Every season, the Lakes Region always boasts a handful of the best teams in New England boys prep hockey.
The same goes for players.
While schools like Kimball Union and Holderness have significant representation in this story, other programs like St. Paul's and Tilton have high-end players in the Lakes.
Another interesting storyline to watch in this story is the number of very good uncommitted players, both for college and juniors. The Lakes Region is worth watching.
Here are our First and Second teams for the Lakes Region.
Let's dive in.
First team
Josh Phillips | Kimball Union | F
Phillips was a dominant force for the Fall Prep Wildcats for the last few months. He scored 13 goals and tallied 33 points in 36 games as an ’07 junior last season. KUA head coach Tim Whitehead loves his seniors, and Phillips should be the Wildcats’ go-to scorer. Through four games this season, Phillips has eight points. He’s somehow still uncommitted.
Viktor Samal | Holderness | F
Samal had a productive junior season with 19 points in 23 games, but there’s no doubt that the Czech native has more to give. Most of Holderness’ scoring from last season graduated, so Samal will be counted on to produce on the Bulls’ top line. He posted two assists in Holderness' 6-3 win over Proctor on Wednesday. He’s also uncommitted.
Xander Boutilier | Kimball Union | F
Boutilier was a secondary scorer for the Wildcats last winter, posting 22 points in 30 games. Like Phillips, the senior ’08 is getting the promotion to being one of Whitehead’s main men up front. The 6-foot-1 left wing has a scoring touch that will be on display. He has two goals and five points in his first three games.
Anthony Leech | Kimball Union | D
Leech notched 17 points in 36 games last season. The senior ’07 showed really well throughout the fall, showing a strong puck-moving ability, which should lead to high offensive numbers this season. He already has two assists in three games.
Henry Prowse | Holderness | D
Prowse had 22 points in 30 games for Holderness last season. The ’06 should be due for a jump in production as he assumes more power-play time. At 6-foot-2 and 170, he has intriguing size as well. He signed a tender with the NAHL's North Iowa Bulls for next season.
READ MORE: 17 standouts, takeaways from St. Paul’s Jamboree
Mark Bierwirth | Holderness | G
Bierwirth was fantastic as the starter for Holderness last season with a 2.20 GAA and a .917 save percentage. The Chelmsford, Mass., native is now a senior on a Bulls team that should be in the Elite 8 conversation all winter.
Second team
Henry Colbert | Holderness | F
The Bulls lost a lot of their top scorers from last season, which means Colbert will be given plenty of opportunities. Even in a crowded field, he still has 16 goals and 27 points last season. He’s an ’08 junior.
Max Gagnon | Tilton | F
Gagnon will be the leader up front for Tilton this winter. The ’07 from Byfield, Mass., had 12 goals and 25 points last season and projects to be a top-line fixture for the Rams. He should be someone that junior hockey programs watch this winter. He already has two goals and five points in two games.
Ryan Shanahan | Tilton | F
The Air Force commit is new to Tilton this season. At 6-foot-3 and 174 pounds, the right wing has fantastic hands and skill that should serve him well in prep. Through two games this season, Shanahan has one goal.
Tegan Gregory | Holderness | D
Just from watching him in the fall, Gregory looks poised for a big jump as a junior. The ’08 is a great puck mover who had 12 points last season. At 5-foot-9 and 161 pounds, Gregory is mobile and can navigate around forecheckers bringing pressure in the defensive zone.
Quinn Brandell | St. Paul’s | D
Brandell had a nice junior season with three goals and 12 points. The ’07 should take on an even larger role on a St. Paul’s team that should be even better. With St. Paul's being improved, Brandell can keep his game simple and focus on being a two-way force who moves pucks responsibly and takes on tough matchups in his own zone.
READ MORE: What’s the state of boys prep hockey?
Blake Truchon | St. Paul’s | G
Truchon has been a stalwart for St. Paul’s over the past three seasons. As a junior, he posted a 3.45 GAA and a .911 save percentage. The South Burlington, Vt., native will need to be at his best to help St. Paul’s improve on a 12-win season. He's 6-foot-2 and 176 pounds.
