High School: Ice Hockey
Prep's Kurker to join BU next season
May, 24, 2012
May 24
2:59
PM ET
By
Scott Barboza | ESPNBoston.com
St. John's Prep hockey standout Sam Kurker will be heading to Boston University in the fall, he announced via his Twitter account Thursday.
Kurker, an ESPN Boston All-State first-team selection in his senior year, originally committed to the Terriers for the 2013 season, but will arrive a year early on Commonwealth Ave.
Earlier this week, Kurker was selected in the USHL Entry Draft, 134th overall by the Indiana Ice.
The Reading native scored 32 goals with 28 assists for 60 points for the Eagles last season while leading Prep to the Super 8 crossover round. He is ranked 36th overall among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting in this year's draft class.
Kurker, an ESPN Boston All-State first-team selection in his senior year, originally committed to the Terriers for the 2013 season, but will arrive a year early on Commonwealth Ave.
Earlier this week, Kurker was selected in the USHL Entry Draft, 134th overall by the Indiana Ice.
The Reading native scored 32 goals with 28 assists for 60 points for the Eagles last season while leading Prep to the Super 8 crossover round. He is ranked 36th overall among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting in this year's draft class.
The United States Hockey League held its entry draft tonight and there was plenty of New England flavor to the proceedings.
Here's the rundown of those selected by overall selection:
2. Muskegon - Adam Gilmour, RW, Hanover, Mass., Noble and Greenough.
7. Sioux City - Cam Brown, C, Natick, Mass., New Hampshire Junior Monarchs.
10. Waterloo - Chris Calnan, RW, Norwell, Mass., Noble and Greenough.
29. Indiana - Brian Morgan, C, Windham, N.H., New Hampshire Junior Monarchs.
32. Muskegon - Ben Foster, LW, Darien, Conn., Choate Rosemary Hall.
37. Cedar Rapids - Gavin Bayreuther, D, Canaan, Mass., Holderness.
41. Dubuque - Trevor Fidler, C, Watertown, Mass., Dexter.
73. Lincoln - Ross Olsson, RW, Billerica, Mass., Williston-Northampton.
77. Muskegon - Doyle Somerby, D, Marblehead, Mass., Kimball Union.
89. Indiana - Cam Askew, C, South Boston, Mass., St. Sebastian's.
123. Des Moines - Josh Couturier, D, Newbury, Mass., Boston Junior Bruins.
131. Dubuque - Noah Hanifin, D, Norwood, Mass., St. Sebastian's.
134. Indiana - Sam Kurker, RW, Reading, Mass., St. John's Prep.
222. Cedar Rapids - Jason Kalinowski, RW, Stamford, Conn., Salisbury.
225. Green Bay - Joe Young, G, Hanson, Mass., Boston Advantage Major Midget.
231. Sioux City - Nick Roberto, F, Wakefield, Mass., Kimball Union.
242. Muskegon, Corey Ronan, F, Franklin, Mass., St. Sebastian's.
245. Tri-City - Devin Tringale, LW, Medford, Mass., Lawrence Academy.
250. Waterloo - Ryan Cloonan, LW, East Longmeadow, Mass., Boston Advantage Major Midget.
254. Muskegon - William Messa, C, Lawrence Academy.
314. Indiana - Laythe Jadallah, RW, The Gunnery.
Here's the rundown of those selected by overall selection:
2. Muskegon - Adam Gilmour, RW, Hanover, Mass., Noble and Greenough.
7. Sioux City - Cam Brown, C, Natick, Mass., New Hampshire Junior Monarchs.
10. Waterloo - Chris Calnan, RW, Norwell, Mass., Noble and Greenough.
29. Indiana - Brian Morgan, C, Windham, N.H., New Hampshire Junior Monarchs.
32. Muskegon - Ben Foster, LW, Darien, Conn., Choate Rosemary Hall.
37. Cedar Rapids - Gavin Bayreuther, D, Canaan, Mass., Holderness.
41. Dubuque - Trevor Fidler, C, Watertown, Mass., Dexter.
73. Lincoln - Ross Olsson, RW, Billerica, Mass., Williston-Northampton.
77. Muskegon - Doyle Somerby, D, Marblehead, Mass., Kimball Union.
89. Indiana - Cam Askew, C, South Boston, Mass., St. Sebastian's.
123. Des Moines - Josh Couturier, D, Newbury, Mass., Boston Junior Bruins.
131. Dubuque - Noah Hanifin, D, Norwood, Mass., St. Sebastian's.
134. Indiana - Sam Kurker, RW, Reading, Mass., St. John's Prep.
222. Cedar Rapids - Jason Kalinowski, RW, Stamford, Conn., Salisbury.
225. Green Bay - Joe Young, G, Hanson, Mass., Boston Advantage Major Midget.
231. Sioux City - Nick Roberto, F, Wakefield, Mass., Kimball Union.
242. Muskegon, Corey Ronan, F, Franklin, Mass., St. Sebastian's.
245. Tri-City - Devin Tringale, LW, Medford, Mass., Lawrence Academy.
250. Waterloo - Ryan Cloonan, LW, East Longmeadow, Mass., Boston Advantage Major Midget.
254. Muskegon - William Messa, C, Lawrence Academy.
314. Indiana - Laythe Jadallah, RW, The Gunnery.
All-American lacrosse rosters announced
May, 18, 2012
May 18
11:29
AM ET
By
Scott Barboza | ESPNBoston.com
Several Massachusetts-based lacrosse players, along with host New England talent, were named to the Under Armour All-American game's boys' and girls' rosters on Thursday.
Duxbury defender Max Randall and Beverly's Will Ryan, goaltender at Avon Old Farms (Conn.), will represent the Bay State on the North boys' roster. They will be joined by a talented trio from Darien (Conn.) representing New England, as Blue Wave defender Tony Britton, attack Case Matheis and midfielder Henry West all made the squad.
Also, Deerfield Academy goaltender Luke Aaron, a native of Great Falls, Va., will play with the South squad.
