MIAA Boys Division 1 State Tournament Preview: Defending Champ St. John’s Prep Gets Top Seed In Exciting Field

Catholic Conference foes St. John’s Prep and Catholic Memorial drew the top two seeds in the 2023 MIAA Boys Division 1 state tournament. CM won the league title, and the two powers split their two regular season games. SJP, of course, is the defending state champ.

Prior to the Round of 32 which will get underway on Wednesday, March 2, a preliminary round game is scheduled for Monday when #33 Lexington meets #32 Waltham.

Here is a look at the tournament field by seed:

#1 St. John’s Prep (17-2-1)

The defending champions will be tough to beat, boasting the division’s top offense with 103 goals. Coach Kris Hanson has a bevy of options up front.

Senior captain Cole Blaeser led the way with 32 points, while senior Jimmy Ayers (26), senior Will Van Sicklin (24) and juniors Jake Vana (22) and Christian Rosa (22) all cracked the 20-point mark. Additionally, senior Ben McGilvray (18), junior Cam Umlah (16) and junior Johnny Tighe (13) are key contributors.

On defense, senior Aidan Holland (17 pts) is the anchor for the Eagles. Juniors Jack Doherty (10 pts) and Brady Plaza, and sophomore Nick Brandano are key as well in front of senior netminder Brian Cronin.

#2 Catholic Memorial (17-2-1)

With a wave of young stars, and strong senior leadership, the Knights have set their sights on a championship, having fallen in the quarterfinal round last winter.

Senior Brendan MacNeil (12-11-23) leads a balanced scoring group that also features junior Connor Fryberger (13-13-26), senior Michael Birch (11-8-19), sophomores Tyler Hamilton (10-11-21) and Morgan Linehan (7-6-13) and freshmen Joe Marchi (7-8-15) and Nick D’Olympio (7-6-13)

Senior veteran Finn Burke (15 pts) is one of the state’s top blueliners and is ably assisted by junior Michael Corbett (11 pts) and sophomore Anthony Pellitteri (11 pts) on the defensive side. Junior netminder Owen Watson has been stellar all season.

#3 Hingham (14-3-5)

Perennially fighting for a state title, the Harbormen once again are one of the elite teams in the state. The highest seeded public school played each of the other top four seeds and went 2-0-1 in those games.

“There are so many solid teams in the hunt this year,” said Hingham coach Tony Messina. “For us to be successful, we will need to be tough to play against in the defensive zone with physicality and solid goaltending, and continue to use our depth to our advantage be establishing a lively forecheck and creating turnovers. We also need to convert on our opportunities when we get them.”

As usual, Hingham is deep at forward, led in the scoring department by senior captain Ace Concannon (25 pts), junior Travis Rugg (22 pts), senior captain Aidan Brazel (18 pts), senior captain Billy Jacobus (15 pts) and Connor Richardson (12 pts).

Senior captain Chase McKenna (3-18-21) is a rock on the blue line, where junior Jack Rakauskas (15 pts) and senior Charlie Even (10 pts) have been steady as well. Senior Luke McLellan has impressed in goal.

#4 Pope Francis (16-2-3)

The Cardinals, with losses to only Hingham and BC High, will be a serious challenger for the title.

“The key for us will be to utilize our depth, which I feel is as strong as any team in the state,” said coach Brian Foley. “Our top six forwards all have between 21-35 points and our defense we roll three pairs when everyone is healthy and we expect to be fully healthy.”

Junior Mossy Kearney (15-20-35), sophomore CJ Watroba (21-14-35) and senior captain Josh Iby (14-17-31) are a dangerous trio up front, supported by senior captain Ryan O’Leary (9-19-28), sophomore Nick Petkovich (11-15-26) and junior Jacob Petrin (11-10-21).

Pope Francis’s deep blue line corp is led by senior captain Colin Foyle (16 pts), sophomore Matt Bolduc (14 pts), senior Jacob Jarrell and juniors Bryce Russ and Zach Buffone.

In goal, both senior Vin Maggi(1.54 gaa) and sophomore Nick Ritchie (1.10 gaa) have seen considerable time between the pipes.

#5 Marshfield (18-2-2)

With a good crew back, expectations were high for the Rams, and they haven’t disappointed.

“We returned a lot of players with experience so we had a feeling we would have a great year,” said Marshfield coach Dan Connolly. “I think winning 18 games in the regular season was more than we anticipated. Overall, our team defense and goaltending will be key.”

Heading up the defense group are senior Jake Reisman, Connor Merrick, and Nate O’Brien and junior Mike Berkerian. In goal, senior Brady Quackenbush fashioned a stellar 0.81 gaa and seven shutouts.

Marshfield has plenty of artillery up front in senior Jake Hemingway (11-16-27), senior Jack Croft (16 pts) and juniors Ryland McGlame (10-16-26), Cam McGettrick (9-14-23) and Tommy Carroll (8-17-25).

#6 Arlington (14-5-2)

A semifinalist a year ago, the Spy Ponders enter the post-season on a bit of a downer, having lost their final two games to Woburn and Braintree.

“It is never great going into the tournament on a losing streak,” said coach John Messuri. “We said in the beginning of the year it we played with structure we could compete. Nothing has changed.”

A dangerous offense revolves around senior veterans Jake Russell and Drew Fecteau, junior Killian Wright and sophomore Liam Gore. Senior Ryan Gilbert is a valuable two-way player who could see time on the blue line.

In the back end, senior Stefanos Sotiropoulos has been a steady influence. Junior Cam Desmond is solid, and freshman Evan Jones has blossomed into a top prospect. Veteran senior Jake Davies will be ready in goal.

#7 Xaverian (12-8-0)

A state finalist last year, the Hawks were hit hard by graduation and were younger this year. But, they find themselves right back in the mix.

“We expected to be competitive this year, but after graduating 15 seniors, we were very happy and a little surprised to be in the top ten, as we have 10 sophomores and a freshman who all play,” said coach Dave Spinale. “We have a great young group who all play with pace.”

Key upperclassmen up front include senior Gavin Moynihan (8-16-24), senior Joe DiMartino (9-4-13), senior Liam Capplis (8-8-16) and junior Jesse Peck (9-5-14). Sophomore Devin Gosciak (8-5-13) has had a solid season.

Junior Cole LeBlanc (12 pts) is a stalwart on the Hawks blue line. Sophomore Nate Patch sees key time along with sophomore Michael Rossi and sophomore Michael McGrath. Junior Cole Pouliot-Porter has come up huge in the Xaverian net.

#8 BC High (10-9-1)

The Eagles lost seven of eight in mid-season but have turned things around, winning their last five, including the title at the Buddy Ferreira Classic, where they beat Hingham in the final. BC High will be a dangerous team in the post-season.

“I think as of late we have had a lot more purpose to our game and understand that every shift has a direct outcome of the game, no matter what period or shift it is,” said interim coach Brendan Collier. “We have tremendous depth. We have defended very well and started scoring first, which is usually a recipe for success.”

The Eagles have plenty of offensive options, including senior Jackie Murphy, junior Owen Welch, senior Luke O’Sullivan, sophomore Joe Feinberg and freshman Michael Federico.

On defense, senior Matt Cox has had an excellent season. Sophomore Peter Luecke and senior Cormac Joyce have key roles. In goal, BC High has used both Adam D’Errico and Christian Gonsalves.

#9 St. John’s (S) (9-10-1)

Don’t be deceived by the Pioneers record. Playing in the Catholic Conference, as well as having a tough non-league slate has this squad battle-tested.

“The key to any long post-season run is team defense,” said coach Michael Mead. “It all starts in the net. Our goalies will need to be focused and make timely saves. With strong defensive zone play and center support down low, our breakouts and neutral zone possession game will lead to offensive chances.”

