DIVISION 1

POPE FRANCIS (9-0) — The Cardinals were a no-doubter for the top spot, outscoring MIAA opponents 63-9, with no one coming within three goals. One of the biggest regrets of the winter is that with no postseason and scheduling restrictions limiting what is typically one of the most challenging slates in the state, hockey fans were robbed of finding out if this was just a terrific team that would have entered the Super 8 as favorites or one of the truly exceptional squads of the last several years.

XAVERIAN (6-3-3) — On the other hand, watching the Hawks’ journey this winter might have been the highlight as they emerged from a cramped Catholic Conference race to claim their first title in 53 years, then ended any debate on who the league’s top dog was by doubling up with the CC Cup crown.

ARCHBISHOP WILLIAMS (12-1-3) — The Bishops nearly made it through a tough slate unbeaten, with their lone defeat coming to St. Mary’s in the Catholic Central Cup final, but getting on the ice 16 times was an accomplishment in itself this winter, never mind losing only once.

CATHOLIC MEMORIAL (7-5-1) — The Knights looked like they might be in trouble after getting blown out by BC High in the opener and starting 0-2, but the defending Catholic Conference champs kept grinding and were playing their best hockey at the end of the year, winning a pair of CC Cup contests before dropping the final to Xaverian.

HINGHAM (14-1) — It comes as no surprise that the traditionally independent Harbormen found success in their one-year spin through the Patriot League, but it was still an impressive showing against a schedule that wasn’t exactly filled with pushovers.

BELMONT (7-2-3) — For the second straight winter, the Marauders had the rug pulled out from under them by COVID-19 just as they were set to compete for a tournament title, this time against Winchester in the Middlesex League final, but they get the nod here having taken three of four points from the

Sachems during the regular season.