Congratulations to Rat of the Week winner Connor Guyette (U14)
by river rats posted 11/11/2015
Congrats to Rat of the Week winner Connor Guyette of the U14 Team. Guyette has now won the Rat of the week award twice, his 1st time was coming off a weekend where he scored 3 goals and 3 assists in the lone game on the weekend back in September. He was also a runner up for the Rat of the Week coming off a great Prep Cup tournament. All in all, the Waterbury, VT native has been a force for the U14 Rats all season long from his spot on defense. Considered one of the very best 01 players in the New England, Guyette has had a very strong fall. This past weekend with the MPDHL Championship on the line and the U14 Rats trailing the CT Chiefs 1-0 late in the 3rd period, Guyette shined bright. He scored a beautiful individual effort beating 2 Chiefs up the ice to tie the game at 1 with 5 minutes to play. On his very next shift, he went end to end and gave the U14 Rats a lead in the MPDHL Title game 2-1 with 3 minutes to play. The Rats would hang on and win the MPDHL title. Guyette’s 2 goals were his 17th and 18th of the season. On the season, Guyette has 18 goals and 19 assists for 37 points to lead the U14 Rats in scoring. The Rats finished the MPDHL season going 13-1-1. On the season the Rats are now 17-9-3 and head into the state tournament this weekend.
Patrick Harper of the U18 team has been named a runner up for Rat of the Week. Harper, a mainstay in the Rat of the Week running, has been named Rat of the week twice and now has been the runner up twice. This past weekend, after missing Saturdays 2-1 loss to 495 Stars, came back Sunday against rival GBL Bruins and as always played great in a big game. In a 5-2 win over GBL Bruins, Harper scored 2 goals, the 1st 2 goals of the game to help the River Rats win the title in the Mass Select League. Harper also won the scoring title in the league for the 2nd straight season. He won the scoring title this year by an 8 point margin! The BU commit, finished the 13 games played in the league with 19 goals 13 assists and 32 points. On the season, Harper now has in 27 games played 26 goals 28 assists for 54 points. Harper and the U18 Rats head to the state tournament this weekend as they try to punch their tickets to Nationals.
Alex Hayward of the U14 team was also named a runner up for Rat of the Week. Hayward, stepped up big time in the MPDHL semi finals scoring 2 goals as the U14 Rats defeated Northstars 4-1 and punched their ticket to the MPDHL title game, which they would go onto win. Hayward, of Plymouth Mass and Plymouth South HS, where he will be a freshman, has been a key clog to a successful U14 season so far. In 26 games played Hayward now has 12 goals and 9 assists for 21 points. He will try to build on that as he and the U14 Rats head to the state tournament this weekend in Walpole Mass.
Congratulations to Rat of the Week winner Brian Simpson (U16P)
by river rats posted 11/07/2015
Congrats to Rat of the Week winner Brian Simpson of the U16 Premier team. Simpson, the Seekonk, MA native and Mount St Charles Soph was a stand out for the U16 Premier team in their lone game on the weekend. In a wild game, Simpson scored 4 goals and added 2 assists as the U16 Premier Rats defeated the New England Stars 10-9. The win helped the U16 Premier Rats finish the MPDHL 9-4-1 and await word on league playoffs while also getting ready for state playoffs November 13-15. Simpson in 11 league games has 16 goals and 9 assists for 25 points to lead the Rats in scoring. Simpson and the U16 Premier Rats are 14-7-1 on the season going into the post season.
Runners up for Rat of the week are Craig Needham of the U16 team and James Broderick of the U14 team. Needham, the Lawrence Academy star and Medford native is coming off a wrist injury and is back in stride now going into the state tournament. In a 12-0 win over the Boston Jr Rangers, Needham had 2 goals and 5 assists for 7 points. In 9 games on the season played for Needham he has 3 goals and 9 assists for 12 points. The Rats are 7-1-1 since Needham's return to the lineup. Overall on the season the U16 Rats are 17-4-2.
James Broderick of the U14 team had a monster weekend. Broderick of the Fesseden School and Wellesley, MA has been a big time member of the U14 Rats and has been a huge recruiting target of all prep school coaches this fall. In a big MPDHL weekend for the U14 team he had 4 goals. He scored once in a 3-3 tie with the CT Chiefs and had a hat trick in a 5-3 win at home over the Walpole Express. The 3 point weekend put the U14 Rats in a great position to win the MPDHL regular season title.
Congratulations to Rat of the Week winner Patrick Harper (U18)
by river rats posted 10/27/2015
Congratulations to Rat of the Week winner Patrick Harper of the U18 team. Harper, had a huge weekend, setting the River Rat 2 game goal scoring record on a weekend. In 2 games played Harper scored 9 goals and added 2 assists for an 11 point weekend. On Saturday in an 8-1 win over the Boch Blazers, he scored a hat trick. He followed up that hat trick with an incredible 6 goals and 2 assists in a 12-0 win over the Northstars. Harper was also Rat of the week 2 weeks ago for his play during the league showcase at Northstar arena. Haper now leads the Mass Select league in scoring by 8 points on 2nd place Jacob Kamps of the GBL Bruins. Harper, the New Canaan CT native, and Avon Old Farms star, in 11 Mass Select league games has 17 goals and 12 assists for 29 points. In those league games the River Rats are 9-0-2. Overall on the season, Harper has 24 goals 27 assists and 51 points for the U18 Rats in 25 games played. The Rats are 20-2-3-1 in those games played.
Runner up for Rat of the week is Connor Guyette of the U14 team. In the highly scouted and very competitive Prep Cup, Guyette, the Waterbury Center Vermont native and 9th grader at the Hillside school, was a standout. In the U14 run to the semi finals at Prep Cup, he was a force, including scoring a huge goal in the quarterfinals with 1 minute left to beat Team Maryland 3-2. The goal came right after a tying goal from Team Maryland, off the ensuing faceoff, Guyette took the faceoff win from Connor Wood and went into the zone and blasted a snap shot that powered past a good Team Maryland goalie and into the top corner. Guyette finished the weekend at the Prep Cup with 2 goals and 4 assists for 6 points in 5 games for the big strong Dman. On the season he now has 14 goals 17 assists for 31 points to lead the team in scoring, no easy feat for a defenseman. The U14 Rats are now 13-9-2 on the season. Guyette was also Rat of the week for his play on the weekend of September 20th.
Also a runner up is Drew Bavaro of the U16 Premier team. Bavaro, the Bradenton, FL native and Lawrence Academy Dman, had a great weekend for the U16 Premier team. The team fighting for playoff positioning in the MPDHL Premier division scored 2 big wins and Bavaro was a huge part of it. In Saturdays 8-0 win at home over a good RI Hitmen team Bavaro lead the way with 2 goals and 2 assists. On Sunday travelling on the road to Northstars he added another 2 goals in a 6-3 win over the Northstars which helped propel the U16 Premier team into playoff positioning. The team is now 8-4-1 with 1 more league game to play, as they try to clinch a MPDHL playoff spot. Overall they are 13-7-1.Bavaro, was also runner up for Rat of the week after his play on Labor Day weekend.
Congratulations to Rat of the Week winner Danny Jacobs (U18)
by river rats posted 10/22/2015
Congrats to U18 forward Danny Jacobs of the U18 team on being named Rat of the week. Jacobs, played his best hockey of the season down at the College Cup in Connecticut, leading the U18 Rats all the way to the finals. Jacobs, a Needham Mass, native and Nobles senior, hes a long time River Rat. Jacobs had some big games this weekend helping the team in their run to the finals at the College Cup. Jacobs scored some big goals at the tournament including the game winning goal late in the semi finals as the U18 Rats defeated the CT Riverhawks. He also had a great assist in the quarterfinals as the U18 Rats beat the NJ Hitmen 3-1. Jacobs added a big goal in a 5-3 win over the Tampa Scorpions, while the Avon players were all out. He also had 2 assists against the Buffalo Red Raiders. On the weekend, Jacobs had 2 goals and 4 assists for 6 points. His line of Shamus Fenton, Henry Cormier and himself were great all weekend and combined for 6 goals and 9 assists for 15 points. (Fenton 3-1-4, and Cormier 1-4-5) On the season Jacobs now has 6 goals and 5 assists for 11 points for the U18 Rats that are 18-2-3-1.
Congrats to runner up Vito Bavaro of the U18 team. Bavaro had a very strong weekend playing in the state where he will play his college hockey. The Sacred Heart commit, had 3 goals and 2 assists for 5 points during the College Cup. Bavaro, the Brooks senior and Bradenton, FL native, scored a huge goal for the U18 Rats as they came all the way back from trailing 2-0 to defeat the NS Wings 4-3 in a Mass Select League game. With the game tied at 3 with 6 minutes left, Bavaro scored shorthanded to give the Rats a 4-3 lead and they would hang on for a big win. The next morning against the Buffalo Red Raiders Bavaro scored 2 goals and added an assist in the 7-1 victory, both goal, typical Bavaro fashion as he just blew away the goalie. Bavaro now has 8 goals and 10 assists for the U18 Rats, good for 4th on the team in scoring.
Congrats to runner up Jonah Janaro of the U14 team. Janaro, the Essex Vermont native, has been one of the biggest scoring threats all season for the U14 Rats. He continued that trend this weekend as he scored 2 goals and added 2 assists as the U14 Rats went 2-0 on the weekend defeating the NE Stars 7-0 on Saturday and winning a huge game 3-2 on Sunday over Northstars. Janaro had 1 goal and 2 assists on Saturday and on Sunday he added a goal as they U14 Rats beat Northstars to move into 1st place in the MPDHL. With the 3-2 win over the Northstars they avenged an earlier in the season 3-1 loss to the Nothstars. The U14 Rats are now 10-8-1 overall and are 8-1-0 in the MPDHL as they head into a huge weekend at the Prep Cup tournament. Janaro on the season has 7 goals and 5 assists for 12 points in 8 games played.
Congratulations to Rat of the Week winner Patrick Harper (U18)
by river rats posted 10/15/2015
Congrats to Rat of the Week winner Patrick Harper of the U18 Team. Harper, the BU recruit and Avon Old Farms product, was at the top of his game this weekend. In Saturdays 5-1 win over Eastern Mass Senators, he helped lead the U18 team with 1 goal and 1 assist. On Sunday though is when he shined, in front of many NHL scouts and against River Rat main rival Cape Cod Whalers. Harper scored 3 goals and added an assist in a big 5-1 win over the Whalers. Harper dominated the game in every aspect, scoring 2 highlight reel goals along the way. With the River Rats on a 5 on 3 PK, Coach Pasquantonio threw out his top 5 on 3 killer, Harper. Harper responded by taking a nice pass from his Avon teammate Ben Mirageas and deked out the goaltender for a shorthanded 5 on 3 goal to break the Whalers spirits. On the season, in the big games, Harper, many considered New England U18s top player has shined brightest. In the 2 biggest games of the year against Mid Fairfield at the Jamboree and against Cape Cod Whalers at the Mass Select Showcase, hes had 4 points in each game. On the season Harper leads the U18 Rats with 12 goals and 21 assists in 18 games played. The U18 Rats are 13-1-3-1 in those games.
This was a very busy week in River Rats teams and we have named 3 runners up for Rat of the Week. The 1st runner up is Patrick Moynihanof the U16 team. Moynihan, an 01 playing up at the U16 level, has been great all season but picked up his game another level this weekend. Moynihan, who earlier in the week committed to Boston College, was great all weekend playing his usual 200 foot game. In Saturdays huge showdown with rival Cape Cod Whalers, who the River Rats beat in the Mass Tier 1 Labor Day Tournament earlier in the season, Moynihan started the comeback for the U16 Rats. Trailing 4-1 to a very good Whalers team, Moynihan scored late in the 2nd period to bring the Rats back within 2. The Rats would rally on goals from Max Rand (late 2nd period) and Jack Nisbet (early 3rd period) to tie the game 4-4, where it would finish. On Sunday, he scored 2 goals and 3 assists as the River Rats blew out the Eastern Mass Senators Moynihan, despite being a bantam playing up at the U16 level, leads the U16 Rats in scoring with 7 goals and 12 assists for 19 points in 15 games. In those games, the Millis Mass native, and Nobles forward has helped the River Rats to a 11-3-2 record while playing a very tough schedule against all the top teams in the Northeast.
Our 2nd runner up is Brandon Sherman of the U14 team. Sherman, brought his A game in net this weekend as the U14 Rats played some of the top teams in New England at the Jr Terriers Tournament. Sherman, an Attleboro Mass native, who will head to Moses Brown Prep this fall, played great in both games he started this weekend. The long time Rat, played against the Boston Jr Eagles on Saturday and held the team many consider to be the best in the state to 3 goals while making a number of great stops. On Sunday, against River Rat main rival over the years at the U14 level the Boston Jr Terriers, Sherman stole the show. He helped the U14 Rats defeat the Boston Jr Terriers 4-3 while making many highlight reel saves. The U14 team is now 8-8-1 on the season, while playing a great schedule and has a big showdown with Northstars this weekend back in MPDHL action.
Our 3rd and final runner up is Nolan Donato of the U18 Premier team. Donato, was a bright spot for the U18 Premier team as they fell in both MPDHL games this weekend. The Scituate Mass native and Dexter forward, did all he could to help the Rats win those games. In Saturdays 7-5 loss to the Walpole Express, he went 2-3-5 for the shorthanded Rats. On Sunday, down at Brown, Donato scored both goals for the U18 Premier team as they fell 4-2 to the Northstars in a great back and forth game.
