The 2022-2023 edition of the Salesianum Varsity Ice Hockey team is a special one so far, and they’re riding a massive winning streak with no signs of stopping. The team is undefeated in all ICSHL (Inter-County Scholastic Hockey League) games this season, a massive feat thatwhich emphasizes how dominant Salesianum has been. This year’s team has the goal of being one of the greatest the school has ever seen. They look to be the first Salesianum team to win both the PCL (Philadelphia Catholic League), and Flyers Cup championships. Salesianum is ranked number one in the Flyers Cup power rankings, and the one seed in the PCL. What makes this team so unique is the depth of the roster, along with the talent that spreads across every line on the attack and the blue line.

The team embodies the Salesianum brotherhood through the teamwork and togetherness they display during their outstanding performances on the ice.

The driving force for this year’s team is the motto, “ALL IN,” which the seniors selected at the beginning of the year. The goal was not to be a good team, but a great team.  Being, “ALL INll in” is what is required to make this team special. The phrase is used by team leadership constantly to remind players of what is required to achieve the goal of being great. The motto epitomizes the true team effort that has driven Salesianum to dominate the competition all year long.

There is top-flight talent roaming through Salesianum hockey, such as captain Christian Kinsler, who leads them team in points. There are so many elite difference makers, such as Matt Bellopede, Nick LaBuono, Chris Albert,  Logan Maradie, and countless other dynamic players. Every line and every player presents a difficult matchup for the opposition every shift, which makes Salesianum such a dynamic and dominant team. However, the engine that makes the team run is goaltender Michael Manzi. Many would agree that his  goaltending is a massive reason as to why Salesianum hasn’t given anything more than three goals in league play. When Manzi is between the pipes, you have a great chance to win every time.

For coaches Brain LeBlanc and Bob Thomas, the goal of winning the PCL and Flyers Cup is one that this team has the chance to accomplish. There has been a massive emphasis on preparing for every game along with executing to the highest degree every game. This team, more than any other that came before it, has the chance to do something special. It is just a matter of playing the brand of Salesianum hockey that has driven this team’s sensational season so far