PDS boys hockey is taking a grind-it-out approach to build on last winter’s improvements

Here we go: Princeton Day School boys ice hockey player Wyatt Ewanchyna brings the puck up the ice in a game last season. Senior forward Ewanchyna, who led the PDS with 20 assists last year, will continue to serve as an offensive catalyst for the team this winter. The Panthers open their 2024-25 season with a game against Delbarton on Dec. 12 at SportsCare Arena in Randolph. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

While the Princeton Day School boys’ hockey team has adopted a loose, consistent style over the years, Scott Bertoli recognizes that it’s not always the best solution for his team.

As PDS head coach Bertoli looks ahead to the upcoming season, he will be taking a tougher approach.

“I think we want to play a harder brand of hockey again,” said Bertoli, who led the Panthers to a 10-8-1 record and a spot in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) last year. Non-public quarter-finals. “We need to get back to playing really good five-on-five zone offense, taking advantage of the points, getting to the net and scoring dirty goals.”

Bertoli is encouraged by the way PDS played, ending in a 3-2 overtime loss in closed quarters last season against eventual state champion St. Augustine.

“They bought in; In that game against St. Augustine, the kids played incredibly well,” said Bertoli, whose team opens its 2024-25 season with a game against Delbarton on Dec. 12 at SportsCare Arena in Randolph. “They implemented the style of play we were looking for. It’s a small sample, but we hope the kids who return understand that we have to play like this against the very good teams. We’re not going to run across the ice with the Delbartons, the Don Boscos, the CBAs and outdo them.”

Bertoli is looking for his trio of experienced forwards – senior Wyatt Ewanchyna (7 goals, 20 assists in 2023-24), junior Jake Harrison (6 goals, 12 assists) and junior Filip Kacmarsky (10 goals, 4 assists). very good this winter.

“We expect and need those three to really drive the offense,” Bertoli said. “These three kids are playing at a high level in the club scene. They really can play in any situation and be effective in any situation. From a purely offensive perspective, these are our three most dynamic players. They had a pretty productive year last year.”

While each of these forwards had good stats last year, PDS will need one of them to emerge as a top finisher.

“One of them needs to step up as a scorer and be a little more selfish,” Bertoli said. “We played against Jake and Wyatt together, they were usually pass-first kids and great playmakers. You have to shoot the puck and score some goals. Filip has really progressed and developed as a player. He is a very complete player. He’s physical, he’s strong and he wins most 50/50 puck battles. He has a nice knack for the net. He takes part in the pre-inspection. It’s impressive. It’s been fun watching him develop as a player.”

The Panthers boast an impressive forward strength with transfer senior Zach Meseroll, junior Fred Ringblom (1 goal), sophomore Holden Chang (1 goal, 2 assists), sophomore Marshall Matyszczak (1 goal, 4 assists) and senior Colton Simonds (2). goals, 8 assists).

“Zach is a big, powerful boy, he will play in one of our top lines and will be a key figure in any situation,” said Bertoli. “Fred will get a real chance to play with really good players, be it Jake and Wyatt or Filip. He can score goals, he had success at club level this year playing for the Chiefs. Holden and Marshall started seeing more minutes last year, both kids looked really good. Colton is a solid defensive player. He brings a physical element, he takes penalties.”

On defense, PDS must address the gap created by the departure of four-year starters Han Shin and Connor Stratton. “You’re not going to replace these two kids,” Bertoli said. “They could break out pucks, they could get involved on offense and shut teams down defensively.”

The Panthers have a quartet of returning players who should break through with good play along the blue line: senior Max Guche (1 goal, 4 assists), senior Reilly Gilligan, junior Hubert Shin (1 goal, 4 assists) and sophomore Year Tyler Nevrotski (1 goal, 2 assists).

“We have four returning kids in Max, Reilly, Huber and Tyler,” Bertoli said. “Those four will be key, it’s just a matter of figuring out what the matchups will look like and who will play on the two power play units. It’s going to take a while, but these are four that we’re really comfortable with.”

Bertoli feels comfortable with his two returning goaltenders, senior Calvin Fenton (351 saves in the 2023-24 season) and sophomore Drew Picker (65 saves). “Calvin has the potential to be an incredible goalkeeper, which he showed in the Lawrenceville game, which was probably one of the best goaltending performances I have ever seen,” Bertoli said of Fenton, who scored in the 3-2 win over Lawrenceville Made 45 saves last January.

“He’s been so locked in, he’s a kid that’s going to make the highlight saves in most cases. What has held him back a little is his lack of concentration on some routine tasks; These are things that come naturally to an elite goalkeeper. He has worked to improve in this area. Drew had some time last year and did well. He is a very, very good goalkeeper. He’s tall and plays at a high level outside of here.”

In order for the PDS to compete at a high level this winter, it must excel in special team situations.

“We have the top players that should be really effective on the power play,” Bertoli said. “If you look at the good teams, they make it possible on the power play. Even if they don’t score goals, they create a lot of chances and put you under pressure. We have to be really good at penalties – that will be a big focus too.”