The heck with chalk.
That’s not less than the narrative throughout all 4 boys hockey state tournaments, because the title video games on Sunday at TD Garden are a unique look from final season’s matchups between top-four groups. Just one recreation has each groups seeded that top this time round. Cinderella is alive and effectively.
Two Catholic groups reaching the Div. 1 last isn’t shocking, however the crystal ball didn’t precisely predict No. 4 Pope Francis towards No. 7 Xaverian (1 p.m.). The Cardinals have been a legit pressure all 12 months, although, anchored by ahead Josh Iby. Defensive tenacity stood out within the semifinals to down reigning champion St. John’s Prep, pairing effectively with different important scoring threats to current Xaverian a problem.
The Hawks are up for it. Junior goalie Cole Pouliot-Porter rides consecutive valiant efforts whereas “Playoff Joe” DiMartino is at all times a candidate for a late, game-changing play. Xaverian has capitalized on opposing errors behind its personal depth, and is hungry to avenge final season’s state last loss. There’s a lot to be stated about will in a second likelihood.
No. 3 Canton appears to be like for a similar, returning in Div. 2 for a fourth straight time. Colin Davis has allowed only one objective this postseason behind blue-line standout Leo Owens, whereas ahead AJ Thomas has heated up. It shall be a compelling matchup towards No. 8 Hopkinton (11 a.m.), which averages 6.25 targets within the playoffs. The Bulldogs have a lot to look out for between 60-point scorer Pavit Mehra and 40-point scorer Cam MacPherson seeking a 3rd title since 2019.
Eleventh-seeded Nashoba felt slighted ranked so low in Div. 3, utilizing that chip to get to TD Garden for the primary time. It now faces top-ranked Scituate (5:30 p.m.), that includes a line of Teagan Pratt, James Sullivan and Johnny Donahue that’s mixed for over 140 factors this 12 months. The Wolves want one other large effort from goalie Charlie Mattocks, Dillan Lowe and a deep roster to drag it off.
Right earlier than 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 final 12 months’s double-overtime bout within the state semifinals needs to be suspenseful with the equal expertise on the ice, in addition to the stress. 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 participant to look at.
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
Source: www.bostonherald.com
