MARLBORO, Mass. -- Despite not practicing daily as a team, the Mid Fairfield Rangers punched their ticket to the USA Hockey Nationals by winning the New England District 16-U Championship.
Mid Fairfield defeated Selects Academy, 4-2, in the semifinals before outlasting Mount Saint Charles, 5-2, in the final. Both opponents had the benefit of daily practice, unlike the Rangers. The team advances to play at the USA Hockey 16-U National Championship next April in Rochester, Mich.
The New England District 16-U Tournament had a lot of talented players whom college coaches were watching carefully. Some were already committed while others are being pursued or will be pursued come Jan. 1, when the new NCAA legislation permits.
Below are my rankings of the top prospects from the New England District 16-U Tournament:
