5 standout defenders from 18U Mass. state tournament

MARLBORO, Mass. — Now it's time to look at the standout defenders and goalies from the 18U Massachusetts state tournament.

The Boston Jr. Eagles won the event, getting past the Central Mass. Penguins in the championship game and punching their ticket to Las Vegas for nationals. It will take place in the spring.

There was a bunch of scoring this past weekend, so there weren't as many standout defenders as there normally might be in an event like this.

Let's dive in.

Grayson Cohen

Cape Cod Whalers, 10/18/2006, D, right shot, 6-1/195
Hometown: Weston, Mass. 

Friday night's 7-6 final wasn't exactly a banner night for defense, but Cohen showed well in the loss. He had good positioning in the neutral zone to break up plays and had great command of the puck. Midway through the second period, he sifted a shot through from the point on a 5-on-3 to tie the game, 3-3, completing the Whalers' comeback from a three-goal deficit.

STATE TITLE GAMES: River Rats win at 15O | Jr. Eagles win at 16U | Jr. Eagles win at 18U 

Jake Jarrell

Springfield Thunderbirds, 2/21/2006, D, right shot, 6-0/180
Hometown: Westfield, Mass. 

Jarrell was instrumental in the No. 12 seed Thunderbirds edging out the No. 5 seed Cape Cod Whalers, 7-6, Friday night. The two-way force leaned into his offensive side, potting a hat trick in the win. His patience with the puck in the offensive zone was impressive, as he always seemed to wait out defenders long enough for passing seams and shooting lanes to the net to open. As a senior, he will be a force for Pope Francis in the MIAA this winter and has sure-fire Division 1 potential.

Shawn Leary

Boston Jr. Eagles, 5/12/2005, D, right shot, 6-0/194
Hometown: Dorchester, Mass. 

There are times in which Leary makes a decision that leaves you scratching your head. But the tools are there to produce and this weekend, he scored in both of Sunday's game — the semifinal and the championship. When he makes smart plays, good things happen.

Ryan Nolan

Islanders Hockey Club, 8/17/2005, G, catches left, 6-0/165
Hometown: Hampton, N.H. 

Nolan was oh-so-close to perfection in Sunday's semifinal. He was very square to shooters and is extremely athletic. His best save of the day came midway through the second period when he stopped a shot from the point and then robbed Cushing's Bronson Hunt from right in front of the crease on the rebound.

UP FRONT: 12 standout forwards from the 18U level at the state championship

Ryder Shea

Little Bruins, 5/4/2006, G, catches left, 6-2/170
NCAA: Maine
Hometown: Framingham, Mass. 

Shea had a great weekend, leading the No. 6 seed Little Bruins all the way to the semifinals. His ability to stop high-danger chances stood out most, as his poise in the crease allowed him to always be in the right position.