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MIAA: Massachusetts High School Hockey Power Rankings

St. John's Prep players celebrate winning the 2015 Pete Frates Classic at Merrimack College
St. John's Prep players celebrate winning the 2015 Pete Frates Classic at Merrimack College
@SJP_Hockey

Defending MIAA Super 8 Champion St. John's Prep sits atop the first edition of the SB Nation Massachusetts High School Hockey Power Rankings for the 2015-16 high school hockey season.

Rank Team Record Commentary
1 St. John's Prep 3-0-1 The Eagles have the best overall defense in the state with a true game changer in net. Until proven otherwise, Kristian Hanson's team deserves the top spot. Pope Francis coach Brian Foley remarked that this year's version of the Prep could be even better than last that won it all. He's 100 percent correct.
2 BC High 4-0-1 Not far behind the Prep in terms of team defense, John Flaherty's team has only given up five regulation goals all season. Jayson Dobay and Billy Roche log a ton of minutes on the blue line and senior goaltender Brandon Payzant is as seasoned a veteran as there is in high school hockey. The Eagles have a talented group of underclassmen, led by '00 freshman Thomas Kramer.
3 Malden Catholic 3-1-0 Those predicting the demise of the Lancers with the departure of Matt Filipe, Jack Adams and Austin Goldstein might have spoken too soon. John McLean's squad has changed its philosophy somewhat to rely more on defense and physical play. After a season-opening loss to New Jersey power Delbarton, MC has allowed just one goal in wins over Lewiston (ME), Hingham and Austin Prep. '98 left defenseman Pat Harrington leads the charge from the back end.
4 Pope Francis 4-1-1 Losing four NCAA commitments is tough for any program to overcome, but the Cardinals have done a decent job of replenishing the cupboard. Foley's team is still a work in progress, but will be there in the end. Left defenseman Jacob King and second line center Devan Tongue are two players expected to continue to step up and fill voids.
5 Central Catholic 4-1-1 Sunday's lopsided 8-2 loss to BC High aside, the Raiders are still a decent team led by BU commit Jake Wise. Mike Jankowski's team skates well and will be a team in the Super 8 come the end of the season. The team is a step behind the top four, but Wise and uncommitted forwards Cam Gendron and Sean Brown are fun to watch.
6 Austin Prep 2-1-1 The Cougars are going to struggle to score this season after so many key forwards left due to graduation and to junior hockey. Monday's blowout loss at the hands of Malden Catholic not withstanding, AP has a strong defense and a good goaltender that will keep them in games.
7 St. Mary's 4-1-0 Mark Lee's Spartans bounced back from a tough loss to Austin Prep with an impressive win over Hingham in the Serino Classic title game. '98 forward Dante Maribito is one of the better players in the state. SMH should run through its league with limited troubles and be in position for a Super 8 play-in game berth at the least.
8 Reading 2-0-2 Led by Northeastern commit Matt Thomson, the Rockets have two good forward lines and look to be the best public school team in the state. Kevin and Mike Tobin are both good skaters with offensive instincts. Mark Doherty's team is a little thin on the blue line, but junior goaltender Sean Dynan is much improved in net.
9 Arlington 4-0-0 The Spy Ponders should not be forgotten in the Middlesex League this season. John Messuri's team has dominated its opponents this season, to the tune of a 25-4 scoring margin. Junior forward John Pigott is one of the more underrated players in the state. The team doesn't face its first real test until a Jan. 6 game at Reading.
10 Braintree 4-0-0 Dave Fasano's team is always fun to watch and competes hard each and every game. The Wamps have outscored their opponents, 24-4, so far this season.

On the Bubble: Hingham (2-3-1), Winchester (4-0-0), Burlington (1-1-1), Woburn (2-2-0), Framingham (4-0-2), Marshfield (2-1-1), Barnstable (4-1-0)