Central Catholic tops the final New England Hockey Journal MIAA Top 10 Rankings of the regular season. Later this week the Raiders look to join a select group of teams in state history to win 21 games.
The top four teams stay the same as all four went unbeaten and untied over the course of the last week. BC High, Pope Francis and St. John’s Prep should join Central Catholic as the top four teams in the Super 8 when the field is announced this weekend.
NEHJ MIAA Hockey Top 10 Rankings – February 21, 2018
1. Central Catholic (19-1-0)
The Raiders have a tough final two games of the regular season. Kim Brandvold's team faces Pope Francis in the first round of the Cardinal Classic then will take on either Malden Catholic or St. Mary's in the championship or consolation game.
2. BC High (13-4-1)
The Eagles will face off against Reading in Thursday's championship game of the Buddy Ferreira Classic in Falmouth. BC High took down Hingham and Austin Prep in the first two rounds to get to this point. John Flaherty's team has quickly shaken off the upset loss at St. Mary's.
3. Pope Francis (15-2-3)
Brian Foley's team has only lost twice, against Central Catholic and BC High. Other than that, the Cardinals have taken care of business against a tough schedule that has included some out-of-state programs. Pope Francis will look to win its own tournament later this week when Central Catholic, Malden Catholic and St. Mary's come rolling into the Olympia.
4. St. John’s Prep (12-3-3)
After a bumpy stretch to end the month of January, Kristian Hanson's team appears to be back on track. The Eagles have handled their last five opponents rather easily. St. John's Prep should enter the Super 8 on a six-game winning streak barring an upset loss against Braintree.
5. Hingham (11-4-6)
The Harbormen suffered a loss to BC High in the first round of the Buddy Ferreira Classic, but Tony Messina's team should solidly be in the Super 8. Hingham should be rewarded for its brutal schedule, and for taking down several teams in the top 15 of the state.
6. Burlington (18-3-0)
The Red Devils have solidifed a spot in the Super 8, but they have yet to prove they can beat a top team. Bob Conceison's team lost in its two biggest tests: versus St. John's Prep and Hingham. Still, kudos to Burlington for running through the always-tough Middlesex League slate with just one blemish.
7. St. Mary’s (12-4-4)
The inconsistency of the Spartans is maddening. After knocking off BC High, St. Mary's got blown out by Austin Prep and needed a furious third period rally to down Lowell Catholic. Similarly to Hingham, Mark Lee's team should be given credit for a tough schedule and should get a chance to prove its worth in the Super 8.
8. St. John’s Shrewsbury (12-5-3)
Maybe the press clippings got to the heads of the Pioneers, who have stumbled down the stretch. Michael Mead's team has lost three of its last five. Nonetheless, St. John's Shrewsbury deserves to be in the Super 8 following an impressive season. There are some young players worth watching come tourney time.
9. Xaverian (10-6-5)
Dave Spinale's team finished the season on a seven-game unbeaten streak. The Hawks have a solid young core that could pose a serious threat come tournament time. Sophomores Ryan Pomposelli and Matty Ryan each scored 11 goals while freshmen C.J. Monturio and Robbie Barletta made their mark on the score sheet as well.
T-10. Andover (12-5-2)
After a shutout loss against Hingham, the Warriors have bounced back with three wins, including over Waltham and St. John's Shrewsbury. Chris Kuchar's team is playing as a unit in solidarity after the unfortunate circumstances earlier this month.
T-10. Waltham (14-4-2)
The loss to Andover could be the knockout blow that prevents the Hawks from earning a Super 8 bid, but it's been a great season for John Maguire's crew. Wednesday's regular season finale against Wellesley is a must-win if Waltham is going to have any sniff come Selection Day.
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