The NEPSAC Small School Tournament is almost here, which means it's time to make predictions.
Last year, No. 4 seed Pomfret went on a wild run, taking down, No. 5 Rivers, No. 1 St. Mark's and then No. 2 Frederick Gunn in the final.
So, what will happen this year? Our two hockey writers are here to offer their predictions.
Of all the tournaments, this one has the best chance of going chalk. Another interesting tidbit is these matchups, outside of Lawrence and Governor’s, feature teams that aren’t as familiar with each other.
These kinds of predictions are always fun, but let's lay down some ground rules. For the ones we get right, you must praise us for our brilliant forecasting. If you want to know what the weather is going to be, we're your guys.
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For the ones we get wrong, those never happened. Yeah, right. No way we wrote that.
It's time to predict.
No. 8 New Hampton at No. 1 St. Mark’s
Jeff Cox: If St. Mark’s had both Richard Gallant (Concord, Mass.) and Calvin Beard (Southborough, Mass.), the talent disparity in this one would be even more distinct. New Hampton’s Cam Caron (Dracut, Mass.) will be the best prospect on the ice, but St. Mark’s still has more depth. Goaltending isn’t a strength for either team, which could lead to this one being a little more high scoring.
Prediction: St. Mark’s advances with a 5-3 win.
Evan Marinofsky: St. Mark’s not having Gallant or Beard hurts a lot, but the Lions have a lot of forward depth that should be able to get them past New Hampton. The Huskies, however, aren’t to be looked over. Caron and senior Christian Day (Barre, Vt.) are scoring forces. Still, St. Mark’s shouldn’t have any trouble outscoring New Hampton.
Prediction: St. Mark’s wins, 5-2.
No. 7 Brooks at No. 2 Holderness
Cox: There might not be a bigger mismatch on paper in any of the prep playoff games than this one. Led by left wing Caden Wells, defenseman Caeden Herrington (Manchester, Vt.) and goaltender Evan Plunkett, the Bulls are vastly superior to Brooks. Obviously, you still have to drop the puck and play the game, but this would be a monumental upset if Holderness didn’t advance.
Prediction: Holderness wins, 5-1.
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Marinofsky: Brooks has won eight of its last 10 games. Entering the playoffs hot is always a good thing. But, Holderness plays fast and it has veteran depth up front. Factor in Plunkett in net and Holderness shouldn’t have a tough time sliding past Brooks.
Prediction: Holderness wins, 4-2.
No. 3 Frederick Gunn vs. No. 6 Tilton
Game will be played at Deerfield Academy in Deerfield, Mass.
Cox: This is an interesting matchup of two older, experienced prep school teams. Frederick Gunn has four solid lines and three defensive pairings that Craig Badger can confidently roll out each game. Tilton’s top two lines have some firepower in the form of former MIAA stars who have turned to the prep circuit. While Frederick Gunn has a slight advantage in talent, Tilton will play extremely hard and keep this game close.
Prediction: Frederick Gunn prevails in the only neutral-site quarterfinal by a score of 3-2.
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Marinofsky: Tilton’s a streaky team and has won five of its last six games. The Rams also boast veteran depth up front. Those could spell trouble for Badger’s squad. I still think Frederick Gunn’s firepower up front with Alex LoGuercio (Monroe, Conn.), Jacob Rothman and Mark Pizzo (Monroe, Conn.) gives it the advantage.
Prediction: Frederick Gunn wins, 5-3.
No. 5 Governor's Academy at No. 4 Lawrence Academy
Cox: Governor’s won the season series with a win and a tie, but will have to travel to Lawrence, which does have a solid home-ice advantage. Brian McGuirk’s team has some potential difference-makers in right wing Cam Russo (Middleton, Mass.) and defenseman Jack Farrell (Wilmington, Mass.). With Max LaCroix in net, Governor’s has the advantage there, as well. Lawrence has a handful of solid forwards, led by Owen Leahy (Providence, R.I.), Ty Wood (Gloucester, Mass.) and Clarence Beltz.
Prediction: This is the toughest game to choose in the Small School Tournament. Lawrence prevails, 3-2.
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Marinofsky: This one is a toss-up. While I like Russo and Farrell helping Governor’s chances, Lawrence Academy senior goalie Vincent Lamberti has been on a tear, boasting a .953 save percentage in his last three games against St. Mark’s, St. Sebastian’s and Tabor. If Lamberti gets the start, I predict he carries Lawrence Academy to victory.
Prediction: Lawrence wins, 2-0.