On the girls' side, Massachusetts is well represented with six players. Lincoln-Sudbury's Madison Acton, Thayer Academy's Bryn Boucher (Hningham) and Westwood's Laura McHoul will all patrol the midfield on the North roster while Andover's Anne Farnham and Needham's Tory Waldstein will bolster the defensive corps in front of Governor's Academy goaltender Kelsey Duryea (Beverly).
The Under Armour All-American game will be played at Johnny Unitas Stadium at Towson University in Towson, Md., on June 30. The girls’ All-American game will begin at 5 p.m. followed by the boys’ game at 8 p.m. The boys' game will be broadcast live on ESPNU at 8 p.m.
The complete game rosters can be found here.
Duxbury defender Max Randall and Beverly's Will Ryan, goaltender at Avon Old Farms (Conn.), will represent the Bay State on the North boys' roster. They will be joined by a talented trio from Darien (Conn.) representing New England, as Blue Wave defender Tony Britton, attack Case Matheis and midfielder Henry West all made the squad.
Also, Deerfield Academy goaltender Luke Aaron, a native of Great Falls, Va., will play with the South squad.
On the girls' side, Massachusetts is well represented with six players. Lincoln-Sudbury's Madison Acton, Thayer Academy's Bryn Boucher (Hningham) and Westwood's Laura McHoul will all patrol the midfield on the North roster while Andover's Anne Farnham and Needham's Tory Waldstein will bolster the defensive corps in front of Governor's Academy goaltender Kelsey Duryea (Beverly).
The Under Armour All-American game will be played at Johnny Unitas Stadium at Towson University in Towson, Md., on June 30. The girls’ All-American game will begin at 5 p.m. followed by the boys’ game at 8 p.m. The boys' game will be broadcast live on ESPNU at 8 p.m.
The complete game rosters can be found here.
New England Roundup: Rhode Island
May, 17, 2012
May 17
10:07
PM ET
By Mike Scandura | ESPNBoston.com
At face value, the La Salle Academy boys’ lacrosse team should have been devastated last spring by graduation when six All-State players – including All-Americans Ryan Poirier (midfield) and Cody O’Donnell (defender) - departed via the cap-and-gown route.
Not quite.
Through games of May 15, the Rams were sitting atop Division I with an 8-0 record and were leading in both goals scored (107) plus goals allowed (48).
Most importantly, the Rams have established themselves as the team to beat in their pursuit of the first state championship since the school added the sport.
Over the previous four seasons, coach Steve O’Donnell’s team posted a combined record of 44-3. But the Rams have lost three times in the finals – in 2008 to North Kingstown, in 2010 to Moses Brown and in 2011 to Hendricken.
But the returning veterans have keyed La Salle’s run to a possible undefeated season.
For example, All-American attack Brady O’Donnell scored five goals in this week’s 12-9 victory over North Kingstown. And in a 7-5 non-league victory over Bishop Guertin, a Division I school from Nashua, N.H., O’Donnell collected a hat trick.
Second Team All-State midfielder Jack Collins fired home seven goals and assisted on another in a 12-8 win over Hendricken.
Senior midfielder Dan Lucchetti scored three goals and assisted on one when La Salle beat the Hawks, 11-7, in the teams’ rematch.
Senior midfielder Sam Ricci added one goal plus four assists in the second win over the Hawks.
Sophomore Peter DeSimone has played well at attack and recorded four goals plus an assist in that 11-7 win over Hendricken.
TOLMAN CLINCHES PENNANT
With three games left in the regular season, Tolman clinched the Division II-Central title on May 15 by blanking Mount Pleasant, 3-0, as Andrew Larson and Carlos Sanabria combined on a six-hitter.
That was the latest in a string of impressive victories for the Tigers (13-3 in league play and 14-3 overall).
Against arch-rival Shea, Sanabria tossed a two-hitter replete with one walk and 12 strikeouts as the Tigers prevailed, 10-0. Sanabria also went 4-for-5 at the plate with three RBI.
Earlier, Tolman received another solid mound performance from Larson who went the distance on a five-hitter as the Tigers edged Classical, 2-1.
Not quite.
Through games of May 15, the Rams were sitting atop Division I with an 8-0 record and were leading in both goals scored (107) plus goals allowed (48).
Most importantly, the Rams have established themselves as the team to beat in their pursuit of the first state championship since the school added the sport.
Over the previous four seasons, coach Steve O’Donnell’s team posted a combined record of 44-3. But the Rams have lost three times in the finals – in 2008 to North Kingstown, in 2010 to Moses Brown and in 2011 to Hendricken.
But the returning veterans have keyed La Salle’s run to a possible undefeated season.
For example, All-American attack Brady O’Donnell scored five goals in this week’s 12-9 victory over North Kingstown. And in a 7-5 non-league victory over Bishop Guertin, a Division I school from Nashua, N.H., O’Donnell collected a hat trick.
Second Team All-State midfielder Jack Collins fired home seven goals and assisted on another in a 12-8 win over Hendricken.
Senior midfielder Dan Lucchetti scored three goals and assisted on one when La Salle beat the Hawks, 11-7, in the teams’ rematch.
Senior midfielder Sam Ricci added one goal plus four assists in the second win over the Hawks.
Sophomore Peter DeSimone has played well at attack and recorded four goals plus an assist in that 11-7 win over Hendricken.
TOLMAN CLINCHES PENNANT
With three games left in the regular season, Tolman clinched the Division II-Central title on May 15 by blanking Mount Pleasant, 3-0, as Andrew Larson and Carlos Sanabria combined on a six-hitter.
That was the latest in a string of impressive victories for the Tigers (13-3 in league play and 14-3 overall).
Against arch-rival Shea, Sanabria tossed a two-hitter replete with one walk and 12 strikeouts as the Tigers prevailed, 10-0. Sanabria also went 4-for-5 at the plate with three RBI.
