Quaker Valley hockey looks to strengthen defense

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, December 18, 2017 | 11:00 PM

Through its first 12 games, Quaker Valley was among the top PIHL Class 2A teams in the standings.

The Quakers hope to keep it that way as they embark on the second half of their league schedule.

“It's definitely good to get off to a good first half of the season and get some quality wins against some quality teams and some of those bigger schools we were lucky enough to defeat,” Quaker Valley captain Jake Giotto said. “We're not really pleased with the close losses. We want to clean that up a little. We're still trying to get clicking on all cylinders here defensively, offensively and through the neutral zone.”

Quaker Valley (7-5) had a busy start to the season with five games in October, five more in November and three in December. The squad only has six regular-season contests left once the calendar turns to 2018.

“We've lost some tight games, which has been frustrating. We could be a lot better than 7-5,” Quaker Valley coach Kevin Quinn said. “We've played a lot of games and had a front-loaded schedule. Competition-wise, we should be through the hardest part of our schedule. We're plugging along with some good senior leadership, but we're looking to make some improvements, especially in the goals-against area. We've been having some issues keeping the puck out of the net. We'll focus on that in the second half of the schedule.”

The Quakers led Class 2A with 54 goals but ranked among the leaders when it came to most goals allowed (41).

“It's a combination of factors. Are your forwards coming back on defense? Is the defense doing what it's supposed to do? Are the goalies stopping the puck? It's a combination of all three. Flat out, we just need to be better defensively,” Quinn said. “We can do it. We've had games where we were really good defensively, and the special teams have been good. We're giving up what we call ‘easy' goals that have hurt us this year.

“It's tough to match against the depth of some of the bigger schools we play against. That puts a lot of stress on our top guys to be our best players offensively but also our best defensive players.”

Offense has been abundant for Quaker Valley. Beau Tomczak led Class 2A in scoring with 26 points (nine goals, 17 assists). Ben Kuzma was next with 22 points (16, eight). Ryan Quinn (13 points), Rico Fernandez (12) and Daniel Fagan (10) were major contributors, as well.

“The offense is good. I'll take 54 goals in 12 games. Also, though, we've had issues where we didn't score in two shutouts. In those five losses, our top guys didn't score enough,” coach Quinn said. “At the same time, I don't want to win 6-5 games. As a coach, it's no fun to be a part of those games because we're giving up too many opportunities or goals.”

Giotto said he and his teammates need to tighten things up in the final stretch of the regular season in order to have a shot at a Penguins Cup championship.

“It's just a mindset thing. Playing defense is all about positioning. We need to be more disciplined,” he said. “Getting into the second half, we'll all be more on the same page and know where each other likes to play in the defensive zone. We just make a couple little mistakes that hurt us, and the other team ends up capitalizing on them. Being disciplined is something we're working on every day.”

Despite their defensive struggles, the Quakers have proven to be among the Class 2A's top squads.

“We've played the top teams in the league already, and I think we measure up very well. We should be encouraged, not necessarily by our record, but by our competitiveness,” coach Quinn said. “Our schedule now is favorable to hopefully go on a run in the second half and get pucks in the net but also do a better job defensively.”

Joe Sager is a freelance writer.

Tags: Quaker Valley