Ice Hockey gearing up for the stretch run

St. Paul’s is off to a 4-0 start in the B Conference, while A Conference league action has yet to heat up

December 30, 2025

by Nelson Coffin

The ice hockey season starts earlier than other MIAA winter sports, which leads to a slightly earlier conclusion with the championship games for both the A and B Conferences scheduled for Feb. 12, 2026 at Piney Orchard Ice Rink.

Because the A Conference has just three teams, most of the league action thus far has taken place in the B Conference, where defending champion St. Paul’s is off to a 4-0 start.

Three of the Crusaders’ victories came in lopsided fashion as they own decisive victories over Loyola Blakefield, Boys’ Latin and Archbishop Curley. St. Paul’s also defeated rival Saints Peter & Paul, 1-0, in early December. The Crusaders will travel to Easton on Jan. 9 for a rematch with the Sabres, which are 2-1 in conference place thus far.

Loyola Blakefield has been the most active squad so far, as the Dons have split six decisions this season.

In the A Conference, Archbishop Spalding is going for its fourth consecutive league title, but the Cavaliers figure to be challenged. Already, Spalding has split a pair of one goal games with Mount St. Joseph. The Gaels captured the first meeting, which was the only league game of the two, 2-1, before falling, 3-2, in the rematch. The two squads are scheduled to meet again on Jan. 5.

MSJ is led by senior captains Jake Boarman and Jackson Camden on defense, and Ryan Currie and Ty Byrne on offense.

Coach Mike Marley said that the Gaels “should have lots of fire power with juniors Cole Zoren and Eric Beida off to hot starts and sophomore Jackson Crigger adding some additional scoring.”

Senior goalie Nate Carr, a Mid-Atlantic Prep Hockey League All-Star, is a more than capable stopper between the pipes.

Calvert Hall has played just one league contest, challenging Spalding before dropping a 3-1 outcome. The Cardinals and Cavaliers will play again on Jan. 2. Calvert Hall and MSJ will play back-to-back games on Jan. 26 and 27.

The Cardinals headed into MIAA play hungry to get back to the championship game, coach Paul Kansler said.

Led by senior goalie Brayden Jones and captains Jack Tanton, Mikey Tanton, Rocco Malandro and Ian Dannenfelser, Calvert Hall features a veteran group of seniors with a strong mix of underclassmen that are poised to continue to grow together this season, Kansler added.

The Cardinals started the season with a trip to the University of Notre Dame to compete against top schools from around the country, edging Jesuit College Prep (TX), 4-2, and bowing to St. Joseph High School (IN), 5-1.

“(It) was a great way for our team to come together and bond, all while competing against some top teams,” Kansler concluded.

Boys’ Latin and Saints Peter & Paul will try to catch up to the red-hot Crusaders in the B Conference.

To that end, the Lakers are glad to have senior defenseman Michael Putnick to help guide a strong core of juniors — forwards Henri Juliar, Joe Dunn and Jonah Lubek and defenseman Chase Wehberg.

“We also have the help of a strong freshman from Illinois (defenseman Casey Levy), who will have a big impact and a lot of ice time,” coach Baptiste Vernieuwe said.

Despite being in only his second year in the goal, junior David Rothwell has already shown a lot of improvement, Vernieuwe added.

“Overall, our team identity is based on effort, and attitude,” Vernieuwe said. “The team has already shown a lot of resilience. I expect a lot more of that over the course of the season.”

Losing that heartbreaker to St. Paul’s early this month has not derailed Saints Peter & Paul’s ambitions this winter.

“We are off to a pretty good start,” coach Sammy Gerdano said.

The Sabres (8-1 overall) are paced by senior defenseman Daniel Schwaninger, senior forward Drew Watson, as well as sophomore forwards Mason Roland, Cole Philip and Thomas Soistman.

Starting sophomore goaltender Jackson Jancosko has been rock-solid, Gerdano added, with an impressive goals-against-average of 0.86 and a 0.95 save percentage.

“We will continue to rely on our strong defensive play and goaltending,” Gerdan said. “This season, it feels like we have three full lines that can really skate and contribute offensively. Our depth needs to be an advantage for us.”

Gilman is excited for the season by bringing a combination of veteran leadership and youthful energy to the ice.

Returning starting goalie and captain Goalie Andrew Krasulski will anchor the 'Hounds' defensively, while co-captain senior Walton Staley will look to lead the offense along with fellow senior Brady Walter and juniors Sam Brody and Hayden Bouyea, coach Trevor Shattuck said.

Freshmen Caleb Park and Colin Vitelkites have already contributed early this season and will look to continue to grow as the season progresses.

With five freshmen dotting its roster — including promising goalie Tommy Stephanos — Loyola Blakefield's youth movement is in full swing this winter, although a slew of veterans are major factors by keeping the Dons in contention for a B Conference crown.

Senior captain Brady Maul, who has seven points this season, and juniors Calvin Wall (13 points)

Dylan Santos (12) and Brody McClure (7) lead the way.

"We had a rough start, but the group has made serious improvements and we fully anticipate making the playoffs," coach Matt Hanley said. "This is a young team with only three seniors and five freshmen, which makes the progress even more exciting."