Earlier, Tolman received another solid mound performance from Larson who went the distance on a five-hitter as the Tigers edged Classical, 2-1.
The following coaches will be honored at the Second Annual Coach of the Year/Student Athlete Banquet on May 30, 2012. Each coach below has been named Coach of the Year by the MIAA for their respective sport:
Robert Mahoney, Notre Dame (Tyngsborough) -- Girls Volleyball
Amelia Davis, Algonquin -- Gymnastics
Kevin Burchill, Braintree -- Girls Ice Hockey
Jack Stoddard, Duxbury -- Boys Golf
Alex Naumann, Everett -- Boys Ice Hockey
Michael Foley, Framingham -- Swim
Fred Jewett, Hingham -- Indoor Track
Jim Leonard, King Philip -- Softball
Phil Maia, Lowell -- Cross Country
David Duffy, Needham -- Football
Frank Carey, North Reading -- Baseball
Rick Kates, Notre Dame (Hingham) -- Outdoor Track
David Gianferante, Notre Dame (Hingham) -- Girls Golf
Kim Penney, Reading -- Girls Basketball
David Curley, Rockport -- Boys Soccer
Ed Scollan, Westford -- Boys Basketball
Leslie Frank, Westwood -- Girls Lacrosse
Robert Mahoney, Notre Dame (Tyngsborough) -- Girls Volleyball
Amelia Davis, Algonquin -- Gymnastics
Kevin Burchill, Braintree -- Girls Ice Hockey
Jack Stoddard, Duxbury -- Boys Golf
Alex Naumann, Everett -- Boys Ice Hockey
Michael Foley, Framingham -- Swim
Fred Jewett, Hingham -- Indoor Track
Jim Leonard, King Philip -- Softball
Phil Maia, Lowell -- Cross Country
David Duffy, Needham -- Football
Frank Carey, North Reading -- Baseball
Rick Kates, Notre Dame (Hingham) -- Outdoor Track
David Gianferante, Notre Dame (Hingham) -- Girls Golf
Kim Penney, Reading -- Girls Basketball
David Curley, Rockport -- Boys Soccer
Ed Scollan, Westford -- Boys Basketball
Leslie Frank, Westwood -- Girls Lacrosse
Former SML standout Foss commits to Northeastern
May, 12, 2012
May 12
6:10
PM ET
By
Scott Barboza | ESPNBoston.com
Former St. Mary's of Lynn hockey goaltender Sarah Foss has committed to Northeastern, Boston Herald and ESPN Boston correspondent Bruce Lerch reported today via Twitter.
In her sophomore season with the Lady Spartans, Foss was named a ESPN Boston MIAA All-State first-teamer in 2011, posting a 0.55 goals against average. The North Reading native also turned in 11 shutouts in 16 starts during her second season before joining the Nation Sports Academy ( in Lake Placid, N.Y. last season.
"The St. Mary's family would like to congratulate Sarah on her commitment to Northeastern," Lady Spartans head coach Frank Pagliuca said. "She's worked really hard to achieve her goal of playing Division 1 hockey and Northeastern was one of the top teams in the nation last season. Sarah is a talented goalie and a great student. Northeastern is a perfect fit for her."
In her sophomore season with the Lady Spartans, Foss was named a ESPN Boston MIAA All-State first-teamer in 2011, posting a 0.55 goals against average. The North Reading native also turned in 11 shutouts in 16 starts during her second season before joining the Nation Sports Academy ( in Lake Placid, N.Y. last season.
"The St. Mary's family would like to congratulate Sarah on her commitment to Northeastern," Lady Spartans head coach Frank Pagliuca said. "She's worked really hard to achieve her goal of playing Division 1 hockey and Northeastern was one of the top teams in the nation last season. Sarah is a talented goalie and a great student. Northeastern is a perfect fit for her."
The United States Hockey League held its annual Futures Draft on Tuesday night and there were four Massachusetts-based players and one Rhode Islander taken in the six-round selection process.
Boston Advantage Midget Major forward and Maine commit Liam Pecararo (Canton, Mass.) was the No. 2 overall selection. Scituate's Conor Garland of the Boston Junior Bruins went to the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the third round. La Salle Academy (R.I.) standout winger Bryan Lemos was taken in the fourth round by the Youngstown Phantoms. Malden Catholic freshman center Ara Nazarian was the first pick of the sixth round, going to the Des Moines Buccaneers. Also going in the sixth round was Dexter School forward Ryan Donato.
The players selected in the futures draft selected were from the 1996 birth year. The respective teams hold the player rights for three years.
However, it is expected that Nazarian will return to MC for his sophomore season as the Lancers look for a third straight Super title, sources say.
Boston Advantage Midget Major forward and Maine commit Liam Pecararo (Canton, Mass.) was the No. 2 overall selection. Scituate's Conor Garland of the Boston Junior Bruins went to the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the third round. La Salle Academy (R.I.) standout winger Bryan Lemos was taken in the fourth round by the Youngstown Phantoms. Malden Catholic freshman center Ara Nazarian was the first pick of the sixth round, going to the Des Moines Buccaneers. Also going in the sixth round was Dexter School forward Ryan Donato.
The players selected in the futures draft selected were from the 1996 birth year. The respective teams hold the player rights for three years.
However, it is expected that Nazarian will return to MC for his sophomore season as the Lancers look for a third straight Super title, sources say.
Cranston West blinked first.
The Division I state baseball champion was clipped, 6-3, by 16-time state champion Hendricken.
That victory enabled the Hawks to remain undefeated and grab sole possession of first place.
Entering the first week in May, Hendricken (10-0) held a three-game lead over the Falcons (7-3).
Tom Pannone was a one-man wrecking crew against the Falcons. Besides striking out 10 he also hit a three-run homer. Pannone picked up where he left off in a 10-5 victory over East Greenwich as he fanned 11in 7 1/3 innings.
Mike King and Reed Gamache personally wrecked Tiverton in 13-0 victory. King tossed a no-hitter replete with six strikeouts while Gamache belted a grand-slam homer.
