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Articles by Jake Nunn
Knights Next Quest: Lucas Johnson
1. What schools did you apply to? I applied to Temple, UTampa, West Chester, Ursinus, Gwynedd Mercy, Elizabethtown, Shippensburg, and Penn State Abington. 2. Where did you commit to, and why? I committed to Temple University because I really liked the campus and the feel of the school. I also liked the engineering school there, which is what I’m majoring in. 3. What are your career/academic aspirations?
Knights Next Quest: Cole Wilkocz
1. What schools did you apply to? I applied to Pennsylvania College of Technology (Penntech), Pennstate, and West Chester. 2. Where did you commit to, and why? I committed to Penntech because I wanted to go into the trades and do HVAC. 3. What are your career/academic goals? I want to own my own HVAC company. 4. What are you most excited about for next year? I am most excited to meet new people and be in a totally new place. 5. What is your favorite North Penn memory?
North Penn announces plans for home hockey rink
TOWAMENCIN – The North Penn Knights ice hockey team has had profound success in the past couple years. Due to that success, they have been granted with the biggest reward a high school hockey team can ask for. The Knights, who just won back-to-back flyers cup championships in 2025 and 2026, currently play at Hatfield Ice in Colmar, PA. They share the rink with many other teams, some being Souderton, CB West, CB East, and Pennridge.
Knights historic season ends in heartbreaking fashion in State Final
WEST CHESTER – Everything seemed lined up for another championship moment for North Penn, a packed arena, a title on the line, and a team chasing history after a dominant season. They had been in this spot before and always found a way through. But as the final buzzer sounded Saturday afternoon, something felt different. What changed this time, and why couldn’t they put it together when it mattered most?
North Penn: 2026 Spring sports preview
The information below reflects the programs whose coaches responded to The Knight Crier’s request for season preview information.
Back to Back: Knights reign supreme in Flyers Cup for second year in a row
Just over four months have passed since these teams last met in November, which was only the third week of the season in a non-conference matchup. At the time it felt like just another game, but in hindsight, it marked the beginning of the journey for both teams. Now, that journey comes full circle, as one will end its season against the very same opponent.
Back to Back: Knights reign supreme in Flyers Cup for second year in a row
COLMAR – Just over four months have passed since these teams last met in November, which was only the third week of the season in a non-conference matchup. At the time it felt like just another game, but in hindsight, it marked the beginning of the journey for both teams. Now, that journey comes full circle, as one will end its season against the very same opponent.
Second period surge lifts Knights past Wildcats 6-3
COLMAR – What began as a quiet, scoreless playoff battle quickly flipped in the second period when penalties piled up for Owen J. Roberts. With a 5 on 3 power play in front of them, North Penn finally broke through and used the moment to swing the momentum of the Flyers Cup quarterfinal. North Penn (24-1-0; 16-0-0) welcomed in Owen J. Roberts (12-7-0; 10-7-0) for a quarterfinal matchup in the AA Flyers Cup tournament late Thursday night.
Defending champs rout Shawnee 9-2 to open Flyers Cup
COLMAR – Early on, it felt like this one might turn into a battle. Shawnee made the top-seeded Knights work early before North Penn pulled away, and by the third period the tension boiled over with multiple major penalties handed out in a heated finish. The #1 seeded Knights (23-1-0; 16-0-0) welcomed New Jersey native #16 Shawnee (6-9-3; 6-7-3) for a first round Flyers cup matchup.
North Penn finishes perfect in league; capture first SHSHL title since 2014
It started with expectations. It ended with history. The North Penn Knights completed the first perfect league season the program has ever seen, and topped it off with their first league title since 2014. North Penn turned months of dominance into the number 1 seed in the Flyers Cup, and cementing this year’s team as one of the greatest in school history. Now, with the Flyers Cup ahead, the Knights enter the tournament not just unbeaten, but undeniably the team everyone else is chasing.
