SB Nation College Hockey - 2014 Super 8: Coverage of Massachusetts High School Hockey's Premier TournamentCollege Hockey's Home on the Blogospherehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49993/wchb-fav.png2014-03-16T22:06:06-07:00http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/rss/stream/52089452014-03-16T22:06:06-07:002014-03-16T22:06:06-07:00Malden Catholic wins fourth straight Super 8
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<img alt="UMass Lowell commit Tyler Sifferlen had two goals for Malden Catholic." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/g0boCaChkcCTbufGykI0EBP0k_8=/20x0:620x400/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/30191591/tylersifferlen.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>UMass Lowell commit Tyler Sifferlen had two goals for Malden Catholic. | Justin Söderberg (View from 123)</figcaption>
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<p>Malden Catholic is once again the undisputed king of high school hockey in Massachusetts.</p> <p>BOSTON--- Tyler Sifferlen doesn't know how it feels to lose the final high school hockey game of the season. That's because the senior who is committed to UMass Lowell has now won four Super 8 championships in his spectacular four year high school hockey career.</p>
<p>Sifferlen scored twice and Ara Nazarian, Matt Filipe and Nick Rolli added a goal each as the Lancers defeated Austin Prep, 5-3. It was a quick-strike ability that MC has exhibited so often over this four-year run that slammed the door on the Cougars in the second period. The Lancers scored three times in just over three minutes.</p>
<p>Sifferlen was the unquestioned MVP of the tournament. The North Andover, Mass. native will play a year of junior hockey before matriculating to UMass Lowell.</p>
<p>In other state championship games at the TD Garden on Sunday, Reading defeated Braintree, 4-1, in Division 1; Beverly dispatched Medfield, 2-1, in Division 2; and Shrewsbury thumped Hanover, 7-1, in Division 3.</p>
https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/high-school-hockey/2014/3/16/5517178/miaa-hockey-malden-catholic-wins-fourth-straight-super-8-championship-tyler-sifferlen-austin-prepJeff Cox2014-03-16T05:00:02-07:002014-03-16T05:00:02-07:00Malden Catholic goes for four straight against AP
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<img alt="Malden Catholic players celebrate a goal against Catholic Memorial in the quarterfinals." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ipnhAC03xnJFaBiq4fzJK7f2hE8=/15x0:615x400/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/30140811/mc_vs_cm.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Malden Catholic players celebrate a goal against Catholic Memorial in the quarterfinals. | Justin Söderberg (View from 123)</figcaption>
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<p>BOSTON--- Malden Catholic will go for its fourth straight MIAA Division 1A Super 8 championship on Sunday afternoon at the TD Garden. For the second consecutive year, Austin Prep will be the last team standing in its way.</p>
<p>The Lancers defeated the Cougars, 3-2, in last year's Super 8 championship game to earn their third consecutive title. John McLean's Lancers downed Louis Finnochiaro's Cougars, 4-1, in the Christie Serino Christmas Classic earlier this season.</p>
<p>There is an abundance of offensive talent on each team, but the wildcard could be between the pipes where Austin Prep has the decided advantage.</p>
<p>Junior Elijah Harris has been terrific throughout this tournament and made a name for himself during last year's Super 8 and at several showcase events over the summer, such as the Beantown Classic and the USA Hockey Select 16 Festival.</p>
<p>Harris will have to bring his best to the Garden ice on Sunday as UMass Lowell recruit Tyler Sifferlen and UNH commit Ara Nazarian will look to pepper the young netminder with rubber. Sifferlen has been red hot all tournament and Nazarian is always dangerous, and even when he doesn't score, his speed and quick release are a scary combination.</p>
<p>Malden Catholic's second line has been clicking as well. Northeastern commit Matt Filipe centers the line and has been a strength all season, but Brian Cameron and Austin Goldstein have impressed during the Super 8.</p>
<p>Looking to protect Harris and fend off Malden Catholic's big guns will be a big, strong Cougars blue line led by sophomore J.J. Layton, the hero of Thursday night's shootout win in the semifinal. The Peabody, Mass. native is a huge, physical presence on the back end. Andrew Cross and Brendan Leach are the two other AP defenders who will log the most significant minutes on Sunday.</p>
