There’s now less than 10 days until the MIAA and Mass. State Hockey Coaches Association will sit down in Franklin to determine what 10 teams make the Super 8.
While there are certainly some locks at the top such as BC High, Pope Francis, Hingham, Arlington, and Austin Prep, there could potentially be quite a bit of movement at the bottom of the field, depending on results of the final week.
The Buddy Ferreira Classic in Falmouth will be a hot ticket as several teams in that field are looking to secure Super 8 bids. It’s always a good tournament and this year should be no different.
Here’s a look at New England Hockey Journal’s updated projection for the 2019 MIAA Super 8 field following results of Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019.
1. BC High (13-2-2)
After a loss and tie against Framingham and Pope Francis, the Eagles have run off four consecutive lopsided victories, including over two teams (St. Mary’s and Catholic Memorial) that are in Super 8 contention. In a game Wednesday at St. Mary’s, five of the six goals were scored off the stick of one of the three Kramer brothers.
2. Pope Francis (13-1-2)
The Cardinals had a nice statement win against Austin Prep on Wednesday evening. The team’s top line of seniors Makem Demers, Jon Tavella and Max Cocchi continue to provide a large amount of the offensive output. Pope Francis has a loss and a tie against BC High and it sure would be fun to see a rematch of last year’s final at the TD Garden in about a month.
3. Hingham (15-3-1)
The Harbormen have taken care of business asides from losses to Austin Prep, Andover and Pope Francis. None of those setbacks are worthy of disdain. Playing one of the toughest schedules in the state, Tony Messina’s team has plenty of solid wins on its resume, including a recent one over Framingham.
4. Arlington (12-3-3)
After two consecutive losses to Burlington and Reading, the Spy Ponders are undefeated in their last four. Led by junior forwards Drew Malatesta and Anthony Messuri, Arlington will be a tough out for any team come tournament time.
5. Austin Prep (13-3-2)
The Cougars have a good squad, but outside of a December win against Hingham, they have been unable to fare well against the mettle of the state. With senior Robbie Farrell in net and classmate Max Pineo on the top line at right wing, AP should be able to stick with anyone in the state. The defense has some good young players that include Will Cohen, Aiden Elkins and Jack Farrell.
6. Duxbury (17-2-0)
Duxbury belongs in the Super 8 as things stand now, but it will face a few tough games in the Buddy Ferreira Classic that could go a long way in positioning them for a high seed or just narrowly making it into the play-in games.
7. Catholic Memorial (11-5-0)
The Knights have struggled against fellow Super 8 contenders, going 2-3 against BC High, Xaverian and Reading. Nonetheless, the team is better than most of the other teams vying for the final few spots.
8. Xaverian (11-5-2)
The Hawks will face two other teams looking for a Super 8 bid to close out their season. First up is Framingham followed by Melrose. Dave Spinale’s team has had its ups and downs this season.
9. Framingham (14-3-2)
Led by senior forward Mike Tersoni, the Flyers deserve to be in the Super 8. They are the only team in the MIAA to defeat BC High this season. Will Ortiz’s team needs to win a big game next Tuesday night at Burlington and then win its other remaining game probably.
10. Melrose (12-1-5)
Melrose took care of Wakefield in its only game since our last projection. Vin Mirasolo’s team has stayed unscathed in the very tough Middlesex League sans a 2-0 setback against Reading. Sophomore Brendan Fennell is one of the top underclassmen in the MIAA.
On the bubble - Canton (18-0-0)
The Bulldogs have given up less than a goal per game while averaging over five goals per game. Brian Shuman’s team played a Division 2 schedule, but junior John Hagan and senior Ryan Nolte have led the quest for a Super 8 bid. If Canton finishes undefeated, it should be given serious consideration. I haven’t seen Canton this season, but was very impressed when watching the team last season with many of the same players.
Out - St. Mary’s (14-5-0)
The Spartans played themselves out of Super 8 contention by failing to beat any of its top competition. Mark Lee’s team has lost to Austin Prep twice, BC High, and Hingham. The best win on the Spartans’ resume came against Winchester.
