MARLBORO, Mass. — With as well as Militia goalie Jesse Bernardinelli (Wakefield, Mass.) played all weekend, it was going to be a tall task for the Neponset Valley River Rats to break through.
The River Rats' top line of Jack Queally (Needham, Mass.), Carter Felt (Natick, Mass.) and Colin Walsh (Framingham, Mass.) didn't flinch, leading the River Rats to a 4-0 win and the Massachusetts 15O title.
After a scoreless first period and mostly scoreless second, Felt finally got one past Bernardinelli when he followed up on a Walsh breakaway shot that hit the post and bounced out. That allowed the River Rats to go into the third period with a 1-0 lead.
The intermission didn't stall momentum, as the River Rats wasted no time tallying two more within the first two minutes of the third period.
Queally made it 2-0 after finishing a nice pass from the half wall by Walsh. Then, just moments later, Jake Guerriero (Braintree, Mass.) knocked in a goal from in front to extend the lead to 3-0. The Militia immediately took a timeout.
Nick Tulipano (Burlington, Mass.) tallied an empty-netter with under four minutes left to add insurance.
The win earns the River Rats a spot at USA Hockey nationals, which will take place from March 24-29, 2026, in Green Bay, Wis.
Here are seven standouts from the 15O title.
Carter Felt
Neponset Valley River Rats 15O, 2010, F, left shot, 5-10/170
Hometown: Natick, Mass.Â
Felt is a complete gamer. His playstyle perfectly fits a game of this magnitude. His intelligence showed when he perfectly followed Walsh's breakaway, tracking the rebound to score. He caused chaos in front of the Militia net on the second goal. Even when he wasn't producing goals, his compete and relentlessness on forechecks created chances. Early in the game, he forced a turnover from a Militia defenseman, got the puck and dished it to Walsh, whose one-timer was robbed. This was an extremely strong fall from Felt, who should make an impact for Rivers this winter.
Jack Queally
Neponset Valley River Rats 15O, 2010, F, left shot, 6-0/180
Hometown: Needham, Mass.Â
Queally showed his 200-foot game in the final. On Felt's goal, it was Queally who forced the turnover in center ice to spring Walsh the other way. On his goal, Queally showcased a nice finish. He doesn't have the most high-end offense, but his shot is fantastic, and he's improved in his ability to get to scoring areas. He will be St. Sebastian's go-to guy this winter.
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Colin Walsh
Neponset Valley River Rats 15O, 2010, F, left shot, 6-1/175
Hometown: Framingham, Mass.Â
It felt like Walsh just kept getting breakaways on Sunday. He always found ways to get behind the Militia defenders, and his poise with the puck was impressive. I chuckled when he fixed his helmet with one hand mid-breakaway, en route to hitting the post and leading to Felt's goal. Walsh is so good at finding ways to get open and exploit soft spots in the offensive zone. He should be a force for Framingham in the MIAA this winter.
Carter Heise
Neponset Valley River Rats 15O, 2010, G, catches left, 5-10/142
Hometown: Concord, N.H.Â
Heise brought his best in the championship, earning a shutout. While the River Rats controlled play, Heise turned aside every chance. His biggest save came with the game scoreless in the second period. Militia forward Zach Mohamed (Westboro, Mass.) had a prime chance in the slot off a quick shot, but Heise made a huge blocker stop.
Jesse Bernardinelli
Militia Hockey Club, 2010, G, catches right, 6-2/155
Hometown: Wakefield, Mass.Â
While the Militia didn't win, Bernardinelli's stock soared this weekend. He was outstanding on Saturday against the Minuteman Flames to upset one of the top 15O teams in the country. In Sunday's final, he was terrific once again, keeping the Militia in the game. He's athletic, and his size gives him such an advantage. He will be at St. John's Prep this winter, and he has definitely put himself in a strong position to see time.
Logan Cotter
Militia Hockey Club, 2010, D, left shot, 5-9/150
Hometown: Marlboro, Mass.Â
Cotter was super active moving pucks on Sunday. The St. Mark's defenseman showed off his elusive skating and vision, especially on breakouts and when running the power play. Cotter had a very strong fall and has positioned himself well to make an impact with St. Mark's this winter.
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TJ Petropoulos
Militia Hockey Club, 2010, F, right shot, 5-6/145
Hometown: Bridgewater, Mass.Â
Petropoulos didn't find the scoresheet on Sunday, but he was still noticeable, using his speed to get on top of the River Rats' defensemen. He had a handful of good chances and was a pest with his compete. Petropoulos' weekend will be remembered for the hat trick he potted against the Flames on Sunday. I'm intrigued to watch him this winter at Milton Academy.
