Since I have updated people on various prospects from EMass H.S. hockey, I will now continue with some observations. 1st of all, the EMass talent right now is young. There are many more prospects in the upcoming year's classes than this year, IMHO. But, for the ones who are going somewhere (or at least should be): CM: (19-1-0) Tom Noble, G, (to BU) had 11 shutouts in 20 games, great numbers, but did not come up really big in the big games. The book is still out on him. Jeff Kealty, D, (to BU) (8-16-24) in 20 games. Although he has not proven himself in the HNIB series (summer all-star tourney), he has *always* impressed in the high school games (even against the top teams). Although skinny, his quickness and ranging ability give him the label of "potential." Mike Sylvia, F, (to BU) (25-35-60) in 20 games. Finished second in the Catholic Conference in scoring, his occassional mistakes are outweighed by his creative ability. He will not challenge for 1st line next year, but he will be a good player for many years to come (4, hopefully). Doug Nolan, F, (unclaimed) (12-30-42) in 20. Nolan is not going to be an overwhelming force in college, but his tough, hard-nosed play complimented with good fundamentals will get him into somewhere. If he preps a year, look out! St. John's Prep.: (18-1-1) Kris Hanson, F, (undecided) (?-?-61) in 20. This boy is a sniper. He is not the greatest all-around player, and he is small (short but built), but he just has a nose for putting the puck in the net. He has expressed interest in UNH, UMass/Amherst, and UMass/Lowell (I think) and would be a good pick-up for any of those teams. Personally, I think he would be the best fit at Northeastern under Ben Smith, but that may also be too much of the same for NU. Chris Devin, G, (unclaimed). Well, his coach likes him. I don't. (as a player) Maybe if he comes up big in the tourney, he could catch some eyes, otherwise, he might try walking on as a #3 goalie somewhere. Arlington HS: (20-0-0) Andy Powers, D, (undecided) (36-36-72) in 20. SEVENTY-TWO POINTS FROM A DEFENSEMAN!!! I can not believe no one has gotten their hands on him yet! Personally, I think he may be one of the most hotly pursued prospects in the country once the tourney is over. (legally, no one can talk to him until then) He is the one that I said earlier was the first defenseman in Burns's 45+ years of coaching HS hockey that he has allowed to create and be offensive. Joe Robillard (37-32-69), Mike Ortwein (22-28-50), and Jeff Russell (27-27-54) have nice numbers, but are unknowns in my mind since I have not seen them play against anyone good yet. (They have, but I was not there) Although I have heard nothing about their future, I know UNH has had good luck getting Arlington HS players in the past, so maybe one might turn up there. Maybe. YOUTH: I'll just give y'all an idea of the youthful stars in the Super 8 this year. Ryan Southard (Jr), F, (23-27-50) Arlington Catholic Mike Souza (So), F, (27-27-54) Wakefield (when Wakefield is 19-0-1 in hockey, you KNOW something is not right in the world.) (and the Middlesex League is good too!?!) Blake Bellefeuille (So), F, (25-48-73) Great numbers, now we'll see Framingham play some REAL tough teams. T.C. Harris (Fr), F, (22-26-48) A Frosh leading Matignon in scoring. Ungh! The last time Matignon had a young player leading them, it was a sophomore All-Scholastic named Shawn McEachern. Sorry, Falmouth has no talent. 16-0-4 or not. Competition-wise, that would be like UMass/Amherst making the NCAA tourney because they have a "good" record. Please. They open up with CM. Ouch! To anyone who watches that game this Sunday, don't be fooled, CM is not as unbeatable as they are going to look. I, myself, will not be able to make it this Sunday, :-( but would appreciate any updates on how specific players looked (Dave?). I will try very hard to be at any other games in the future. Tony BU'92'93 Former Ogre