Congratulations to Rat of the Week winner Alex Zafonte (U16)
by river rats posted 10/09/2015
Congrats to U16 goaltender Alex Zafonte on being named Rat of the Week. Zafonte, put on a show down at the Yale Showcase as he played a huge part in a big win over Selects Academy 2-1. Zafonte was strong all game but made some huge saves late including a breakaway save Denver recruit Emilio Pettersen late in the 2nd half. Zafonte, from Concord MA, and St Sebs, has been strong all season and has been at his best in big games. He has beaten many of the top teams in Northeast including a 4-1 win over Yale, a 4-1 win over North Jersey Avs and this 2-1 win over Selects Academy. The U16 Rats are now 10-3-1 and head to the Mass Select Showcase where arch rival Cape Cod Whalers await.
Aidan Torres of the U14 team has been named runner up for Rat of the Week. The Dman from Hingham Mass and Catholic Memorial HS was solid all weekend. The U14 team swept the Springfield Rifles on the weekend. In Saturdays 8-4 win the Dman stole the show, scoring 2 goals and adding 2 assists. He also was called up to the U16 Premier team and was solid for them. On Sunday he added an assist in a 9-0 win. He finished the weekend with 2-3-5 line. The U14 Rats are 6-1-0 and in 2nd place in the MPDHL and are 7-5-1 overall.
Devin Barresi of the U16 team was also named runner up for Rat of the Week. Barresi, like Zafonte was solid this weekend at the Yale Showcase, in front of many scouts. He played very well in a 4-2 win over the Springfield Rifles, making some very key saves, many of which on the penalty kill. Barresi, from Worcester Academy, resides in Raleigh, NC, has been solid all season. He was in net for the finals of the Tier 1 Labor Day Tournament as the Rats defeated their main rival Cape Cod Whalers. Barresi and the U16 Rats are 10-3-1 on the season.
Congratulations to Rat of the Week winner Dan Winslow (U18)
by river rats posted 10/02/2015
Congratulations to Rat of the Week winner Dan Winslow of the U18 Team. Winslow, the Avon Old Farms product, had a huge weekend as the U18 Rats went 2-0, defeating the defending National Champion Ct Wolfpack 5-1 and the RI Saints 10-0. Winslow, was a force in the Ct Wolfpack game scoring 2 goals and adding an assist in the 5-1 win on Saturday night. On Sunday back in Mass Select League action Winslow scored a hat trick and added an assist as they Rats blew out the RI Saints 10-0 to improve to 4-0-0 in the Mass Select League. Winslows 5-2-7 weekend now gives him 12 goals and 4 assists for 16 points on the season in 14 games played for the 11-0-2-1 U18 Rats. Winslow is tied for the lead in goals on the Rats with fellow Winged Beaver Jamie Armstrong.
Runners up for Rat of the week are Michael Kennedy, a Dman from the U16 team and NMH. The 2000 Dman had 1 goal and 2 assists as the U16 Rats won their lone game on the weekend 6-2 over the Boston Bulldogs. Kennedy, who has played a steady D role all season broke out offensively over the weekend with the 3 point night. He now has 1 goal and 3 assists for 4 points on the season for the 8-3-1 U16 team. Brian Simpson of the U16 Premier and Mount St Charles as has also been named runner up for Rat of the Week as he scored 3 goals and added 3 assists on the weekend for the U16 Premier Rats that went 2-1-0. Simpson, while playing at Brown University put on a show scoring 2 goals and adding 3 assists as the U16 Premier Rats beat Assabet Patriots 9-1. He followed it up the next game with a goal as the Rats defeated Weymouth 4-2 in MPDHL action before falling in their 1st league game Sunday to the South Shore Conquistadors 3-2. The U16 Premier Rats are now 11-3-0 overall and 6-1-0 in the MPDHL.
Congratulations to Rat of the Week winner Connor Guyette of the U14 Team. In their single game on the weekend, Guyette, the Dman from the Hillside School, put on a show, scoring 3 goals and adding 3 assists in a 11-0 win on the South Shore Conquistadors. As was the case many times this season for the U14 team, Guyette put on a dominating performance as the U14 Rats improved to 4-4-1 overall and 3-0-0 in the MPDHL. Guyette, now on the season has 6 goals and 8 assists for 14 points and leads the U14 Rats in scoring.
Runners up go to Dan Winslow of the U18 team and goaltender Bailey Strangis of the U18 Premier team. Winslow, scored 3 goals and added an assist as the U18 team swept the weekend series defeating both the Valley Jr Warriors (4-2) and the East Coast Wizards (7-0) Winslow scored a goal against Valley and added 2 goals and 1 assist against the Wizards. Winslow, the Avon Old Farms product, now has 7 goals and 2 assists on the season and is 2nd on the U18 Rats in goals behind Avon teammate Jamie Armstrong who has 9. The U18 Rats are now 9-0-2-1 with their only loss coming by way of a shootout. Bailey Strangis was excellent in net over the weekend as the U18 Premier team came away with a weekend split against Canton Bulldogs in the MPDHL. On Sunday, Strangis, the Portsmouth Abbey product, shined brightest putting on a great goaltending display including a tremendous 3rd period as the U18 Premier team beats Canton 2-1 to move to 3-8-1 overall and 1-3-0 in the MPDHL.
Rat of the Week Winner is Patrick Coyne (U16 Premier)
by river rats posted 09/17/2015
Congratulations to Rat of the week winner Patrick Coyne of the U16 Premier team. Coyne, a forward from Falmouth MA and Falmouth HS was excellent all weekend as the U16 Premier team swept the weekend beating the South Shore Conquistadors 12-1 and beating the Canton Bulldogs 5-4 to move to 2-0-0 in the Mass Premier Development League (MPDHL) Coyne, on Saturday led the team with a monster 6 point game scoring 3 goals and adding 3 assists for 6 points in the 12-1 win. On Sunday, a very shorthanded U16 Premier team playing without players from Lawrence Academy, St Georges, Proctor etc, due to lockdowns, Coyne was moved to defense. He played great D as they Rats gutted out a 5-4 win over the Canton Bulldogs. Coyne was a rock defensively.
Kuma Matsukata was named one of the 2 runners up for Rat of the Week. Matsukata of the U16 Premier team and the Hotchkiss school, led the team in scoring this past weekend with 3 goals and 4 assists for 7 points in 2 games, including a huge 4 point game ( 2 goals and 2 assists) in a 5-4 win over Canton Bulldogs to help the Rats stay undeafted in the MPDHL and improve their overall record to 7-2-0 on the season.
Mitch McKay was named the other runner up for Rat of the Week. McKay, of the U14 Rats and BBN, was huge in the U14 lone game this weekend. He recorded a hat trick in the 6-2 win over Dual State Riverhawks up at UMass Lowell. McKays 3 goals paved the way for the U14 team to move to 2-0-0 in the MPDHL and 3-4-1 overall on the young season.
The River Rats are returning something from the past as the Board of Directors have voted to return the Rat of the Week award. This season after each week we will award a Rat of the Week winner and the 2 runner ups.
The Rat of the Week winner from Week 1 is Dman Reilly Walsh of the U16 team. The U16 Rats were able to win the Tier 1 Labor Day tournament in the Top U16 Division and in the 3 biggest games of the young season, Walsh, the Harvard commit, shined the brightest. In wins over arguably the top 3 U16 teams in the Northeast, Walsh was a standout. In a 4-1 win over the North Jersey Avs, Walsh had 3 assists. In the semi finals against Yale Youth, Walsh had 2 assists in a 4-1 win. He saved his best performance for last as they played River Rat rival Cape Cod Whalers for the title. He had 2 goals and 2 assists in a 6-5 thrilling OT win including an assist on the game winning Ryan Lovett goal. Walsh finished the week with 3-7-10 in 6 games played, but certainly saved his best for last.
Runners Up
Patrick Harper (U18), the BU recruit and top line Center, was simply the best player in the top U18 Division. Harper scored 5 goals and 15 assists for 20 points so far this season for the U18 Rats who are 7-0-2-1 on the season. Harpers, Labor Day weekend also included a highlight reel goal that received much praise on twitter against the Suffolk PAL U18 team.
Drew Bavaro (U16 Premier) Bavaro, a Dman, who is new to the River Rats this season and younger brother of U18 forward and Sacred Heart commit Vito Bavaro, made some noise in his 1st ever games in a Rat jersey. He scored 9 goals and 4 assists for the U16 Premier Rats who started the season 5-2-0. Bavaro was a major threat on the PP and also played well defensively. He also filled in nicely playing for the U18 Tier 1 team for a game on D.
The Neponset Valley River Rats will again be competing at the U14 level in the fall of 2015. The model will be similar to our U18 and U16 split season programs. Much like our 18’s and 16’s, we will draw the top 2001 birth years from all over New England.
The season will begin in late August and stretch out into November. The team will play 25-30 games over 13 weeks, with a Prep School friendly schedule.
We will be a Tier 1 National Bound Team. If we win States in the fall, this gives us the opportunity to join back up after the prep season and compete for a Tier 1 USA National Championship in the spring.
The coaching staff will be made up of:
Joe Shea (Last years coach of the State Champion U16 Premier River Rats) and Casey Goll (Former Pro Hockey Player)
The River Rats have been one of the premier midget programs in the Nation as of late. In 2013, the U18 team coached by Jon Hutcheon won the USA Tier 1 National Championship. Like our U14 model, that team was split season with a roster of top Prep School athletes.
Many players from the program have matriculated to Division I, Division III and Professional teams. Some notable alumni are Shayne Gostisbehere (2014 Frozen Four MVP/Philadelphia Flyers) and Alex Killorn (Tampa Bay Lightning). The program has had 12 NHL Draft Picks in recent years along with NCAA Champions and World Junior Gold Medalists.
The River Rats U14 program ran in 2012 and 2013. Players went on to attend the following prep schools:
Brooks, Lawrence, St. Marks, Avon Old Farms, Salisbury, Nobles, St. Sebastian’s, Belmont Hill, Williston Northampton, Thayer and Proctor.
The U14 roster will feature elite level players who demonstrate a strong passion for both athletics AND academics. Our ultimate goal is to work our student athletes through the ranks providing them with opportunity in the future.
More information regarding the team and schedule will be released shortly.
Steve Bergin (88) left and Adam Pawlick (90) right
Former River Rats Steve Bergin and Adam Pawlick have teamed up to win the SPHL Title for the Pensacola Ice Flyers. The Ice Flyers swept the Columbus Cottonmouths in the finals 2 games to 0. For Bergin it was his 2nd straight SPHL title, while it was the 1st for Pawlick. On the season, Bergin once again led the Ice Flyers and the entire SPHL in plus minus with a +28. He also added 14 assists in the regular season. The playoffs were more of the same as he once again led the Ice Flyers and the entire SPHL with a +7 and chipped in 3 points. Pawlick, led the Ice Flyers in goals with 27 while adding 14 assists for 41 points. In the playoffs he added 1 goal and 3 assists for the champion Ice Flyers.
Bergin last played for the River Rats in 2006 and Pawlick was last a River Rat in 2007. Former River Rats players have now won titles in the AHL, ECHL and SPHL to go along with NCAA and USA Hockey Tier 1 Nationals.
Former Longtime River Rat Erik Foley Commits to Providence
by riverrats posted 04/18/2014
Foley (3) backchecks in a U16 River Rats game in 2012
Congratulations to Erik Foley on committing to Providence College. Foley, a River Rat from Squirts-U16 is argubaly the most successful River Rat to come through the entire youth program. Foley, a 97, was a mainstay on the River Rat 97 teams, leading the team in scoring each season. Foley, who goes to school at Tabor, is an explosive skater with great skills and a heavy shot. He will join a long list of River Rats that have played at Providence, in fact no college has taken more River Rats then Providence College who is a mere 25 minutes from the home rink of the River Rats in Foxboro. Foley's last season with the River Rats was 2012 as he played under head coach Steve Needham for the U16 River Rats.
Barry during 2012 Cancer Awarness game vs GBL Bruins
Congratulations to U18 River Rat Jon Barry on committing to Northeastern University. Barry, a Hanover Mass native, was a 2 year member of the River Rats helping the team win the 2013 USA Hockey Tier 1 National Championship. In Barry's 2 years with the River Rats playing under head coach Jon Hutcheon, assistant coach Kyle Heagney and assistant coach Shawn Hutcheon, he helped the teams go 47-13-4. Barry was solid offensively and defensively for the River Rats, especially this season being a go to guy all year for the U18 River Rats. Barry, played this high school hockey at Thayer and was named a USHR All East member in his senior season.
Barry will join former River Rat Jake Schechter on the Husky blueline. He projects as a NHL draft pick this season finishing the season ranked 147th on the NHL Central Scouting list for the 2014 NHL Draft. He is projected as a 5th round NHL pick.
Former River Rat Joe Whitney made his NHL Debut on January 24th 2014 for the New Jersey Devils against the Washington Capitals. Whitney, last was a U18 River Rat in 2006, as he captained the team before he headed off the Boston College where he won 2 NCAA National Championships. Whitney became the 4th River Rat to play in the National Hockey League joining fellow teammates of the 2006 River Rats team Kevin Quick (Tampa Bay) and Brian Flynn (Buffalo) and 2007 River Rat and 89 birth date Alex Killorn (Tampa Bay). Whitney had spent the last 2 seasons leading the Albany Devils in scoring in the American Hockey League (AHL) Congrats to Joe!
River Rats Dman Miles Gendron has committed to UConn and will join the Huskies as they join Hockey East. Gendron, a great skating Dman from Shrewsbury Mass and the Rivers School will play a year of Junior Hockey next season in Penticton of the BCHL. Gendron will join former River Rat Cody Sharib and current Pensacola Ice Flyers Stevie Bergin as River Rats to have played at UConn.
Gendron is expected to be picked in the 2014 NHL Draft this June as he is the 74th ranked prospect in North America. Gendron was also named the winner of the John Carlson award from the Boston Bruins as they top senior hockey player in Massachusetts!
Hamilton (center) with Geary (left) and Nylen (right)
Former River Rat Mark Hamilton has committed to University of Maine. Hamilton a Winthrop Mass native, is a big stay at home, tough defenseman. He is 6'3 210 and was a key member of the 2013 USA Hockey Tier 1 National Championship team, playing alongside current Sacred Heart dman Mitch Nylen. Hamilton finished his last year with the River Rats with 6 goals 25 assists for 31 points in 35 games played and led the team in PIM with 46. Hamilton played this season with the Vernon Vipers of the BCHL for coach Jason Williamson.
Hamilton will arrive at Maine with fellow member of the 2013 National Championship team, Nolan Vesey. Vesey and Hamilton will look to live up to the large River Rat presence that has been left at Maine by former River Rat and current Buffalo Sabres Brian Flynn.
Congratulations to current U18 defenseman Connor Moore, who committed to play college hockey at Boston College. Connor, a Georgia native, spent the last 2 season with the River Rats, the 1st under Coach Steve Needham with the U16 team, then last season with Coach Jon Hutcheon and the U18 River Rats Last season in 25 games he scored 4 goals and 29 points as an underager. Moore is currently a sophomore at Brooks.
Moore joins a cast of former River Rats that are Eagles including former Captains Joe and Steve Whitney, Barry Almeida and current Eagle Cam Spiro! We look forward to seeing Connor back in a U18 River Rats jersey this upcoming fall!
Trevor Yates from our U18 team has committed to Cornell University for the fall of 2015. Yates, a '95 from Montreal, is in his 2nd season with the River Rats and senior year at Deefield. In the 2012-13 season with the River Rats Yates had a 14-23-37 line in 38 games including the game winning goal in the National Championship game. This season Yates has a 5-5-10 line in 9 games with the River Rats. Congratulations Trevor!
Congratulations to Former River Rat Steve Bergin on winning the SPHL Championship with the Pensacola Ice Flyers. Bergin was a key defender for the Ice Flyers all season long but really picked up his game in the playoffs. In the playoffs that lasted 7 games and ended with Pensacola defeating the Huntsville Havoc in a 3 game series 2 games to 1, Bergin scored 1 goal and 2 assist but lead the playoffs with a plus 7 plus minus. Bergin was strong all season as well scoring 5 goals and adding 9 assists in 56 games.
Bergin was a River Rat for 2 years in 2005 and 2006, in 2006 he co captained the team with Joe Whitney (current Albany Devil AHL) before going on to play 4 seasons at UConn. Bergin becomes the 3rd River Rat to win a championship at the professional level joining Alex Killorn (AHL) and Kevin Quick (ECHL). He will share his championship this year with the River Rats U18 team who of course won the 2013 USA Hockey Tier 1 U18 National Title.
Congratulations to the River Rats Mite team for winning the Hockey Northeast Mite Championship! It was a team effort that enabled the team to win a championship. In the semifinals game against the NorthStars the River Rats won with great puck movement, hammering the opposing goalie with shots and ended up with a 6-1 victory to head to the finals. Noah Falvey, Cam McIvor, and Luke Janowicz added a few to the scoreboard and Jack Watts added three goals to help in the win, with a few key saves from Colin Findlen when we were stuck in our own zone.
On Sunday in the Hockey Northeast finals, the River rats faced a tough test against the Rifles. During the season the Mite River Rats split with them during the season 2-2 so the game was going to be a battle! The key to the game was the penalty kill as the River Rats were called for nine penalties in the game, and killed off all nine and had a huge shorthanded goal scored by Evan Heath. Cody Gordon, Jack Watts and Nolan Feyler each contributed with a goal as well. Cam McIvor played a big role in killing off a few 5 on 3’s, and Colin Findlen played solid in net.
Overall, it was a great weekend for the Mite Major team. The River Rats 10 goals for and only 2 against, and had a pretty impressive effort all around. It was a great team effort, the River Rat Mites started off the year with their first win of the season in Springfield against the Rifles, and it is fitting that the River Rats end the year in Springfield beating the Rifles 4-1 to become Hockey Northeast Champions!!
Former River Rat Brian Flynn has become the 3rd River Rat to make his NHL debut. He made his debut with the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday in New York against the Rangers. Flynn, a 1988 birthdate and Lynnfield Mass native, is a UMaine graduate. He is the all time leading NCAA scorer among River Rat players with 69 goals and 87 assists for 156 career points. He graduated from Maine this past spring and started the season with Rochester (AHL).
Flynn becomes the 3rd River Rat joining Rat teamate Kevin Quick and 89 birthdate Alex Killorn. Flynn and the Sabres play on Sunday at 7:30p on NBC Sports.
Congratulations to former River Rat Matt Salhany ('93) who has accepted an offer to play for the University of Alabama-Huntsville Chargers next season. Salhany will be the first Rat to play in the WCHA.
Salhany, a Warwick, RI native, spent his entire midget career with the River Rats. Matt was part of the 2009 U16 team won the programs first State Championship at the midget level and then won two league championships with the U18 team (2010 and 2011). During his two years with the U18 team Salhany posted a 20-55-75 line in 49 career games.
Currently, Salhany is playing for the Boston Bandits of the EJHL where he led the team in points during the regular season with 41 points in 44 games. Matt was reunited with former River Rats Nick Finn (Holy Cross), Alex Bonito and Brian Miller this season.
"It's exciting to see Matt accept this offer. He was with us for his entire midget career and he deserves this opportunity." said U18 head coach Jon Hutcheon.
Congratulations to former U18 defenseman Holden Anderson who committed to Cornell University over the weekend! Anderson played for the River Rats in 2010 under current head coach Jon Hutcheon, the team went 18-6-2 and captured their first of three consecutive Mass Select League titles. In 20 games with the River Rats, Anderson scored 4 goals to go along with 5 assists.
Currently, Holden is playing in the CJHL with the Hawkesbury Hawkes, he leads the Hawkes defensemen in scoring and is 5th in the league with 41 points. Anderson will arrive on Cornell's campus this coming fall. Holden is the 8th player from the 2010 team to commit to a Division 1 school and is the first Rat to attend Cornell.
A Head Coach has been named for the River Rats 2003 team. His name is Bob Fitzgerald. Coach Fitzgerald coached last season in our Hockey NorthEast League. His email address is
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Congratulation to Rat of the Week winner Evan Heath (2004). Heath, a Walpole Mass native, had a hat trick as the Mite River Rats beat the Valley Jr Warriors 5-0. The 3 goals in the game now gives 16 goals on the season for the Mite River Rats who are 13-4-1 in the league and are 16-12-1 overall. Heath is the 2nd member of his family to find success with the River Rats as long time 98 defenseman and current U14 River Rat Ryan Heath is his older brother.
Heath and the Mite River Rats have 2 games left in the regular season before heading west to Springfield to try to win a league championship the 1st week of March.
Honorable Mention: Cam Martin (99) Scored a big goal in a 4-2 win over Junior Bruins James Donovan(00) Had a 2 goal weekend as the 00s tied and lost on the weekend. Robert McNeice (00) 1 goal 1 assist in the weekend where the 00s struggled Brandon Sherman (01) Only allowed 1 goal as the 01s went to Springfield and came away with a 3-1 win. Bryan Testa (01) Scored a key goal as the 01s beat the Rifles 3-1 Kevin O’Reilly (02) Scored 2 big goals as the 02’s beat the Valley Warriors 2-1 Jack Watts (04) Had 2 goals in a 5-0 win; pushing his season total to 35.
Last night Alex Killorn made his NHL Debut with the Tampa Bay Lightning as the Lightning fell to New York Rangers 5-2. Killorn became the 2nd River Rat to play in the NHL joining 1988 Kevin Quick who also played for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Killorn, a 1989 date of birth, is a Deerfield Academy and Harvard graduate. In his NHL debut he played 13:17 while recording an assist for his 1st NHL point. He also had 2 shots on goal and 2 penalty minutes. Killorn is still up with the Lightning and they play again Tuesday at 730p at home against the Montreal Canadians.
Congratulations to Rat of the Week Winner Michael Curtin (2000). Curtin, the Wrentham Mass native, continued his strong play from the JWK tournament, with a huge offensive game vs last place CP Dynamo. Curtin exploded for 5 points in the game scoring 2 goals and adding 3 assists as the 2000 River Rats coasted to a 10-0 victory.
With the win the River Rats improved in the league to a 13-5-7 record and a 17-10-9 overall record on the season. The River Rats are still battling for bye in the 1st round of the Hockey Northeast playoffs as they now currently sit in 3rd place. The River Rats have 2 key home games this weekend as they faceoff with the RI Saints (11-10-3) on Saturday and the CT Wolfpack (14-5-2) on Sunday. Look for Curtin to continue his dominating play of late in those games.
Honorable Mention: Dan Sliney (99) Had 3 assists at the 99 River Rats beat the 4th place Junior Bruins 7-4. Billy Shea (99) 2 goals in a key win over the Junior Bruins for the River Rats 99s Griffin Lincoln (02) Been hot lately scoring goals in 3 of the last 4 games. 02s split on the weekend. Xavier Felli (02) Scored 2 goals on Sunday in a losing effort as the 02s fell 7-4 to a strong CP Dynamo team
Congratulations to Rat of the week winner Danny Allen of the 98 Full Season team. Allen, the Harrisville RI, native has a strong return to his home state at the JWK tournament this past weekend. Allen helped the River Rats to a 4-2 record as they feel in the Semi Finals to league rival CP Dynamo 2-1. Allen lead the River Rats in scoring with 3 goals and 4 assists for 7 points in 6 games at the tournament.
Allen and the River Rats get back to work this weekend as they square off with the Boston Red Rangers Elite at home on Saturday in Foxboro at 4:40p The Full Season River Rats are now 22-20-5 on the season.
Honorable Mention: Cam St. Amand (98 Full Season) Big strong winger had 3 goals and 3 assists in 6 games at the JWK tournament Joe Sanchioni (98 Full Season) Led the River Rats in goals at the JWK with 4. Dan Sliney (99) Quick forward scored 4 goals at the JWK tournament where the 99’s struggled and went 2-3. Michael Curtin (00) Big Dman lead the 00 River Rats in scoring with 5 points in 5 games at the JWK event as they 00’s fall in JWK playoffs Max Fields (00) Big winger scored 3 goals to lead the 00 River Rats in goals at the JWK tournament. Kenny Demerchant (00) Skilled center had 2 goals and 2 assists in 5 games in Rhode Island. Danny Savary (01) Led the 01s in scoring at the JWK scoring 4 goals and 2 assists in 7 games as the 01s fall in championship game at the JWK Brandon Sherman (01) Goalie was sharp all weekend at the JWK, making many great stops. Austin Ricker (01) Big Dman was very steady from the blue line while adding 3 assists in 7 games Colin Hedvig (02) Led the River Rat program in scoring at the JWK tournament with 8 points (3g 5a) Kevin O’Reilly (02) Big winger scored 4 goals and 2 assists as the 02s went 3-2 at the JWK tournament Nolan Feyler (04) Scored 4 goals and added an assists in 5 games at the Mites struggled at the JWK tournament
Congratulations to Rat of the Week Winner Jack Watts (04). Watts, a Foxboro Mass, native was a force in a blowout win for the 04 River Rats 11-1 over the Valley Warriors. Watts had 2 goals and 2 assists in the game. Watts, a regular in the Rat of the Week nomination has won the award for the 1st time. On the season Watts now has 33 goals and 11 assists for 44 points in 21 games. It is good for 2nd on the team in scoring.
The River Rat Mite team heads down south to Rhode Island for the JWK tournament and will face some stiff competition starting Thursday. They will face off with the Minutemen Flames Elite, Boston Jr Eagles Elite, Valley Warriors Elite, Assabet Valley Patriots Elite, and New Hampshire Avalanche Elite.
Honorable Mention: Shane Hanley (99) Scored 1 goal and added an assist as the 99s split the weekend series beating CP Dyanmo’s and falling to the Northstars Brandon Sherman and Trevor Ivatts (01) Goaltending duo stellar again falling to the Middlesex Braves 1-0 Curt Heath (04) 2 goals in a 11-1 win over Valley Warriors Nolan Feyler (04) Added 2 more goals to his already impressive season total in blowout win. Cam McIvor (04) Scored 2 goals in a blowout win.
2 River Rats on NHL Mid Term Central Scouting Report
by River Rats Hockey posted 01/16/2013
2 River Rats (1 former and 1 current) are on the NHL Central Scouting Mid Year Report. Former River Rat Anthony Florentino who is currently as Selects Academy at South Kent has been ranked 79th overall. Florentino was a force last season playing for the U16 River Rats and is projected right now as a 3rd round draft pick. Florentino is a Providence College recruit. He will join former River Rats Jon Gillies and Derek Army there this upcoming fall.
Current U18 Defenseman Mark Hamilton who is just coming back from injury sustained in the State Championship in November has been ranked 191st. Hamilton, was a driving force in 2 State Championships for the River Rats winning the U16 title under coach Frank O'Connor is 2009 and now the U18 Championship in 2012 under coach Jon Hutcheon. Hamilton had 5 goals and 19 assists for 24 points in 29 games for the U18s this past fall. He will look to add to that total at Nationals this spring. Hamilton a rugged defenseman led the River Rats U18 team in penalty minutes. He is projected as a 7th round draft pick, although look for his stock to raise now that he is back to healthy. Hamilton is a Umass Amherst recruit.
