Quaker Valley stands atop PIHL Class A after sizzling start

By: Ray Fisher
Sunday, November 24, 2024 | 11:01 AM

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Quaker Valley has jumped to the top of the PIHL gold division as well as the entire Class A thanks to its early 8-0 record.

The Quakers racked up 56 goals while allowing just six.

“I have been pleased with our start,” QV coach Kevin Quinn said. “We have played at a high pace and have put more pucks in the net than last year. We continue to defend well, but the added depth of scoring has been a big help.

“Our goals remain the same — to win our division and attack the playoffs.”

QV’s goaltending tandem of senior Landon Buterbaugh and junior Ian Lorang proved unbeatable early in the season as Buterbaugh stood at 5-0 and Lorang was 3-0 with three shutouts.

Buterbaugh gave up six goals on 111 shots for a 1.20 goals-against average and .946 save percentage. Lorang stopped all 42 shots he faced.

The QV goalies were complemented by a strong defensive corps steered by senior Liam Welge and juniors Jacob Keisel, Luke Koehler and Tristan Bemis. Jack Watson is a sophomore defender.

“We have five defensemen and they have been solid,” Quinn said. “Our captain Jacob Keisel, assistant captain Liam Welge, Luke Koehler and Jack Watson lead the way, and Tristan Bemis is back with us this year after a serious injury.

“Our defense is also led by our two goalies. Landon and Ian have been excellent.”

Offensively, the Quakers have been sparked by junior forward Max Modrovich with 12 goals and 15 assists, good for 27 points. Modrovich was the leading scorer in Class A and hadn’t been assessed a penalty in eight games.

“Max has been very good again this year,” Quinn said. “His line has been fun to coach with Charlie Pyle and Matthias Lezama. They are relentless and very skilled. We expect a lot out of Max, and he has brought it in all areas.”

Lezama, a freshman forward, chipped in with 11 goals and eight assists for QV while junior forwards Jace Vasbinder (10g, 7a) and Ben McHenry (9g, 8a) clicked for 17 points.

Pyle, a sophomore forward, also helped out offensively with three goals and eight assists.

“We have Colin York, Jace Vasbinder and Ben McHenry rolling now and this makes us much harder to deal with,” Quinn said. “Hunter Kronk, Kieran Cain and Charlie D’Antonio are on our third line and they have been very good, too. Luca Kurumfashe, Aiden Dillaman and Lance Shaner have worked hard to compete, as well.”

QV logged its eighth win Nov. 14 by skating past Wheeling Central Catholic, 6-2, as Lezama scored twice and McHenry and Keisel each added a goal and an assist.

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