Pannone again wielded a big bat in an 8-4 win over Mount St. Charles when he smacked a sixth-inning solo homer that snapped a 4-4 tie.
HAWK SKATERS LEAD THE WAY
Not surprisingly Hendricken received the most slots on the All-State boys’ hockey team.
The state-champion Hawks, who ended Mount St. Charles’s run of four consecutive titles, placed goalie Bill Palmer, defenseman Dan Nolte and forward Matt Creamer on the First Team.
Palmer, who was voted MVP honors in the best-of-three finals against Mount, allowed only 13 goals in 15 regular-season games.
Creamer recorded 43 points in 27 overall games. But what was most noteworthy about this honor was that he became one of the very few freshmen ever to be voted First Team accolades.
Defenseman Ben Handanyan and forward Brian Belisle represented Mount on the First Team while forward Bryan Lemos represented La Salle.
TWO LADY RAMS SKATE ON FIRST TEAM
Goalie Holly Scott and freshman forward Meaghan Rickard earned First Team All-State honors for La Salle which captured the Division I state hockey title.
Scott, who was a First Team pick last year, was voted the MVP of the championship series versus Mount St. Charles.
Rickard led the Rams with 17-11-28 totals during the regular season.
Rounding out the First Team are Bay View defender Bethany Fogerty and forward Kiley Colucci plus Mount St. Charles defender Laureen Deguire and forward Brianna Castro.
The Division I state baseball champion was clipped, 6-3, by 16-time state champion Hendricken.
That victory enabled the Hawks to remain undefeated and grab sole possession of first place.
Entering the first week in May, Hendricken (10-0) held a three-game lead over the Falcons (7-3).
Tom Pannone was a one-man wrecking crew against the Falcons. Besides striking out 10 he also hit a three-run homer. Pannone picked up where he left off in a 10-5 victory over East Greenwich as he fanned 11in 7 1/3 innings.
Mike King and Reed Gamache personally wrecked Tiverton in 13-0 victory. King tossed a no-hitter replete with six strikeouts while Gamache belted a grand-slam homer.
Pannone again wielded a big bat in an 8-4 win over Mount St. Charles when he smacked a sixth-inning solo homer that snapped a 4-4 tie.
HAWK SKATERS LEAD THE WAY
Not surprisingly Hendricken received the most slots on the All-State boys’ hockey team.
The state-champion Hawks, who ended Mount St. Charles’s run of four consecutive titles, placed goalie Bill Palmer, defenseman Dan Nolte and forward Matt Creamer on the First Team.
Palmer, who was voted MVP honors in the best-of-three finals against Mount, allowed only 13 goals in 15 regular-season games.
Creamer recorded 43 points in 27 overall games. But what was most noteworthy about this honor was that he became one of the very few freshmen ever to be voted First Team accolades.
Defenseman Ben Handanyan and forward Brian Belisle represented Mount on the First Team while forward Bryan Lemos represented La Salle.
TWO LADY RAMS SKATE ON FIRST TEAM
Goalie Holly Scott and freshman forward Meaghan Rickard earned First Team All-State honors for La Salle which captured the Division I state hockey title.
Scott, who was a First Team pick last year, was voted the MVP of the championship series versus Mount St. Charles.
Rickard led the Rams with 17-11-28 totals during the regular season.
Rounding out the First Team are Bay View defender Bethany Fogerty and forward Kiley Colucci plus Mount St. Charles defender Laureen Deguire and forward Brianna Castro.
New England Roundup: Rhode Island
April, 19, 2012
Apr 19
9:01
PM ET
By Mike Scandura | ESPNBoston.com
Defending Division I state baseball champion Cranston West has picked up where it left off last season.
Through games of April 18, the Falcons (5-0) were tied for first place with Hendricken in Division 1 Central.
And like any good team, the Falcons are doing it with pitching and hitting.
Just check their last three games:
In other games of note:
Senior forward Jarell Lawson led Central to the state basketball championship, the Knights’ first in 20 years.
Therefore, it wasn’t a surprise when he was named First Team All-State.
Lawson averaged 19 points and 10.9 rebounds for the 19-4 Knights.
Joining Lawson on the First Team are North Kingstown senior center Evan Scott (he averaged 16.7 ppg. and tied the school record with 69 blocked shots); West Warwick senior forward Ryan Lawton (20.1 ppg. and 1.35 rpg.); La Salle junior guard Tom Hunt (18.9 ppg.); and, for the second consecutive year, St. Raphael junior guard Charles Correa (20.4 ppg. and 7.5 assists per game).
Second Team honors were accorded to St. Raphael senior forward Cesar Mejia, Hope senior forward Emmanuel Kargbo, Mount Pleasant sophomore guard Kip Stewart, North Providence senior guard Austin Van Bemmelen, Westerly junior guard Austin Cilley and West Warwick senior guard John Morrison.
WAS SILVA PUSHED OUT THE DOOR?
As is the case with many schools, coaches must apply for their positions on an annual basis regardless of their tenure.
That was the case with Mount Hope head football coach Ron Silva. But in what was anything but a “harmonious meeting,” Silva exited his session with school administrators after confirming he would not apply to remain the Huskies’ coach for the 2012 season.
In five seasons at the helm, Silva compiled a 22-19 record in Division II games and guided the Huskies to the playoffs four times.
Mount Hope advanced to the 2009 Super Bowl where it was blanked, 19-0, by Woonsocket.
Silva indicated he would like to continue coaching and noted he’s already received a few offers.
Through games of April 18, the Falcons (5-0) were tied for first place with Hendricken in Division 1 Central.
And like any good team, the Falcons are doing it with pitching and hitting.
Just check their last three games:
- Rich Reo pitched no-hit ball until the sixth inning – the second time this season he’s lost a no-hitter in the sixth – and Frank Pettinato and Tony Crudale each collected three hits and two RBI in a 7-1 victory over Pilgrim.
