By HockomockSports.com Staff
Player are listed alphabetically
Mark Ayvazyan, Senior – North Attleboro
North Attleboro’s offense was potent at times last year, scoring three or more goals in 10 games but more than half of them are gone with the graduation of a strong senior class. One of the key pieces back this season is senior forward Mark Ayvazyan, who was third on the team in scoring and eighth overall in the Hockomock League during the regular season. Ayvazyan tied for fifth in the Hock in goals last year, finishing with 13 goals and 12 assists. He’s a creative forward that has a knack for finding the back of the net. The Rocketeers will try to improve on their goal output this year as they make the switch to the Kelley-Rex division and Ayvazyan will be a big part of that.
James Boldy, Senior – King Philip
King Philip starts a new chapter in program history under new head coach Toby Carlow, who will be leaning heavily on his more experienced players as the Warriors try to incorporate a strong group of sophomores and freshmen. One of those players is senior James Boldy, a talented winger who has a lot of experience for the Warriors after logging a lot of minutes over the past two seasons. He’s had double-digit points in each of the last two seasons, including seven goals and 10 assists a year ago. With their top three point producers from last year gone from the lineup, Boldy’s leadership will be key.
Charlie Caputo, Senior – Stoughton/Brockton
Stoughton is coming off its best season in over a decade that included a long-awaited return to the postseason, and a playoff win. Legendary head coach Dan Mark has hopes for a repeat performance, and for good reason as he returns a talented group. That group includes their leading point producer from a year ago in senior Charlie Caputo, who registered 13 goals and 14 assists on the season. He’ll be joined by senior Sean Farley (25 points), junior Colby Strunk (21 points), who had four goals in Stoughton’s season-opening win over Attleboro, and sophomore Cooper Lehman (10 points). Although Stoughton/Brockton isn’t technically competing in the Hock again this season, they are facing off against roughly half of the league, and Caputo is a player they will have to keep an eye on.
Alex Coviello, Senior – Foxboro
Foxboro senior Alex Coviello is one of the most experienced players in the league as he enters his fourth year with Foxboro. One of two four-year players for the Warriors, Coviello’s leadership both on and off of the ice will be key for first-year head coach Eric Galanti. Although he’s a defenseman, and a good one at that, expect him to have a big part in the Warriors’ offense this season. He’s confident with the puck on his stick and has a quick release from the blue line; he’s off to a great start this season with two goals in Foxboro’s 4-1 win over Attleboro. As the Warriors make a push to return to the postseason with a team heavy on underclassmen, Coviello and the rest of the seniors and upperclassmen will play a vital role.
Colin Davis, Sophomore – Canton
It’s never easy for a freshman to step into a team that has state title aspirations, let alone stepping in between the pipes to become the starting goalie. Davis never looked like a freshman last season, jumping in with both feet and playing like someone with years of varsity experience. He stopped 93 percent of the shots he faced and was a big factor in Canton allowing only 37 goals in 26 games. In 11 regular season games, Davis allowed less than a goal per game and then stepped up in big moments during the playoff run, including clutch saves to deny Plymouth North and Gloucester comeback bids. Strong in the crease with solid positioning, Davis rarely looked bothered in goal. He always felt like he was in the right spot to make every stop. Davis adds quick reflexes and good communication with his defensemen and is already one of the best shot stoppers in the league. Canton has won every Davenport division title and the Bulldogs will be heavy favorites to continue that run this season, with Davis providing the foundation on which to build the team’s strong defense.
Ryan DeGirolamo, Senior – Mansfield
Mansfield graduated its top six forwards, so coming into the new season the Hornets will need a considerably more experienced defensive unit to keep things tight and keep scores close while the new forwards get acclimated. DeGirolamo is one of the leaders on the blue line and one of the most physical defensemen in the Hock. He takes some of the skills that make him a standout on the football field to be tough to beat on the ice. DeGirolamo reads attacks well, closes with speed, and is willing to throw his body into the corners to chase down a loose puck or keep an opposing forward away from the crease. A strong presence on the penalty kill, especially in those battles in front of goal, and someone who can step up with a big blast from the point, the key for DeGirolamo (and Mansfield in general) is staying out of the box. The Hornets will play in the Davenport for the first time this season and if Mansfield wants to throw a shock into the league title race then DeGirolamo and the defense will be leading the way.
Andrew Livingstone, Junior – Oliver Ames
Oliver Ames junior Andrew Livingstone had a standout year on the ice for the Tigers, making an immediate impact as a sophomore. He actually led the team in scoring with 12 goals and eight assists for a team-high 20 points. After having a relatively young and inexperienced group last year, the Tigers have nearly its entire lineup back and will be looking to make a push toward the tournament. Livingstone will be a big part of that as he’s a crafty forward with a lot of confidence when he has the puck. He’s a good decision-maker and is willing to find an open teammate as seen by his balance in points last year. His speed allows him not only to be a menace on the forecheck but also dangerous with the puck on his stick as he attacks opposing defenses.
Ben Paterson, Junior – Franklin
Last year’s sophomore class turned out to be prolific in front of goal and Paterson was one of the players that had a breakout performance in 2021-22. Even facing some of the state’s top teams, Paterson was second on the team in points (seventh-best in the league) with 10 goals and 14 assists. He has the skills on the puck to find little spaces in the opposition defense and the willingness to go into the corners and battle to keep possessions alive, which is a key component of returning head coach Chris Spillane’s system. The desire to get to the crease and the ability to pick the top corner from outside the face-off dot makes Paterson a constant thorn in the opposition’s side. His speed in the transition and quick release shot make him a threat as soon as he gets to the blue line. The Panthers have high expectations, as always, and the deep class of forwards that broke into the lineup last season could provide the firepower to keep Franklin atop the Kelley-Rex division.
Colton Scheralis, Senior – Taunton
Taunton has one of the youngest rosters in program history, so Scheralis will need to produce on the ice and provide much-needed leadership. He scored three goals and recorded 10 assists as a play-making defenseman last season, but his numbers should jump up this winter as he’ll start the year back at forward. Skillful with the puck and with great vision, Scheralis could track back into the defensive zone and fire a three-line pass that would spring the Tigers into a quick transition down the other end. That experience in defense will be critical this year, as Scheralis is going to be counted on in all three zones and probably to carry a lot of ice time. Taunton has built momentum in recent seasons, becoming a regular in the state tournament and producing some stunning upsets in league play and Scheralis will hope to continue pushing the program forward even with a squad loaded with underclassmen.
Brendan Tourgee, Junior – Canton
Tourgee was a breakout star for the Bulldogs last season. As a sophomore, he jumped onto the top line and provided 11 goals and 16 assists. With an array of moves in the attacking zone, a strong, accurate shot, and a willingness to embrace physicality, Tourgee has a complete game and the potential to be one of the top forwards in the state. He was able to weave through defenses or skate right through them to create chances for himself and his directness opened space for teammates to get good looks at goal. Tourgee’s vision in all three zones means that he is always a danger to pick out a pass that will spring the Bulldogs into the attack. Canton’s offense draws a ton of attention every season and Tourgee is the latest in a long line of forwards that will be expected to produce the firepower to keep the Bulldogs contenders in Div. 2.