Central Catholic continues to lead the way in this week’s New England Hockey Journal MIAA Top 10 Rankings. Kim Brandvold’s team is the only unblemished team left in Massachusetts.
NEHJ MIAA Hockey Top Rankings – January 16, 2018
1. Central Catholic (11-0-0)
There doesn’t seem to be any stopping the Raiders this season. Junior Will Winship has been the goal scoring leader while classmate Matt Pasquale has been as good as he needs to be in net. ’02 sophomore forward Owen Fowler is starting to generate some buzz.
2. BC High (7-3-1)
John Flaherty’s team has made a huge statement over the past few weeks after a tough start. Four shutouts in the last six games highlight a 6-0 record during that stretch where the Eagles have outscored their opponents, 30-4. Superior depth and a few really good high school players are finally shining through.
3. Pope Francis (8-1-2)
Senior Brendan Nehmer and junior Makem Demers continue to score at a torrid pace. Outside of the Pete Frates Classic games, the Cardinals have faced a rather soft schedule to date. That will change the rest of the way with a rematch against BC High and games against several other top teams on the horizon.
4. St. John’s Prep (6-1-1)
The Eagles are unbeaten over their last four games. Kristian Hanson’s team looks to be in what is a clear grouping of the top four teams in the state. ’01 sophomore Brian Carrabes has nine goals in eight games played.
5. St. John’s Shrewsbury (6-1-3)
Facing Pope Francis twice and Xaverian over the next three games represents a steep climb in the competition for the Pioneers. Coach Michael Mead’s team has a good balance of talented underclassmen and senior leaders. The team’s three captains, goaltender Corey Splaine, defenseman Jack Herlihy and forward Will Horrigan, are all playing well. Leading scorer Nick Palermo is also a senior, but sophomores largely pace the rest of the offense.
6. Austin Prep (7-3-1)
The Cougars are winners of three straight heading into Wednesday’s big matchup against defending Super 8 champion Arlington. The Caffarelli brothers, ’01 junior Nick and ‘03 freshman Anthony, are the top two prospects to watch.
7. Burlington (9-2-0)
After starting the season with nine straight wins, the Red Devils have lost back-to-back games. Falling to Hingham and St. John’s Prep isn’t the end of the world, but if Bob Conceison’s team has little wiggle room if it still has Super 8 aspirations.
8. Franklin (7-1-2)
Chris Spillane’s teams always seem to be loaded with seniors and this season is no different with 13 of them on the roster, including goaltender Owen Ginley and top scorers Luke Downie and Brendan O’Reilly. The Panthers have wins over St. Mary’s and Newburyport and a tie against Malden Catholic.
9. Waltham (8-1-2)
The Hawks suffered their first setback of the season against top ranked Central Catholic last Wednesday. They rebounded with two three-goal wins over Falmouth and Brockton. ’01 sophomore Connor Blanchard is leading the team in scoring with eight goals and eight assists in 10 games played.
10. St. Mary’s (5-1-3)
In typical fashion the Spartans have been involved in a lot of close games this season. Mark Lee’s team bounced back from a surprising loss to Archbishop Williams with a 5-3 win over Hingham.
