MARLBORO, Mass. — It was never particularly close.
The Boston Junior Eagles had their way with the Islanders Hockey Club, earning a 7-1 win in the 15O Massachusetts state final. They move on to nationals, which take place in Madison, Wis., from April 1-6, 2025.
The scoring started in the first period when Junior Eagles defenseman Kurt Beck (Arlington, Mass.) knocked in a power play goal. Then, moments later, Junior Eagles forward Finn Sears (Medford, Mass.) rifled in a shot off the rush, giving his team a 2-0 lead.
Then the floodgates opened.
The Junior Eagles posted four goals in the middle frame, rarely allowing the Islanders to leave their zone. The goals came from forward Sam Pandolfo (Winchester, Mass.) who had two, forward Ryan Elrick (Canton, Mass.) and another from Sears. Forward Carter Meyer (Winchester, Mass.) added a shorthanded goal in the third period.
Declan McLean (Melrose, Mass.) had the lone goal for the Islanders when he tipped a shot from Jack Goodrich (North Hampton, N.H.).
Ultimately, this game will be remembered for the play of the Junior Eagles' top line of Sears, Meyer and Pandolfo. Their three futures are uncertain. They're three of the best '09s in the United States. It wouldn't surprise anyone if they're with the U.S. National Team Development Program next season.
The line put up five of the team's seven goals. They dominated. Fortunately for local hockey fans (and unfortunately for prep teams not named Rivers), the three will see plenty of time together this winter. See them while you still can because those three are going places.
Here are the standouts. You can guess who the first three are.
MORE STANDOUTS:Â 16U Militia win | 18u Junior Eagles' win
Sam Pandolfo
Boston Junior Eagles, 7/2/2009, F, left shot, 6-3/185
Hometown: Winchester, Mass.Â
This was the best I've seen Pandolfo. His two goals were nice. The first came when he made a great play down low to free the puck, went to the front of the net and jammed in a loose puck. He scored his second on a snipe from in tight. His play was vital to the Junior Eagles' long offensive zone sequences. He was outstanding with the puck in tight and was great at winning his board battles. He has himself in the perfect position entering the prep season with Rivers.
LAST YEAR: Check out our story on the Rivers '09s and their rookie season
Finn Sears
Boston Junior Eagles, 5/4/2009, F, left shot, 6-0/168
Hometown: Medford, Mass.Â
Sears' shot is deadly and that was once again the case on Sunday. He scored on a missile off the rush midway through the first period. He scored late in the second period when he deposited a pass from Meyer past the Islanders netminder. Sears pretty much had his way offensively, using his skill and edgework to get around opposing defenders. The Islanders struggled to contain his foot speed and all the power he plays with.
Carter Meyer
Boston Junior Eagles, 4/10/2009, F, left shot, 6-0/165
Hometown: Winchester, Mass.Â
One play sums up Meyer's game on Sunday. Midway through the third period with the Islanders on a power play, Meyer brought the puck up the right side. He had two Islanders players on him as he entered the opposing zone, flipped the puck middle on his backhand and sniped a shot over the goalie's glove. He was almost impossible to knock off the puck in the offensive zone and his vision led to a multitude of chances.
Ryan Elrick
Boston Junior Eagles, 5/31/2009, F, right shot, 5-9/160
Hometown: Canton, Mass.Â
Elrick was terrific on Sunday. He scored a goal by getting to the front of the net and knocking in a rebound off a shot from defenseman J.P. Montgomery (Winchester, Mass.). Elrick protected pucks well and was big in long, offensive zone sequences. He's smart, always seeming to know where the nearest defender is — and where an open teammate is, too. Elrick will be at Canton (Mass.) High this winter.
Jack Goodrich
Islanders Hockey Club, 2009, F, left shot, 5-9/145
Hometown: North Hampton, N.H.Â
Obviously, it wasn't the best day for the Islanders. But I thought Goodrich flashed some potential. He made smart reads on forechecks and was solid as the third forward high. He showed good hands in tight and was shifty, using his edges to go in and out of coverages. His play led to the Islanders' only goal when he got a puck off a draw and fired one on net. Goodrich will be at Berwick this winter.
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Gavin Anderson
Islanders Hockey Club, 2009, F, right shot, 6-1/170
Hometown: Andover, Mass.Â
Anderson has intriguing size. He was able to hold his own with the physicality. He was good on faceoffs. When he had the puck in the offensive zone, he was able to get to high-danger areas. He will be at St. John's Prep this winter.
