Boys hockey preview and picks
Cinderella is alive and well
The heck with chalk. That’s at least the narrative across all four boys hockey state tournaments, as the title games on Sunday at TD Garden are a different look from last season’s matchups between top-four teams. Just one game has both teams seeded that high this time around. Cinderella is alive and well.
Two Catholic teams reaching the Div. 1 final isn’t surprising, but the crystal ball didn’t exactly predict No. 4 Pope Francis against No. 7 Xaverian (1 p.m.). The Cardinals have been a legit force all year, though, anchored by forward Josh Iby. Defensive tenacity stood out in the semifinals to down reigning champion St. John’s Prep, pairing well with other significant scoring threats to present Xaverian a challenge.
The Hawks are up for it. Junior goalie Cole Pouliot-Porter rides consecutive valiant efforts while “Playoff Joe” DiMartino is always a candidate for a late, game-changing play. Xaverian has capitalized on opposing mistakes behind its own depth, and is hungry to avenge last season’s state final loss. There’s much to be said about will in a second chance.
No. 3 Canton looks for the same, returning in Div. 2 for a fourth straight time. Colin Davis has allowed just one goal this postseason behind blueline standout Leo Owens, while forward AJ Thomas has heated up. It will be a compelling matchup against No. 8 Hopkinton (11 a.m.), which averages 6.25 goals in the playoffs. The Bulldogs have much to look out for between 60-point scorer Pavit Mehra and 40-point scorer Cam MacPherson in search of a third title since 2019.
Eleventh-seeded Nashoba felt slighted ranked so low in Div. 3, using that chip to get to TD Garden for the first time. It now faces topranked Scituate (5:30 p.m.), featuring a line of Teagan Pratt, James Sullivan and Johnny Donahue that’s combined for over 140 points this year. The Wolves need another big effort from goalie Charlie Mattocks, Dillan Lowe and a deep roster to pull it off.
Right before is arguably the matchup of the day, as budding rivals No. 1 Norwell and No. 2 Sandwich battle in Div. 4 (3 p.m.). This rematch of last year’s double-overtime bout in the state semifinals should be suspenseful with the equal talent on the ice, as well as the tension. The reigning-champion Knights’ 50-point scorers (Chris Cardillo and Colin McIver) are countered by Austin Shea and Timmy Ward, making Sandwich goalie Mitchell Norkevicius (Cape and Islands League Atlantic MVP) a signature player to watch.
Flip a coin.
PICKS
Div. 1 — No. 4 Pope Francis, 2-1
Div. 2 — No. 3 Canton, 4-2
Div. 3 — No. 1 Scituate, 4-1
Div. 4 — No. 1 Norwell, 4-3