The last poll for 2024 comes after the Christmas Tournaments throughout New England where NZ had scouts at each one to evaluate the players and also the teams. In this weeks poll eight of the top ten teams won their respective holiday tournaments. Brunswick makes his debut at the top spot winning the St. Sebastian’s Holiday Tournament after Kimball Union fell to Noble & Greenough at Flood Marr. Andover wins Flood Marr, Avon won their home tournament, Dexter won St. George’s Tournament, Tilton won Brooks-Pingree Tournament, Belmont Hill won the Lawrenceville Tournament, Holderness won the Lawrence Groton Holiday Tournament and St. Marks won the William Howard Tournament.
- Brunswick School (12-0-2) – The Bruins are the only undefeated team in Prep hockey heading into 2025 and just added the Championship of the St. Sebastian’s Christmas Tournament. This is a team that has depth at every position, particularly up front with a league high 78 goals for a 5.57 Goals Per Game Average. They have given up just 8 goals against in the last 6 games for a 1.33 Goals Against Average.
- Andover School (7-1-2) – Andover went inoto the deepest prep holiday tournament and came out with a championship with wins over Deerfield and Noble & Greenough as well as a tie against Salisbury. They showcased their versatility winning against Deerfield in a tight-checking, disciplined game and then won in a high-scoring back and forth game against Nobles in the finals. This is a deep roster who can score, who can defend and have a maturity to thier game to play a winning brand of hockey.
- Kimball Union (10-1-1) – The Wildcats came into the Flood Marr undefeated but slipped up in an upset loss to Noble & Greenough on the opening game but they responded well with wins over Hotchkiss and a talented Deerfield team. They are a tough team to score against allowing just 6 goals against in their last 5 games; four of which they allowed 1 goal against or less. They have six players already in double digits points including promising performances from newcomers Lucas Siomos, Zach Phillips, Xander Boutilier and Rowan Sang. KUA will only get better as these guys get more experience at the prep level.
- Avon Old Farms (7-2-0) – The Winged Beavers came into their Christmas Classic limping with 2 losses in their previous 3 games. They responded well going into a talented pool and ran the table for the Championship with wins over Tabor, Trinity Pawling, St. Paul’s and Berkshire. They might not have the depth of the teams above them but they have as good a top six as anyone in the league and one of the best goalies in prep.
- Berkshire School (9-1-0) – Berkshire is having the best turnaround in prep hockey under Head Coach Kevin Czepiel winning 9 of their first 10 games with their only loss coming against Avon Old Farms in the Christmas Classic championship game. In their 10 games, they have allowed 2 goals against or less in 9 of them with the only time they allowed more was the game they lost. This is a balanced team who can roll three lines, is structured and tough to score against.
- Dexter School (6-1-0) – Dexter lost to St. Marks on December 6th at home that set them back a bit in the rankings but since then the team has gone 5-0-0 scoring 25 goals and winning the St. George’s Holiday Tournament. The 4-2 win over a talented St. George’s team showed that they are the real deal and can beat top eschlon teams. This team has a few game breakers but they don’t just rely on their top line for scoring and are able to generate offense up and down the lineup.
- Belmont Hill (7-2-1) – The Sextants started the season with back to back losses in early December against Nobles and Governors but have since rattled off six straight wins and a tie against #1 ranked Brunswick (which they technically won in a shootout). They went down to New Jersey before Christmas break and won the Lawrenceville Tournament proving that this team is well positioned for a second half playoff push. Not a lot of holes on this roster and a well-coached team front to back.
- Tilton School (8-1-1) – The Rams have not lost a game against a NEPSHIA team this season with their sole loss coming against Stanstead. They went into the break winning the Brooks-Pingree Holiday Tournament and have impressive wins over #9 Holderness and Millbrook, St. Paul’s and New Hampton. Older team who play a high compete style and getting quality starts from starting goalie Matt Wood.
- Holderness School (6-1-1) The Bulls stumbled a bit before the Holiday Tournament with a loss to #8 Tilton but responded well to ultimately win the Lawrence Groton with wins over Pomfret and Thayer and a tie against Cushing which they won in a shootout. This team doesn’t have Herrington and Van Wie from last year and lost both their goaltenders but their still averaging 5.16 goals per game in thier last 6 games and finding ways to win in a multitude of ways. They don’t have the top line that teams above them have but they are deep, fast and can wear down opposing teams.
- St. Mark’s (7-1-1) – This Lions team has just one loss on the season to Winchendon but went into break after winning the William Howard Tournament. Their win against Dexter looks better and better each week and while they haven’t had the toughest strength of schedule; they’ll have plenty of tough tests in the month of January to continue to prove their poll worthiness.
Honorable Mentions: Deerfield Academy, St. George’s, Noble & Greenough
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images