Quaker Valley hockey passes the tough early season test

By means of: Ray Visser


Sunday December 15, 2024 | 11:01 am

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

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

“We played a full game and fought 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 defender Jacob Keisel scored 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. The line of Colin, Jace and Ben remained strong in all areas.”

Modrovich, with 46 goals and 54 assists, will soon reach another milestone when he collects his 50th career goal. He was delighted when he scored twice against Chartiers Valley.

“It felt great, especially to get my last few points against a good team,” Modrovich said. “I think we played really well against Chartiers Valley. All three lines were lively and our defense played very well and didn't give them many chances.

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

Buterbaugh, a senior goaltender, knocked aside 31 of 33 shots as QV improved to 7-0 on the year.

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

QV's experienced coach saw positive developments everywhere on the ice.

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

“And we had very strong games from our third line. They consistently spent time in the offensive zone, and when they had a tough line game, they responded. Kieran Cain, Hunter Kronk and Charlie D'Antonio really did their best.”

With the thrilling win, QV increased its goal tally to 73 for the season – the top in the division.

The Quakers only conceded twelve goals in eleven games.

“The team is doing great,” Buterbaugh said. “We had a goal of winning a Pens Cup this year and we knew we had to bring everything we had. We've created a culture that focuses on intensity and relentlessness, and that's a big factor in our success this year.

“I expect the team to keep things moving, leading to a great playoff run and ultimately ending with a Pens Cup.”

The 6-foot-1, 140-pound Buterbaugh uses his skating skills and flexibility in controlling play around the net area.

“I take great pride in being an exceptional skater,” he said, “and in having the ability to read plays long 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 had a significant goal differential of plus-61.

“We want to put the pedal to the metal,” Quinn said. “We want to play fast and be ruthless, regardless of the opponent. We are young, but very hungry to win.”

Quaker Valley had three more games scheduled before the start of the new year.

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

Keywords: Quaker Valley