Neponset Valley River Rats get team effort to win Massachusetts 16-U State Championship

The Neponset Valley River Rats used a total team effort to take the Massachusetts 16-U State title. (Bill Patten Photography)

MARLBORO, Mass. -- Neponset Valley River Rats winning the Massachusetts 16-U State Championship could truly be described as a team effort.

As had been the case for much of the fall, the River Rats got contributions from a lot of different players and competed with a strong work ethic up and down the lineup. It has been a fun team to watch since August.

On their way to the final, the River Rats defeated defeated the Eastern Mass Senators in the quarterfinals and Junior Bruins in the semifinals. That set up the 5-3 triumph over the Boston Jr. Eagles in the final. With the championship, the River Rats punched their ticket to USA Hockey Nationals in Rochester, Mich., from April 1-6, 2020.

Below are the top prospects from the Massachusetts 16-U State Championship, held Nov. 8-10 at the New England Sports Center.