Now that the 2018-19 Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association high school hockey season is over, it’s time to look at the top 100 players in the Bay State circuit.
Over the course of the next few days, New England Hockey Journal will unveil the top 100 players who played high school hockey this winter. Over the course of the three-month season, there were 13 freshmen or eighth-graders who stood out as being worthy of recognition.
Each winter, young players across the state of Massachusetts showcase their skill on the ice. This season was no different as many freshmen played key roles for some top teams.
Case in point was BC High right-shot defenseman Declan Loughnane, who logged significant minutes, quarterbacked the power play, and scored the game-winning goal this past Sunday at the TD Garden to lift the Eagles to their second straight Super 8 championship.
Freshmen/8th Graders
1. Declan Loughnane
BC High, 11/22/03, D, Right Shot, 5-11/175
Loughnane scored the most important goal of the high school hockey season in Massachusetts, but he was a huge force throughout his entire freshman campaign. He has really good instincts, vision, puck-moving skills and stick. His feet are continuing to get better. As he gained confidence, his play in his own zone improved and he had more of a physical presence. He’s a very good player who will find his way onto a Hockey East roster.
2. Chris Romaine
BC High, 2/21/04, D, Right Shot
Romaine didn’t play for much of the early part of the season, but when he got ice time down the stretch, he was really good. His skating and puck skills are elite as he’s a high-end ’04 in this region and beyond. His puck-moving skills and his stick are exceptional. He’s a coveted recruit who will likely land a roster spot at a top Hockey East school.
3. Shane Baker
Grafton, 1/1/04, RW, Right Shot
Baker had a big freshman season while playing alongside his two older brothers. The Indians had a good season, winning 14 games and losing in the Division 3A Central Semifinals. Baker’s skating stride is a work in progress, but he has a solid base to indicate the future is bright. He has good vision and skills with the puck on his stick.
4. Jack Farrell
Austin Prep, 6/7/05, D, Left Shot, 5-8/145
Farrell is a bit of a throwback defenseman as he’s rugged and plays well physically, despite being four or five years younger than many of the players he was going up against this season. He played with maturity and poise beyond his years while having good body positioning in the defensive zone.
5. Jackson Irving
St. John’s Prep, 2/3/04, G, Catches Left, 5-7/140
Irving, who played split season hockey for Casey Kesselring’s Northern Cyclones, was a spark for St. John’s Prep. Once he took over between the pipes, the team really took off. While he’s on the smaller side, he’s athletic and has cat-like reflexes. He was really good in a couple of the team’s playoff games. The Eagles were finally knocked out in the Division 1 North Finals by Winchester.
6. Jack Kennedy
Pope Francis, 5/14/04, D, Right Shot, 5-9/150
Kennedy logged a ton of minutes for the Cardinals early on in the season. He showed the ability to make good plays with the puck on his stick and had some physical tools that are intriguing. He’s a player that Cardinals head coach Brian Foley is very high on.
7. Davis Kinne
St. Mary’s, 6/25/03, D, Right Shot, 5-10/195
Kinne’s feet are the one thing holding him back, but his vision, hockey sense, and puck skills are all very good for this level. He knows to stay between the circles and he’s able to quarterback the power play and move pucks north for the Spartans. He was a leader for a St. Mary’s team that earned another Super 8 play-in bid.
8. Grayson Badger
Brookline, 5/9/04, RW, Right Shot, 5-10/145
Badger is an energetic forward who competes each and every shift. He drives the net and hunts pucks while playing with an edge away from the puck. He led the Warriors in scoring with 14 goals and 12 assists. He’s also a key contributor for the South Shore Kings, a team that recently won the Mass. Hockey 14-U Tier 1 Championship.
9. Aidan Elkins
Austin Prep, 11/18/03, D, Left Shot, 6-1/190
Elkins is another underclassman who shined on the Cougars’ blue line this winter. He has good size and plays a more simple, defensive game.
10. Nick Townshend
St. John’s Prep, 1/1/04, RW, Right Shot, 5-11/145
Townshend was typically on the second or third line for the Eagles, but he showed some glimpses of why he’s a well-regarded ’04 in the region. He’s tall and lanky and gets in on the forecheck quickly. He has a good first step and plays hard.
11. Jack Silva
Xaverian, 1/1/03, RW, Right Shot, 5-11/155
Silva quietly had a pretty good year as the second line right wing for the Hawks. He has good size and length while skating well. He’s a prospect to keep an eye on over the next couple of seasons.
12. Matt Tully
Foxboro, 1/1/04, D, Left Shot
Tully is a good, offensive-minded defenseman with size. His skating is still in need of refinement, but there’s reason for optimism. He put up over a point per game while playing on the same team as his older brother, Brendan, who was second on the Warriors in scoring.
13. Alex Coulot
Billerica, RW, Right Shot
Coulot had had five goals and five assists as the Indians advanced to the Division 1 North Semifinals before bowing out to Winchester.
