With the 2022-23 Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association hockey season well underway, there hasn’t been a lot in the way of surprises.
As predicted, defending state champion St. John’s Prep has shown no signs of slowing down or giving up its throne. Through the first seven games, the Eagles have yet to lose a game in regulation. The only setback came in an overtime loss against Catholic Conference foe BC High in the first round of the Pete Frates Winter Classic.
Kristian Hanson’s team has its eyes set on a repeat come Sunday, March 19 at the TD Garden. At least through a month, it seems obvious that there is a clear-cut top two. In addition to SJP, Catholic Memorial has established itself as a prime contender.
There isn’t a lot of depth in the Division 1 field this season, but there are a handful of challengers posing the most significant threat to St. John’s Prep, including the aforementioned Knights.
As usual, the Catholic Conference and Middlesex League have staked their claim to being the top conferences in the MIAA.
COACHES POLL: SJP leads a tight group in latest coaches poll
Here’s a look at the 12 teams most likely to be the final one standing when the high school hockey season concludes in March.
1. St. John’s Prep
The biggest reason St. John’s Prep is primed for a repeat is the team’s depth up front. It’s a junior- and senior-laden group with a couple of freshmen being spotted ice time in the bottom six. Scoring by committee is the word that best describes SJP’s offense. The defense is a little thin, especially compared to last year’s title team, but senior Aidan Holland anchors the blue line.
2. Catholic Memorial
The Knights are just behind St. John’s Prep when it comes to horses up front, but they might have more star power. Tyler Hamilton, Joe Marchi and Connor Fryberger are the names everyone knows, but Michael Birch and Brendan McNeil are producing just as much, if not more. On defense, senior Finn Burke leads the way. Owen Watson has stepped up and exceeded expectations in net.
3. Hingham
The Harbormen have established themselves as the top public school in the state. They knocked off Arlington and Xaverian and skated to a draw with St. John’s Prep. Tony Messina’s team has experience and age on its side, including senior forwards Aidan Brazel, Ace Concannon and Billy Jacobus and defenseman Chase McKenna. In the early going, junior Travis Rugg stepped up as the team’s top scorer.
4. St. Mary’s
The Spartans were undefeated in their first 10 games. Freshman goaltender Anthony Palmer has proven to be a difference-maker for Mark Lee’s team. Up front, the spark plug is senior Brady Bullock, whose compete helps him produce on a consistent basis.
BATTLE AT THE TOP: Standouts from SJP's win over CM
5. Reading
The Rockets stated their claim as a top contender by knocking off preseason Middlesex League favorite Arlington. Senior captains Evan Pennucci and Robbie Granara have shown chemistry on the top line while sophomore Laz Giardina is finding the back of the net on the second line. The defense has been solid and will be boosted by the return of Maxx Owens when he recovers from a preseason injury. Mark Doherty’s team has one of the best home ice advantages in the state thanks to the raucous student section at Burbank Arena.
6. Arlington
The Spy Ponders are facing adversity, due to an injury to star junior forward Jake Russell. John Messuri’s team has lost to Reading and Hingham, which isn’t anything to scoff at. Arlington will be there in the end. In addition to Russell, senior goaltender Jake Davies, senior forward Drew Fecteau and sophomore forward Liam Gore have played well.
7. BC High
The Eagles have had a few ups and downs, but they’re in a position to be a high seed in the state tournament come late February. John Flaherty’s team won the Pete Frates Classic by upsetting St. John’s Prep and outlasting Pope Francis in the final. Young forwards Mike Federico and Joe Feinberg and defenseman Peter Luecke have bright futures. But, it’s been more seasoned players, such as forward Jackie Murphy and defenseman Matt Cox, who have led the way for BC High.
8. Pope Francis
The Cardinals have one of the better first lines in the state, featuring sophomore left wing CJ Watroba, one of the top youngsters in the MIAA circuit. Brian Foley’s second line can provide another scoring threat. The team’s top blue liners are young, which doesn’t always bode well for postseason success. Regardless, Pope Francis will likely be heard from well into March.
PETE FRATES WINTER CLASSIC: How BC High walked away with the crown
9. Belmont
Senior right wing Cam Fici is the most prolific scorer in the state once again, but the Marauders lack the depth of the other top teams in the MIAA. That’s not to say there aren’t other solid players on Tim Foley’s team, but it will struggle against the upper echelon that can roll three lines.
10. Marshfield
The Rams are off to a good start and have one of the best goaltenders in the state on their side in senior Brady Quackenbush. Juniors Cam McGettrick, Ryland McGlame and Tommy Carroll have paced the offense for Dan Connolly’s team.
11. Xaverian
While there is still time to turn the ship around, Xaverian has underperformed expectations through the early season. If there’s a reason for optimism, it’s that junior goaltender Cole Pouliot-Porter could get hot and carry this team on his back down the stretch. Senior forwards Joe DiMartino and Gavin Moynihan have been the key cogs up front. It will be an uphill battle to get back to the TD Garden, but don’t count out Dave Spinale’s team just yet.
12. Braintree
Dave Fasano’s team is off to a solid start and should be considered one of the top public school teams in the state. The Wamps have a solid nucleus of upperclassmen, including goaltender Jack Fitzgerald and forwards Charlie DiMartino, Kyle Hutchinson, Nick Fasano and Larry Graziano.
