Quaker Valley hockey passes tough early season test

By: Ray Fisher
Sunday, December 15, 2024 | 11:01 AM

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The Quaker Valley hockey team passed its first major test of the season with flying colors.

The Quakers defeated Chartiers Valley, 6-2, on Dec. 2 at Mt. Lebanon Ice Center in a battle of two of the top teams in the PIHL Class A Gold Division. QV remained undefeated at 11-0; CV suffered its first loss and dropped to 8-1.

“We played a complete game and battled hard,” QV coach Kevin Quinn said. “I was very happy with all our efforts. We scored in multiple ways and played three solid periods. I was proud of our boys.”

QV was led offensively by junior forwards Max Modrovich with two goals and Ben McHenry, Jace Vasbinder and Colin York with one each. Junior defenseman Jacob Keisel tacked on another goal.

“Max had a four-point night — including his 100th career point — and was great in all facets, including faceoffs,” Quinn said. “His line with Charlie (Pyle) and Matthias (Lezama) played a lot in the offensive zone. Colin, Jace and Ben’s line continued to be strong in all areas.”

Modrovich, with 46 goals and 54 assists, soon will be hitting another milestone when he collects his 50th career goal. He was thrilled to score twice against Chartiers Valley.

“It felt great especially to get my last couple (points) against a good team,” Modrovich said. “I think we played very well against Chartiers Valley. All three lines were buzzing, and our defense played really well and didn’t give them a lot of chances.

“Our goalie, Landon Buterbaugh, played really well and made some incredible saves.”

Buterbaugh, a senior goaltender, turned aside 31 of 33 shots for QV to improve to 7-0 on the year.

“Landon, of course, continues to be so strong for us in net,” Quinn said. “Jacob (Kiesel), Liam (Welge), Jack (Watson) and Luke (Koehler) really defended well.”

QV’s veteran coach saw positive developments all over the ice.

“It was so many things,” Quinn said. “We defended well, broke out of our own zone well, finished plays and played a solid game in all areas.

“And we had really strong games from our third line. They consistently spent time in the offensive zone, and when they had a tough line matchup, they responded. Kieran Cain, Hunter Kronk and Charlie D’Antonio really stepped up.”

With the stirring victory, QV upped its goal total to 73 for the season — tops in the division.

The Quakers surrendered just 12 goals through 11 games.

“The team’s been doing great,” Buterbaugh said. “We’ve had a goal of winning a Pens Cup this year, and we knew that we had to bring all we had. We’ve established a culture that focuses on intensity and relentlessness, and that’s a huge factor in our success this year.

“I expect the team to keep it rolling, leading to a great playoff run and ending up with a Pens Cup.”

The 5-foot-10, 140-pound Buterbaugh uses his skating skills and flexibility in controlling play around the net area.

“I take great pride in that I’m an exceptional skater,” he said, “as well as (having) the ability to read plays well before they happen.”

The Quakers remained in first place in the Class A Gold Division, ahead of Chartiers Valley (9-1), Shaler (8-2) and Montour (7-3), and held a substantial plus-61 goal differential.

“We want to put the pedal down,” Quinn said. “We want to play fast and be relentless, no matter the opponent. We are young but very hungry to win.”

Quaker Valley had three games remaining on its schedule before the start of the new year.

The Quakers were scheduled to play at home Dec. 12 against Westmont Hilltop at Baierl Ice Complex and travel to away games Dec. 16 against Wheeling Catholic at Wesbanco Arena and Dec. 19 against Blackhawk at Brady’s Run Ice Arena.

Tags: Quaker Valley