- Ryan Long scattered six hits and went the distance as the Falcons edged East Providence, 3-2.
- Rob DeCosta led the last of the seventh with a solo home run which snapped a tie and gave the Falcons a 3-2 triumph over Cranston East.
In other games of note:
- La Salle’s Caleb Gardner went the distance on a three-hitter, striking out 10 in the process, as the Rams beat Lincoln, 3-1. Frank D’Amato’s two-run homer and Jon Lapolla’s solo blast accounted for the Rams’ scoring.
- Kyle Tracey threw only 95 pitches and went nine innings as Cranston East nipped Warwick Vets, 3-2.
- Scituate’s Scott Iacobucci tossed a no-hitter, replete with 11 whiffs and only one walk, as the Spartans blanked Davies, 14-0, in a Division II-North game.
Senior forward Jarell Lawson led Central to the state basketball championship, the Knights’ first in 20 years.
Therefore, it wasn’t a surprise when he was named First Team All-State.
Lawson averaged 19 points and 10.9 rebounds for the 19-4 Knights.
Joining Lawson on the First Team are North Kingstown senior center Evan Scott (he averaged 16.7 ppg. and tied the school record with 69 blocked shots); West Warwick senior forward Ryan Lawton (20.1 ppg. and 1.35 rpg.); La Salle junior guard Tom Hunt (18.9 ppg.); and, for the second consecutive year, St. Raphael junior guard Charles Correa (20.4 ppg. and 7.5 assists per game).
Second Team honors were accorded to St. Raphael senior forward Cesar Mejia, Hope senior forward Emmanuel Kargbo, Mount Pleasant sophomore guard Kip Stewart, North Providence senior guard Austin Van Bemmelen, Westerly junior guard Austin Cilley and West Warwick senior guard John Morrison.
WAS SILVA PUSHED OUT THE DOOR?
As is the case with many schools, coaches must apply for their positions on an annual basis regardless of their tenure.
That was the case with Mount Hope head football coach Ron Silva. But in what was anything but a “harmonious meeting,” Silva exited his session with school administrators after confirming he would not apply to remain the Huskies’ coach for the 2012 season.
In five seasons at the helm, Silva compiled a 22-19 record in Division II games and guided the Huskies to the playoffs four times.
Mount Hope advanced to the 2009 Super Bowl where it was blanked, 19-0, by Woonsocket.
Silva indicated he would like to continue coaching and noted he’s already received a few offers.
Locals cracking NHL Draft final rankings
April, 9, 2012
Apr 9
10:11
PM ET
By
Scott Barboza | ESPNBoston.com
The NHL Central Scouting service released its final rankings of North American skaters and goaltenders ahead of the NHL Draft on Monday.
Here's the list of skaters with local ties who made the cut:
(The full list can be found here)
Goaltenders:
Here's the list of skaters with local ties who made the cut:
(The full list can be found here)
27 Cristoval "Boo" Nieves, Kent School, 6' 2.75" 184, C
36 Sam Kurker, St. John's Prep, 6' 1.5" 198, RW
54 Brian Hart, Phillips Exeter, 6' 2.0" 216, RW
69 Chris Calnan, Noble & Greenough, 6' 1.75" 188, RW
76 Danny O'Regan, St. Sebastian's, 5' 8.75" 162, C
77 Jimmy Vesey, South Shore Kings (North Reading, Mass.), EJHL, 6' 1.0" 200, LW
79 Devin Tringale, Lawrence Academy, 5'11.5" 186, LW
88 Frank Vatrano, USA U-18 (E. Longmeadow, Mass.) 5' 10.0" 218 ,C
99 Doyle Somerby, Kimball Union, 6' 4.5" 232, D
101 Adam Gilmour, Noble & Greenough, 6' 2.25" 193, RW
103 Alexander Gonye, Deerfield Academy, 6'0.5" 166, LW
108 Matthew Beattie, Phillips Exeter, 6' 3.0" 173, LW
127 Nicholas Bligh, South Shore Kings (Milton, Mass.), EJHL, 5' 11.5" 175, C
132 John Stevens, Salisbury, 6' 1.25" 175, C
134 Cam Darcy, USA U-18 (South Boston), 6' 189, C/RW
143 Brendan Collier, Malden Catholic, 5' 9.0" 168, LW
145 Kevin Duane, Brunswick, 6' 4.0" 219, RW
166 Alex Rauter, Choate-Rosemary Hall, 6' 0.0" 174, LW
177 Matthew Grzelcyk, USA U-18 (Charlestown, Mass.), 5' 9.0" 171, D
208 Tim Boyle, Noble & Greenough, 6' 1.75" 185, D
210 Zachary Pryzbek, Salisbury, 6' 2.75" 199, LW
Goaltenders:
31 Joseph Young, Boston Advantage AAA (Hanover, Mass.), 6' 1.5" 162
33 Dawson Sprigings, The Gunnery, 5' 11.25" 206
The final MIAA girls' hockey Top 25 poll of the 2011-12 season in now posted here.
The Division 2 state champions, not that of Division 1, finished the season at No. 1, as Duxbury claimed back-to-back championships and held on to the top spot through the final month of the season.
Div. 1 champion Arlington Catholic checked in at No. 2 after knocking off St. Mary's of Lynn during their third meeting of the season at the TD Garden.
The Division 2 state champions, not that of Division 1, finished the season at No. 1, as Duxbury claimed back-to-back championships and held on to the top spot through the final month of the season.
Div. 1 champion Arlington Catholic checked in at No. 2 after knocking off St. Mary's of Lynn during their third meeting of the season at the TD Garden.
The final MIAA boys' hockey Top 25 poll of the 2011-12 season in now posted here.
To no surprise, Malden Catholic finished the season at No. 1, completing a 'box to wire' run as the top team in our poll as repeating Super 8 champs.
Burlington also snuck back into the Top 10 after capping off a Division 1 championship season, while Division 2 state title winner Wilmington also made a good showing at No. 14.
