The cream continues to rise to the top in Massachusetts high school hockey action this winter. With less than three weeks left in the regular season, the playoff picture in MIAA Division 1 is becoming clearer.
Defending state champion St. John’s Prep continues to pace the field with Catholic Conference foe Catholic Memorial being the stiffest challenge. The two heavyweights will clash Monday in a make-up game of one that was canceled in January.
Hingham and Arlington, the two top public school teams in the state, will meet in the final of the Doherty Division of the second annual Ed Burns Coffee Pot Tournament this Sunday.
PREVIOUS RANKINGS: Check out how the rankings have changed since Jan. 31
The Harbormen have a chance to state their case as a contender for the Division 1 crown when they go up against Catholic Memorial Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Pilgrim Arena.
While the top four has mostly been solidified, there’s been some movement in the lower half of the top 10 with one team struggling and falling out. One team’s misfortune has allowed a new entrant into this week’s list.
1. St. John’s Prep (12-0-1-1)
St. John’s Prep has won 10 straight after an overtime loss to BC High in the first round of the Pete Frates Classic. Ben McGilvray’s two goals were the difference in lifting the Eagles past Xaverian to hit double digits for the winning streak in the last game out. As has been the common theme over the past two years, Kristian Hanson’s team continues to win by depth and a balanced attack. Seven players now have 10 or more points.
Previous ranking: 1Â
2. Catholic Memorial (14-1-0-0)
The Knights were historically one of the most dominant teams in Massachusetts high school hockey, but dropped off for a few years before last year’s resurgence. Coach Larry Rooney and his squad have proven to be a top contender, but only winning a championship in March will truly be noteworthy for a CM program used to winning titles. Two upcoming road games against Hingham and St. John’s Prep will give the Knights further chance to demonstrate their ability to be the last team standing.
Previous: 2
3. Hingham (9-1-5-0)
Similarly, the Harbormen can hold claim to their lofty ranking with wins or solid performances against Catholic Memorial and Arlington over the next week. Senior Luke McLellan continues to make the most of his first and only year as a varsity starter. He stopped 27 of 28 shots in the team’s 1-1 tie, and double overtime win for tournament advancement, against Reading on Sunday at the Ed Burns Coffee Pot.
Previous: 3Â
4. Arlington (12-2-2-0)
The Spy Ponders are now fully healthy and looking like a team that could challenge for a state championship, as expected heading into the season. The return of center Jake Russell and the continued maturation of Liam Gore and Killian Wright have helped bolster the offense. Freshman defenseman Evan Jones has stepped up in a major way in his rookie season. Arlington will get a chance to win the Coffee Pot on Sunday against Hingham.
Previous: 4
5. Belmont (9-3-3-0)
The Marauders had a tough 3-2 loss against Arlington on Sunday in the Ed Burns Coffee Pot Tournament. Belmont has the best goal scorer in the state in senior Cam Fici. While the team lacks the depth of the other contenders, Fici’s dynamic ability can be a difference-maker come playoff time.
Previous: 7
6. Reading (9-2-3-0)
The Rockets have plenty of firepower, but the offense has struggled in the first three games of February, scoring just five goals. Mark Doherty’s team will be well tested once playoffs come around with the Middlesex League gauntlet and the Buddy Ferreira Classic over February vacation.
Previous: 5Â
ED BURNS COFFEE POT TOURNAMENT: Check out the full schedule and results from the event
7. Pope Francis (10-2-3-0)
It’s sometimes easy to forget about Pope Francis, given their location in Springfield, compared to the rest of the top teams in the state. The Cardinals bounced back from a 4-1 loss to Hingham with a commanding victory over Shrewsbury, a team that is always respectable in the MIAA landscape.
Previous: 6Â
8. Marshfield (14-2-2-0)
The Rams won all three games last week after their loss to Belmont in the Coffee Pot. Dan Connolly’s team is now allowing less than two goals per game, in large part due to the stellar goaltending of senior Brady Quackenbush.
Previous: 9Â
9. Xaverian (9-7-0-0)
Four of Xaverian’s losses have come against Catholic Memorial and St. John’s Prep. The Hawks have a poor record on paper but have played a tough schedule and still deserve to be in the top 10. Dave Spinale’s team finishes with four games outside of the Catholic Conference, which should likely bolster their record prior to the playoffs.
Previous: 10Â
10. Franklin (12-3-0-0)
The Panthers have wins over Malden Catholic, Canton and King Phillip that dot the resume. Chris Spillane’s team has struggled to find the win column in games against Catholic Memorial, St. Mary’s and Newburyport. The schedule strength isn’t the best, but the team deserves a nod this week. Juniors Dan Daley and Ben Paterson are leading the way offensively with 25 and 23 points, respectively.
Previous: NRÂ
