Central Catholic came out on top in a battle of the top two teams in the preseason with a 1-0 triumph at BC High last Wednesday. There are some new additions to this week’s top 10 while a few teams fell out.
MIAA Hockey Top 10 - Dec. 21, 2017
1. Central Catholic (3-0)
The Raiders have yet to give up a goal this season, including an opening night 1-0 victory at BC High. Junior goaltender Matt Pasquale has been up to the task and classmate Will Winship has lit the lamp four times.
2. BC High (0-2)
The Eagles are winless, but John Flaherty’s team won’t face an opponent like Central Catholic or Don Bosco (N.J.) for the rest of the regular season.
3. Pope Francis (3-0)
Senior forward Brendan Nehmer and senior defenseman Jacob King have led the way for the Cardinals who have impressive road wins at Arlington and Austin Prep.
4. St. John’s Prep (1-0)
An opening night 2-1 win at Hingham is nothing to scoff at. After St. Joseph’s (Conn.) visits this weekend, the opposition ratchets up with games against BC High and Pope Francis or Central Catholic in the Pete Frates Classic.
5. Austin Prep (2-1)
The Cougars bounced back from a loss to Pope Francis with a 4-1 win over Arlington Catholic. After Saturday’s game at Archbishop Williams, the schedule gets a lot tougher with the Christie Serino Christmas Classic followed by games against Central Catholic and Pope Francis.
6. Malden Catholic (0-1)
The Lancers took one on the chin against Delbarton (N.J.) at Matthews Arena over the weekend. This will be a tough year for John McLean’s team, but there are still enough pieces in the cupboard that a Super 8 bid seems likely.
7. Burlington (3-0)
Bob Conceison’s team has given up just one goal while scoring 10 over the first three games. The Red Devils should coast through much of the next month until mid-January when they face Hingham and St. John’s Prep in back-to-back games.
8. St. John’s Shrewsbury (2-0)
Sophomore Dhillon Wilde is the top player for the Pioneers who have outscored its first two opponents by a combined score of 17-1.
9. Xaverian (2-0)
The Hawks have scored 17 goals over their first two games. That pace won’t keep up with tougher opponents on the horizon. Sophomore Matty Ryan has five goals.
10. Reading (3-0)
The Rockets look to be back in the mix to make the Super 8. Led by junior Michael Tobin, the team has outscored its opponents 11-2. Mark Doherty’s team has several sophomores who are jumping onto the scene: forward Sean Barbera and defensemen Matthew Gallagher and Matthew Fiorenza.
