The boys’ high school hockey landscape in Eastern Massachusetts remains highly competitive, with the top five teams maintaining their positions in the latest Globe Top 20 poll. Dominant teams from the Catholic Conference, such as St. John’s Prep, Xaverian, and Catholic Memorial, continue to exert their influence in the rankings.
The race for the top spot becomes even more intense as Marshfield rises to sixth place, and Franklin impressively climbs five spots to secure the eighth position. Anticipation grows as these two teams prepare to face off in the upcoming Ed Burns Coffee Pot Doherty Division title game this Sunday.
Westford also makes a significant leap of three spots, bolstered by crucial victories in the MVC/DCL Division 1 over Shrewsbury and Andover. Additionally, Newburyport secures a place in the poll following a noteworthy victory over BC High.
The current standings according to the Globe’s Top 20 boys’ hockey poll are as follows:
1. St. John’s Prep: 13-3-0 (previous rank: 1)
2. Xaverian: 12-4-0 (previous rank: 2)
3. Catholic Memorial: 10-5-3 (previous rank: 3)
4. Pope Francis: 11-4-0 (previous rank: 4)
5. Archbishop Williams: 13-3-0 (previous rank: 5)
6. Marshfield: 14-2-2 (previous rank: 7)
7. Arlington: 12-3-2 (previous rank: 8)
8. Franklin: 12-6-0 (previous rank: 13)
9. Reading: 12-4-0 (previous rank: 6)
10. Canton: 13-3-2 (previous rank: 12)
11. Hingham: 9-6-2 (previous rank: 9)
12. Tewksbury: 12-3-0 (previous rank: 10)
13. Woburn: 12-3-0 (previous rank: 11)
14. Westford: 13-2-1 (previous rank: 17)
15. BC High: 6-9-1 (previous rank: 15)
16. Concord-Carlisle: 14-3-0 (previous rank: 14)
17. St. John’s (Shrewsbury): 9-7-1 (previous rank: 16)
18. Newburyport: 13-3-1 (not previously ranked)
19. Nauset: 13-1-1 (previous rank: 19)
20. Norwood: 13-1-1 (previous rank: 20)
As the regular season approaches its conclusion, the competition will undoubtedly become more intense as teams vie for playoff positioning. It is imperative to keep a close watch on these top contenders as the race for the championship heats up.