It hasn’t been good being a top 10 team in the state lately. Central Catholic suffered its first loss of the season last week, at the hands of Waltham. A few days prior BC High’s eight game winning streak was snapped by St. Mary’s. Nonetheless, both Central Catholic and BC High remain in the top two spots of this week’s New England Hockey Journal MIAA Hockey Top 10 Rankings.
NEHJ MIAA Hockey Top 10 Rankings – February 14, 2018
1. Central Catholic (18-1-0)
The Raiders fell victim to Waltham, but bounced back with wins over Andover and Westford Academy. Junior Will Winship continues to lead the way offensively with 14 goals and 13 assists.
2. BC High (11-4-1)
The Eagles will have to sit on their loss to St. Mary’s until they had to Falmouth for the annual Buddy Ferreira Classic. Saturday’s first round matchup against Hingham will be a tough test.
3. Pope Francis (13-2-3)
The Cardinals picked up two wins over out of state teams last week, including an impressive 3-0 triumph over Delbarton (N.J.). Senior Brendan Nehmer continues to lead Division 1 in scoring.
4. St. John’s Prep (10-3-3)
After a 2-2-2 stretch the Eagles won twice last week with wins over Newburyport and Austin Prep. David Sacco and Brian Carrabes led the way offensively. Senior defensemen Tim Usalis and Evan Beers log a lot of minutes on the blue line.
5. Hingham (9-3-6)
The Harbormen haven’t lost in almost a month, going 5-0-2 during that stretch. Saturday’s game at the Buddy Ferreira Classic against BC High presents another opportunity to improve the resume.
6. St. Mary’s (11-3-4)
Wins over BC High, Hingham and Austin Prep will come in handy come Super 8 selection day. Senior captain Anthony Bono continues to lead the way offensively. Another game with Austin Prep before Malden Catholic and either Pope Francis or Central Catholic are still roadblocks between the Spartans and the Super 8.
7. St. John’s Shrewsbury (11-4-3)
The Pioneers lost to Hingham last week, but did take care of business against Arlington Catholic and Moses Brown (R.I.). Playing shorthanded without two of its key players, Michael Mead’s team has two tough tests this week: Franklin and St. John’s Prep.
8. Burlington (15-3-0)
The Red Devils don’t face another top 10 team so, on paper, they should skate into the Super 8 with just three losses. Any blemishes over the next four games could cost them a spot in the tournament.
9. Arlington (10-4-3)
The Spy Ponders will probably have to win out the rest of the way in order to defend their Super 8 title. Arlington has faced a tough schedule, but only has one marquee win: a 3-2 victory over Austin Prep.
10. Waltham (12-3-2)
After going just 2-2 over their four games prior, the Hawks upset Central Catholic, 1-0. Connor Blanchard’s third period goal was the difference while Kyle Penton made some big saves in net. Wellesley and Andover are two tough games down the stretch run for Waltham.
On the Cusp: Austin Prep (10-6-1), Newburyport (10-2-5), Franklin (12-3-3), Falmouth (12-3-3)
