In what is becoming a favorite Thanksgiving holiday tradition, past and present Prep Ice Hockey players and their families gathered at the University of Pennsylvania ’s Class of ’23 rink for an afternoon of ice hockey and socializing and catching up.

This year’s alumni squad was bolstered by 9 new members from the graduation class of ’07 and brought a “full bench” of  20 players to the contest for alumni Coach John Swanick .

Perhaps boosted by their numbers and by a heightened sense of purpose, the alumni seemed to have a certain “swagger” about them or maybe it was those new black jerseys they were wearing when they faced off against Coach Ed Austin’s talented varsity squad.

Showing they were ready to start the game, the Alumni wasted little time in putting a goal on the board when Sean Guenther ’04, finished off a crisp cross-ice pass from Paul Bonhage ’05 by tipping it past frosh goaltender Paul Sjostrom. Four minutes later, Sean Guenther scored his second of the game, unassisted, to stake the Alumni to a quick 2-0 lead. Feeling the pressure, the varsity countered 20 seconds later, when seniors Ernie Menold and Chris Napoli combined on nice to play to put one past alumni goalie Justin DePementier ’05. Later in the period, the varsity had a good chance to tie the game on a penalty shot by senior Vinnie D’Angelo but were again denied on a fine stop by DePementier. The 1st period ended with the Alumni up by a score of  2-1.

There was no scoring in the second period despite a furious up and down pace. One thing was clear however. The alumni- predicted rout wasn’t happening, as the varsity matched the speed and determination of the "older" veteran club. Only the stellar goaltending effort by Depementier throughout the contest kept the varsity in check.

Between the 2^nd and 3^rd periods, the Alumni headed to their dressing room for some strategy (or was that pizza?). Whatever it was- it worked, as the Alumni opened the final period with a goal on a blast from defenseman Rob Fagnani ‘05, assisted by Sean Guenther and Sean O’Brien ‘05, to take a 3-1 lead. Once again the varsity team responded in kind when sophomores Joey Birmingham and Kyle Criscuolo each scored  and assisted each other on the same shift. Also picking up an assist was junior Pat Kupcha. This tied things up at 3-3 with about 14 minutes to go.

On big final push by the alumni forwards and lock down goaltending by Depementier, finally sealed the deal for the hungry (pizza anyone?) Alumni gang. Tallying goals in the remaining time was Sean Guenther (hat trick) from Paul Bonhage and John Swanick ’07; John Kupcha’06 from John Swanick; Mike Mckenzie’07 from Kevin Melnick ’07 and Mike Diorio ’07; and Matt Stewart ’07 unassisted.

Presenting the Alumni Cup to the winning team was former club president and founding director Tom Ostrander. Accepting the trophy on behalf of the Alumni squad was Coach John Swanick, who was thoroughly ecstatic about the win and about the day’s events !

Next year’s event will have to find the best way to utilize 15 new alumni from this year’s crop of talented graduating seniors.

All in attendance enjoyed an after game party in the rink’s Quaker Room.

Many thanks to the numerous volunteers who again created a memorable Prep Hockey experience.