The Knights’ captain led his conference in scoring, but he did so much more than that.
By Rick Woelfel
Correspondent
There are certain hockey players who have a presence about them whenever they step on the ice. Jimmy McKelvie is that kind of player.
The North Penn senior invariably drew the attention of opponents and spectators alike whenever he hit the ice in his Columbia and Navy blue uniform. With good reason. McKelvie earned Intelligencer Player of the Year honors and led the Suburban High School Hockey League’s Continental Division scoring race by notching 23 goals and adding 32 assists for 51 points. His efforts helped the Knights reach the second round of the Flyers Cup tournament. McKelvie was not only the most productive player on the roster, but was also the North Penn captain. The role brought leadership responsibilities with it. “I was the captain, and I knew what it took to win,” he said. “Myself and four other seniors. We knew we had to take a lot of responsibility.”
McKelvie has viewed the game of hockey from varying perspectives. He first played the game in North Carolina at age 4, and lived in Colorado before coming to this area at age 13.
He played for the Junior Flyers before switching to the Hatfield Ice Dogs. As he helped bring along his younger teammates this season, McKelvie felt his game got stronger as well.
“I think I’ve definitely gotten faster and stronger with the puck,” he said. “I think I win more one-on-one battles.”
The Knights had something of an up-and-down season. During the first half of the season, they had a stretch in which they went unbeaten in seven of eight games. At times, they struggled defensively; however, North Penn surrendered five goals or more in a game nine times.
The Knights lost to Pennsbury in the first round of the SHSHL playoffs, then advanced to the Flyers Cup quarterfinals before falling to Council Rock South, the eventual champion.
McKelvie said there were some rough patches along the way. But he has some pleasant memories of his high school career, including 2009, when the Knights reached the Class AA Flyers Cup finals. Holdovers from that team formed the emotional core of this year’s squad.
“I think that was (his fondest memory of high school hockey),” McKelvie said. “Having that experience with the guys in 10th grade. We were a close-knit group.”
Jimmy McKelvie
School: North Penn (senior)
Position: Forward
Key facts: The Intelligencer Player of the Year was an explosive offensive force… Scored 23 goals and added 32 assists to lead the SHSHL’s Continental Division in scoring and take the Knights to the second round of the Flyers Cup.
Tom Schloendorn
School: Central Bucks East (senior)
Position: Forward
Key facts: The SHSHL Continental Division’s leading scorer tallied 27 goals and 27 assists… The top offensive catalyst for a team that won the SHSHL title and reached the Flyers Cup finals.
Tyler Mcintosh
School: Central Bucks East (senior)
Position: Defense
Key facts: Solid defenseman played a key role in his team’s SHSHL championship run … A dominant presence on the blue line who also contributed five goals and two assists.
Bobby Tait
School: Germantown Academy (senior)
Position: Defense
Key facts: Was the MVP of a Patriots team that won its second straight IHL title… Tallied eight goals and nine assists… Will play lacrosse at Syracuse.
Eric Horrex
School: William Tennent (senior)
Position: Goaltender
Key facts: Saw an abundance of shots night after night, but kept his team in games with his play between the pipes. Led Panthers to the second round of the Flyers Cup.
Will Vaeth – Germantown Academy
Nick Sette – Lansdale Catholic
Cameron Goodell – William Tennent
Caleb Witzaney – North Penn
Manny Billones – Hatboro Horsham
Frank Grimes – Archbishop Wood