The draft this summer will be held June 30th in New Jersey. Last summer the River Rats had 3 players drafted, all in the 3rd round. Jon Gillies went to Calgary Flames, Shayne Gostisbehere went to Philadelphia Flyers and Chris Calnan went to Chicago Blackhawks.
Congratulations to Rat of the Week winner Cam Martin of the 1999 team. Martin, a Walpole Mass native, had a strong weekend of hockey and was rewarded with the Rat of the Week honor. Martin, who turns 14 on the 22nd of January has been playing his best hockey of the season of late. In a weekend where the 99 River Rats were dominate winning all 3 games by a combined score of 22-2, Martin was solid.
On the weekend the River Rats beat the CP Dynamo 4-1 and 6-1 out in Albany and beat the Valley Jr Warriors 12-0 back in Foxboro. Martin finished the weekend with 2 goals and 3 assists. The 99 River Rats sit at 20-3-1 on the season in Hockey Northeast play and 26-16-4 overall. The team welcomes the CP Dynamo to town on Saturday, followed by a big matchup with 3rd place NorthStars on Sunday in Foxboro as well.
Honorable Mention: Joe Sanchioni (98 Full) Scored the winning goal as the 98 Fulll Season team beat the Boston Jr Rangers Elite 2-1 in Foxboro. Dana Caravan (99) Played on a line with Sliney and Piotti and was solid all weekend scoring 2 goals and adding 2 assists as the 99s go 3-0 on weekend Connor Chambers (99) Played great defense all weekend while chipping in 3 assists offensively in weekend 3 game sweep Brendon Sherman and Trevor Ivatts (01) Goaltending Duo was superb giving up 3 goals in 2 games against the iron of the league; 1st place Middlesex Braves and 3rd place Northstars Ray Ivers (02) Goaltender played well in a 3-3 tie with the Junior Bruins on Sunday
Congratulations to former River Rat Jake Schechter on his recent commitment to Northeastern University! Schechter, a '93 born defenseman from Naples, Florida, spent three years with the River Rats. When Jake came up from Naples to play at Lawrence Academy he played both of his U16 years with our U16 team and played on our 2009 U16 State Champion team under coach Frank O'Connor. After a fall with the Little Bruins, Schechter returned for his senior fall with our U18 team under coach Jon Hutcheon in 2011. With the U18 team Jake had a 4-15-19 line in 23 games.
A four year varsity hockey player at Lawrence Academy, Schechter led the Spartans to a New England prep school championship last March. Jake began this season with the Omaha Lancers in the USHL, but came back to the New England area to finish the season with the Valley Jr Warriors in the EJHL.
Schechter becomes the 9th '93 born River Rat to commit to a Division 1 school and the 8th from our 2011 U18 team. Good luck to Jake in his future on Mass Ave!
Congratulations to Rat of the Week winner Nolan Feyler (04). Feyler, a name frequent readers will find very familiar continues to light it up for the Mite (04) team. The Norfolk Mass native, has now won the Rat of the week award 3 times on the season winning the honor September 18th 2012 and October 31st 2012. This past weekend Feyler went off scoring 5 goals and 4 assists in 2 games as the River Rats tied the Northstars 6-6 and beat the Rhode Island Saints 11-3.
Feyler now on the season has 32 goals and 18 assists for 50 points in 15 games played, good to lead the River Rats in scoring. Feyler looks to keep up the scoring ways as the calendar turns to 2013. 1st test for the River Rats will come after a bye week against last place Valley Warriors.
Honorable Mention: Dan Sliney (99) Had 2 goals and 2 assists on the weekend as the River Rats sweep Hockey Northeast weekend going 2-0 Shane Hanley (99) Very familiar name to the Rat of the Week nomination list, scored 2 goals and 1 assist on the weekend for the River Rats 99’s Mitch Connaughton (99) Pitched a shutout as the River Rats beat the Middlesex Braves 3-0 Joey Janowicz (01) – Janowicz chipped in a goal and an assist on Sunday in Foxboro as the 01 River Rats upset the 1st place Northstars. Janowicz, the teams leading scorer continues to be dominant for the 01 Rats offensively. Cam Turnbull (01) – Turnbull had a key goal for the 01 Rats in a key win over first place Northstars in Foxboro on Sunday. In addition to his goal, Cam continues to very strong defensively as he was key in keeping a very strong Northstars team to only 2 goals. Jack Murphy (01) – Murphy blocked a number of key shots by the Northstars this weekend that often turned into good transition opportunities for the 01 River Rats. His ability to make strong and accurate breakout passes helped the Rats get out of their zone quickly and effectively. 01’s went 1-1 on the weekend Xavier Felli (02) Scored 2 goals in 4-3 loss to the Junior Bruins Mark Hirshom (02) In his 1st game back on the blue line, Hirshom was very solid defensively Jack Watts (04) Had a 4 goal weekend to push his season total to 31 goals as the 04 River Rats went 1-0-1 on the weekend
Former River Rat Steve Whitney reaches milestone at BC
by River Rats Hockey posted 12/30/2012
# 21 Steve Whitney with Current Michigan Dman Mac Bennett (#9)
Congratulations to former River Rat Steve Whitney for reaching a career milestone to add to his already illustrious career at Boston College. In last nights 5-2 win victory over Alabama Huntsville in Minnesota at the Mariucci Classic, Whitney recorded 1 goal, a great high glove shot on a 2 on 1, and reached the 100 career point barrier. Steve Whitney, currently a senior at Boston College, has played in 137 games and has 37 goals 63 assists for 100 points. In his time on the heights, Whitney has steadily climbed the latter of the all time scorers at Boston College and will continue that climb throughout the stretch drive this season.
While at Boston College, Whitney has been spectacular, earning such accomplishments as 2 NCAA Championships. Whitney has also won 3 Beanpot championships and had some highlight goals that have ended up on SportsCenter. Look for Whitney and the Eagles to push for a unprecedented 4th beanpot title and a 3rd National Title as this season wears on.
Congratulations to Rat of the Week Winner Max Hennessey of the 1999 Team. Hennessey, the Dorchester Mass native was on top of his game all weekend this past weekend. He scored 1 goal and 2 assists on the weekend and played his usual strong D. Hennessey and the 99 River Rats went 2-0 on the weekend. In a weekend where both games were at home in Foxboro, Hennessey looked right in place. On Saturday he clipped in an assist as the River Rats defeated the Dual State Huskies 4-2. On Sunday in a big game the 2nd River Rats welcomed the 4th place GBL Bruins into Foxboro and Hennessey took his game to another level. He scored 1 goal and added an assist and was a key force defensively in the Greg Moon shutout win.
Hennessey and the 99 River Rats continue their home stand as they face off with the Valley Warriors and the Middlesex Braves on back to back days in Foxboro this coming weekend, as the 2nd place River Rats look to gain ground on the 1st place RI Saints. Puck drop on Saturday is 1:40p in Foxboro. The home stand will end Sunday as the team head to Albany, NY to face off with the CP Dynamo the following Saturday.
Honorable Mention: Chad Piotti (99) 2 goals and 1 assist in a 4-2 win over Dual State Huskies, as the 99 River Rats sweep weekend, going 2-0. Greg Moon (99) River Rats goalie posted a shutout in a big 3-0 win over the 4th place Junior Bruins. Jason Sullivan (01) The move to Center paid off for the Wrentham Mass native as he was solid and scored a key goal as the 01 River Rats tied the 1st place Northstars. River Rats go 0-1-2 on weekend Ian Hill (04) Lit up the Valley Warriors scoring 2 goal and 3 assists in a 12-1 win. Evan Heath (04) Scored is 2nd hat trick of the season in a 12-1 win over Valley Brady Vitelli (04) Scored 2 goals and added 2 assists in the 12-1 blowout win over Valley
Gostisbehere and Gillies become 1st River Rats to play at WJC
by River Rats Hockey posted 12/27/2012
In todays 8-0 win for Team USA Shayne Gostisbehere (93) and Jon Gillies (94) made River Rats history becoming the first 2 River Rats to play for the United States at the World Junior Championships. Kevin Quick (88) and Steve Whitney (91) were late cuts from the team. Both Gostisbehere and Gillies made their presence felt as Gostisbehere blasted a power play goal into the top corner and Gillies posted a shutout in relief playing the 3rd period.
The World Junior Championship is the best Under 20 tournament in the world. All games are broadcast on the NHL network. The 2013 World Junior Championship is being played in Ufa Russia. The next US game is tomorrow morning (12/28) at 9a against the host Russian team.
Congratulations to Rat of the Week winner Billy Shea (99); Shea, the Medfield Mass native put on a show over the weekend scoring 5 goals as the 99’s swept the weekend with wins over the Springfield Rifles and the Valley Jr Warriors. In a blow out win on Saturday in Springfield Shea scored 2 goals in a 8-2 win over the Springfield Rifles. On Sunday as the River Rats headed north to face the Valley Warriors, Shea had his best game of the weekend scoring a hat trick as the 99 River Rats beat the Valley Warriors 4-0.
A big key to the success of the River Rats last weekend was the play of the Billy Shea, Shane Hanley and Sean Tyer line who clicked very well. The River Rats have 2 Hockey Northeast games this weekend facing off with the Dual State Huskies and the Junior Bruins. Look for more offense from Shea’s line.
Honorable Mention: Timmy McGrath (98 Full) Played very well in 2 losses down at the NAEHL showcase in Philadelphia, standing out in a 4-0 loss to the Philadelphia Jr Flyers and playing well also against the Westchester Express Austin Ricker (01) Played good solid D, using his size and strength to his advance all weekend while chipping in an assist offensively in a 4-2 loss to the Junior Bruins Kevin O’Reilly (02) Scored 1 goal and 1 assist in a 4-3 loss to the CP Dynamo. O’Reilly now leads the team in scoring with 20 points Jack Watts (04) Had a hat trick against the Junior Bruins as the River Rat Mites split the weekend. Has 26 goals to tie for the team lead in goals. Luke Janowicz (04) Had 2 goals as the Mites lost to the Springfield Rifles 8-3 a day after beating the Junior Bruins 6-0. Has 20 goals now on the year, good for 3rd on team. Ian Hill (04) Had 1 goal and 2 assists in a 6-0 win over the Junior Bruins. Now has 29 points on the season.
Congratulations to Rat of the Week winner Michael "Mickey" Mazzoccaof the2002 team. The Goaltender from Walpole Mass, was a brick wall as the 02 team upset the 2nd place Dual State Huskies 3-0 in Foxboro on Sunday. Mazzocca was very sharp in the game turning aside many grade A chances from the Huskies while earning the shutout.
Mazzocca and the River Rats have continued to climb up the Hockey Northeast standings and are now in 6th place with a big tilt on Sunday at home against the 3rd place CP Dynamo who is in town.
Honorable Mention: Shane Hanley (99) Had 2 assists as the 99s beat the Dual State Huskies 3-2 Matt Traietti (01) –A normally very strong defensive defenseman he chipped in offensively with 2 assists in a 4 to 4 come from behind tie against Dual State Huskies. His tenacity and work ethic are unmatched. Teddy Harrington (01)- Great hard work along the wall set up Bryan Testa for a breakaway to tie the game at 4 with only 3 mins left vs Dual State Bryan Testa (01) Scored tying goal against the Dual State Huskies on a breakaway with 3 mins left game. Colin Hedvig (02) 1g 1a in a 3-0 win over 2nd place Dual State Huskies Nolan Feyler (04) Scored 4 goals and 1 assists in a 14-4 win over the Northstars. Feyler now has 25 goals on the season Jack Watts (04) Had a hat trick in a 14-4 win over Northstars, now 2nd on the team with 23 goals on the season Cam McIvor (04) 2 goals and 2 assists in blowout win over Northstars
Sean Vermette named Mite (2005) coach for next season!
by River Rats Hockey posted 12/12/2012
The River Rats are proud to announce Sean Vermette has been named Head Coach for the Mite River Rats for next season. Vermette's last 2 coaching stops were at Milton Academy where he is the head coach of the Varsity B team and the assistant for the Varsity team. He is also the assistant coach for the nationally ranked top 25 GBL Bruins U18 team. For any information on next fall's Mite team contact Sean at
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Congratulations to Rat of the Week winner Sean Connelly of the 2002 team. Connelly, a Franklin Mass native, had a 4 point weekend (3 goals and 1 assist) against the 3rd place Springfield Rifles team. The 2002 River Rats split the weekend series with the Rifles going 1-1, falling 1-0 in Springfield becoming coming home and beating the Rifles 7-3, behind Connelly’s hat trick.
Connelly and the River Rats have come on strong of late going 4-1-1 in their last 6 league games, propelling the River Rats into 6th place in the 10 team Hockey Northeast league with a 4-9-4 record. Tough test this weekend as they will play a home and home with the 2nd place Dual State Huskies.
Honorable Mention: Cam St Amand (98 Full Season) River Rats 98 Full Season leading scorer, scored the tying goal with 40 seconds left in game to force a 2-2 tie with the Boston Jr Rangers Elite. Cam Martin (99) Had lone goal for River Rats in game as the 99’s fall to the Northstars 3-1. Max Fields (00) Scored 2 goals in a 3-1 win over the Springfield Rifles in a big Hockey Northeast tilt Colin Lynch (01) Moved up to forward and came away with 2 goals in a big 6-3 win over the Dual State Huskies. Cam McIvor (04) 2 goals and 1 assist as the 04’s cruise to a 8-0 win over Valley Warriors Brady Vitelli (04) 2 goals in a 8-0 win over Valley Luke Janowicz (04) 2 more goals to his toal giving him 18 on the season good for 3rd on the team.
