When it came time to do our All-NEPSAC division teams, it quickly dawned on me that I would have to split up the Keller and the Eberhart because there is simply too much talent in each to do a combined one.
The Keller Division is stacked. Many of these teams will battle for spots inside the top 10 all season, as we highlighted in our team-by-team breakdown. The players on these teams are also impressive, as the Keller Division boasts some of prep hockey's best prospects.
There were a lot of close calls in here. There are many players I wanted to put in, but we just didn't have enough slots.
Let's dive into our preseason First and Second All-Keller Division Teams.
First team
Teddy Mutryn, jr., F, St. Sebastian’s
After not making the U.S. NTDP team, getting drafted into the USHL and opting to stay in prep, Mutryn will be on a mission this season. He’s arguably the most talented player in prep hockey this winter and he should have no problem showing it.
Matt Cataldo, sr., F, St. Sebastian’s
Cataldo outplays, outworks and outcompetes almost everyone. He led St. Sebastian’s in points last season with 39 and projects to be even more dangerous this winter as he leads the Arrows toward the Elite 8.
THE KELLER: Check out our team-by-team breakdown of the ISL Keller Division
Dennis Davidson, jr., F, Nobles
Nobles’ biggest strength will be its offensive power, and Davidson is the heart of that. He led Nobles last season in goals (16) and points (31). Getting Nobles back into the Elite 8 and drawing attention from colleges will be the biggest reasons why Davidson flourishes.
Dylan Hunt, jr., D, Milton Academy
Hunt is an outstanding shutdown defenseman, which is why he’s already committed to Yale. The next step will be showing that he can produce at a higher rate offensively. With Mason Chen graduated, Hunt should be getting ample opportunity to show his offensive side.
Shawn Leary, sr., D, Lawrence Academy
Leary can be hit or miss at times. He plays the game hard and at 6 feet and 194 pounds, he has the tools. He scored five goals and totaled 15 points last year. If he plays smart hockey, those numbers will jump a bunch in his senior year.
Sam Caulfield, jr., G, Milton Academy
Caulfield was one of the biggest breakout stars of last season, going from Belmont Hill’s junior varsity team in 2021-22 to finishing tied for the region lead in save percentage (.948) last winter. Milton will go as far as Caulfield takes it.
Second team
Ben Merrill, jr., F, St. Sebastian’s
It’s been a big offseason for Merrill, who grew, worked his way onto a USHL roster and committed to Harvard. He’s also a legitimate NHL draft prospect. NHL teams will make St. Sebastian’s a stop on their schedule, and Merrill has all the tools to answer the hype. One other St. Sebastian’s forward to watch is Isaac Mitchell (Harvard, Mass.), who will be a force for the Arrows this winter.
ON THE RISE: 23 breakout forward candidates in prep | 17 breakout defender candidates in prep
Owen Leahy, sr., F, Lawrence Academy
Not only did Leahy lead Lawrence Academy in goals (16) and points (30) last season, he performed when it mattered most, scoring two goals in the Small School championship game, including the game-winner. With how good the ISL will be this season, every game is going to matter that much more. There is no doubt Leahy can rise to the challenge.
Teddy MacAusland, jr., F, Nobles
MacAusland is a phenomenal playmaker. As a sophomore, he posted 23 assists and 29 points. He’s a year older and so are the other big guns in Nobles’ offense. He should be a puck-moving wizard this winter.
Charlie Leverone, sr., D, St. Sebastian’s
Leverone, one of St. Sebastian’s three captains, will play a major role on the blue line along with Aidan Connors (Westborough, Mass.), Jack Harney (Needham, Mass.) and Owen Lynch (Foxboro, Mass.). Leverone is a smart, shutdown defenseman who will have a big role in keeping the puck out of the Arrows’ end.
Cole Estey, sr., D, Tabor
Tabor lost a lot over the offseason and will be a different team when the season opens, but one constant will be the strong play of Estey on defense. He led Tabor defensemen last year in points with 19.
Pelle Russo, sr., G, St. Sebastian’s
Russo probably won’t be the busiest goalie in the ISL due to how good the team is in front of him. But when shots do make their way toward him, he’s proven he can stop them. If the Arrows are to make a deep Elite 8 run, Russo will need to save his best for the end of the season.