The Pioneers offensive nucleus includes junior Luke Gerardi (15-5-20), senior Jack Beauregard (8-11-19), sophomore Daniel Menyalkin (6-12-18), senior Sean Farrell (16 pts) and sophomore Domenic Reidy (15 pts).

Senior captain Andrew Brown and senior Zach MacLeod will be keys on defense. In the nets, senior Ryan Melanson has been a workhorse.

#10 Belmont (13-6-3)

Don’t let their 3-4-0 mark to end the regular season fool you, the Marauders, co-champs of the Middlesex League Liberty Division, will be a tough out. Included in their win total are victories over Marshfield, BC High and two against Reading.

Up front, senior Cam Fici (32-18-50) is one of the state’s most electrifying forwards and drives the Belmont offense along with senior Shay Donahue (13-18-31) and sophomore Adam Bauer (5-15-20).

On defense, Belmont boasts a rock-solid pair of senior veterans in Peter Grace (12 pts) and Joe Gaziano (14 pts). Senior Greg Federico will be in goal.

“The team leadership – Cam Fici, Shay Donahue, Peter Grace and Joe Gaziano – are battle tested,” said Belmont coach Tim Foley. “The team has shown some great resilience this year. We were dealing with some injuries and flu down the stretch. The team is now healthy and working hard for the state tournament. We take the post-season one period at a time.”

#11 Braintree (12-6-2)

The Wamps are another team entering the post-season on a hot streak, finishing the regular season with a win over Arlington.

“We seem to have the right guys in the right spots and everyone on the same page as well as being healthy,” said Braintree coach Dave Fasano. “I think what makes us a tough out is the fact that we roll three lines consistently and spot a fourth line a few shifts per period as well as playing six defensemen most of the way.”

Braintree boasts two solid scoring lines in seniors Charlie DiMartino and captain Nick Fasano, and junior Larry Graziano, and seniors Kyle Hutchinson, Bryan Rizzo and Anthony Cappello.

Defensively, senior Drew Coady has been the anchor, logging serious minutes on the blue line. Sophomore Matt Harvey, junior Joe Joyce and sophomore Luca Fantasia round out the top four. Regular starting goalie Jack Fitzgerald has missed most of the season due to injury, but the Wamps have received solid play from senior Ryan Cochrane sophomore Amir Cullinane.

#12 Franklin (16-5-0)

The Panthers went a perfect 8-0-0 in league play to wrap up another Hockomock Kelley-Rex Division title. Two of Franklin’s five losses were to top two seeds St. John’s Prep and Catholic Memorial.

“Our biggest strength is out team speed,” said coach Chris Spillane. “For us to have a long run it wil come down to team defense in our zone.”

Franklin boasts a potent offense, led by junior Ben Paterson (15-20-35). Juniors Dan Daley and Anthony Lampasona have had big years, and senior captains Ryan Sicchio and Ben Jarosz have contributed in a big way.

Senior Liam O’Reilly and juniors Logan Marchand and Vinnie Pasquarosa are blue line standouts. Junior Colby Wagner has seen the majority of time in the Panthers’ net.

#13 Wellesley (16-4-0)

After a 2-4-0 slide in mid-season, the Raiders closed the season with four straight wins, hoping to build that momentum into a long stay in the tournament.

“Yes, we went through a stretch that we feel happens to every team,” said Wellesley coach Paul Donato. “Hopefully that was out stretch. We played some quality teams to round out the year and got back to our style of hockey. We will be trying to keep the score down and Reagan O’Neil (goalie), who has been great all year, will be the right guy to do that. Tournament hockey has a lot decided on the special teams and that is something we have had a lot of success with, both on the kill and the power play.”

Senior Robbie Marshall leads Wellesley in goals with 15. Other forwards looking to contribute are senior Sean Maxwell, sophomore Brody Sharpe and freshman Will Cooney.

