Pennridge skates past William Tennent for sixth straight win

HATFIELD TWP. >> Pat McGinley was looking for some wood to knock on, as he mentioned — and not wanting to jinx — Pennridge’s injury-free run through the young season.

But McGinley and the Rams haven’t had to rely on any superstitions just yet, their play alone dictating the tempo, style and ultimately the outcome in a growing number of victories.

“We were playing as a team, outworking them, making good passes,” teammate Eric Slater said after Thursday night’s contest. “Everything was just clicking tonight.”

The Rams were at their collective best at Hatfield Ice, skating to a 10-1 win over the Panthers to run their record to 6-1.

“We lost to all those teams last year,” the Rams’ Mike Walker said of rivals like Central Bucks West and Tennent, strong programs that Pennridge was able to earn impressive wins over this year. “We’re kind of getting our revenge and bringing everything back.

“Everybody’s looking for each other. There’s no selfish players out there.”

Slater scored four goals, and Walker and McGinley each scored twice — all familiar names for the Rams. Added to that was Evan Kehoe’s first goal of the season, a score by Jeff Manto, and promising play by the youngsters.

“The freshmen were killing it out there,” McGinley said.

Fast Start

McGinley scored on the power play just six minutes into the contest and Pennridge was on its way. The Rams racked up 50 shots against a young Tennent squad (1-3-2) in this non-conference match-up.

Pennridge led 2-0 after a period and blew it open in the second, pulling away to a 5-0 margin.

After an injury-plagued season of a year ago, Pennridge has been at full strength and nearly-unbeatable, winning six straight since its opening-night loss to Father Judge.

“This year, everybody’s healthy,” McGinley said. “We’re just hoping we can stay together and keep it rolling.”

Closing It Out

Pennridge passed the puck, stayed out of the penalty box and kept creating scoring opportunities.

The Rams went through the second period penalty-free and added to their lead in the third.

William Tennent, which skates at Grundy Thursday (9 p.m.) against rival Neshaminy, did get on the board with a goal by Thomas Hartenstein.

Luke Stranick saved everything else, keeping the Panthers scoreless for 40 minutes.

Pennridge is back in action Friday, at Warwick to take on La Salle II at 8:45.

Said Rams coach Ken Doak of his squad: “In high school hockey, everybody has their turn — it’s up and down. This is their turn, and they have a couple-year run here. They’re a young team, and the players behind them are just as strong.”