<p>Boston University recruit Bobo Carpenter gets most of the attention when discussion turns to the Austin Prep offense, but Eric MacAdams has been clutch throughout the tournament. He missed a portion of the regular season with an injury, but his ability to drive to the net and come up with big goals at crucial times has been imperative to AP's run. Cam Russo and Jake McKenelley are the two other offensive weapons for Finnochiaro's team.</p>
https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/high-school-hockey/2014/3/16/5513920/super-8-malden-catholic-goes-for-four-straight-championships-austin-prep-miaa-hockey-td-gardenJeff Cox2014-03-15T23:21:43-07:002014-03-15T23:21:43-07:00MIAA Hockey State Championship Sunday Schedule
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<img alt="The TD Garden will be home to seven state championship games on Sunday." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SGgD-GBVUn5F1NgNJddi0FGfBFY=/0x5:1000x672/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/30140973/136456037.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>The TD Garden will be home to seven state championship games on Sunday. | Elsa</figcaption>
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<p>BOSTON--- The culmination of the 2013-14 Massachusetts High School hockey season is Sunday at the TD Garden. Seven championships will be doled out on Sunday on the Garden ice, including five in boy's hockey and two in girl's puck.</p>
<p>The marquee game of the day is the 3:15 championship game of the Super 8, the premier tournament in Massachusetts high school hockey. Three-time defending champion Malden Catholic takes on Austin Prep in the final. <i>(<a href="http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/high-school-hockey/2014/2/23/5439804/miaa-super-8-tournament-schedule-bc-high-malden-catholic-cathedral-td-garden-tsongas-center-stoneham" target="_blank">Full Super 8 Schedule/Results</a>)</i></p>
<p>MIAA State Championship Hockey Schedule:</p>
<p>Sunday, March 16, 2014</p>
<p>TD Garden</p>
<p>Boston, Mass.</p>
<p>9 a.m. - Westwood vs. Wellesley (Girl's Division 2)</p>
<p>11 a.m. - Hanover vs. Shrewsbury (Division 3)</p>
<p>1 p.m. - Braintree vs. Reading (Division 1)</p>
<p>3:15 p.m. - Malden Catholic vs. Austin Prep (Division 1A Super 8)</p>
<p>5:45 p.m. - Duxbury vs. Arlington Catholic (Girl's Division 1)</p>
<p>7:45 p.m. - Beverly vs. Medfield (Division 2)</p>
<p><i>Jeff Cox covers college, junior and high school hockey, NCAA recruiting and NHL Draft prospects. Follow him on twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jeffcoxsbnation" target="_blank">@JeffCoxSBNation</a>.</i></p>
https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/high-school-hockey/2014/3/15/5513932/miaa-hockey-state-championship-sunday-schedule-td-garden-boston-massachusetts-beverly-braintreeJeff Cox2014-03-13T22:01:49-07:002014-03-13T22:01:49-07:00Malden Catholic advances to Super 8 final
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<img alt="UMass Lowell recruit Tyler Sifferlen continues to light the back of the net in the 2014 Super 8." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zNxl4Z3OGVFd3bg63mget8QfCeE=/20x0:620x400/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/30027405/tylersifferlen.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>UMass Lowell recruit Tyler Sifferlen continues to light the back of the net in the 2014 Super 8. | Justin Söderberg (View from 123)</figcaption>
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<p>The Lancers had a balanced attack as they advanced to the title game on Sunday.</p> <p>LOWELL-- Malden Catholic will go for its fourth straight MIAA Division 1A Super 8 Championship on Sunday afternoon against Austin Prep, thanks to a 3-1 victory over Springfield Cathedral on Thursday night.</p>
<p>Three different lines chipped in with goals for the Lancers, a team usually reliant on their top line. UMass Lowell recruit Tyler Sifferlen, Northeastern commit Matt Filipe and uncommitted senior Patrick Wrenn each scored a goal for the Lancers in the semifinal victory.</p>
<p>MC Junior Alex Reissis was solid in net. "I thought Reissis had a good game. He made some big saves early. He made some great saves in the first period," said McLean.</p>
<p>It was the end of the line for Springfield Cathedral, a terrific young team with just one senior. Freshman goaltender Keith Petruzzelli made several big saves and couldn't be blamed for any of the goals that got past him. Freshman Riley Prattson scored the lone goal of the game for the Panthers.</p>
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<p><i>Jeff Cox covers college, junior and high school hockey, NCAA recruiting and NHL Draft prospects. Follow him on twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jeffcoxsbnation" target="_blank">@JeffCoxSBNation</a>.</i></p>