On the blue line, junior Kyle Parker has been an anchor and leads the team with 16 assists. Sophomore Patrick Maxwell and junior Gabe Aberbach have key roles in front of O’Neil in the cage.

#14 Reading (11-7-3)

The Rockets had their stuggles in the second half. A 2-0 win over Falmouth in the last regular season game halted a 1-5-2 skein. They open the post-season against league rival Woburn, which heads into the tournament red hot. The teams have split their two games so far.

Much of Reading’s offensive attack revolves around senior captain Evan Pennucci (10-16-26), junior Cam Fahey (11-9-20), junior Laz Giardina (10-8-18), senior captain Robbie Granara (6-11-17) and senior Mark Boyle (8-9-17).

Junior Chris Hanifan is in goal for Reading. Seniors Mikey Miele and Kevin Thomson and junior T.J. Michel will be key on defense.

“If we can be more thorough on puck and pay more attention to the little details, we could have good success,” said coach Mark Doherty. “We feel we can skate with any team in the state, having played a lot of the top teams.”

#15 St. Mary’s Lynn (12-6-3)

The Spartans exploded out of the gate to a 9-0-2 start, and then hit a lull, but appear to be back on track after a solid showing at the Cardinal Classic.

“Having one of the youngest teams I have ever coached at this level will be interesting to watch,” said veteran St. Mary’s coach Mark Lee. “Through the course of the regular season they have gained a lot of experience, especially in close games and overtime. This season we were in nine overtime games (4-2-3) and several other close games which will also help with their experience and maturity.”

Up front, senior captain Brady Bullock (26 pts) and freshman Aidan Fitzpatrick (23 pts) have led the offense for the Spartans. Sophomore Cam McGonagle has chipped in as well.

Defensively, senior captains Luke Bott and Tad Giardina will be instrumental to any success. In goal, St. Mary’s has one of the top young netminders in the state in freshman Anthony Palmer.

#16 Archbishop Williams (12-8-1)

The Catholic Central League champions get a home playoff game. The Bishops have a balanced scoring attack and play a solid two-way game.

“(To have success) we need to stay together, battle adversity, play a 200-foot game and outwork our opponents,” said coach Chris Cunnigham.

Sophomore Finn Kelly has put up 18 goals to power the offense. Juniors Matt Deminico (19 pts) and Ben Sylvester (18 pts), junior Casey Kelley (15 pts), junior Sean Murphy (13 pts) and senior Ryan Bearsley (13 pts) have all chipped in.

On defense, senior Matthew Keenan (12 pts) has been solid. Sophomore Rob Cibotti is another key on the blue line. Senior goalies Cole Sweet and Phil Coleman has both seen time in the nets.

#17 Lincoln-Sudbury (12-7-2)

The Warriors finished second behind Tewksbury in the MVC/Dual County II and has some tough non-league opponents on its resume. They can not be taken lightly.

Senior Frankie DeTraglia (20 pts) has been the leader of offense for coach Matt Carlin. A balanced attack also looks to senior Sean Cullen (12 pts), senior Ryan Warzynski (6 goals) and sophomore Dante Venuto (5 goals).

A veteran defense likes to get involved in the offensive end of the ice. Leading the group are senior Drew Oblak, junior Matt Mahoney, junior Thomas Kinzfogl and freshman Rex Freidholm. Veteran senior Logan Herguth is a solid netminder.

#18 Central Catholic (10-10-2)

Don’t judge the Raiders by their record. A tough schedule will have them ready for anything the post-season will throw at them.

“Each year we try and make our schedule as challenging as possible,” said coach DJ Conte. “We compete in the MVC which is a strong league. We are also fortunate to have great non-league opportunities including both the Pete Frates Tournament at the beginning of the year and the Cardinal Classic at the end of the regular season. Although we didn’t have a lot of success this year in the win column at these tournaments, I know we are better prepared for the post-season for participating in them.”