Congratulations to Rat of the Week winner Brandon Sherman (01). The Attleboro Mass native was great between the pipes for the 01 team this past weekend at the Valley Tournament. Sherman started 2 games and finished the weekend with a 1-1 record against some great teams. He was a huge factor in a 3-2 win over the Boch Blazers making numerous great stops and was arguably even better in a 5-3 loss to a very strong Valley Elite 01 team.
Sherman joins his older brother Grant in the Rat of the week club as Grant a member of the 98 Split Season team this past fall and St. Marks freshman who the award twice before in September 2011 and February 2012. The 2001 River Rats get back to Hockey Northeast action this weekend with key games against the RI Saints and Dual State Huskies.
Honorable Mention: Joe Sanchioni (98 Full) Had a hat trick as the 98 Full Season team defeated the Middlesex Blackbears 9-2 at Governor’s Prep. Joey Janowicz, Pearse McCullough, Bryan Testa (01) This line combined for 7 points over the Jr. Warrior Thanksgiving Tournament.
Congratulations to Rat of the week winner Xavier Felli of the 2002 team. Felli, the Franklin Mass native, was a key component in a big 3 point weekend for the 02 River Rats as the River Rats tied the Springfield Rifles and beat the CT Wolfpack. On Saturday in Foxboro the River Rats faced off with the 3rd place Springfield Rifles and used a huge 3rd period to overcome a 4-1 deficit and tie the Rifles 5-5. Felli was strong in that game scoring 2 goals for the River Rats. On Sunday, the River Rats headed south down 95 for a key game with the CT Wolfpack. With a win the River Rats could move up to 7th in the Hockey Northeast Standings. The River Rats would come out flying and defeat the Wolfpack 5-0. The River Rats would get a hat trick from Patrick Lorden and goals from Xavier Felli and Sean Connelly. Felli finished the weekend with 3 goals.
The River Rats are now 3-8-4 in Hockey Northeast and are climbing in the standings after a slow start. The team now heads to the Valley Warriors Thanksgiving tournament before returning to Hockey Northeast games the following weekend.
Honorable Mention: John Maloney (99) Had 1 goal and 2 assists in CT vs CT Bobcats as the River Rats 99s sweep weekend Chad Piotti (99) 2 goals and 1 assist in 8-3 win on Saturday in Foxboro vs Springfield Rifles Henry Bruckner (99) Great slap shot for a goal on Saturday, played well defensively all weekend as the 99's go 2-0 on weekend. Max Fields (00) Scored 2 goals in big 3-1 win over RI Saints on Sunday. 00's go 1-0-1 on weekend. Brandon Sherman (01) Played well in net in a key win over RI Saints Trevor Ivatts (01) Sharp in net in a win over Springfield Rifles Patrick Lorden (02) Had a hat trick in a key 5-0 win over CT Wolfpack Marc Hirshom (02) Scored tieing goal in last seconds of game to knock the game up 5-5 on Saturday in a big tie for the 02's Jack Watts (04) 1 goal and 2 assists as the 04's knock off 1st place Springfield Rifles Evan Heath (04) 2 goals in Saturdays big win over the Springfield Rifles, River Rats are now tied for 1st place in Hockey Northeast in the loss category.
Congratulations to Rat of the Week winner Derek Barach of the U18 team. In a weekend where all of the members of the U18 team played an enormous role in the team winning the Massachusetts Tier 1 U18 Championship, Barach, a 1995 Forward, was the guy the stepped his game up the most. Barach who has been known to score goals, was great all weekend, scoring some very timely goals for the River Rats. Deciding who would win Rat of the Week this week was very difficult, but it was the goals Barach scored when the games meant the most that gave him the honor.
In Saturday nights game vs GBL Bruins, with the River Rats needing a win to get the #1 seed and the game tied 2-2 late, Barach played the hero. A good strong play from Trevor Yates left Derek Barach in a foot race with the GBL defenseman and Barach blew him away and tucked the puck 5 hole for the lead. He would also embark on a celebration that won’t soon be forgotten. The goal gave the River Rats a 3-2 lead and the top seed in the tournament.
That was the closest anybody would get to the River Rats from there on out as the River Rats put the pedal to the medal defeating the Junior Bruins Full Season team 5-0 in the semi’s behind 2 goals from Rat of the week finalist Tommy Newton and Derek Barach. In the finals Barach made a great feed to Niko Rufo who connected on a onetimer for a 1-0 lead. Barach would then connect on a tic tack toe play from Niko Rufo and Zach Sabatini. The goal would give the River Rats a 2-0 lead and they would go on to win the state title 4-1. Barach finished the weekend with 4 goals and 4 assists in 5 games where the River Rats went 5-0. Heading to nationals Barach now has 14 goals and 15 assists for 29 points in 31 games played.
Honorable Mention: Tommy Newton (U18) U18 leading scorer on the season, lead the team in goals in the playoff scoring 6 goals and 2 assists including 3 goals on championship Sunday. Now has 18 goals and 20 assists in 33 games. Liam Feeney (U18) High scoring Dman lead the team in scoring on the weekend with 1 goal and 8 assists for 9 points. In 32 games on the season Feeney has some eye popping numbers scoring 4 goals and adding 30 assists Drew Michals/Adam Ellison (U18) Hard to separate this goaltending duo, the top in the state. As always they played big when the games mattered most. On Championship Sunday allowed only 1 goal en route to State Title Nolan Redler (U16) Huge bright spot for the U16s who struggled going 1-2 in the state tournament. Willed the team to victory over the Eastern Mass Senators with a very short bench. Johnny Piatelli (98 Split) Lead the team with 3 goals and 1 assists as the 98 Split fell in the State Semi Finals. Greg Moon (99) Was stellar in net for the River Rats stopping 96 of 103 shots for the 99’s a .932 saver percentage at the North Atlantic Hockey Challenge Daniel Sliney (99) Had 2 assists as they 99's went 0-2-1 at the North Atlantic Hockey Challenge Cody Gordon (04) Led Mites in scoring at North Atlantic Hockey Challenege with 4 goals and 1 assist in 2 games Jack Watts (04) 3 goals and 2 assists in 2 games as they Mites go 1-1 at the North Atlantic Hockey Challenege Ian Hill (04) 2 goals and 1 assist for the Mites on the weekend
Congratulations to our U18 team who were crowned Massachusetts Midget Tier 1 Champions on Sunday at the Foxboro Sports Center! The U18s battled through a long weekend and will now represent Massachusetts at the National Championship tournament in Pittsburgh in April.
The U18s started round robin play on Friday night against the Eastern Mass Senators. The River Rats were paced by eight different goal scorers en route to a 13-4 victory. Forward Tommy Newton led the attack with 3 goals and 5 points while goaltender Drew Michals earned the victory with a 20 save performance. Next up were the Springfield Rifles on Saturday afternoon. The River Rats won 3-2 where a George Hunkele penalty shot goal ended up being the game winner and Adam Ellison secured the win between the pipes with 18 saves.
With a berth in the semi finals all wrapped up there was still one last round robin game to be played Saturday night to determine the top seed in their bracket against the GBL Bruins. This time it was a Derek Barach breakaway goal with just under two minutes to play that proved to be in the game winner in another 3-2 final in favor of the Rats. Trevor Yates sprung Barach on the breakaway while Drew Michals got his 2nd win of the weekend in net stopping 31 of 33 shots.
Sunday morning brought the state semi finals and a chance to avenge a loss suffered in the Beantown Classic semi finals vs the Jr Bruins (full season) team. The Rats got out to an early three goal lead in the first period on goals from Tommy Newton (2) and Derek Barach. Two more goals in the second period from Barach and George Hunkele sealed the deal and a trip to the State Finals with a 5-0 win and a shutout for Drew Michals who made 20 saves.
The championship game brought GBL back to town for the sixth time this season. The River Rats brought a 5-0-0 record vs GBL to the game and looked to win the last game of the season against a familiar foe. The Rats came out and carried the play from start to finish led by a four goal first period. After one period the score was 4-1 and that was plenty as they rode it out to their first ever State Championship! Adam Ellison backstopped the Rats in the finals making 18 saves and finishing the season with a 14-0-2 record. Ellison's accomplishment is the first time a River Rats goalie has ever gone undefeated in a season.
"This team is the closest group of guys I have ever been around as both a player and a coach. They made a lot of sacrifices to make this happen, their dedication and work ethic is second to none and they deserve this." said head coach Jon Hutcheon. Goaltender Drew Michals added "This is the best team I have ever been on, I can't wait for Nationals. Six more wins!"
Below is the boxscore from the State Finals: 1st Period:
14:34 (River Rats) Niko Rufo ('94; KUA/Providence) from Derek Barach ('95; Salisbury) 11:07 (River Rats) Barach from Rufo and Zach Sabatini ('94; Tabor/Sacred Heart) 3:00 (River Rats) Gregg Burmaster ('94; KUA/St. Lawrence) from Casey Miller ('94; KUA/UMass Amherst) and Nolan Vesey ('94; Austin Prep) 1:07 (GBL) Thomas Aldworth ('95; Cushing/Providence) unassisted 0:31 (River Rats) Tommy Newton ('94; Lawrence Academy) from Liam Feeney ('95; Dexter) and George Hunkele ('94; Lawrence Academy/Williams)
The U18 team will disband for the prep school season, but will come back together in April for the U18 Tier 1 National Championships in Pittsburgh, PA.
Congratulations to all of the players, parents and coaches of this special group!!
Rat of the Week Winner is Brian Matthews (98 Split)
by River Rats Hockey posted 11/08/2012
Congratulations to Rat of the week winner Brian Matthews of the 98 Split Season team. Matthews, a defenseman from Marshfield MA, was a driving force in a key win for the 98 Split Season team as they beat the Greater Boston Vipers 4-3 on the road on Saturday night. Matthews scored twice in the game including the winner on a great shot from the slot and also picked up an assist in the game for a 3 point night.
Matthews has been key to the Split Season 98 River Rats success all season as the team is now 21-4-4 as they head to the State Tournament. Matthews on the season has played in 26 games scoring 10 goals and adding 15 assists for 25 points from the blue line. Matthews and the River Rats will faceoff with the Greater Boston Vipers in the round robin of the state tournament along with the Valley Jr Warriors and Boston Jr Rangers. Action kicks off tomorrow night at 6pm in Gardner Vets Arena as the River Rats will faceoff with the Valley Warriors. The River Rats Split Season 98 team has faced off with the Valley Warriors once this season beating them 4-1.
Honorable Mention: Mark Hamilton (U18) Umass-Amherst commit was a force this weekend from the blue line scoring 1 goal and 5 assists for 6 points as the U18s go 2-0 on the weekend. Mitch Nylen (U18) Sacred Heart commit used his puck moving skills to put up a 5 point weekend for the River Rats (1goal and 4 assist) on the last weekend of the regular season as U18s sweep weekend. Adam Ellison (U18) Gave up 1 goal in a 7-1 win over District 10 Bulldogs; has finished regular season with a 12-0-2 record. Erik Foley (U16) Long time River Rat scores 2 goal and added 2 assists in a 8-2 win over District 10 Bulldogs for the U16 team. State tournament next for U16s where they enter as the number 1 seed Connor Moore (U16) Scored winning goal in a big statement 4-3 win over Valley Warriors on the PP with under a minute to play. Johhny Piatelli (98 Split) Had 2 assists in a big 4-3 win over Greater Boston Vipers. Jerry Harding (99) Had 1 goal and 2 assists and was plus 3 in a 5-5 tie with the Valley Jr Warriors. Austin Ricker (01) Has moved to defense where he has been a force for the team Kevin O’Reilly (02) Scored a hat trick in a 5-3 win over the Northstars as the 02’s split the weekend. Andrew Demerchant (02) Scored 1 goal and 1 assist in a 5-3 win on Sunday over the Northstars Cam McIvor (04) New River Rat made his presence felt with a 3 point night in a 7-1 win over the Junior Bruins in his 1st game as a River Rat. Cody Gordon (04) Scored 1 goal and added an assist in a 7-1 win over Jr Bruins Nolan Feyler (04) Feyler, almost automatic on the Rat of the week nominations, continued to score adding 1 goal and 1 assist in big win for the 04 River Rats
Alumni of the Week: Mac Bennett/Shayne Gostisbehere
by River Rats Hockey posted 11/05/2012
Congratulations to two former defensemen Mac Bennett and Shayne Gostisbehere on being named our Alumni of the Week! The comparisions between the two are almost identical: both left shot defensmen, 3rd round NHL draft picks, attended USA World Jr tryout camp (Gostisbehere seems to be a lock for this year) and both are atop the defensmen scoring leaders in the nation as of this morning. Bennett and Gostisbehere rank 1/2 respectively.
Bennett, a '91 from Narragansett RI, is in his junior year at the University of Michigan where he has a 3-6-9 line in 7 games this season. This weekend he exploded for 2 goals and 4 points against rival Northern Michigan. Mac was selected 79th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in 2009 and has 42 points in 80 career games for the Wolverines.
Gostisbehere, a '93 from Margate FL, is in his sophomore year at Union College where he has a 3-5-8 line in 7 games. This weekend Gostisbehere led Union to two wins over neighbor RPI with a goal and 5 points. Shayne was selected 78th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers this past summer and has 30 points in 48 career games for the Dutchmen.
Our weekly installment of Alumni of the Week has returned this week and while many of our alumni are enjoying successful starts to their seasons, there is one who has been above the rest. Providence College freshman goaltender Jon Gillies has earned weekly honors from Hockey East in each of the first three weeks of the season. Since beginning his college career he has been named Co-Defensive Player of the Week and Rookie of the Week (twice). This past weekend is a weekend Gillies will remember for a long time as he earned a weekend sweep over Hockey East runner up University of Maine. Gillies was a wall in the crease going 2-0-0 with a .964 save percentage while stopping 53 of 55 shots he faced.