Acton-Boxborough and Milton (Nos. 11 and 12, respectively) were ranked the highest among the eight teams who were not included in our last poll at the end of the regular season.
To no surprise, Malden Catholic finished the season at No. 1, completing a 'box to wire' run as the top team in our poll as repeating Super 8 champs.
Burlington also snuck back into the Top 10 after capping off a Division 1 championship season, while Division 2 state title winner Wilmington also made a good showing at No. 14.
Acton-Boxborough and Milton (Nos. 11 and 12, respectively) were ranked the highest among the eight teams who were not included in our last poll at the end of the regular season.
10 (or so) hockey underclassmen to watch
March, 28, 2012
Mar 28
3:44
PM ET
By
Scott Barboza | ESPNBoston.com
As we wrap up the season that was in MIAA hockey, we take look ahead to next season with 10 (or so) players to watch in the 2012-13 season.
This list is comprised of underclassmen players we saw this season who we thought warranted a little extra attention and who might not be known to all, but who all could steal the stage in the coming years.
1. Tom Besinger, Soph. F, BC High – For what the winger might lack in stature, he makes up for in speed and grit. Although he often gives up size to defensemen, Besinger is fearless in the corners. With a 14-goal, 18-assist output on the season, he could be in for bigger numbers in his junior year with the Eagles.
2. Ara Nazarian, Frosh. F, Malden Catholic – You could make that case that the Lancers’ first-year center was the most consistent player in the Super 8 tournament with five points and more than a couple timely goals. Nazarian figures to be the next in a line of Division 1 prospects to come through the Lancers’ pipeline with a blend of speed and crafty stickwork.
3. Casey Fitzgerald, Frosh. F, Malden Catholic – Speaking of the Lancers’ front-line talent, the first-year blue-liner might have been the best in the state as a freshman. Where his talent can carry him during the next three years is stunning to think. Already a terrific skater, the younger Fitzgerald only scratched the surface with his 2-15-17 totals in 2011-12.
4. Matt Brazel, Soph. F, Hingham – The Harbormen defied a lot of folks’ expectations this season, including us, making yet another Super 8 appearance as a top-six seed. This talented sophomore, along with Sam D’Antuono (9-19-28), will pack a punch for Hingham as long as they don the sweater. Plus, Brazel’s quickly turned himself into one of the top draw-men in the state, as evidenced during the Super 8 tournament.
5. John Carlson, Soph. D, Hingham – The Harbormen blue-liner plays a bit like his Washington Capitals’ namesake, as a rugged physical presence who’s also able to make tape-to-tape breakout passes consistently. Carlson put up 2-10-12 totals last season and was named to the MSHCA Sophomore/Junior all-star team.
6. Dan Eruzione, Soph. F, Winthrop – Eruzione was a driving force behind the Vikings’ Div. 2 North finals appearance and was part of one of the state’s most feared scoring duos along with Chris LeBlanc. He scored 15 goals with 24 assists for 39 points on the season.
7. Mike Donadio, Soph. G, Franklin – A big reason why the Panthers made a repeat appearance at the Garden in the Div. 2 state championship game. The netminder posted a 1.64 goals against average and an 89.9 save percentage in his first year as starter.
8. Adrieana Rossini, Frosh. F, Arlington Catholic – The freshman provided a nice scoring complement to senior Natalie Flynn, scoring eight goals along with 14 assists. Rossini loomed large in the Cougars’ Division 1 state championship run, with a goal in the final versus St. Mary’s of Lynn and potting the game-winner in overtime during the Cougars’ semi-final win over Braintree.
9. Marissa Fichter, Frosh. F, Duxbury – Fichter’s play throughout the Division 2 tournament might have been one of the biggest surprises of the postseason. She posted 13-13-26 totals on the season while skating along with fellow first-year players Jane Dudley and Meredith Wright, meaning the Dragons will be set offensively for years to come — not to mention that netminder Rachel Myette is just a sophomore as well.
10. The Falmouth Youth Movement – We couldn’t really pick just one over the others, but the point remains that the Lady Clippers, like the aforementioned Dragons who they met at the Garden, will stay strong. With first-year head coach Erin Blood leading the way, it starts in nets with freshman Maddie Scavotto (1.35 GAA). Freshmen Madison Haberl (12-12-24), Kelly Ferreira (14-10-24) and Rachel Moore (11-5-16), along with sophomore Alexa Scribner (8-4-12) will hold down the scoring while Hannah Ghelfi (1-6-7), Callan Small (0-4-4) and Kendall Stouffer (0-9-9) provide as good a young blue-line you will find in the state.
This list is comprised of underclassmen players we saw this season who we thought warranted a little extra attention and who might not be known to all, but who all could steal the stage in the coming years.
1. Tom Besinger, Soph. F, BC High – For what the winger might lack in stature, he makes up for in speed and grit. Although he often gives up size to defensemen, Besinger is fearless in the corners. With a 14-goal, 18-assist output on the season, he could be in for bigger numbers in his junior year with the Eagles.
2. Ara Nazarian, Frosh. F, Malden Catholic – You could make that case that the Lancers’ first-year center was the most consistent player in the Super 8 tournament with five points and more than a couple timely goals. Nazarian figures to be the next in a line of Division 1 prospects to come through the Lancers’ pipeline with a blend of speed and crafty stickwork.
3. Casey Fitzgerald, Frosh. F, Malden Catholic – Speaking of the Lancers’ front-line talent, the first-year blue-liner might have been the best in the state as a freshman. Where his talent can carry him during the next three years is stunning to think. Already a terrific skater, the younger Fitzgerald only scratched the surface with his 2-15-17 totals in 2011-12.
4. Matt Brazel, Soph. F, Hingham – The Harbormen defied a lot of folks’ expectations this season, including us, making yet another Super 8 appearance as a top-six seed. This talented sophomore, along with Sam D’Antuono (9-19-28), will pack a punch for Hingham as long as they don the sweater. Plus, Brazel’s quickly turned himself into one of the top draw-men in the state, as evidenced during the Super 8 tournament.