Leading scorers for the Raiders are senior captain Sean Gray (19 pts), juniors Brady Rickenbach (18 pts) and Adam Godfrey (18 pts), senior captain Cam Jankowski and sophomore Max Gagnon (16 pts).

A deep defensive group has seniors Ben Furry, Easton Morse and Max Lane, juniors Jake Lydon and AJ Songini, and freshman Keegan Hunt. Senior captain Tim Briley handles the goaltending.

#19 Woburn (13-6-1)

After a mid-season lull, the Tanners have really turned it on. They enter the post-season on an 8-1-1 run.

“Everyone is going to have to be at their best for us if we want to succeed in the tournament,” said coach Jim Duran.

Senior Jackson Powers (20-15-35) spearheads a Woburn offense that also features sophomore Jack McEleney (11-11-22), senior Derek Santullo (10-12-22), sophomore Jack Lee (17 pts) and senior Danny DeFeo (16 pts).

Woburn’s defensive play has been solid all season with junior Hayden Laprade, senior Nick Leuzzi, senior Connor Welch, senior Eric Paradis and freshmen Matt Hughes and Matt DeFeo. Senior netminder Jeremy Barreto has played well down the stretch.

#20 Malden Catholic (7-10-3)

A five-game winning streak to end the regular season gives the Lancers some momentum entering the tournament. Playing in the Catholic Conference, they feel they are battle-tested.

“I think it helps us build confidence, obviously, but at the same time we’ve told this team that the playoffs are a whole different animal,” said MC coach Chris Kuchar. “We can feel good about what we have done recently but the teams we are going to face are all excellent teams.”

Offensive production has come from seniors captain Daniel Zizza (18 pts) and Mikey Bourgeois (11 goals), junior Michael McLaughlin, junior Conner Seeley and freshman Michael Doe.

On defense, sophomore Nick Evans (9 pts), senior Trevor Strauss and junior Erik Utter hold down the fort. Senior captain Brendan Zinck is the man between the pipes.

#21 Andover (11-5-4)

The Golden Warriors finished the regular season on a 7-1-4 run and look to continue that momentum into the post-season. Andover’s senior class will lead the way.

“Our team is proud of the effort put forth this season,” said assistant coach Peter Loring. “We’ve benefitted from strong senior leadership. Our goal is to continue to play unselfish, disciplined hockey.”

Scoring production has come from senior Carter Hillson (23 pts), senior captain Braeden Archambault (21 pts), junior Brendan Murnane (19 pts), senior Jonny Lynch (16 pts), senior Adam Doudkin (16 pts) and senior captain Nik Previte (16 pts).

A pair of seniors – captain Brendan Sheedy and Tyler Lareau – have led the defense in front of senior goalie Charlie Rainville.

#22 Weymouth (12-8-2)

Through eight games, the Wildcats stood at 1-6-1, but have turned things around, going 11-2-1 since, playing their best hockey as they enter the playoffs.

“The key to our good play after our slow start has been leadership and not looking beyone any game,” said coach Patrick Kennedy. “Our captains and seniors have done a phenomenal job maintaining tempo, pace and competitiveness in practice. Regardless of the start we had, the team always believed in themselves.”

Senior captains Andrew Ferguson, Ryan Kane and Ryan Gaudiano, and junior Jack Browning have been offensive catalysts.

On defense, junior Jack Brady, freshman Colin Browning, senior Liam Connolly and senior Sean Kilban form the rotation.

#23 Chelmsford (11-6-3)

With a 7-1-1 streak to end the season, the Lions are excited about the post-season.

“We’ve got a lot of sophomores and I think for them it was about getting use to the grind and game speed,” said Chelmsford coach Kevin Leonard. “Our win over Xaverian really helped our guys begin to believe in themselves and what we are trying to do as a team. The last nine games have definitely given our guys a sense that they can compete with anyone in the state.”

The Lions are led offensively by the duo of senior A.J. Bongiorno (14-15-29) and junior David Wood (10-9-19).

