The Neponset Valley River Rats 15U team is undefeated. (Caroline O'Connor)
In New England, 15U hockey sometimes takes a backseat to the 16U level. The Beast Series sought to elevate 15U hockey this fall by bringing together many of the best teams comprised of 2003-birth year players.
While some of the more well-known ‘03s continue to play up at the 16U level, there are some promising players in this age group who had previously flown under the radar. However, now that the Neponset Valley River Rats have won the Beast Series 15U Championship, the shadows are starting to lift on some.
The River Rats, like all split-season teams in the region, don’t get to practice. Still, head coach Ben McManama, an assistant coach at Nobles, got a group of hard-working players to buy in, leading to an undefeated season.