5. John Carlson, Soph. D, Hingham – The Harbormen blue-liner plays a bit like his Washington Capitals’ namesake, as a rugged physical presence who’s also able to make tape-to-tape breakout passes consistently. Carlson put up 2-10-12 totals last season and was named to the MSHCA Sophomore/Junior all-star team.
6. Dan Eruzione, Soph. F, Winthrop – Eruzione was a driving force behind the Vikings’ Div. 2 North finals appearance and was part of one of the state’s most feared scoring duos along with Chris LeBlanc. He scored 15 goals with 24 assists for 39 points on the season.
7. Mike Donadio, Soph. G, Franklin – A big reason why the Panthers made a repeat appearance at the Garden in the Div. 2 state championship game. The netminder posted a 1.64 goals against average and an 89.9 save percentage in his first year as starter.
8. Adrieana Rossini, Frosh. F, Arlington Catholic – The freshman provided a nice scoring complement to senior Natalie Flynn, scoring eight goals along with 14 assists. Rossini loomed large in the Cougars’ Division 1 state championship run, with a goal in the final versus St. Mary’s of Lynn and potting the game-winner in overtime during the Cougars’ semi-final win over Braintree.
9. Marissa Fichter, Frosh. F, Duxbury – Fichter’s play throughout the Division 2 tournament might have been one of the biggest surprises of the postseason. She posted 13-13-26 totals on the season while skating along with fellow first-year players Jane Dudley and Meredith Wright, meaning the Dragons will be set offensively for years to come — not to mention that netminder Rachel Myette is just a sophomore as well.
10. The Falmouth Youth Movement – We couldn’t really pick just one over the others, but the point remains that the Lady Clippers, like the aforementioned Dragons who they met at the Garden, will stay strong. With first-year head coach Erin Blood leading the way, it starts in nets with freshman Maddie Scavotto (1.35 GAA). Freshmen Madison Haberl (12-12-24), Kelly Ferreira (14-10-24) and Rachel Moore (11-5-16), along with sophomore Alexa Scribner (8-4-12) will hold down the scoring while Hannah Ghelfi (1-6-7), Callan Small (0-4-4) and Kendall Stouffer (0-9-9) provide as good a young blue-line you will find in the state.
MIAA Media Relations Director Nathan Bonneau forwards along this year's recipients of the Boston Bruins-MIAA Sportsmanship Award Winners.
Complete bios on each winner can be found here. All recipients will be honored before tonight's game between the Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning, at TD Garden.
From the MIAA:
Complete bios on each winner can be found here. All recipients will be honored before tonight's game between the Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning, at TD Garden.
From the MIAA:
For the tenth consecutive year, the MIAA and Boston Bruins have partnered to honor a student-athlete from every boys and girls high school ice hockey league in the state for best exemplifying a commitment to the ideals of sportsmanship throughout the season. These student-athletes were selected by representatives of their league according to the following award criteria:
" An exemplary record of complying, both in spirit and letter, with all league and MIAA rules and regulations during the season.
" A demonstrated record of respectfully accepting the rulings of game officials during the season.
" A record of conduct, on and off the ice that brings honor to self, team, school, and community.
" An exhibited commitment to teamwork by providing all members with recognition of their talents, an opportunity to contribute them to the team, and
a spirit of camaraderie.
" A demonstrated respect for opponents before, during, and after games.
GIRLS LEAGUES
Bay State Conference - Molly McNamara, Wellesley
Catholic Central League - Shealyn Anthony, Austin Prep
Catholic Conference - Emily Lafond, Notre Dame Academy (Hingham)
Middlesex League - Sara Lehman, Lexington
MVC/DCL - Katie St. George, Newton South
SEMGHL Coastal - Kelsey Powers, Duxbury
SEMGHL East - Maggie Travers, Scituate
SEMGHL West - Michelle McNeil, Canton
BOYS LEAGUES
Atlantic Coast League - Cody Murray, Falmouth
Bay State Conference - Matthew Brown, Norwood
Big Three - Jake Adams, New Bedford
Boston City League - Anthony Bruno, East Boston
Cape Ann League - Jonathan Gravallese, North Reading
Catholic Central League Large - Robert Liberge, Bishop Fenwick
Commonwealth Athletic Conference - Kyle Edmonds, Rockport
Coughlin Conference - Brandon Hennessy, Nashoba
Eastern Athletic Conference - Nelson Dickson, Martha's Vineyard
Fay Division - Michael Duclos, Greenfield
Greater Boston League - Charlie O’Leary, Somerville
Hennessy League - Cam Loehr, Lee
Hockomock League - Brendan Burns, North Attleborough
Independent Schools - Caleb Dalterio, Cape Cod Academy
Middlesex League - Brian Gramolini, Belmont
MVC/DCL Division 1 - Pat Houghton, Westford
MVC/DCL Division 2 - Mike O'Brien, Concord-Carlisle
MVC/DCL Division 3 - Max Isberg, Newton South
Northeastern Conference North - Nick Strangie, Danvers
Northeastern Conference South - Michael Harper, Marblehead
Patriot League - Jack O’Donoghue, Scituate
Roy Conference - Sean Burns, Algonquin
South Coast Conference - Tommy Davis, Bourne
Tri-Valley League - Patrick Williamson, Bellingham
The North got the best of the South in Saturday's North-South Senior All-Star Classic at Windsor High School.
North teams won three of the four games at the event, which is sponsored by the Vermont Basketball Coaches' Association and featured some the state's top senior boys and girls players. Scores and highlights from each contest:
Division I-II Boys: Mill River's Nate Salgo scored 13 points and Springfield's Kurt Perham added 10 in the South's 80-69 triumph. Mount Mansfield's Tom Lacy led the North with 17.
Division III-IV Boys: Rivendell's Dylan Pelletier, Blue Mountain's Eddie Soucie and Websterville's Andrew Shuman each tossed in a team-high 11 points as the North prevailed 97-77.