Senior captain Cole Pelkey is a workhorse on the blue line and also gets involved offensively, with an impressive line of 6-23-29. Seniors TK Ervin and Ryan Lally, and sophomore Will Morgan get key minutes as well. Sophomore goalie Mark Bierwirth (1.63 gaa) has been very consistent.

#24 Winchester (8-11-3)

The Red & Black are another team where you don’t look at the record. They play everyone tough, and have wins over both Arlington, St. Mary’s and Belmont.

“For us to have success in the post-season, we will have to play quick and fast,” said coach Gino Khachadourian. “Our compete level has to be through the roof at every game. We need to stick to our game play and systems.”

Winchester’s scoring is led by senior Kevin Bertocci, juniors David Strong and Danny Collins, and freshman Luke Sardone.

A young defensive rotation includes junior Jack Duncan, sophomores Griffin Lynch and Thomas Casey, and freshmen Nolan Wrenn and Adam Krogmeier. Junior Max Lowenberg will be in goal.

#25 Arlington Catholic (9-8-2)

A return to the post-season has the Cougars excited in coach Curt Colarullo’s first year at helm.

“After losing 14 players off last year’s team, expectations were low, but I feel our team stepped up and exceeded what expectations were on us,” Colarullo said. “As an alumni, it is good to see the team in the post-season two consecutive years. Team defense will be important if we would like to extend our season.”

Production has come from senior captain Thomas Driscoll (9-12-21), senior Paul Magalhaes (7-8-15), sophomore Nico Tashjian (12 pts) and freshman Steven Constantine (16 pts).

AC’s defensive game falls on seniors Ryan Noonan and Nick Simpson, junior Pat Mozuch and sophomore TJ Greenwood. Sophomore Patrick Clair has been in goal down the stretch for the Cougars.

#26 Shrewsbury (10-10-0)

Under new head coach Rich Grant, the Colonials had a solid season playing in the tough MVC/Dual County I and look forward to tournament action.

“I feel the team is playing its best hockey at the right time,” said Grant. “That being said, no matter who we play will be a tough challenge for us. We are really looking forward to the challenge of competing against the best teams in the state.”

Senior captain Carter Richardson (14-11-25) and junior captain Anthony Nuzzolilo (12-13-25) lead an offense that also features junior Drew Peris (9-12-21), sophomore Christian Thoren (15 pts) and junior Colby Coghlin (12 pts). Additionally, sophomores Shawn Salt and Nick McManus each has six goals.

Junior Connor Mudd (18 pts) directs things on defense. Junior Alan Grebelsky should get the call in goal.

#27 Westford Academy (9-9-2)

The Ghosts are excited to be in the post-season, the first time for anyone on the current roster. The team will rely on its captains – forwards Ben Mulgrew and Matt Haggan, defenseman David MacLure and goalie Tyler Frazee – as Westford is still young and somewhat inexperienced.

“In order to be successful in the tournament we will need to continue to try to push the pace and maintain the confidence in ourselves that we have developed during the season,” said coach Bob Carpenter. “Our team defense has been solid all year.”

Westford’s first line features Mulgrew (14 pts) and sophomores Nick Burns (10-13-23) and Ryan Nelken (8-12-20). Haggan and sophomore Jack Donovan have chipped in as well.

On the blue line, MacLure, junior Tom Rose (9 pts) and sophomores JJ Funaro (11 pts) and Ethan Koehr (9 pts) have led the way in front of goaltender Frazee, who has a 2.10 gaa.

#28 Needham (11-7-2)

The Rockets return to the post-season after having a six-win season a year ago.

“Our captain and leadership group have instilled a different culture this season,” said coach Mike Hoban. “We have returning guys that have another year of varsity experience and new players that have stepped up and contributed.”

Junior Jack Curran (17 pts), sophomore Will O’Donnell (10 pts), junior Sean Reilly (10 pts) and Matt Rutter lead what has been a balanced scoring attack.

