HNIB News High School Hockey's Best Coverage | Est. 1972
New Hampshire Boys Division 2 Poll
| Rank | Team | W | L | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dover | 11 | 6 | 1 | |
| 2 | Bedford | 16 | 3 | 2 | |
| 3 | Spaulding | 16 | 3 | 1 | |
| 4 | Merrimack | 18 | 3 | 1 | |
| 5 | Bow | 12 | 4 | 4 | |
| 6 | Oyster River | 12 | 6 | 4 | |
| 7 | Goffstown | 11 | 8 | 1 | |
| 8 | Windham/Pelham | 9 | 7 | 1 | |
| 9 | Kingswood | 12 | 8 | 0 | |
| 10 | Winnacunnet | 5 | 13 | 0 |
While each of 2013’s four semifinalists begin the season in the Top 5, none are ranked at the top. According to informal polling of the division’s coaches, that distinction belongs to another perennial power.
No. 1 Dover (11-6-1) returns experience across the board and will be anchored by senior goalie Luc Ravenelle, who acquitted himself well as a member of HNIB’s Northern New England entry this past summer.
No. 2 Bedford (16-3-2), the two-time defending champion, is not quite as deep as it was a year ago. However, nearly a dozen returning players were members of both title teams so the Bulldogs certainly remain in the conversation.
No. 3 Spaulding (16-3-1) came within an overtime goal of bouncing Bedford in last year’s semifinals. Senior career 100-point scorer Brent Phillips will lead what could develop into the division’s top offense.
No. 4 Merrimack (18-3-1) is shooting for its third championship game appearance in four seasons. Expect the Tomahawks to present one of the division’s top defenses led by top-notch junior captain Jason Fortin.
No. 5 Bow (12-4-4) returns the vast majority of players from last year’s semifinal club and will be a tough out every night.
No. 6 Oyster River (12-6-5) returns a deep group of forwards powered by C.J. Jerry, who had 45 points last season.
Goalie Ben Genest gives No. 7 Goffstown (11-8-1) one of the division’s top returnees in the cage.
No. 8 Windham-Pelham (9-7-1) hopes to make plenty of noise in the final year of its cooperative arrangement under new coach Jerry Manchester.
No. 9 Kingswood (12-8-0) will feature senior Chris Pollini (52 points), one of the division’s top returning forwards, as the centerpiece of its offense.
Second-year coach Rick Weber has plenty to work with as No. 10 Winnacunnet (5-13-0) returns a virtually intact roster.
Kevin Doyle
