The Haverford Ice Hockey team showed their strength in the second annual “Stick It to Cancer” green-out game sponsored by Premier Orthopedics, Renfrew Pro Hockey Tape, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Have-A-Burger, and Rocky’s Embroidery, with an emphatic win against Ridley High School on January 30th, as all came together for a night of competition and community. 

The evening was dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the fight against cancer. Events included a pregame ceremony and honorary jersey dedication to Haverford’s own Senior Lily Walker, in her brave battle against brain cancer. Students and supporters arrived at the Haverford Skatium in their green attire shortly prior to the puck drop. The team sported custom green uniforms, as the Havertown community was brought together for a good cause and strong message: No one fights alone. 

As the focus shifted to the Central League matchup, Haverford, ranked 6th, looked to carry on their momentum against 10th-placed Ridley, following a remarkable 2-1 upset win for the Fords against Central League leaders Conestoga last time out. The opening period saw a handful of penalties being dished out to either side as both teams took their time settling into the game and getting a feel for their opponents. A somewhat uneventful start to the game was the theme for much of the first period, until Ridley broke the deadlock and took a surprise lead with about 5 minutes remaining. For the time being, the Fords were unable to generate a response, resulting in Period 1 coming to an end with Ridley holding a 1-0 edge. 

The first intermission was needed for the Fords to regroup and reset after falling behind. However, the team started clicking right out of the gates in period 2, with Sophomore forward Connor Lill equalizing for Haverford within 2 minutes of the start of the period. Following Lill’s goal, the team did not look back and was firing on all cylinders, with a goal from Senior defenseman AJ Moleski giving Haverford a 2-1 lead. This was just the start of a continued period of dominance from the Fords. Goals from Junior forward Owen Rabadam, Senior forward Shane McKelvey, and Junior forwards Caleb Dean and Ryan McGlade propelled the Fords into a 6-1 advantage at the conclusion of Period 2. Undeniably, the team was back to looking their strongest as they showed their ruthlessness in front of the net. 

Heading into the third period, Haverford kept their foot on the gas as McGlade grabbed his second goal of the night with 14:30 remaining. In the final two minutes of the game, McGlade completed his hat-trick with a third goal, immediately followed by Junior defenseman Ryan Viera’s goal only 8 seconds later. The quickfire double in the closing minutes capped off the Fords’ dominant 9-1 victory. Ridley’s Green Raiders looked to put up a fight, but it was Haverford’s green wave on the night that ultimately swept them away. 

Additional standout performances included a strong goaltending performance from Senior goalie Andrew Henderson to limit Ridley’s offense, and an impressive 4 assists from the Senior Captain, forward Aidan Brawley. Brawley, speaking after the game, reflected on the importance of the team being able to play on occasions like this and what it meant to him and his teammates. “Games like this mean everything…last year I loved this game, this year I love this game,” he said. 

Each player felt the significance of a night that brought out the best of the Havertown community and the support that members carry for each other every day, including younger players like Lill, who also feels the support from his older teammates. After scoring the Fords’ first goal of the evening, Lill gave credit to the team’s ability to continue to work together. “Something just clicked tonight,” he said. Lill and his teammates demonstrated the promise and talent that this team continues to produce as they aim to maintain their power as a top squad in the future. 

You can watch the Haverford Sports Media broadcast here.