Playoff Notebook: Day 1

ASTON, Pa. – The DVHL playoffs didn’t disappoint on its first day of ice-melting action. Some teams lept ahead to early leads, while others had to battle to keep their seasons alive. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the games couldn’t be any better. 

16U A National Division

The 16U A National division started off with a bang. The first place Exton Kings took care of business against the fourth place Snider Hockey, but they were stunned in their second game of the day by the third place Delco Phantoms. The Phantoms exploded into the weekend, first upsetting the favored Genesis Hockey Club 5-1 before they put down the Kings. The Phantoms came into the weekend as the third seed, but after two consecutive wins against the first and second ranked teams, they have to be considered the favorite at this point. They’ll now await the results of Saturday’s games to see who will challenge them on Sunday. 

16U A American Division

The first place Delaware Jr. Blue Hens took care of business on Friday, first triumphing over the fourth place Chester County Cougars, before advancing to defeat the third place Wilkes-Barre Jr. Pens. Earlier in the day, the Pens were able to narrowly edge the second place Genesis Hockey Club before running into the Hens. Now the remaining teams will slug it out to see who will get a second shot at the surging Hens on Sunday. 

14U B Division

The first place Hershey Jr. Bears lived up to the billing on Friday afternoon, as they were able to knock off both of their opponents in dominant fashion. Meanwhile, the second place Wilmington Nighthawks took an early loss to the third place Chester County Cougars. With their seasons on the line, the Nighthawks and the Genesis Hockey Club (who lost to the Bears earlier in the day) dueled in a nail-biting, overtime struggle that saw the Nighthawks save their season and end Genesis’ at the same time. The Nighthawks will live to skate another day, and will be back tomorrow.