It has become evident the past few seasons in Girls Prep hockey that isn’t much separating the top 8-10 teams in New England. That trend should continue as the 2022-2023 season commences this week.
Out of the chute, Nobles (26-1-3) will start as the #1 team in the HNIB News Girls Prep Pre-season Top 15. The ‘Dawgs only loss a year ago came in the Elite 8 championship game so there is some unfinished business with this year. Veteran coach Tom Resor’s club boasts no less than six Division 1 commits. They open on November 30 against New Hampton.
Losing just three players to graduation, fellow ISL member Tabor (15-5-4) is at #2. The Seawolves also added a bunch of talent and will have more depth than last year.
Defending New England Elite 8 champion Williston (24-1-0) lost some key players from that title run, but will be right in the mix thanks to a very talented nucleus. The Wildcats are at #3.
More than a few coaches said to keep an eye on #4 Loomis Chaffee (14-6-4). The Pelicans return the majority of their team, including D1 commits Maggie Johnson (Princeton), Hamilton Doster (Dartmouth) and Annie Sun (Harvard).
Boston College commit
Kent (12-6-2) rounds out the top five. The Lions are ready to make some noise after winning their final eight regular season games last year.
#6 Cushing (17-6-4) has established itself as a top-echelon program and definitely be a team to watch again this winter. The Penguins possess one of the most exciting players in prep hockey in senior Boston College commit Sammy Taber.
With over half the team either a freshman or sophomore, it will be a priority for #7 Phillips Andover (14-5-4) to get leadership from its seniors. If so, the Big Blue will be right there.
#8 St. Paul’s (17-6-1) has a new head coach in Kelli Mackey, who moves up from her assistant’s role of the past few seasons. As usual, St. Paul’s will rely on its strong senior leadership.
Here is our pre-season Girls Prep Top 15:
Girls Prep Pre-Season Top 15
| Rank | Team | W | L | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nobles | 26 | 1 | 3 | |
| 2 | Tabor | 15 | 5 | 4 | |
| 3 | Williston | 24 | 1 | 0 | |
| 4 | Loomis Chaffee | 14 | 6 | 4 | |
| 5 | Kent | 12 | 6 | 2 | |
| 6 | Cushing | 17 | 6 | 4 | |
| 7 | Andover | 14 | 5 | 4 | |
| 8 | St. Paul's | 17 | 6 | 1 | |
| 9 | New Hampton | 17 | 10 | 2 | |
| 10 | BB&N | 13 | 10 | 3 | |
| 11 | Dexter Southfield | 13 | 6 | 3 | |
| 12 | Deerfield | 10 | 6 | 5 | |
| 13 | Rivers | 16 | 9 | 2 | |
| 14 | Vermont Academy | 19 | 4 | 1 | |
| 15 | Groton | 8 | 5 | 5 | |
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