Congratulations to Rat of the week winner Nolan Feyler (04). Feyler, a Norfolk Mass native, becomes the 1st 2 time winner of the Rat of the Week award this season. He last won the award for his play from September 14th-16th when he scored 4 goals and added 2 assists vs the Northstars in a 13-9 loss. Feyler, is becoming a Northstar killer as once again with the River Rats battling the Northstars for the 2nd place in the Hockey Northeast Standings, Feyler stood out. This time he was even more dominate, scoring 5 goals and adding 1 assists, including some highlight reel end to end rushes for the River Rats as they beat the Northstars 10-5 to avenge the loss earlier in the season.
With the win, the River Rats improved to 4-2-0 on the season in Hockey Northeast games and 6-4 overall on the year. Feyler has been a power offensively scoring 19 goals and adding 8 assists for 27 points in only 5 games. He leads the River Rats Mites in scoring. The River Rats Mite team will play next on Saturday afternoon in Cleveland Circle as they will faceoff with the GBL Bruins
Honorable Mention: Nolan Vesey (U18) Had 3 goals and 1 assists at the Beantown Classic, including a huge penalty shot goal with 30 seconds left to tie the Little Bruins 2-2. Moved into a tie for scoring lead on the team with 13 goals 15 assists for 28 points Bryan Platt (U18) Had 2 assists as the Beantown classic, was great defensively as well blocking many shots late in games to preserve victories for the U18 team. Liam Feeney (U18) Dman had 4 more assists for the U18 team that went 4-1-1 before falling in the semi’s at Beantown. He now has 22 assists on the season to lead the team in that category Cody Tedesco (U16) Scored 6 goals and added 2 assists in 3 games at the Beantown Classic Brendan Shane (U16) A Staple in the Rat of the week nominations, Shane had 4 goals and 6 assists as the U16 team went a disappointing 1-2 at the Beantown Classic. Josh Vertentes (98 Split) Teams leading scorer added to his total with 4 goals and 4 assists for 8 points on the weekend. In 23 games, he now has 22 goald and 22 assists for 44 points. Brian Matthews (98 Split) Dman had 5 assists and played some great defense for the 98 split who struggled a bit on the weekend going 2-0-2. Matthews now has 8 goals and 14 assists for 22 points Eric Jeremiah (98 Split) High scoring Defenseman scored 4 goals and added 2 assists to add to his team leading from the blueline 14 goals and 10 assists for 24 points. Also had some bone crushing hits Cullen McGlynn (99) Forward stepped up for the team and played Defense while the regular D are injured. Had a +1 weekend for the 99’s who went 1-3 at the Prep Cup tournament Bubba McNeice (00) Had 3 goal 2 assist weekend as the 00 team hangs onto 1st place in Hockey Northeast going 2-0-1 on the weekend James Donovan (00) Had 4 assists for the 00 team on the unbeaten weekend Bryan Testa (01) 2 goals in a 5-2 loss in Connecticut to the CT Wolfpack Colin Findlen (04) Goalie played well in the 10-5 win seeing lot of shots. Also had an incredible 4 assists in the game.
Congratulations to Rat of the Week Winner Zach Sabatini (U18). Sabatini, a 1994 date of birth forward, was electric this weekend scoring 2 goals and adding 4 assists as the U18 River Rats went 2-0 on the weekend defeating the RI Saints 9-1 in Rhode Island Saturday before being rival GBL Bruins 4-0 in Foxboro on Sunday as part of River Rats Cancer Day Event that raised about 2800 dollars for Cancer research.
Sabatini, the Sacred Heart University commit, came out on fired early Saturday night scoring a goal and an assist early in the 1st period and added 2 more assists for a 1 goal and 3 assist night. On Saturday Sabatini and the River Rat top line of Umass-Amherst recruit Casey Milller, Providence College recruit Niko Rufo and the above mentioned Sacred Heart recruit Zach Sabatini were dominate once again, connecting on the Power Play for the 1st goal as Sabatini found Rufo, who in turn found Miller in the slot for a nice tic tac toe goal. Sabatini would also later score in the game for a 1 goal and 1 assist performance. Sabatini leads the U18 River Rats River Rats in scoring with 15 goals and 11 assists for 26 points in 20 games.
Sabatini and the River Rats head north this weekend for the Beantown Classic in Exeter New Hampshire and 1st up is a rematch in the annual River Rats vs GBL Bruins Friday night game at Exeter NH. The 4th rated nationally River Rats also faceoff with the CT Wolfpack and the Little Bruins in the round robin round.
Honorable Mention: Niko Rufo (U18) Had 1 goal and 3 assists for a 4 point weekend as the U18s sweep weekend. Rufo, whos back from a wrist injury has now played 8 games and has 7 goals and 4 assists for 11 points. Casey Miller (U18) Had 2 goals on the weekend as the U18s beat RI Saints and GBL Bruins. In the league Miller leads the Select league in scoring with 7 goals and 9 assists in 8 games. Overall this season Miller has 7 goals and 14 assists for 21 points in 12 games played. Liam Feeney (U18) High scoring Dman had 4 assists in a big weekend of the U16s. Feeney leads the U18s in assists with 18 to go along with 2 goals for 20 points in 19 games. Brendan Shane (U16) Had 1 goal and 2 assists on the weekend as the U16 team splits weekend, losing to the RI Saints 7-5 before beating GBL Bruins 3-1. Shane now has 8 goals and 31 assists for 39 points in 18 games played. Max Prawdzik (U16) Goaltender was sharp in relief Saturday night in Rhode Island and only allowed 1 goal in a 3-1 win over GBL Bruins Sunday Nick Schofield (98 Split) Had a 3 goal effort on Sunday in Foxboro in a 12-1 win over AY Northstars. Schofield now has 10 goals and 12 assists for 22 points in 22 games this season Brian Matthews (98 Split) Dman had 1 goal and 1 assist to push his season totals to 7 goals and 8 assists. James Corcoran (98 Full) Had a shutout on Sunday in a big Hockey Northeast 1-0 win over AY Northstars Tim Difiore (98 Full) Had a 2 goal and 1 assists week as the 98 Full season team went 2-0 on week. Difiore had lone goal in 1-0 win over AY NorthStars Cam St. Amand (98 Full) A regular to this list, St. Amand had 2 goals and 1 assist in state playdown play-in game to assure River Rats a spot in Tier 2 State tournament with 5-0 win over GBL Bruins 99's Greg Moon (99) Goaltender was under fire on Sunday making 49 saves in a 8-3 loss to the New Hampshire Avalanche Kyle Hedvig (02) Had a 4 point weekend (3 goals and 1 assist) as the 02s went 0-1-1 in the west coast Hockey Northeast swing to Clifton Park NY.
Congratulations to Rat of the Week winner Thomas Lorden of the 2000 team. The Defenseman from Norton MA, had a great game in Sunday as the River Rats 2000 team went into East Boston and beat the Middlesex Braves by the score of 8-0. Lorden was very strong in the game as he played well defensively and scored a hat trick as well.
The River Rats Pee Wee Major team is undefeated in Hockey Northeast League play with a record of 6-0-1. They will face off this weekend with the GBL Bruins in Foxboro on Saturday and Sunday will travel to Haverhill to faceoff with the Valley Warriors.
Honorable Mention: Casey Miller (U18) The Umass recruit was solid all weekend scoring 1 goal and 5 assists in 2 wins. Miller now leads the Select league in scoring with 5 goald and 9 assists in 14 games. Zach Sabatini (U18) The newly committed to Sacred Heart forward had a solid weekend with 1 goal and 3 assists for 4 points and now leads the U18 team in scoring with 13 goals and 8 assists in 18 games Niko Rufo (U18) Providence College recruit had a 4 goal weekend as the U18 team wins 2 games over Springfield Rifles and NS Wings. Brendan Shane (U16) Uconn recruit had 1 goal and 5 assists in 2 games. Joe Sacco (U16) Had 4 goals in weekend where the River Rats go 1-0-1. Mike Fahie (98 Split) Scored the tying goal in a 3-2 loss to Team Comcast on a great individual rush. River Rats lost the lead late Brian Matthews (98 Split) Scored 1 goal and 1 assist vs RI Saints in a 6-1 win and was solid in a 3-2 loss to Team Comcast. Cam Martin (99) Scored 3 goals and 3 assists as the 99’s sweep weekend Shane Hanley (99) Scored 3 goals and 4 assists for 99’s Kevin O’Reilly (02) Scored 2 goals and 1 assists in 9-5 loss to Dual State Xavier Felli (02) Scored 1 goal and 1 assists in 9-5 loss in Tyngsboro to Dual State Nolan Feyler (04) Scored 3 goals and 3 assists as the Mites beat 1st place RI Saints in big win Jack Watts (04) Scored Hat trick in win over RI Saints
Congratulations to Rat of the Week winner Brian Cellini (99) Cellini, the Bridgewater Mass native, is a defenseman for the River Rats 99 team. In a weekend where the River Rats went 3-0 and 9 goals for and 0 against, he was out for all 9 goals for (plus 9 rating), he also added an assist on the weekend. In a weekend where the River Rats defense was dominate Cellini was a star. On Friday night in a close checking battle, Cellini and the River Rats came out with a 1-0 win on the road in Westboro vs the Northstars. On Saturday, the River Rats headed north to Tyngsboro to play against the Dual State Huskies and came out on top with a 3-0 win. On Sunday adding to the tough travel of the weekend Cellini and the River Rats headed west to faceoff with the Springfield Rifles in West Springfield. In a 5-0 win, Cellini was plus 5.
The 99 River Rats are now 7-1-0 in Hockey Northeast action and have a shutout in 4 of their last 5 games. They look to keep this streak going this weekend as they will faceoff with the CT Bobcats in Foxboro on Saturday and Sunday they travel to East Boston to play the 1-5 Middlesex Braves. Both the Bobcats and the Braves have already been shutout by the River Rats this season. Honorable Mention: Adam Ellison (U18) Had a shutout in a 4-0 win over South Shore Dynamo’s lowering his already very low goals against average to 1.00. Bobby Dray (U16) Huge weekend producing 2 goals and 5 assists for 7 points as U16s blow out South Shore Dynamo’s and Dual State Huskies Nolan Redler (U16) States leading scorer in U16 had 3 goals and 3 assists to add to his huge totals for the season. Has 18 goals and 13 assists on the season. In Mass Select league games he leads the league with 10 goals and 7 assists in 6 games. Vincent Lima (U16) Scored 4 goals and 1 assists on the weekend pushing his total to 14 goals on the season and 7 in league games. Billy Grant (98 Split) Had 4 goals on the weekend as the 98 Split struggled through a 2-2 weekend Eric Jeremiah (98 Split) Dman had 3 goals at the NEAL league showcase to lead the D in scoring at the league. Cullen McGlynn (99) 1 goal and 2 assists in weekend where the 99’s go 3-0
Greg Moon/Mitchell Connaughton (99) Goalie duo didn’t give up a goal in 3 games Sean Doherty (01) New to River Rat this year; scored his 1st River Rat goal and added in an assist in a big 5-4 win over Dual State Huskies Pearse McCullough (01) 2 goals and an Assist for high scoring forward in win. Bryan Testa (01) 2 assists in 5-4 win over Dual State Patrick Lorden (02) 3 goals in 7-5 win over Middlesex Braves Mark Hirshom (02) 4 point game (1g3a) in 7-5 win over the Middlesex Braves Jack Watts (04) 2 goals and 1 assist for high scoring Mite in 9-7 loss to Springfield Rifles Noah Falvey (04) 2 goals and 1 assist in Springfield in a loss Ian Hill (04) Had 1 goal and 2 assist for the 04’s in a 9-7 loss on the road
The Williams College Ephs added some firepower to their freshman class for next season when a pair of River Rats decided to commit 'Early Decision' to the NESCAC school. U18 forward George Hunkele and U18 defenseman James McNamara both chose Williams yesterday afternoon and will both arrive on campus next fall.
Hunkele, a '94 from West Haven, CT, is a senior at Lawrence Academy where he helped lead the Spartans to a Prep School championship last winter. George has spent the past three falls with the River Rats and in two season with the U18 team has a 10-24-34 line in 32 games. Hunkele is best described as a dynamic, diminutive forward who will excel at the next level.
McNamara, a '94 from New York, NY, is a PG at Choate after spending last season with the Metro Moose in the MJHL. McNamara has been a calming influence on the River Rats blueline with a 0-6-6 line in 14 games. McNamara is a fluid skater who makes a great first past.
"We're excited for both of these guys. They visited Williams together a couple weeks ago and loved the campus. They're both excited and I think Williams just got two fantastic players for the future." said U18 head coach Jon Hutcheon.
Congratulations to both George and James.
The U18s are back in action this Saturday at Brooks School (N. Andover) at 7:30pm against the Springfield Rifles. They return home to the Foxboro Sports Center on Sunday at 1pm for a matinee game against the NS Wings.
Congratulations to Rat of the week winner Nolan Redler (U16). Redler, the Winchester Mass native, put the U16 team on his back this weekend scoring 4 goals and adding 2 assists as the U16 team went 1-0-1 on the weekend. On Saturday against the 495 Stars the River Rats came out and played sluggish but Redler wouldn’t let the River Rats lose scoring 3 goals and adding 1 assist as the River Rats beat a pesky 495 Stars team 6-4 on the road in Marlboro. Maybe the sluggish game was due to the team looking forward to the showdown with the Cape Cod Whalers, felt by many to be the top 2 U16 teams in Massachusetts. The River Rats took a lead in the Whalers game 1-0 as Redler set up Dman Connor Moore for a goal, but the Whalers would respond with 2 straight goals taking the lead 2-1. Redler answered for the River Rats in the 3rd period with a 5 on 3 PP goal to tie the game up at 2. The game would end at 2 and it would keep the River Rats undefeated against Massachusetts teams.
