Bishop Guertin boys and girls, Merrimack, HB may make postseason waves
Their tournament ended just two days before the finals in 2020 with Concord and Bedford left in the lurch as co-champions.
But in these next two weeks, like in basketball, schools are hoping for a champion. It’s just a matter of how it’s done.
The Division I contenders are many of the usual suspects, and the same in Division II. The pairings were not released in time for this preview, but certainly the top local contenders in both boys and girls hockey are apparent.
Here’s a brief look:
—
DIVISON I
Locally, Bishop Guertin has proven to be the best team, with depth in scoring (Mike Kiely, Brian Jenkins, Sean Kelley, etc.).
Defensively, Cards coach Gary Bishop has several to count on, including Avery Abbott and Sam Cronin, as goalie John Casey has been improving as the season has gone on.
Nashua North-Souhegan has the stuff to make some tourney strides, still looking for that first tourney win as a co-op. Brothers Mike and Will Dodge, Chris Weeden, and goalie Colin Duckless are keys.
“We’ve got depth on ‘D,’ nine forwards, and we’ve developed a third line,” Saber-Titans coach Bill Kotsifas said. “Colin’s been excellent. So I’m feeling good.”
Still under suspension for one more game after being ejected from a contest last weekend, Kotsifas hopes his team can win its first tourney game so he can get back behind the bench.
Nashua South-Pelham was slated to be back at practice after a two-week pause this past mid-week. It’ll be tough for the Kings to have to play their first game in three weeks in a playoff situation, but that’s how this pandemic season has gone. Look for players like Chase Devins, Dylan Nutter and Tyler Martin to play key roles going forward, for as long as they can.
Of course, aside from BG, the three teams to watch will be Salem – two wins over the Cardinals – plus Exeter, and mainstays Bedford and Concord.
THE PICK: Concord.
—
DIVISION II
Merrimack is hoping to break that semifinal slump (two losses in the Final Four in two years), and the Tomahawks have that blend of veterans and youth to do it, starting with senior goalie Ben Hardy, center Eliot Medlock (a scoring touch of late), Dom Carozza, Joe Pilsbury and others.
Alvirne-Milford has a young team, and will rely on seniors Corey Girouard and Ryan Chaisson. The Admirals could be a stubborn early round opponent.
Keene is in Divison I now, so that takes away one contender, but there are plenty of others, such as Dover and Oyster River on the seacoast, and Manchester Memorial, which made the smart move to go down and has been unbeaten at last look playing a mixed schedule.
THE PICK: Dover.
—
DIVISON III
We’ve missed the Warriors of Hollis Brookline-Derryfield, who had to go on a pandemic pause and were set to return at the middle of this past week with games vs. Goffstown and Alvirne-Milford. So we’ll see, but right now Kennett and Berlin-Gorham are the favorites in the division.
THE PICK: Berlin-Gorham.
—
GIRLS HOCKEY
It’s been quite a season for Bishop Guertin, which certainly has played in a class with a team like perrenial favorite Hanover. Jenna Lynch, Lindsay Hult, Brooke Yabroudy, Kate Simpson, etc. lead a deep and talented team that going into that Hanover game had withstood all challenges.
Souhegan has struggled this season with a young group, so anything the Sabers can do in the post season is a bonus.
Right now, this is BG’s big chance.
THE PICK: Bishop Guertin.