Little has changed over the last week. Central Catholic and BC High continue to cruise along with very little in their way of reaching the summit of Massachusetts high school hockey for the 2017-18 season.
NEHJ MIAA Top 10 Rankings – Jan. 31, 2018
1. Central Catholic (15-0-0)
The Raiders remain the lone undefeated team in the state. Kim Brandvold's team should stay unblemished heading into the final two games of the regular season -- road tilts at Pope Francis and the winner/loser of Malden Catholic/St. Mary's. Junior Will Winship is having a breakout season. He's a big winger who can make plays down low. He'll be with the Islanders Hockey Club in the USPHL NCDC next season.
2. BC High (10-3-1)
The Eagles are just destroying everyone in their path right now. BC High has outscored its opponents 44-5 during the current eight game winning streak. Second is the right spot for John Flaherty's squad, but it's not a push to suggest the Eagles are the best team in the state.
3. Pope Francis (11-1-2)
The Cardinals have won six straight and are unbeaten in eight heading into this weekend's road trip to Hingham and BC High. There's little doubt Brian Foley's team will be in the Super 8, but a good weekend could boost their chances of a top three seed.
4. St. John’s Prep (8-3-2)
The Eagles aren't playing their best hockey at the moment, but Kristian Hanson's team still will be there in the end. Led by senior defenseman Tim Usalis, this is a group that has the potential to cause problems in the post-season. The rest of the schedule is relatively easy so a good run to finish out the regular season is within the realm of possibility.
5. St. John’s Shrewsbury (8-3-3)
Wednesday's home tilt against Austin Prep is instrumental in figuring out whether or not the Pioneers are for real. Sophomores Dhillon Wilde and Matt Myers are two of the better young threats in the state while seniors Nick Palermo and Will Horrigan provide senior leadership.
6. Austin Prep (10-4-1)
The Cougars have won three straight after a loss to defending Super 8 champion Arlington. Sophomore defenseman Will Cohen is quietly really emerging as one of the better young defensemen in the MIAA.
7. Burlington (12-2-0)
The Red Devils have won three in a row after a tough loss to St. John's Prep. Wednesday's game at Arlington could be pivotal in Middlesex League supremacy and in determining which of the two teams has a better shot at the Super 8.
8. Franklin (10-1-3)
Wins over Newburyport, St. Mary's and a tie against Malden Catholic are impressive resume boosters so far. Next Monday's game against Hingham and a date against St. John's Shrewsbury later this month are key to maintaining positive thoughts with the committee. If nothing else, no one can say Chris Spillane's team didn't schedule the best.
9. Newburyport (8-1-5)
The Clippers have a win and a tie against defending state champ St. Mary's. Also on the resume is a win over Winchester. Senior goaltender Kenny Hodge, Jr. and junior Jacob Grossi-Hogg are the top two players for Paul Yameen's squad. Next weekend's game against St. John's Prep could be a make or break chance to earn a Super 8 play-in bid.
10. Waltham (10-2-2)
The Hawks slipped up against North Andover last week, but John Maguire's team should be able to get things back on track before a Feb. 7th contest against top ranked Central Catholic. Like the Clippers, Waltham might have to win that game in order to earn a Super 8 play-in bid.
On the Cusp: Lowell Catholic, Arlington, St.Mary's, Hingham
Questions? Comments? Email jcox@hockeyjournal.com.
