Even with New Years rapidly approaching, Penn Hockey is certainly not suffering from a championship hangover.
The Quakers have put together a formidable title defense. They finished 2022 at 12-1, atop the CSCHC, and are ranked 11th in the Southeastern Region of ACHA Division 2.
Senior captain Hayden Stephan has led the team with 24 points through 13 games. He has been aided by fellow linemates, Spencer Touhy and Zach Qian, who have combined for 40 points. Qian, a graduate student from UCLA, is having a breakout season for the Quakers, already tripling his point total from last season.
The team has also seen significant contributions from other first-year additions as well. Defensive Juggernaut Aidan Armaly has contributed 17 points and forwards AJ Moshyedi and Griffin Bond are both averaging nearly a point a game for the Quakers.
As the calendars turn over the rest of the league might be hoping to leave the name Calvin Alifervo in 2022. Alifervo has scored in all but two games this season and leads the team with 13 goals.
But of course, Penn’s success wouldn’t be without senior goalie Xander Kostelnik who has maintained 1.59 goals-against average, including three shutouts.
The race for the top of the CSCHC is tight. Penn and Seton Hall are tied in points with the Quakers holding the head-to-head tiebreaker. The February 4th matchup between the two teams will certainly be an important game to look out for. Penn will open up 2023 with their cross town rivals Drexel and also face off against Stockton twice and then finish the season with an away game against Scranton.
With eyes set on adding another Conference championship, Penn are back in action at the Class of 1923 arena on January 20th. The Quaker hockey family wishes everyone a happy New Year and looks forward to finishing off the season strong.