Redler on the season now leads the River Rats with 15 goals and is 2nd in points with 25, trailing only linemate Brendan Shane. Redler and the River Rats get back to work on Saturday night at 6:30p as they travel to Brockton to face off with the South Shore Dynamo’s.
Honorable Mention: Drew Michals (U18) Since being named to Central Scouting list, Michals hasn’t given up a goal receiving his 2nd straight shutout this time over rival Cape Cod Whalers. 21 saves in the game Derek Barach (U18) Had 1 goal and 2 assists in 4-0 win over Cape Cod Whalers for the newly 3rd ranked Nationally U18 team Cullen Geary (U18) Dman played a big role in win over Cape Cod Whalers shutting down the Corey Ronan line for the Cape Cod Whalers in 4-0 win Joe Sacco (U16) Continues torrid scoring pace with 1 goal and 4 assists in a weekend that saw the U16s go 1-0-1 on weekend. Now has 10 goals and 11 assists in 14 games Erik Foley (U16) U16 Forward and long time River Rat had a 2 assists weekend for the U16 ‘s Josh Vertentes (98 Split) Scored 4 goals and added 1 assist as the 98 Split Season River Rats rolled 15-0 over GBL Bruins and 4-0 over RI Saints. Now has 15 goals and 16 assists for 31 points on the season. Michael Fahie (98 Split) Had 2 goals and 4 assists for the 98s as they sweep weekend games. Now has 20 points on the season. Cam St. Amand (98 Full) Leading scorer for 98 Full season team comes through with 1 goal and 1 assist in big 3-2 win over CP Dynamo's in Foxboro Tyler Rudek (98 Full) Had 2 assists for 98 Full season team in win over CP Dynamo's Greg Moon (99) 25 saves on 27 shots as the 99’s beat RI Saints to take over 1st place in Hockey Northeast standings. Sean Tyer (99) Came up big with 2 goals and 1 assist as the 99’s beat RI Saints 4-2 Danny Sliney (99) Had 1 goal and 1 assist, his goal a highlight reel goal as Rhode Island native was strong in win over RI Saints. Owen Ginley and Ben Colangelo (00) Both goaltenders were great as the 00’s go 3-0 on the weekend and only give up 3 goals in wins over NorthStars (3-1) RI Saints (2-0) and GBL Bruins (3-1) Tyler Gillette (01) Forward scored 2 goals in a 7-4 loss to Middlesex Braves in East Boston Sunday. Scotty Elliot (01) Worked hard on the forecheck and chipped in 2 assists in a 7-4 loss to Middlesex Braves. Xavier Felli (02) Had 1 goal and 1 assist as the 02’s tie the CT Wolfpack 3-3 in Foxboro on Sunday Kevin O’Reilly (02) 1g1a for the 02’s in tie Jack Watts (04) High scoring forward has 4 goals and 3 assists as the North Atlantic Hockey Challenge as the 04’s go 1-2.
Congratulations to Rat of the Week Winner Pearse McCullough (01). McCullough was a great in a 9-2 win over the Valley Warriors, scoring 2 goals and adding an assist for the 01 River Rats as they got their 1st league win of the season. McCullough used his big strong frame to overpower the Valley Dmen all afternoon in Foxboro. McCullough on the season now has 2 goals and 2 assists in 6 games for the River Rats.
McCullough and the 01’s get back to work this weekend on Sunday in East Boston as the River Rats take on the Middlesex Braves at 3:50p. The Braves are 1-0 on the season and the River Rats will look to make it 2 wins in a row.
Honorable Mention: Casey Miller (U18) The Umass-Amherst recruit was dominate all weekend scoring 3 goals and 3 assists in 2 games as the River Rats sweep weekend series. Nolan Vesey (U18) After 1 goal Saturday night against Eastern Mass Senators, Vesey exploded for 2 goals and 3 assists on Sunday at home against the Eastern Mass Senators. Drew Michals (U18) Pitched a 17 save shutout on Saturday in Reading in a 4-0 win over Eastern Mass Senators, his 2nd shutout on the season for the recently named goaltender to the NHL Central Scouting list Brendan Shane (U16) Continues to put up HUGE numbers as he scores 4 goals and 4 assists in 2 games to give him 6 goals and 22 assists on the season in only 28 games for the UConn recruit. Vincent Lima (U16) Put up a 7 point weekend including 6 assists to lead the Mass Select League in assists. Nolan Redler (U16) Lit up his former team (Eastern Mass Senators) for 4 points (1g-3a) in a 10-2 win then came back with 2 goals against Central Mass Outlaws in a 13-0 win for the U16s. Josh Vertentes (98 Split) Put on a dazzling offensive show on Sunday in Foxboro with many highlight reel assists as he scored 1 goal and added 5 assists in a 14-1 win. Now has 11 goals 15 assists for 26 points in 12 games. Jamie Armstrong (98 Split) Made the most of his return to the lineup from injury with 2 goals and 2 assists in 14-1 win Brandon Cordeiro (98 Split) Scored a hat trick in 14-1 win at home on Sunday in Foxboro. Now has 10 goals on the season. John Maloney (99) Had 3 goals and a plus 8 plus minus as the 99’s get 2 blowout wins. PJ Donahue (00) 2 goals in a 5-3 win over Middlesex Braves Jack Foyetch (00) Had 1 goal and 1 assist as 00’s stay undefeated on the season Danny Savary (01) Had 2 goals in a 9-2 win over Valley in Foxboro Sunday Tyler Gillette (01) Had 1 goal in 9-2 win but was a constant threat all game Jack Watts (04) Scored 4 goals in a 10-0 win on Saturday in Foxboro over the Jr Bruins. Nolan Feyler (04) Continues to put up video game like stats scoring 3 goals and 2 assists in Mites 10-0 win on Saturday. Has 10 goals and 4 assists in only 3 games on the season.
Congratulations to Rat of the Week winner Nolan Feyler of the Mite(04) team. Feyler, the Norfolk Mass native, has continued to be a scoring machine for the River Rat Mite team. In a 13-9 loss to the Northstars, Feyler had 4 goals and 2 assists. Feyler and linemate and fellow Norfolk resident Ian Hill were dominate offensively combining for 8 goals and 4 assists in the game (Hill also had 4 goals and 2 assists in the game)
The River Rat Mite team is now 1-1 on the season and Feyler has led the team in scoring with 8 goals and 2 assists in those games. Feyler and the Mite team will look to go 2-1 on the season on Saturday in Foxboro at 4:20p.
Honorable Mention: Brendon Cordiero (98 Split) Had 3 goals and 2 assists in 2 blowout wins for the Split season team Cam Finlayson (98 Split) 5 point weekend (1g 4a) for the Split season team as they go to 3-0 in the league Ryan Ferland (98 Split) Long time River Rat goalie picked up his 1st shutout of the season as he was sharp in a 6-0 win over the Springfield Rifles Tim Difiore (98 Full ) Had 3 points on the weekend as the 98 Full season team goes 0-1-1, tying the Northstars and falling to the River Rats Split Season team Sean Tyer (99) 3 goal weekend as the 99’s split the weekend series falling to RI Saints before beating Jr Bruins on Tyers winning goal with 2 seconds left in game Conor Chambers (99) Dman was solid defensively and chipped in with a goal in the 2-1 win over Jr Bruins on Sunday in Foxboro Max Fields (00) Continues strong play early in season as he scored 2 goals in a 3-3 tie with the Valley Jr Warriors Danny Savory (01) Had 1 goal and 1 assist as they 01’s fell in 2 tight games losing to CT Wolfpack (4-2) and RI Saints (3-2) Colin Hedvig (02) 3 goals and 1 assist on a weekend that saw the 02’s go 0-1-1. Had 2 goals and 1 assist in 5-5 tie with the Middlesex Braves Ian Hill (04) Mentioned already above the forward had 4 goals and 2 assists in a 13-9 loss to the Northstars
Rat of the week Winner is Cam St. Amand (98 Full Season)
by River Rats Hockey posted 09/11/2012
Congratulations to Rat of the week winner Cam St. Amand (98 Full). St. Amand, a Cumberland RI native, had a huge weekend for the 98 River Rats full season team. On Saturday in Foxboro, the River Rats went looking to avenge an earlier loss to the Jr. Bruins (3-2 on 9/2) and St. Amand can through in a big way scoring 4 goals as the River Rats beat the Jr Bruins 5-1. On Sunday the River Rats would faceoff with the Boston Jr Rangers and St. Amand was a key factor in that 3-1 win scoring a goal.
St. Amand now has 7 goals and 2 assists good for 2nd on the team in scoring only trailing fellow Rhode Islander Danny Allen who has 10. The 98 full season team is now 5-2-1 on the season. The River Rats full season team will get back to work on Friday night at 7:20p in Westboro as they faceoff with the Northstars. Saturday will bring an exciting and challenging day as the River Rats 98 full season takes part in the “Civil War” as they will face off with the River Rats 98 split season team at 4:20p in Foxboro.
Honorable Mention: Michael Fahie (98 Split) Had 3 goals and 1 assist for the 98 Split in their lone weekend game (9-0 win over Springfield Rifles Michael Seoane (98 split) Had a 4 point night against the Springfield Rifles (1g 3a) in a blowout with for the 98 Split season team Bryan McGrath (98 Split) Had his 3rd shutout of the season, lowered his GAA to 1.00 and his record is 6-0-0 on season Tyler Viera (98 Full) Dman scored 2 goals this weekend as 98 full season sweeps weekend James Corcoran (98 Full) Was very strong in net as the 98 full season only allows 2 goals on the weekend in 2 wins (5-1 over GBL Jr Bruins and 3-1 Boston Jr Rangers) Cam Martin (99) Scored a goal in a 3-2 win over the Ramapo Saints at the North Atlanic Hockey Challenge as the 99’s go 1-2 down in NJ Max Fields (00) Scored 2 goals in a 3-0 win over a strong CT Wolfpack team as the 00 teams starts the season 1-0 in Hockey Northeast play Joey Janowicz (01) Scored 2 goals in a 6-2 loss to the NJ Devils at the North Atlantic Hockey Challenge, was also great on the PK which didn’t allow a goal all weekend Colin Hedvig (02) Scored 2 goals in a big 7-4 victory over CT Wolfpack as the 02’s open the season 1-2 at the North Atlantic Hockey Challenge Jack Pomposelli (02) Had 2 goals on the weekend as the 02s go 1-2 on their opening weekend Nolan Feyler (04) Had 4 goals in his 1st game with the River Rats as the Mite team goes 1-0 on the season Jack Watts(04) Great playmaker had 4 assists in 9-8 win over the Springfield Rifles Luke Janowicz (04) Joins his brother on the honorable mention as he had 3 goals and 1 assist for the Mite team as they won their season opener
Rat of the Week Winner is Mark Hamilton (U18) team
by River Rats Hockey posted 09/05/2012
Congratulations to Rat of the Week winner Mark Hamilton of the U18 team. Hamilton, a Winthrop native, and UMass Amherst recruit, was a driving force in the U18 team capturing the Tier 1 Labor Day Championship. Over the 7 games that saw the River Rats go 6-0-1 and defeat the Connecticut Wolfpack 3-1 in the championship to earn the title, Hamilton had 2 assists. Hamilton's contributions came mostly off the score sheet as he was a dominate defender. He used his size and physical play to punish the opposing teams forwards. In the close games against GBL Bruins (4-2 win), semi finals win over the Boston Little Bruins(4-3 win) and the finals victory over CT Wolfpack, Hamilton was especially dominate. Paired up with Mitch Nylen most of the tournament, the 2 played a lot of minutes against the other teams top players and made life very hard for them.
Hamilton and the U18 River Rats will take the next 2 weeks off from games and will next square off with the Eastern Mass Senators on Saturday September 22nd. The River Rats are 9-1-1 on the season and are 7-0-1 against U18 teams this season.
Honorable Mention: Adam Ellison (U18)-Had a .933 saver percentage and was strong giving up only 1 goal in wins over Mid Fairfield and CT Wolfpack (Finals) Tommy Newton (U18) Lead the U18 team in scoring as the team won the Tier 1 Labor Day tournament scoring 5 goals and 5 assists in 7 games Zach Sabatini (U18) Tied for a team high 5 goals on the weekend and scored a key goal in a 3-1 win over the CT Wolfpack to win the Tournament Title. Brendan Shane (U16) The newly committed to UConn forward had a monster weekend for the U16 team scoring 2 goals and 12 assists in 6 games Nolan Redler (U16) Scored 5 goals and 4 assists in 6 games as the U16 River Rats fell in the semi finals of the top division after going 5-0 in round robin play Vincent Lima (U16) Scored a team high 7 goals on the weekend as the U16 team went 5-1 at Labor Day including a 4 goal explosion against the NJ Devils. Josh Vertentes (98 Split)- Scored 4 goals and 3 assists to lead the 98 Split River Rats to a 3-0-1 record at the inaugural North American Elite League weekend. He currently leads the NAEL in scoring Eric Jeremiah (98 Split)- Defenseman scored 4 goals on the weekend including a 2 goal game as the River Rats beat the Hamburg Hawks 2-0. Monte Graham (98 Split)- Was limited to 2 games on the weekend but was strong in both scoring 2 goals and 2 assists for 4 points on the weekend as the 98 split went undefeated at the NAEL 1st weekend good for 1st place. Danny Allen (98 Full Season) Lead the 98 Full Season team in scoring; had 4 goals and 5 assists as the River Rats went 3-1-1 before falling in the semi’s of the Labor Day tournament Matt Gray (98 Full Season) The Defenseman had 2 goals and 3 assists in 6 games as the 98 full season teams goes 3-2-1 in their opening weekend Joe Sanchioni (98 Full Season)- Had a 4 goal weekend to open the season including some important goals in close games Greg Moon (99) Excellent in net all weekend as the 99’s went to the finals at the Labor Day tournament before falling to the South Shore Kings. In a 4-3 semi final win over the Bay State Breakers, Moon made 33 saves and in a losing effort in the finals he made 38 saves in a 2-1 loss Sean Tyer (99) Played good solid all around hockey, chipped in 1 goal and 4 assists in 6 games as well. Billy Shea (99) Had 3 goals and 1 assist as the 99’s play very well in Labor Day tournament.
