With a month gone by in the 2018-19 Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Associate (MIAA) boys hockey season, it’s time to revisit some preseason predictions and take a look at where the top contenders for the Super 8 stand.
As expected, defending Super 8 champion BC High looks to be the best high school hockey team in the state of Massachusetts. John Flaherty’s Eagles have yet to lose to a team in the Commonwealth. Their only setback was a 4-2 decision in the first game of the season against New Jersey powerhouse Don Bosco.
A few of the prominent Catholic school teams that have had much success in recent years have taken a step back in 2018-19. Both Malden Catholic and Central Catholic appear destined to miss the state tournament.
One former juggernaut that appears to be back in contention for a high seed in the Super 8 is Catholic Memorial. The Knights have also lost just once — against Don Bosco — heading into Wednesday’s huge matchup versus BC High at Warrior Arena in Brighton.
Many of the typical public schools are in the mix for a Super 8 bid. The top two publics appear to be Arlington, winner of the Super 8 in 2017, and Hingham, a team that always plays a tough schedule.
MIAA Super 8 Power Rankings
1. BC High (6-1-1)
The Eagles have taken care of business and are at the top of the throne until proven otherwise. John Flaherty’s team is led by three of the best forwards in the state — the Kramer brothers. Thomas Kramer ('00) centers his ’02 twin brothers — Peter and Joseph. On defense, ’03 Declan Loughnane has stepped in and proven he’s a potential college player down the line.
2. Pope Francis (5-1-1)
No team in the state has played a more challenging schedule than Brian Foley’s Cardinals. Pope Francis stepped out of MIAA action to beat Albany Academy, a prep school team, and has also downed Xavier (Conn.) and Bishop Hendricken (R.I.). The team had a narrow loss to BC High and has tied Arlington. Wins over Franklin, Framingham, and Central Catholic are the top resume boosters to date. Forwards Makem Demers, Max Cocchi, Jon Tavella and Brandon Spaulding have led the way so far. Joey Salvon and Zach Reiser are the big threats on defense.
3. Austin Prep (8-0-1)
The Cougars have taken care of business so far, including wins over St. Mary’s, Hingham and a tie against Xaverian. AP can certainly put the puck in the net and have had some lopsided victories over Catholic Central foes. Senior Max Pineo and sophomore Joe Solimine are the offensive catalysts. On defense, junior Will Cohen and Aidan Elkins are the top prospects. Senior captain Robbie Farrell has been solid in net.
4. Arlington (6-1-2)
The Spy Ponders are a deep team, especially for a public school as head coach John Messuri has worked to keep a lot of the homegrown talent in the city. The team is led offensively by juniors Anthony Messuri, the coach’s son, and Drew Malatesta, and senior Dara Conneely. Senior defenseman Jack Simon has been a mainstay on the blue line for a couple of seasons now. A win over Winchester and ties against Melrose and Pope Francis are the team’s best results. A 7-0 loss to BC High proved there is still a lot of separation between the best team in the state and everyone else.
5. Hingham (9-2-0)
As usual, Hingham has shied away from no team in its quest to get back to another Super 8. The Harbormen have already taken down St. John’s Prep, Central Catholic, Malden Catholic, Marshfield, Duxbury, Burlington, and Reading. Only blemishes have come against Austin Prep and Andover. Senior Jake Higgins is a very good defenseman who should be coveted by Division III colleges, junior teams, and prep teams for a PG year.
6. Catholic Memorial (7-1-0)
The Knights have wins over Central Catholic and Xaverian to boost their resume. Larry Rooney’s team has its biggest test to date on Wednesday, a home tilt against BC High at Warrior Arena at 7 p.m.
7. St. Mary’s Lynn (9-1-0)
One thing is for sure when watching the Spartans: they play hard. Mark Lee’s team is led by mature, puck-moving freshman defenseman Davis Kinne, an ’03 who played for the Boston Jr. Eagles 16-U team during the split season. Senior forwards Nicholas Napolitano and Colin Reddy are off to hot starts. Wins over Winchester and Newburyport are the most impressive resume builders so far. A close loss to Austin Prep in the Christie Serino Christmas Classic was the team’s best chance against a top team until next Monday when they face Hingham.
8. Xaverian (5-2-1)
Dave Spinale’s team has wins over St. John’s Prep, Marshfield and St. John’s Shrewsbury and ties against St. John’s Shrewsbury and Austin Prep. Losses so far came against BC High and CM. They’ll get another crack at both of their Catholic Conference rivals. Senior center Josh Barton has been really good and sophomore Robbie Barletta is an underclassmen to watch.
9. Marshfield (4-2-2)
The Rams don’t have as gaudy of a record as other teams in these rankings, but this is a very good team. Dan Connolly’s team has taken care of business in the games it should, but have losses to Hingham and Xaverian. Senior Paul Rorke has led the offense.
10. Melrose (7-0-3)
This is Vin Mirasolo’s best team at Melrose since moving over from Lynnfield. While the Middlesex League is always tough, the Red Raiders’ only game against another Super 8 contender came against Arlington. The game ended in a 1-1 tie. The schedule gets tougher from here as Burlington, Reading, St. John’s Prep and Winchester loom over the next five games. Cam Marks, Kevin O’Keefe, and Brendan Fennell are the team’s top players.
Others in contention: Framingham, Mansfield, Falmouth, Archbishop Williams, Winchester, Burlington
Note: St. John’s Prep is one of the better teams in the MIAA, but Kristian Hanson’s team is currently under .500, which would preclude them from post-season play. If the Eagles can get back above .500, they deserve to be in the conversation for a spot in the Super 8 due to their tough schedule.