Knights blank Rams 7-0; one win from perfect league season
COLMAR – Different jerseys, same home rink, but a completely different result. North Penn dominated from start to finish, blanking Pennridge in a shutout that kept the Knights perfect in league play. The Knights (19-1-0; 15-0-0) and the Rams (5-10-1; 5-10-0) share a rink, but it was Pennridge serving as the home team tonight. North Penn, who was missing some key players tonight, jumped out to a lead quickly and never looked back, easily cruising to a 7-0 win.
Knights cruise on Senior Night at Hatfield Ice; glide past Washington Township Monday night | NorthPennNow
You couldn’t find a seat in the blue rink at Hatfield Ice Monday night, as family and friends packed the barn for senior night. Jumping out to an early lead, the Knights never looked back, cruising to an 8-1 win over the Washington Township Minutemen. North Penn (17-1-0; 13-0-0) welcomed Washington Township (5-9-2) on the Knights’ senior night. With 13 seniors leading the way, the Knights picked up an easy win in a performance this group of seniors will remember forever.
Knights cruise on Senior Night; roll past Washington Township
COLMAR – You couldn’t find a seat in the blue rink at Hatfield ice last night, as family and friends packed the barn for senior night. Jumping out to an early lead, the Knights never looked back, cruising to an 8-1 win over the Washington Township Minutemen. North Penn (17-1-0; 13-0-0) welcomed Washington Township (5-9-2) on the Knights’ senior night. With 13 seniors leading the way, the Knights picked up an easy win in a performance this group of seniors will remember forever.
From the stands to the spotlight: Luke Haftel’s life through hockey
Before he could even tie his own skates, the rink already felt like home. For Luke Haftel, whether it was playing, watching, or learning about hockey, he loved it all from the day he was introduced. Haftel, a standout senior assistant captain for the North Penn Knights varsity ice hockey team, was introduced to the sport at a very young age. “My dad. He played all the time growing up in Philly.
Knights late rally not enough, suffer first loss of season to Devon Prep
COLMAR – North Penn found themselves in very unfamiliar territory last night, down 3 as the second period was coming to an end. A three-goal surge brought them back into the game, but Devon Prep ultimately delivered when it mattered most. North Penn (12-1-0; 9-0-0) welcomed Devon Prep (9-3-0;8-3-0) to their home rink at Hatfield Ice. The reigning state champs came in undefeated, but left the night picking up their first loss in 418 days, and being outshot for the fist time this season.
Knights sweep County Line rivalry, beat Titans to stay undefeated
COLMAR – The County Line rivalry was on full display last night as the Titans and the Knights wasted no time putting their hatred for each other on display. After losing the rivalry last year, it was personal for North Penn this year and they made it known. North Penn (12-0-0; 9-0-0) and Central Bucks South (7-5-0; 7-3-0) share a home rink, but it was the Knights who played as the home team on Friday night. It was also North Penn finding victory by a score of 5-2.
Shingle’s hat tricks keeps Knights undefeated headed into break
COLMAR – What started with pushing and shoving ended with goals piling up, as a chippy night at the rink turned into a high-scoring showdown. North Penn (10-0-0; 7-0-0) welcomed Father Judge (8-1-0; 8-2-0) on the Monday before Christmas in a non-league matchup where the Knights ran away with the 9-5 win. Knights head coach Kevin Vaitis touched on what the message was to keep the boys focused in the last game ahead of the long break. “Lets finish strong.
Knights knock off out-of-state powerhouse in win over Salasenium
COLMAR – It’s not everyday teams from two different states match up, but the boys from the Keystone state held their own and then some against Salensium in a clean, defensive matchup last night. North Penn (8-0, 6-0) played host to Salesianum (7-5, 5-3) on Wednesday night in a non-league matchup, where the Knights found victory by a score of 4-1. When asked if the team’s mentality changes for a non-league game, head coach Kevin Vaitis said “No, not really, especially a team like this.
Knights stay hot on ice in win over Pennsbury
COLMAR – There were more bruises than goals Wednesday night as the Knights and Falcons battled through a penalty-filled showdown; It was the Knights who found themselves victorious and once again in dominating fashion. North Penn (7-0-0)(6-0-0) welcomed visiting Pennsbury (2-3-0) to Hatfield Ice for an SHSHL league contest, one they would take 6-2. Scoring came slowly in the first period but the penalties started immediately.