https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/high-school-hockey/2014/3/13/5506686/super-8-malden-catholic-back-in-familiar-position-after-edgingJeff Cox2014-03-13T07:41:43-07:002014-03-13T07:41:43-07:00MIAA Hockey: Super 8 semifinals preview
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<img alt="Malden Catholic players celebrate a goal in last week's quarterfinal series against Catholic Memorial." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/el3g8rfdc4cZA0LYeiSimVh7wfU=/20x0:620x400/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29971005/mc_vs_cm.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Malden Catholic players celebrate a goal in last week's quarterfinal series against Catholic Memorial. | Justin Söderberg (View from 123)</figcaption>
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<p>We're down to four teams vying for the title of best in Massachusetts high school hockey.</p> <p>LOWELL -- Two spots in Sunday's Super 8 final at the TD Garden are on the line Thursday night in the semifinals of Massachusetts high school hockey's premier tournament at the Tsongas Center.</p>
<p>Both semifinals are rematches of late regular season matchups, an interesting anecdote when discussing which teams are likely to move on to Sunday's 3:15 p.m. championship tilt.</p>
<p>No. 2 <b>Malden Catholic </b>vs. No. 3 <b>Springfield Cathedral</b></p>
<p>Thursday's first semifinal is the game more likely to see offensive fireworks as the two teams possess some serious offensive firepower. Each team has three forwards already committed to Division I schools, a position of strength for both clubs.</p>
<p>Springfield Cathedral came away with a <a href="http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/high-school-hockey/2014/2/20/5432504/springfield-cathedral-beats-malden-catholic-dj-keith-petruzzelli-johnny-leonard-peter-crinella" target="_blank">5-2 victory</a> between the two squads in the regular season finale -- the championship game of the Cathedral Hockey Classic. Peter Crinella and Johnny Leonard each scored twice while D.J. Petruzzelli added a highlight reel goal of his own.</p>
<p><b>Chiseled veterans:</b></p>
<p>Malden Catholic is the three-time defending state champion, and outside of sophomore Matt Filipe, the team's best players are all upperclassmen. Forward Tyler Sifferlen, playing tonight in his future collegiate home at UMass Lowell, has the chance with two more victories to lead his senior class to a state championship in each of his four seasons.</p>
<p>Sifferlen and UNH recruit Ara Nazarian, a junior, have been terrific in this tournament. The pair have really shown offensive creativity. Their experience shines through, especially when it comes to finding each other on the ice and coming up big in crucial moments. Sifferlen scored the game-winner in each game of the quarterfinal series against Catholic Memorial.</p>
<p>Seniors Brian Cameron and Patrick Wrenn also bring experience to the offensive group as do juniors Jake Witkowski and Austin Goldstein. Cameron had his best game of the season in last week's series-clinching victory over CM.</p>
<p>Often forgotten in the team's offensive prowess is the the top four on the blue line. Led by senior Nick Rolli and junior John McLean, the coach's son, the group knows what it takes to win in big games. Rolli scored on a blast from the point in the regular season meeting against Cathedral. Junior Will Lawrence has saved some of his best games of the season for the tournament.</p>
<p><b>Youth Movement:</b></p>
<p>As experienced as MC is, Cathedral is on the opposite end of the spectrum, but there is no shortage of talent on head coach Brian Foley's roster. The Panthers are loaded at all positions when it comes to players that could move on to the next level.</p>
<p>UMass recruit John Leonard, a crafty winger with terrific hands and vision, was invited to attend the USNTDP Evaluation Camp later this month in Ann Arbor. Holy Cross commit Peter Crinella, a powerful, strong forward, has seen his stock rise even more this season. Quinnipiac recruit D.J. Petruzzelli has scored several goals worthy of highlight reel material.</p>
<p>Then, there is a trio of '99-born skaters who are all uncommitted, yet will someday be highly sought after. Riley Prattson has terrific hands and hockey smarts for a young player. Devon Tongue, an eighth grader, has improved drastically since the beginning of the season and brings a level of unexpected composure and skill to the team's third line. Dan Petrick has shown off his offensive abilities from the blue line throughout the season and that has carried over to the tournament.</p>
<p>The team's only senior, goaltender John Liquori, got the start in net in the team's quarterfinal series clinching victory over Duxbury, but that could be the last start he makes. Freshman phenom Keith Petruzzelli became the first '99 to commit to a Division I college when he and older brother D.J. picked Quinnipiac in December. The lanky freshman goaltender is fundamentally sound and athletic with great feet. He really moves fast and well in the crease for such a big goaltender.</p>
