One More Cup
Coming down from an emotional high is a must if Seneca Valley's hockey team wants to finish off a banner campaign with a victory.
The Raiders (15-6) won the first Penguins Cup title in program history Tuesday with a 4-2 win over Peters Township, sending SV to the state championship game against Flyers Cup champion St. Joseph's Prep.
The two teams will face off with the Pennsylvania Cup on the line Saturday at IceLine Quad Rinks in West Chester. The game is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.
“Our group, I think they're able to focus and dial in when they need to,” said Raiders' coach Anthony Raco. “I think it's good that we're getting out there early and will be able to get some ice time Friday and early on Saturday. It will get us familiar with the rink.”
St. Joe's defeated Father Judge (11-1), Malvern Prep (3-2) and top-seeded Holy Ghost Prep (4-2) in the championship game to claim its first Flyers Cup. Over the last few days, Hawks' coach David Giacomin has been in the same boat as Raco, getting his players refocused.
“Winning the title was a new experience for us,” he said. “We have to try to come down from that emotional high.
“It's going to be difficult for both teams. I don't see either team having an edge in that respect.”
The Hawks' attack is led by three players — Marc Colavita, Conor Ryan and Ronan Egan. Ryan has over 70 points this season, while Colavita and Egan are both approaching 60.
Colavita has scored eight goals and added three assists in the team's three playoff games and Ryan has contributed eight assists and scored three times.
St. Joe's (25-4-1) uses a combination of Troy Stefano and Dan McGill in net. Stefano played in the Flyers Cup final against Holy Ghost and stopped 22 of 24 shots.
“Neither one started last year,” said Giacomin of his goalies, “but they both have save percentages at about 90 percent. We're giving up about a goal and a half per game.”
“Defensively, they like to break out quickly and if you're not careful, they can catch you on some odd-man rushes,” Raco said of the Hawks.
The Raiders have taken lineup changes in stride this year.
“There's a lot of similarities between now and what we had at the start of the season,” said Raco, “but we have tried new guys on the power play and on the penalty kill. We've tried to find what works best for us.
“Sometimes, you go into the playoffs and players start trying to do too much. They become individuals,” said Raco, “but our guys have bought in. They do what's best for the team.”
Four captains have helped the Raiders stay on course this season — forwards Noah Watkiss, Reese Garvin, Giovanni Sarachine and Tyler Draper.
“They have a lot of responsibility,” added Raco. “They have to lead by example, pay attention in practice and in the film room, do well in school and help out in their community. Those four guys have been absolutely phenomenal.”