A life in strikes: Chase Leckner’s bowling story
Ever since he first picked up a bowling ball at 4 years old, Chase Leckner has been chasing the perfect roll. For most kids it’s baseball, football, or basketball, but for Chase it’s just him and his 15 pound ball. It was Christmas Eve 2011 when Leckner picked up bowling for the first time, and he instantly fell in love with it. “I like bowling so much because my Grandpop and my Dad were both heavy bowlers,” Leckner said.
A game won in the trenches
While the crowd cheers for the touchdowns being scored, and the camera follows the deep ball, the real winning is being overlooked. Deep in the trenches, a different group of men does the dirty work that makes the scoring possible. With the success the Knights have had this year, you can give credit to all the offensive skill players all you want, but they wouldn’t have that success without the hard work and grit of the offensive line. The position doesn’t get the credit it deserves.
World Series star just four years removed from PIAA District 1
The 2025 World Series kicked off last Friday night, and although the Phillies aren’t in it there are still some local names to watch. The Blue Jays carry two names who have competed in this area in the past. Trey Yesavage has been a breakout star for the Blue Jays this postseason, which is no surprise for anyone who faced him in high school. Brendon Little is the other Blue Jay to watch as he is a 2015 graduate from Conestoga High School, also in District 1.
Lights too bright for the Knights; fall 6-1 to Methacton
EAGLEVILLE – After a goal less than 4 minutes into the game for Methacton, all the momentum the Knights had coming into the game was wiped away immediately as North Penn fell 6-1 to the Warriors. On Monday night, the #13 seeded North Penn field hockey team kicked off the District 1 playoffs with a thrilling win over the Central Bucks East Patriots, winning 2-1. They advanced on to the second round to take on the #4 seeded Methacton Warriors.
Is Coach Franklin’s time up in State College?
Heading into the 2025 season, expectations were set very high for coach James Franklin and the Nittany Lions. Many said this was the best roster Franklin has had in his tenure at Penn State. Unfortunately, although still very early in the season, Franklin has not delivered. On January 11th, 2014, James Franklin signed a contract to become the next head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions. His signing was very anticipated as it felt like a new era of football was upon the Happy Valley.
Records over stats
All season long, it has been two names atop the American League. Aaron Judge or Cal Raleigh? Who should take home the MVP? You can start with Aaron Judge, one of the best right handed hitters to ever play the game. Also, having one of the best right handed hitting seasons ever. Some of the stats he has put up are un-human like. On the other hand there’s Cal Raleigh, a switch hitting catcher who is not only putting up numbers, but also crafting a story like we’ve never seen before.
World Series or Bust
From an 11 year post-season drought, to being one of the best teams in the league over the past 3 seasons, the Philadelphia Phillies now find themselves in a situation where if they don’t win it all, they’re viewed as a failure. On February 28, 2019 the biggest free agent of this generation, Bryce Harper, inked his name on the biggest contract ever at the time with the Philadelphia Phillies. That day is a cornerstone in Phillies history as that was the birth of what the city calls the core.
North Penn Alum, Zinsmeister 2x Hall of Famer
From winning a state championship in 2009, to becoming a Knights baseball hall of famer in 2022, Robbie Zinsmeister has won the career triple crown after he was inducted to the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Athletics Hall of Fame. On Saturday, September 13th, North Penn Alum Robbie Zinsmeister was inducted into the IUP Hall of Fame.
Coming attractions
It’s spring time here in Texas, and I’m pretty sure most of you know what that means: Severe weather. So far, 2025 has brought us one of the most active severe weather seasons we’ve seen in many years, and were just getting started. As we begin the month of April, most eyes have been on long range models to see exactly how bad things could be. kAmpD :E DE2?5D[ %6I2D 5@6D 2AA62C E@ 36 2 9@EDA@E 7@C D6G6C6 H62E96C :?
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