<p><b>Keys to the game:</b></p>
<p>Springfield Cathedral needs to move the puck well, as the Panthers are very capable of, and drive the net. So far rebound control has been the only weakness of the tournament for the Lancers who have used both their goaltenders. Foley has said numerous times how important puck movement is to his team, and it will be tonight.</p>
<p>Malden Catholic needs to keep disciplined and stay out of the penalty box. The Lancers can ill-afford to put Cathedral on the man advantage more than necessary. If the game is close in the third period, one has to like MC's chances with its experience and ability to finish.</p>
<p>No. 1 <b>BC High</b> vs. No. 4 <b>Austin Prep</b></p>
<p>Thursday's nightcap promises to be more of a low-scoring, physical, tight-checking game than the first game. No team in the state plays a more disciplined, defensively-sound system than BC High. Similarly, Austin Prep looks to protect star goaltender Elijah Harris and let the highly recruited goaltender do his work.</p>
<p>John Flaherty's top ranked Eagles defeated Austin Prep, 6-2, in the Buddy Ferreira Classic in Falmouth during the last week of the regular season. It was a game that was close until BC High busted loose in a three-goal second period explosion.</p>
<p>Another element to this game is the likely return of Merrimack commit Patrick Kramer who was injured in the Ferreira Classic. He likely could have been back last week, but was kept out for precautionary reasons with the team up in the series. He adds a dimension of playmaking ability to the BC High offense that is missing when he's out of the lineup.</p>
<p><b>Super sophomores:</b></p>
<p>When discussing top uncommitted players in the state of Massachusetts, BC High sophomore Ryan Shea is at the top of almost everyone's list, and rightfully so. The son of Boston College legend Dan Shea, the younger Shea is poised and composed with the puck and sees the game as well as could be expected for a player of his age.</p>
<p>He has interest from just about every Hockey East school and has offers from several. He is a one-man breakout and can quarterback the Eagles power play very effectively. The Milton, Mass. native is a smooth skater who will surely one day patrol a Hockey East blue line.</p>
<p>BC High assistant coach Bob Roche, a former Brown Bears defenseman, really has his blue liners buy into his system. The Eagles allowed 28 shots in their series clinching victory over Xaverian, but for the most part this season, the defense has done a terrific job of limiting chances and forcing opponents to the perimeter.</p>
<p>Senior Sam Topham had a terrific game last week as well and is a terrific number two defenseman at the high school level. Sophomore Billy Roche, junior Alec Flynn and senior Trevor Davis round out the core of the Eagles stout defense.</p>
<p>Austin Prep has a terrific sophomore blue liner that college coaches and scouts have started to hone in on in Peabody's J.J. Layton. The big, bruising defenseman has played physically and kept opponents from cutting into the middle.</p>
<p>He's been noticeable several times throughout the season, but he had his best game in the Super 8 opener at the TD Garden in his team's 2-1 win over Central Catholic. Layton performed well at last summer's USA Hockey Select 16 Festival and was drafted in last summer's USHL Draft by the Omaha Lancers.</p>
<p>Like Shea at BC High, Layton has a steady senior to follow on the blue line. Captain Andrew Cross has been a calming presence on Lou Finnochiaro's defense for a few years and is one of the more reliable defenders in the state.</p>
<p><b>Goaltender's duel:</b></p>
<p>The nightcap will also provide what should be a terrific goaltending duel between BC High sophomore Brandon Payzant and Austin Prep junior Elijah Harris.</p>
<p>Harris, the undersized goaltender out of Haverhill, Mass., really took the scouting world by storm last spring and summer with his performance in this tournament and at various prospect camps, namely the USA Hockey Select 16 Festival and the Beantown Classic.</p>
<p>He's quick in net, but being undersized and not taking up as much of the net as some of his bigger colleagues, he tries to be in position at all times to limit the need for making the acrobatic stop.</p>
<p>Payzant, a much bigger goaltender, is in his first year starting for BC High after being under the tutelage of Bowdoin recruit Peter Cronin last season. Payzant, a sophomore, has really dedicated himself to his craft and has been the best player on the ice for his team during several games this season, including last week's game against Xaverian.</p>