Division I-II Girls: Burlington's Kaylah Jones led all scorers with 11 as the North edged the South 61-59.
Division III-IV Girls: Twinfield's Brianna duPont tossed in 10 points in the North's 82-63 triumph.
DISPLAY OF POWER
South Burlington's Chris Weinheimer scored a power-play goal midway through the third period to give the Austin Conference a 2-1 triumph over the Harris Conference in the Rotary All-Star Hockey Classic held Saturday at Essex High School.
Stowe's Hunter Grosvenor gave the Austin Conference a 1-0 lead with 3:20 left in the second period, but Northfield's Billy Whaley tied the game 39 seconds later.
South Burlington's Nate Young (10 saves), Rice's Ian Koupash (12) and Spaulding's Kevin Avery (seven) were the Austin Conference goaltenders. Essex's Pat Campbell (14), U-32's Mike Bresette (six) and St. Johnsbury's Chris O'Donnell (17) played in goal for the Harris Conference.
Montpelier's Mary Cain made 24 saves to highlight the Harris Conference's 4-2 triumph in the girls game, held March 17.
Middlebury's Maria Ploof scored twice for the Harris Conference, which also received goals from Rutland's Erin Kiernan-Reilly and Hartford's Bethany Bouthillier.
The Rotary games are used to select Vermont's teams for the Make-A-Wish Twin State Classic. Vermont will face New Hampshire's all-stars July 14 at the University of Vermont's Gutterson Fieldhouse.
GATORADE HONORS ST. AMOUR
Gatorade selected Missisquoi Valley Union's Matt St. Amour as its boys basketball Player of the Year in Vermont for the 2011-12 season.
St. Amour, a 6-foot-3-inch junior guard, is the first boys basketball player from Missisquoi to receive the award, which is based on athletic excellence, academic achievement and character.
St. Amour averaged 26.6 points. 12.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.7 points per game for the Thunderbirds, who lost in the Division I tournament's opening round. Missisquoi won the Division II title last season.
“He plays under control and can finish on either side of the basket, and he's also got great range,” Vergennes coach Peter Quinn said. “You have to defend him as soon as he gets one or two dribbles over half-court.”
St. Amour holds Missisquoi's record for career point scored (1,388).
GRIBBIN SELECTS DARTMOUTH
South Burlington's Mollie Gribbin has announced that she will continue her track and field career at Dartmouth College.
Gribbin, who holds the state record in the long jump (18 feet, 5.5 inches), the triple jump (40-9.5) and the 100 meters (12.24 seconds), was also considering Virginia, Columbia, Illinois and Oregon. She also played soccer for South Burlington.
Roger Brown is a freelance writer who has been reporting on high school sports in New England since 1992.
North teams won three of the four games at the event, which is sponsored by the Vermont Basketball Coaches' Association and featured some the state's top senior boys and girls players. Scores and highlights from each contest:
Division I-II Boys: Mill River's Nate Salgo scored 13 points and Springfield's Kurt Perham added 10 in the South's 80-69 triumph. Mount Mansfield's Tom Lacy led the North with 17.
Division III-IV Boys: Rivendell's Dylan Pelletier, Blue Mountain's Eddie Soucie and Websterville's Andrew Shuman each tossed in a team-high 11 points as the North prevailed 97-77.
Division I-II Girls: Burlington's Kaylah Jones led all scorers with 11 as the North edged the South 61-59.
Division III-IV Girls: Twinfield's Brianna duPont tossed in 10 points in the North's 82-63 triumph.
DISPLAY OF POWER
South Burlington's Chris Weinheimer scored a power-play goal midway through the third period to give the Austin Conference a 2-1 triumph over the Harris Conference in the Rotary All-Star Hockey Classic held Saturday at Essex High School.
Stowe's Hunter Grosvenor gave the Austin Conference a 1-0 lead with 3:20 left in the second period, but Northfield's Billy Whaley tied the game 39 seconds later.
South Burlington's Nate Young (10 saves), Rice's Ian Koupash (12) and Spaulding's Kevin Avery (seven) were the Austin Conference goaltenders. Essex's Pat Campbell (14), U-32's Mike Bresette (six) and St. Johnsbury's Chris O'Donnell (17) played in goal for the Harris Conference.
Montpelier's Mary Cain made 24 saves to highlight the Harris Conference's 4-2 triumph in the girls game, held March 17.
Middlebury's Maria Ploof scored twice for the Harris Conference, which also received goals from Rutland's Erin Kiernan-Reilly and Hartford's Bethany Bouthillier.
The Rotary games are used to select Vermont's teams for the Make-A-Wish Twin State Classic. Vermont will face New Hampshire's all-stars July 14 at the University of Vermont's Gutterson Fieldhouse.
GATORADE HONORS ST. AMOUR
Gatorade selected Missisquoi Valley Union's Matt St. Amour as its boys basketball Player of the Year in Vermont for the 2011-12 season.
St. Amour, a 6-foot-3-inch junior guard, is the first boys basketball player from Missisquoi to receive the award, which is based on athletic excellence, academic achievement and character.
St. Amour averaged 26.6 points. 12.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.7 points per game for the Thunderbirds, who lost in the Division I tournament's opening round. Missisquoi won the Division II title last season.
“He plays under control and can finish on either side of the basket, and he's also got great range,” Vergennes coach Peter Quinn said. “You have to defend him as soon as he gets one or two dribbles over half-court.”
St. Amour holds Missisquoi's record for career point scored (1,388).
GRIBBIN SELECTS DARTMOUTH
South Burlington's Mollie Gribbin has announced that she will continue her track and field career at Dartmouth College.
Gribbin, who holds the state record in the long jump (18 feet, 5.5 inches), the triple jump (40-9.5) and the 100 meters (12.24 seconds), was also considering Virginia, Columbia, Illinois and Oregon. She also played soccer for South Burlington.
Roger Brown is a freelance writer who has been reporting on high school sports in New England since 1992.


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