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Path of success
One of the most important things here is to create discussion and to promote passionate talk about what has already been a great year for MIAA boys' hockey. I can be reached at jpowalisz@globe.com for anything at all related to the world of MIAA boys' hockey discussion. And I'm up for it all - positive or negative - because there's plenty of you out there who know just how interesting and competitive MIAA boys' hockey is. I'm looking forward to being a part of it here.
When an outside observer thinks of Massachusetts and boys' hockey, there's a few teams that always come to mind. Of course, there are a number of Catholic and public powerhouses, but one team has been an epitome of consistent success in this state and that's the program over on 235 Baker St. in West Roxbury - none other than Bill Hanson and his Catholic Memorial Scarlet Knights.
Winners of the past three Super 8 titles, current Globe No. 1 CM has shown, so far this season, that it's perfectly capable of winning a fourth in a row.
What's most impressive about CM is the success it achieves despite its schedule. Like its Catholic Conference foes, CM has faced off against the best in the state, including yearly rival BC High, Hingham, St. John's (Shrewsbury) and Austin Prep. The path taken so far by the Knights has been close to flawless and pretty remarkable in its dominance.
The Knights, at 10-1 entering tonight's Catholic Conference matchup against Malden Catholic, have soundly defeated Shrewsbury 6-0, Xaverian 3-0, Waltham 8-0 and most recently Austin Prep, 7-1, on Saturday. Senior goaltender and All-Scholastic Brendan Sullivan has reached six shutouts already this year.
More Catholic Conference competition awaits CM, including the same No. 2 BC High team that lost a close 4-3 decision at Conte Forum on Jan. 4. as well as current Middlesex League favorites No. 3 Reading and No. 13 Winchester. Coming up the quickest is an anticipated rematch with No. 8 St. John's Prep on Saturday in Wilmington (2:30 p.m.). St. John's Prep produced the shock of the winter so far in handing CM its sole loss, 3-1, on Jan. 12 at the Canton Sportsplex.
Here's one who thinks that Sullivan and the Cornell-bound Devin twins are ready for the Eagles this time. They'll take a 4-1 win.