<p><b>Offensive appeal</b>:</p>
<p>In a game that is likely to be low-scoring, one big play by an offensive superstar might be the difference. Austin Prep junior Bobo Carpenter, a BU recruit, is certainly the offensive threat with the most upside in this game. The son of NHL veteran Bobby Carpenter, he has a heavy shot and when he turns on the jets, he can really create havoc.</p>
<p>AP sophomore Eric MacAdams, injured for much of the regular season, has terrific hands and was the team's most consistent threat in the first round.</p>
<p>For the Eagles, in addition to Merrimack recruit Patrick Kramer returning to the ice, Flaherty has several upperclassmen he relies on to contribute offensively. Senior Steve DeForge is one of those players who brings it every shift and is tenacious on the forecheck. He also has a good, hard shot and isn't afraid to go into the dirty areas to dig for pucks.</p>
<p>BC High juniors Jake Lemanski and Tim Larocque are two other offensive contributors who could have an impact on this game.</p>
<p><b>Keys to the game:</b></p>
<p>This should be a low scoring game with high intensity and the nerves will pick up, especially the longer the game goes without a decisive lead for either team. Both teams need to stick to their systems that work and not try to force anything.</p>
<p>Two of the best young goaltenders in the state are battling it out tonight. There is a good chance this game is decided by which young star plays best between the pipes.</p>
<p><i>Jeff Cox covers college, junior and high school hockey, NCAA recruiting and NHL Draft prospects. Follow him on twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jeffcoxsbnation" target="_blank">@JeffCoxSBNation</a>.</i></p>
https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/high-school-hockey/2014/3/13/5504074/miaa-hockey-super-8-semifinal-preview-bc-high-austin-prep-malden-catholic-springfield-cathedralJeff Cox2014-03-10T10:16:52-07:002014-03-10T10:16:52-07:00Super 8 semifinal games moved to Thursday
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<img alt="Malden Catholic players celebrate a goal against Catholic Memorial at the Tsongas Center." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Jk3Qa0wXGO_l38yw_02th2Av-b8=/12x0:612x400/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29891565/mc_vs_cm.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Malden Catholic players celebrate a goal against Catholic Memorial at the Tsongas Center. | Justin Söderberg (www.viewfrom123.com)</figcaption>
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<p>Winter weather continues to have a negative impact on the scheduling of hockey games this season.</p> <p>LOWELL -- The Super 8 semifinal games originally scheduled for Wednesday night have been pushed back to Thursday due to the impending winter weather scheduled to hit the region on Wednesday.</p>
<p>No. 2 Malden Catholic, the three-time defending champion, will take on No. 3 Springfield Cathedral at 6 p.m., followed by No. 1 BC High and No. 4 Austin Prep squaring off in the nightcap. Both games will still be played at the Tsongas Center on the campus of UMass Lowell.</p>
<p>Super 8: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/high-school-hockey/2014/2/23/5439804/miaa-super-8-tournament-schedule-bc-high-malden-catholic-cathedral-td-garden-tsongas-center-stoneham">Full Schedule/Results</a></p>
<p><i>Jeff Cox covers college, junior and high school hockey, NCAA recruiting and NHL Draft prospects. Follow him on twitter <a target="_blank" href="http://www.twitter.com/jeffcoxsbnation">@JeffCoxSBNation</a>.</i></p>
https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/high-school-hockey/2014/3/10/5491256/super-8-semifinal-games-moved-to-thursday-at-tsongas-center-snow-stormJeff Cox2014-03-06T21:14:10-08:002014-03-06T21:14:10-08:00Springfield Cathedral cruises past Duxbury
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<p>UMass commit John Leonard had four points on the game.</p> <p> </p>
<p>Lowell, Mass. - Springfield Cathedral's big offensive weapons came to play on Thursday night at the Tsongas Center, as the Panthers advanced to the Super 8 semifinals for the first time in school history with a 6-3 victory over Duxbury.</p>
<p>UMass commit John Leonard had two goals and two assists to pace the offense. Quinnipiac recruit D.J. Petruzzelli had three assists while Holy Cross commit Peter Crinella also had two goals. Freshmen Dan Petrick and Riley Prattson added goals for the Panthers.</p>
<p>Senior goaltender John Liquori started in goal in place of freshman and Quinnipiac commit Keith Petruzzelli. The Panthers held a 5-0 lead after two periods, but let the foot off the gas in the final frame.</p>
