their elder brothers left off.
Gallagher has burst out with 14 points (8G, 6A) in the first four games, putting him among the league scoring leaders. Seewagen is tied for second on the team with 3 assists among his 5 points, and has been making big plays on both ends of the ice.
“They’re both leaders on our team this year for sure,” said Neshaminy coach Matt DeMatteo. “Max is a very talented finisher and off to a great start leading our offense.
“Noah is an outstanding two-way forward that can shut down opponents’ top players and bury big goals when needed.”
The two have seen significant minutes in the past, and now that their older brothers have moved on from Neshaminy, Gallagher and Seewagen are more than ready to step up and continue to make the opposing defenses fear their names.
Neshaminy is back in action on Thursday, hosting Central Bucks South at 7:20 pm at Grundy.
American Conference
Ghosts shooting for the top
There will be no shortage of offensive firepower coming from the American Conference this season.
Among the early lamplighters, Abington has roared out with an eye-popping 35 goals in its first four games, an average of 8.75 goals per game.
Following an 8-2 season-opening loss to league powerhouse Pennridge, the Galloping Ghosts responded with a 12-6 win over Upper Dublin, a 10-0 shutout of Bensalem, and an 11-0 blanking of Hatboro-Horsham.
Junior Matthew Kramer has been burying the puck left and right so far, leading the Ghosts with 12 goals among his team-leading 18 points. He’s already posted a five-goal and a four-goal game, and contributed on seven (5G, 2A) of the Ghosts’ 11 goals against H-H.
While Kramer sits atop the league leaderboard for goals, Stelacio leads the league with his 11 assists. The senior forward has also added 3 goals to the offensive onslaught.
Sophomore Matthew Cholaj joins Stelacio and Kramer with double-digit scoring. He’s scored 8 and added 6 assists, with 6-point games against Upper Dublin and Bensalem (3G, 3A in each game).
And that terrific trio is just the focal point of a spread-out offense. In all, 16 skaters have already contributed to the scoresheets for the Ghosts.
The Ghosts look to continue their winning ways when they host Quakertown for an American Conference tilt Friday at 7:50 pm at Revolution Ice Gardens.
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