There is less than a week left in the New England Prep School Ice Hockey Association’s 2018-19 regular season, which means it’s crunch time for teams looking to make a final push for seeding or a playoff berth.
While some things are a mere formality, such as Salisbury being the top seed in the Stuart/Corkery Elite 8 Tournament, there are plenty of other aspects of the playoff fields up for grabs.
For newcomers or for those needing a refresher on how the NEPSIHA playoffs work, there are three tournaments. The first is the Stuart/Corkery Elite 8 Tournament, which is the top eight teams in the computer rankings. The Martin/Earl Large School Tournament consists of the next eight highest-rated teams in that classification. Finally, the Piatelli/Simmons Small School Tournament is the next eight highest-rated teams in that classification that didn’t make the Elite 8.
Kimball Union is the two-time defending Stuart/Corkery Elite 8 Tournament champions. Brunswick and Lawrence Academy won the Martin/Earl Large School Tournament and Piatelli/Simmons Small School Tournament, respectively, in 2018.
While there are a few games left for most teams, here’s how the three tournaments would look if the playoffs started today:
Stuart/Corkery Elite 8 Tournament
1. Salisbury
2. Kimball Union
3. St. Sebastian’s
4. Dexter
5. Lawrence Academy
6. Gunnery
7. Deerfield
8. Northfield Mount Hermon
Martin/Earl Large School Tournament
1. Andover
2. Kent
3. Exeter
4. Nobles
5. St. Paul’s
6. Cushing
7. Avon Old Farms
8. Thayer
Piatelli/Simmons Small School Tournament
1. Tilton
2. Westminster
3. Proctor
4. Rivers
5. Groton
6. New Hampton
7. St. Mark’s
8. Pomfret
This week’s key games
St. Sebastian’s at Lawrence, Wednesday, 4 p.m.
The Arrows defeated the Spartans, 9-2, in the first meeting of the season a few weeks ago. While both teams look to have solidified their spot in the Elite 8, this game could go a long way in determining who gets one of the coveted top four seeds, meaning it will serve as host of a quarterfinal matchup.
Phillips Andover at Northfield Mount Hermon, Wednesday, 4 p.m.
This one is very interesting as NMH holds the final spot in the Elite 8 as things stand now. Meanwhile, Andover is lurking as the top seed in the Large School field. The Hoggers’ home ice advantage is always prevalent, playing on top of the hill in an outdoor rink for all intents and purposes.
Hotchkiss at Salisbury, Wednesday, 4 p.m.
Thanks to the heroics of goaltender Henry Wilder, the Bearcats pulled the upset earlier in the season at the Forrest Mars Athletic Complex. While this game will played just down the road, Salisbury will be out for revenge. Hotchkiss is holding onto slim hopes of making the Large School Tournament. Another win over Salisbury would help their chances tremendously.
Westminster at Gunnery, Wednesday, 4 p.m.
The Martlets could use a big win over Craig Badger’s Gunnery team to help move them up in the rankings. After losing three of its first five games, Westy has only lost twice since. Gunnery could solidify their position in the Elite 8 with a win on home ice.
Deerfield at Kent, Wednesday, 4:30 p.m.
The Big Green are holding onto the seventh spot in the Elite 8 Tournament while the Lions are in the number two position in the Large School Tournament. I’m no computer expert, but a win for Kent could prove costly for Deerfield. Likewise, it could boost Kent to possibly sneaking into the Elite 8 field.
St. Sebastian’s at Thayer, Friday, 6:00 p.m.
The Arrows seemingly have wrapped up a spot in the Elite 8, but Thayer is narrowly holding onto the final spot in the Large School Tournament. A win for Tony Amonte’s team against St. Seb’s could mean big things. Similarly, a loss coupled with a strong finish to the season by Hotchkiss could send Thayer reeling out of the playoffs a year after making it to Saint Anselm’s.
St. Mark’s at Groton, Saturday, 2 p.m.
As it stands now, Carl Corazzini’s Lions would make the playoffs while the Zebras from Groton would barely miss. This game could be a make or break for either team.
Phillips Andover at Phillips Exeter, Saturday, 4 p.m.
This rivalry is big enough as it is, but huge playoff ramifications are added to the most historic rivalry in prep school hockey. As it stands now, both teams look to be hosts in the first round of the Large School Tournament.
Deerfield at Westminster, Saturday, 6:15 p.m.
These two teams have no shortage of crucial games this week. With two wins, the Martlets might be able to push their way into the Elite 8 while two losses could send Deerfield plummeting. Either way, this should be a very good and entertaining hockey game.