<p>Springfield Cathedral advances to the semifinals with the series sweep of Duxbury. The Panthers will face Malden Catholic, the three-time defending champion and the team it faced to close out the regular season. Brian Foley's Cathedral team downed Malden Catholic, 5-2, in the regular season finale to win the Cathedral Classic.</p>
<p><i>Jeff Cox covers college, junior and high school hockey, NCAA recruiting and NHL Draft prospects. Follow him on twitter <a target="_blank" href="http://www.twitter.com/jeffcoxsbnation">@JeffCoxSBNation</a>.</i></p>
https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/high-school-hockey/2014/3/6/5479784/super-8-springfield-cathedral-beats-duxbury-cruises-into-semifinals-john-leonard-Jeff Cox2014-03-06T20:59:48-08:002014-03-06T20:59:48-08:00Austin Prep sweeps Central Catholic with 4-1 win
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<p>The Cougars have a date with BC High next Wednesday night in the Super 8 semifinals.</p> <p>Lowell, Mass. -- Eric MacAdams had two goals and an assist as Austin Prep rolled on to the semifinals of the 2014 Super 8 with a 4-1 win over Central Catholic on Thursday night at the Tsongas Center.</p>
<p>The sophomore missed significant time this season with an injury, but was terrific at both ends of the ice tonight, even racing back to break up a CC opportunity in the third period.</p>
<p>"He had a big night for us. He had two goals and a beautiful assist on the power play," said Austin Prep head coach Louis Finnochiaro. "We've been waiting for that from him. He was out for seven weeks and he's finally getting into game shape now. We're pleased to get him going," he added.</p>
<p>Central Catholic jumped on the board first at the 7:59 mark of the opening period when Alex Lester was there to bang home a loose puck in the crease. The play began with a nice pass from Corey Webber to Lloyd Hayes who shot it on net, and the rebound just sat in the crease until Lester banged it home.</p>
<p>"We didn't play well at all in the first period," explained Finnochiaro. "They out shot us and beat us in all the foot battles," added the former Merrimack College assistant.</p>
<p>Austin Prep evened the score midway through the second period on a nice setup from Boston University commit Bobo Carpenter. The junior wheeled around the offensive zone before finding an open Jake McKenelly who fired the puck past the glove of CC goaltender Colin Soucy.</p>
<p>"We played much better in the second period. That McKenelly goal got us going a little bit," said Finnochiaro.</p>
<p>MacAdams scored his first of the night with 4:35 to play in the second period, giving Austin Prep its first lead of the night. Cam Russo and Mike Discuillo assisted on the play that made it 2-1 Cougars heading into the second intermission.</p>
<p>"To get ahead 2-1, that gave us a little bit of confidence," explained Finochiarro.</p>
<p>Defenseman J.J. Layton gave the Cougars some breathing room 7:10 into the third period when he let go a blast from the point on the power play. The puck cleanly sailed past Soucy and into the back of the net. Carpenter and MacAdams picked up the helpers.</p>
<p>"That power play goal was a beautiful pass from MacAdams to Layton. That third goal was a big one," said Finnochiaro of the goal that gave his team a two-goal cushion, and seemed to deflated Central Catholic.</p>
<p>MacAdams added a goal to put the game and the series completely out of reach with 1:38 to play in the game. He knocked a Andrew Cross point shot out of midair and then made a nifty move before tucking the puck up and past Soucy.</p>
<p>Austin Prep junior goaltender made 27 saves on the night. The highly touted goaltender was seemingly well-positioned all night and rarely had to make an acrobatic stop.</p>
<p>"He played sensational the other night [Sunday in game one]," said Finnochiaro. "He played well again tonight. He made the saves we need him to make. He seems to play big in the big games. He did last year for us in the playoffs and these two games have been his best games all year," added the former Saugus High star.</p>
<p>The win meant the series sweep for the Cougars, who will next face BC High in the semifinals next Wednesday night at 8 p.m. Malden Catholic and Springfield Cathedral will meet in the other semifinal at 6 p.m. Both games will be at the Tsongas Center.</p>
<p>"Obviously we have some time off. [BC High] is a very good team. We'll prepare for them. They beat us 6-2 in the Falmouth Tournament. We'll be ready to go," said Finnochiaro.</p>
<p><i>Jeff Cox covers college, junior and high school hockey, NCAA recruiting and NHL Draft prospects. Follow him on twitter <a target="_blank" href="http://www.twitter.com/jeffcoxsbnation">@JeffCoxSBNation</a>.</i></p>
https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/2014/3/6/5480288/super-8-eric-macadams-elijah-harris-bobo-carpenter-lead-austin-prep-past-central-catholicJeff Cox