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HOCKEY: Cardinal O'Hara Takes Home ICSHL PCL Title, Malvern Crowned APAC Champs

By John Wilson & Zack Beavers, 03/08/22, 4:45PM EST

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2022 Flyers Cup AAA information also included...


Cardinal O'Hara wins 2022 ICSHL PCL Title in 1-0 Double OT Victory vs. Father Judge - PSD Photo by Zack Beavers

ICSHL PCL Championship:

Photos/Videos: Zack Beavers & John Wilson

By: John Wilson

PHILADELPHIA – Cardinal O’Hara won the ICSHL Philadelphia Catholic League title on March 2, edging out Father Judge 1-0 in double overtime. The game was a physical, grueling, defensive battle that had both teams putting out their best effort throughout all five periods.

Father Judge came out looking like the faster team and was getting more chances in front of the goal. Cardinal O’Hara was struggling to get the puck into the offensive zone and was allowing a ton of shots on net. Through the first two periods, Father Judge had 23 shots on goal to Cardinal O’Hara’s nine. Once the third period began, Cardinal O’Hara came out with a new energy and made the game much more competitive.

Both goalies kept their respective teams in the game and were the two best players on the ice.

2022 ICSHL PCL Championship Highlights - Cardinal O'Hara vs. Father Judge - By John Wilson:

Cardinal O’Hara’s Christian Green stopped 55 shots and held a shutout through five periods, which is extremely impressive, while Father Judge senior captain Colin McKee stopped 34 of 35 shots. Both goalies made huge saves down the stretch to keep the game tied until the second overtime period, when Nathan Fox found Luke Melito on a tape-to-tape pass, who scored the game-winning goal. Julian Gavin also collected an assist on the play for the Lions.

“I’ve been waiting since freshman year to get this goal and win the PCL,” Melito said. “We were runners-up two years in a row, so this really felt good to tuck that one in the back of the net.”

Cardinal O’Hara head coach Jeffrey Beck spoke on the game plan heading into the matchup and the adjustments made throughout the game.

“Protect the front of the net and keep everybody out of the house and out to your point men. ‘Whose got the heart? Who is ready to make that sacrificial play?’ was part of our game plan tonight, and every single guy who stepped on the ice and anybody who didn’t played their part perfectly. 1-0 game, couldn’t ask for more.”

Cardinal O’Hara head coach Jeffrey Beck said everyone played their part & looks forward to the Flyers Cup - Video by John Wilson

Cardinal O'Hara's Christian Green & Luke Melito were overjoyed to come away with the ICSHL PCL title - video by john wilson

In the post-game handshake line, both goaltenders shared a moment with each other to acknowledge and show respect for each other’s amazing performances, which was great to see after a hard-fought dogfight. Green was the first member of the Lion’s team to hold the trophy and skated it towards the fans, where the team gathered around and celebrated.

“The whole year this was our goal,” Green said. “We all knew what we had to do, and it showed on the scoreboard.” 


Malvern Prep wins 2022 APAC Founder's Cup in 4-1 Victory over La Salle - PSD Photo by Zack Beavers

APAC Founder’s Cup Championship:

On Wednesday, Feb. 23, Malvern Prep edged La Salle College High School 4-1 to win the 2022 APAC Founder’s Cup championship.

This victory marked the Friar’s third win against the Explorers this season, posting a 2-0 victory back on November 5 and a close 5-4 victory on January 24.

Malvern Prep sophomore Brady Doyle was the first to celebrate, scoring the Friar’s first unassisted goal of the contest in the opening period. Later in the first period, Teague Murray received a pass from Gavin Wilson to put Malvern up 2-0 after 13 minutes of play.

Senior forward Matt Harris netted the Friars next two goals, the first in the second period assisted by junior Jack Sharer and the second goal in the final period, assisted by senior Quinn Dougherty. La Salle sophomore Patrick Brace managed to slip one past Malvern senior goaltender Anthony Perti in the beginning of the third period. Perti was almost perfect in the championship outing, stopping an impressive 37 shots.  

2022 APAC Founder's Cup Highlights - Malvern Prep vs. La Salle - By Zack Beavers:

Both teams will advance to the AAA Flyers Cup. Last year, Malvern Prep defeated La Salle 4-3 in overtime and advanced to the AAA state playoffs against North Allegheny High School. The Friars defeated the Tigers 4-2, bringing home their first state title in 16 years.

Flyers Cup Updates:

With the APAC championship victory, Malvern Prep was awarded the No. 1 seed heading into the AAA Flyers Cup and will receive a first-round bye, along with No. 2 seed La Salle College High School.

The AAA quarterfinals begin on Thursday, March 10th. No. 4 seed Holy Ghost Prep will host No. 6 ICSHL representative Father Judge at Hatfield at 6:00 p.m. At 6:45 p.m., No. 3 seed St. Joseph’s Prep, who defeated APAC champion Malvern Prep 4-2 back on January 27, will play the ICSHL PCL champion in No. 6 seed Cardinal O’Hara at the PNY Sports Arena.

The winner of Holy Ghost vs. Father Judge will advance to play Malvern Prep and the winner of St. Joe’s Prep and O’Hara will play La Salle in the Flyers Cup semifinals.


2022 AAA Flyers Cup Bracket - Courtesy of @TheFlyersCup