After playing in the Patriot League last year for the shortened season, Hingham is back as an Independent with another powerhouse team. Pope Francis, despite losing some key players, will be up amongst the state’s elite again. Both Bridgewater-Raynham and Lexington are going the Independent route this year.
HINGHAM (14-1-0)
Coach: Tony Messina
MIAA Division: 1
Year in and year out the Harbormen are amongst the elite teams in the state, and this year should be no exception. Expect Hingham to be tight defensively, as the offense matures as the season goes along.
Not that the offensive cupboard is bare. Junior Aidan Brazel (19 pts) and senior captain Sean Garrity (16 pts) will be the catalysts of a group that also welcomes back seniors Alex Barzowskas, John Choueiri and Connor Walsh, and juniors Billy Jacobus, Andrew Concannon and Allu Linna. Three sophomores ready to contribute are Travis Rugg, Paul Dzavik and Michael Garrity.
Senior captain Bobby Falvey (17 pts) is a blue-chip two-way rearguard. Senior captain Drew Carleton is solid, as are returning juniors Chase McKenna and Charlie Even.
In goal, senior Luke Merian (6’6″) is back as well.
Bobby Falvey Hingham 
Aidan Brazel Hingham 
Drew Carleton Hingham 
Luke Merian Hingham
POPE FRANCIS (9-0-0)
Coach: Brian Foley
MIAA Division: 1
The one team most hurt by no state tournament last winter was the Cardinals, who were beyond dominant in the game’s they got to play, outscoring opponents by a 63-9 count. And although, some high-end talent from that club has moved on, this will still be a very impressive team.
The roster losses open up the door for senior captain Jack Moltenbrey, junior Ryan O’Leary and junior Josh Iby to take out much bigger offensive roles. Senior Drew Bolduc and junior Joe DiMichele will provide secondary scoring. New sophomore Derek Rhodes will fit in.
Defensive leaders for coach Foley are senior Ryan Hemmenway and sophomore Bryce Russ.
And in the nets, senior Ryan Rhodes, a 4-year varsity member, is primed to take over full-time.
Ryan O’Leary
Pope Francis
Joe DeMichele
Pope Francis
Ryan Rhodes
Pope Francis
Bryce Russ
Pope Francis
BRIDGEWATER-RAYNHAM (3-4-3)
Coach: Scott Harlow
MIAA Division: 1
The Trojans were a pain in the neck to play against last winter, and with an improved defense, they could be again, if a rebuilt offense can deliver sufficient offense.
That job will fall on returning seniors Dean Mason, Jake Knudson and P.J. Arena, and new sophomore Ryan McInnis.
A solid defense includes seniors Shane Breslin and Mike Dolan, junior Justin Peters and sophomore Anthony Mussari. Junior Rich Popson could handle the primary goaltending duties.
LEXINGTON (0-9-0)
Coach: Curt Colarullo
MIAA Division: 1
The Minutemen return just six players, so will be a very young squad. They have opted for an Independent schedule this winter instead of their usual spot in the Middlesex League.
Seniors Matt Hickey and Mike DeAngelis, junior Liam Hunt and sophomore Dorian Hu will have key roles up front. Two new players ready to open eyes are sophomore Andy Yang and freshman Colvin Callahan.
Senior Joe Khabbaz and junior Eric Caouette will see a lot of time on the blue line.
