Ghosts top rival Quakertown

Fast start sends Abington to SHSHL American final

Even before the puck was dropped, Sam Nemec had a feeling it was Abington’s night.

“I could tell it in the players’ eyes that we wanted this game,” the Ghosts’ goalie said of Thursday’s playoff semifinal with rival Quakertown. “This is my first ever playoff start and there were only two options: win or lose. I had a win on my mind today and I just wanted to keep the team in it as long as I could.”

Nemec, alternating starts wonderfully this year with Ben Panella,

secured 23 saves and had a shutout into the third period. Abington struck fast, got the “dirty goals” to widen the gap and emerged clean with a solid 6-2 victory over the Panthers in the Suburban High School Hockey League American Division Semis at packed Hatfield Ice.

“We came out strong, stronger than usual,” Nemec said of the Ghosts, and that’s saying something, given that Abington was a perfect 12-0 in the American this year.

The win advances the Ghosts to Thursday’s Final, back at Hatfield Ice at 8:30 p.m., against Wissahickon.

Strong goaltending continues to be a big piece to the puzzle for the Ghosts.

“I know it’s Ben’s last year as a senior and I’m gonna support him every single game,” said Nemec. “And he supports me right back. I’ve played with Ben for six years and he’s been my mentor this whole time.”

The Ghosts put 11 shots on goal in the first period and put two away.

Matt Kramer scored off an assist by Joe Stelacio to put Abington on the board, and then the

KEV HUNTER — MEDIA NEWS GROUP Abington’s Jordan Heydt (47) gets a shot past Quakertown goalie Matthew Krem during the second period of their playoff semifinal on Thursday.