Coming off a rough season, the members of the ice hockey team are ready to prove themselves. It is the second year of the team in the County League, a higher level of hockey than previously, which allows them to play in the highest tier of hockey in this area. When Head Coach Thomas Lindberg ’07, an alum of the team itself, was hired after COVID, he was given the keys to how the team would progress.
“COVID shut down the program entirely,” Coach Lindberg said. “The whole program changed. This sport is different in that it is really malleable in where you can go with the team. I had a plan, and I knew whatever our boys want to do: we will strive for greatness. I felt since my playing days in ’07 and ’09 that the ice hockey team was an afterthought, but so close to being a top-tier program. This is the league we belong in. Mr Murphy told me that if you think you can do it, then do it.”
The Atlantic League, which the county league feeds into, features several Inter-Ac rivals, including Malvern and EA, as well as schools like Salesianum and LaSalle.
“The program is developing the highest quality young men. I lead with and believe it is not about hockey.” – Coach Thomas Lindberg
Coach Lindberg is in his fifth season coaching at Haverford and his ninth year coaching overall, including time in youth hockey. His philosophy centers on development beyond the rink.
“The program is developing the highest quality young men,” Coach Lindberg said. “I lead with and believe it is not about hockey. Anything outside of the classroom is a tool used to develop and sharpen the young man. Hockey is my avenue. I am not building wins. If you do that, then everything follows.”
The Fords opened the season 0–2, but Lindberg is not worried. Their opponents had already played several games by the time the Fords took to the ice.
“We let this team marinate long enough, and it will become powerful,” Coach Lindberg said. “Salesianum had already played seven games. Devon Prep was the same. We do not have the opportunity to play in the fall like other teams. It is hard to give the kids a letter grade when we have not seen enough yet.”
By the time they reach matchups with Father Judge and Hun, Coach Lindberg believes the group will have a clearer identity.
“Malvern and EA at Christmas will be the biggest gauge. The kids are going to feel like they know where we are and understand where we need to build.”
After a three-win season last year, Lindberg sees growth.
Sixth Form forward Jaxen Smyth echoed that idea.
“The improvement from Salesianum to Devon Prep was huge,” Smyth said. “We skate right up and play. We are not on the radar for getting the best ice slots, and the team knows it. But I think we will do a good job fighting that adversity.”
After a three-win season last year, Lindberg sees growth.
“We are older than we have been in the last three years,” he said. “This group is learning to mature together. I get the sense they are taking more ownership. Last year, they were afraid of success. There was imposter syndrome. Now we know we belong. We can play and win.”
Despite losing players to boarding schools, college lacrosse commitments, and goalie transfers, the players have rallied around the coaching staff, including assistants Ben York and Radnor Miles and goaltending coach Carson Rooney ’18.
“They believe in the coaching staff,” Lindberg said. “If we just get into March, into the Flyers Cup, anything can happen.”
“We have a better chance of playing in the Flyers Cup this year. Last time we played was 2007. Ever since Coach Lindberg came in, it has been an exponential rise,” Smyth said. “The future is pretty bright.”
Every player meets with Lindberg in end-of-season exit interviews. Last year revealed a clear weakness.
“Every player mentioned trust,” Lindberg said. “They were all jovial in the locker room and strangers on the ice. I told the seniors to be the gatherers. Bring the team together for lifts and practices. No phones or speakers in the locker room. Talk to each other.”
Smyth felt the same shift.
“The weakness was not enough players taking it seriously. Now we are way more disciplined and motivated. No phones means everyone is talking about the season,” Smyth said. “It was a pretty good change.”
“Our strongest asset was intelligence about what does not work. We were not close enough and did not have good enough relationships, so now we meet guys where they are.” – Coach Thomas Lindberg
As for strengths, Lindberg said, “Our strongest asset was intelligence about what does not work. We were not close enough and did not have good enough relationships, so now we meet guys where they are.”
The schedule is demanding: multiple matchups with Salesianum, Father Judge, and Devon Prep.
Smyth said, “Considering what it used to be, it is a tougher schedule, but we have tougher players.”
With only one goalie, Fifth Former Liam McGrath, protecting the defensive end is a priority.
“We do not score the most anyway,” Lindberg said. “We have to minimize shots and take away turnovers. They are not afraid of failing. If we get hot, who knows?”
Lindberg believes the program is close to a breakthrough.
“We are a year or two away from potentially winning a Flyers Cup,” he said. “We just have to get into March. Anything can happen there. This group is ready to take a step. They expect themselves to take a step.”
Smyth agrees.
“We are a lot better than last year,” Smyth said. “Everyone has gotten better. We are fully together and disciplined. I think we are going to do a great job.”
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