Defensively, captain Jimmy Kenney (12 pts) and junior Jake Sieczkowski (11 pts) anchor the Needham defense in front of junior goalie Dylan Michelow (2.15 gaa).

#29 Bishop Feehan (10-11-1)

Appearing in the Division 1 tournament for the first time, the Shamrocks are proud of the accomplishment, but can’t be satisfied.

“We have 10 seniors who need to lead the way and the team needs to understand that they are battle-tested by already playing against the top three teams in the state during the regular season,” said coach David Franzosa. “We need to limit the breakdowns that high-end teams make you pay for.”

Feehan’s offense has been spearheaded by senior captains Thomas Franzosa (8-13-21) and Aidan Scanlon (6-12-18), senior Brady Vitelli (18-9-27), senior Joey Davieau (14 pts) and junior Brendan McNeil (10 goals).

On defense, junior Bryce Mackintosh, sophomore Travis Smith, senior Tyler Slack, freshman Gabe Visnicky, junior Dana Holske and junior Ryan Eldridge form a deep group. Freshman Easton Theberge has seen the bulk of the time in goal.

#30 King Philip (12-5-3)

Despite being seeded 30th, the Warriors are looking to open some eyes in their opening round game with #3 Hingham.

“We know it won’t be an easy road by any means but we can have success,” said coach Toby Carlow. “The key will be solid defensive play, and doing the little things correctly.”

Top point-getters up front for King Philip have been junior Rowan Boulger (6-20-26), senior captain James Boldy (6-12-18), junior captain Max Robison (14 pts) and junior Tyler Douglas (14 pts).

Holding down the fort in the defensive end are junior captain Cam Lehan-Allen, freshman Sonny Bianculli, junior Sam Naggar and senior Owen Kiss. Senior Kyle Abbott will get the nod in goal.

#31 Milton (9-11-1)

Despite being one of the lower seeds in the tournament, the Wildcats have fully embraced their role and fully intend to give Catholic Memorial a tussle in their opening round game.

“We fight to the very end of every game, play physical and battle for every inch of ice,” said coach Chris Watson. “We need to find consistency in our play, embrace the Cinderella/underdog role and play a full effort-focused 45-minute game.”

Up front, Milton has turned to seniors Owen McHugh, Declan Walsh, Barry Burke and Sean McDougall, and sohomore Cam McDonough, to put the puck in the net on a consistent basis.

Seniors Andrew Hunt, Quinnah Morrison and Liam Faherty make up the key line of defense on the blue line in front of junior goalie Andrew McHugh.

#32 Waltham (7-12-1)

The Hawks moved into the top 32 in the final week to secure a playoff berth, facing neighbor Lexington in a preliminary round game.

The majority of coach John Maguire’s offense comes from the top line of senior Drew Anderson (17-16-33), senior Philip Sarkissian (12-14-26) and senior captain Will Curley (6-7-13). Seniors Kevin Dann (17 pts) and Nick George (13 pts) have contributed in a big way as well.

Junior Evan Cormier (15 pts) anchors the Hawks blue line. Junior Aidan Breau will be in goal.

#33 Lexington (14-4-3)

First-year coach Mike Doran wasn’t sure what the season would bring, but what he got was a 14-win season, the Minutemen’s second as an independent. “Our plan was to lean on our upperclassmen for leadership and production,” he said.

A preliminary game with Waltham awaits.

An all-senior first line of Russ LeBert (captain), Liam Hunt (captain) and Cullen Pitts has produced all season, along with a junior trio of Andy Yang, Dorian Hu and Nolan Kingsbury.

On defense, the Minutemen rotate seniors Eric Caouette (captain), Matt Troy and Will Dinsmore, and junior Ryan Moore, John Donaghy and Casimir Oliver.

Junior Luke Dinsmore and sophomore Sam Zucker have rotated in goal and Lexington has not named a starter for the tournament game.