Congrats to Brendan Shane (U16) on committing to UConn
by River Rats Hockey posted 09/05/2012
Congratulations to Brendan Shane of the Midget Minor (U16) team on committing to UConn for the fall of 2014. Shane, a 1996 birth year, is a center. Shane will join UConn for their inaugural season in Hockey East. Shane becomes the 1st River Rat born in 1996 to commit to a Division 1 College. Shane will be the 3rd River Rat to wear the UConn jersey joining former Husky and River Rat captain Steve Bergin (88) and current Sophomore Cody Sharib (90)
Shane, is a great skater, who plays well in all 3 zones and is very good at winning draws. His playmaking has been elite so far on the season, he has collected 19 assists in just 10 games, playing on the U16 top line with Joe Sacco, and Nolan Redler. This line has been excellent in the season helping the River Rats to a 8-1-1 record while combining for 17 goals and 32 assists for 49 points making them the most productive U16 line in the state so far. (Shane has 2 goals and 19 assists to lead the team in scoring)
Connor Moore (U16) has been named the Rat of the Week
by River Rats Hockey posted 08/30/2012
Congratulations to the 1st Rat of the week winner of the 2012-2013 season Connor Moore of the U16 team. From the blueline; Moore was a dominating presence on the ice as the U16 River Rats have started the season strong going 3-0-1 in their 1st week of the season against a rigorous schedule. Offensively Moore lead the team in scoring with 4 goals and 3 assists. Moore was particularly good when the games were close scoring 2 goals and an assist in a 4-4 tie with the Hartford Wolfpack, both goals came in the 3rd. Moore, a 1st time River Rat made his debut count, opening the eyes of many Division 1 colleges and USHR.com where they had this to say about him:Connor Moore, D, ’97 (Neponset Valley River Rats U16) — There was a very deep group of ’97 defensemen at the Select 15 Festival this summer and Moore did not crack our top thirty, but he easily could have and it may prove to be a mistake on our part that he did not. Played for the Atlanta Fire Bantams last year and will be at Brooks this season. Moore is a great skater who likes to join the rush and sneak into the play. Will play a ton at Brooks this season and could run the PP as well.
Moore and the U16 River Rats will get back to work tomorrow as they face off with league rival Cape Cod Whalers in game 1 of the Tier 1 Labor Day Faceoff tournament in Marlboro. They will be there all weekend, playing a minimum of 5 games. Along with the Whalers, the U16 River Rats will face off against, the Boston Advantage, Mid Fairfield, New Jersey Devils, and Eastern Mass Senators.
Honorable Mention Trevor Yates (U18) Lead the U18 River Rats in scoring with a 3-7-10 line as the U18s start the season 3-1. Liam Feeney (U18) Lead the U18 in scoring for Defensemen as he posted 7 assists in 4 games for the U18’s Adam Ellison (U18) Started the season 2-0 in net with a .964 save percentage Brendan Shane (U16) Used his speed to make plays all weekend putting up 7 assists in 4 games Nolan Redler (U16) Played on the top line with Shane and Joe Sacco and produced all week scoring 3 goals and adding 3 assists. Josh Vertentes (98 Split) Lead the 98 Split season team in scoring with 6 goals and 5 assists as team fell in finals of Warriors National Showcase in a shootout Nick Schofield (98 Split) Scored 4 goals and 3 assists in 6 games at the Warriors Prospect Tournament Shane Hanley (99) Led 99’s with 4 goals as the 99’s finished 4th at Prep Prospect Tournament.
As a response to an increasing number of questions and complaints, and in the response for a need for some common sense, MYHockey has reworked its primary ranking classifications. USA "AAA" classifications have been renamed "Tier 1". MYHockey is using the common sense definition of "Tier 1". Tier 1 hockey is quite simply the highest level of hockey played in a geographic area. In general, second and third picked teams from an association do not fit this description. New England, and more specifically the Boston area, has begun to use the term "Elite" to describe what the rest of the country thinks of as Tier 1 hockey and uses the term "AAA" to describe what the rest of the country considers Tier 2 hockey. As a result, the "AAA", "AA", and "A" level terms have become almost meaningless.
At this point in time, teams playing in the following leagues/divisions are now considered "Tier 2" in MYHockey: EHF non-elite divisions, Mass Selects, NEHL National Division. Additionally, and Granite State League (GSL) Tier 1 teams will no longer automatically be labeled as Tier 1, they will need to earn a Tier 1 status by playing in one of the three remaining area Tier 1 leagues/divisions: EHF Elite, NEHL American, HNE.
Furthermore, MYHockey has eliminated the Tier 1 and Tier 2 labels at the squirt level in the US. With the elimination of squirt AAA hockey in Michigan and numerous anomalies where the best teams in a geographic area are Tier 2 teams while "AAA" teams struggle on the ice, the separation no longer makes sense or has much significance. All USA squirt teams will essentially be labeled as Tier 2.
The movement of teams to their proper level was completed on Monday, August 20, 2012. Even after this reclassification, Massachusetts still has almost twice as many Tier 1 teams as any other USA Hockey district.See Analysis Spreadsheet
Going forward, MYHockey will continue to monitor Tier 1 hockey across the country and make modifications as necessary.
In addition to the changes with USA Hockey, MYHockey has also applied the "Tier 1" an "Tier 2" labels to Canada Girls hockey because different regions call their top teams "AA" and "AAA" leading to some confusion. Using this same common sense approach, the Canada Girls "Tier 1" rankings are made up of teams playing at the highest level in their geographic area.
We hope the application of the terms "Tier 1" and "Tier 2" make the rankings more meaningful and logical for all. As always, thank you for your support.
Former River Rats Shayne Gostisbehere (pictured above) and Jon Gillies are in Lake Placid, NY this weekend to tryout for the United States World Junior Team. The 2 former River Rats are looking to make the team that will represent the United States at the prestigious 2013 World Junior Tournament in Ufa, Russia. The tournament is held in late December into early January. The tryout camp got underway today with the United States bringing 2 tryout teams to play each other and a team from Sweden and Finland.
Gostisbehere and Gillies join a small group of River Rats that have been invited to tryout for the World Junior Team. Kevin Quick (Florida ECHL) and Steve Whitney (Boston College) are the other 2 River Rats that have previously been invited to the try out camp. The World Junior tournament is the premier under 20 tournament in the world with each country loaded with NHL draft picks. Both Gostisbehere and Gillies were 3rd round draft picks by Philadelphia and Calgary respectively in this past June's draft. Gostisbehere will be a sophomore at Union College, while Gillies will be a freshman at Providence College this fall.
The NHL Entry Draft was held this past weekend in Pittsburgh, PA on Friday and Saturday night. Friday's first round saw the glitz and glamour of the main stage, NHL Network live coverage and 30 selections over 3.5 hours. On Saturday, the stage was still there, but teams picked from the draft floor. Players were selected in rapid fire succession and 180 players were picked in a little under 3 hours.
Things got started for the River Rats a little after 11am when former U16 goalie Jon Gillies heard his name called by the Calgary Flames 75th overall. Gillies played for the River Rats in 2009 and was an integral part of their first ever Midget State championship under former coach Frank O'Connor. Gillies has since moved on to the Indiana Ice of the USHL, where he was brighter than ever this past season. Gillies led the league in games played, minutes played, wins, saves and goals scored by a goaltender. Jon will move on to Providence College this coming fall.
Minutes after Gillies was on his way to meet with the Flames brass another Rat was called. This time Shayne Gostisbehere was home in Margate, FL with his family following the draft. Gostisbehere was selected 78th overall to the Philadelphia Flyers. Shayne currently wrapped up his freshman year at Union as one of the nations youngest freshmen. Gostisbehere was a part of the River Rats 2010 U18 team coached by Jon Hutcheon.
The Chicago Blackhawks finished the flurry of Rats names immediately after Gostisbehere by selecting Chris Calnan 79th overall. Calnan played for Frank O'Connor's U16 team in 2010. Chris is committed to Boston College for the fall of 2013 and will play for Waterloo in the USHL next season. Calnan played this past season at Nobles, who lost in the prep school finals.
U18 head coach Jon Hutcheon was in Pittsburgh with Gillies and his family for the draft and had this to say about Saturday "It was surreal to hear them all picked in such a short sequence. Jon was picked and we were sitting with him and his family, by the time we got done congratulating him and watched him put the Flames jersey on I didn't even hear them call Shayne's name. I looked up and saw his name on the board and started to text him a quick congrats. I didn't even get the text off before I heard Chris' name. I think it's a testament to the exposure we provide these kids at an early age. Our coaching staff does a great job getting scouts in the building and creating a buzz about the players right away."
Former River Rat Alex Killorn wins AHL Championship with Norfolk
posted 06/11/2012
Congratulations to former River Rat Alex Killorn for winning the Calder Cup (AHL Championship) with the Norfolk Admirals. Killorn, who graduated from Harvard this year split the season between Harvard and Norfolk (AHL) This season at Harvard Killorn posted 23 goals and 23 assists to lead the Crimson in scoring with 46 points. It didnt take him long to get adjusted to the AHL. He played 10 regular season games scoring 2 goals and adding 4 assists. His game took off to another level in the playoffs as Killorn gained much more playing time from Coach Cooper and he took full advantage of it. In the 17 game playoffs Killorn had 3 goals and 9 assists for 12 points, good for 13th in the AHL in scoring.
Killorn last played for the River Rats in 2007 before heading to Harvard. Killorn joins former River Rat Kevin Quick in winning professional titles this season. Quick with Florida in ECHL. Look for Killorn to make a huge push this upcoming season to make the Lightning.
Former River Rat Kevin Quick wins ECHL Championship with Florida
posted 05/26/2012
Congratulations to former River Rat Kevin Quick for winning the ECHL Championship with the Florida Everblades. Quick was a driving force from the defensive end leading the Everblades through the ECHL Playoffs before beating the Las Vegas Wranglers 4 games to 1 to win the Kelly Cup. In the playoffs Quick had 1 goal and 3 assists in 16 games.
Quick last played in the Select League for the River Rats in 2006, he has spent his entire professional career with the Tampa Bay organization splitting time between Tampa Bay (NHL 6 games) Norfolk (AHL 106 games) and Florida (ECHL 34 games) Quick shared the Kelly Cup Championship with former league rival John Muse who was the Cape Cod Whalers goalie in 2006. Quick becomes the 1st River Rat to win a championship at the professional level.
Alumni Wade Megan named Captain next season at Boston University
posted 04/29/2012
Former River Rat forward Wade Megan has been named the 116th Captain at Boston University for next season. In 3 seasons at BU Megan has scored 33 goals and added 21 assists for 54 points including a team high 20 goals this season. Megan becomes the 3rd River Rat to be named the Captain at his college joining Joe Whitney (Boston College) and Brian Flynn (Maine). Megan was a key member of the 2008 River Rats team that was state finalists having scored 8 goals and 8 assists in 16 games that season.
Congratulations to current U18 River Rat Defenseman and former U16 River Rats Standout Mark Hamilton on committing to Umass Amherst for the fall of 2013. Hamilton is a big rugged defenseman who can chip in offensively when also. He makes a good first pass and plays good tough defense.
The Winthrop, MA native, a 1994 date or birth joins a very crowded list of River Rats in Hockey East Programs, but when he steps on the ice in Amherst will become 1st River Rat to play at Umass Amherst. The River Rats are represented at 9 of 10 Hockey East Schools. Hamilton will join an impressive and daily growing list of committments for the 1994's for the River Rats. That list can be seen in the River Rats alumni page.
Hamilton, a key member of the River Rats State Championship U16 team in 2009, will look to add another State Title in 2011 with the U18 team this upcoming fall.
Former River Rats power Boston College to another National Title
posted 04/07/2012
Led by a 2 goal performance by former River Rat captain Steve Whitney, Boston College has won its 3rd NCAA National Championship in the past 5 years. 3 former River Rats were on the Boston College squad that won the title. Senior Barry Almeida, Junior Steve Whitney and Freshman Cam Spiro all celebrated the title for the Eagles tonight. Whitney and Almeida, who were linemates with former Mass Select rival Billy Arnold, created an upstoppable line for the Eagles in the Frozen 4, creating tons of offense. For Whitney and Almeida it is their 2nd NCAA championship. Both had fantasic seasons, Almeida scored 22 goals and 18 assists for 40 points, while Whitney had 16 goals 23 assists for 39 points. Whitney was named to the all tournament team, joining his brother, former River Rat and Boston College Captain and current Albany Devil (AHL) Joe Whitney, as the 2nd River Rat to earn that honor.
Whitney will look to get his 3rd National title next season. Whitney is also closing in on another milestone, his 100th point. He now has 29 goals 54 assists for 83 career points. He will look to become the 4th member of the River Rats Century Club, joining Brian Flynn (Maine), Joe Whitney (Boston College) and Alex Killorn (Harvard)
The Bantam Minor (98) team left today headed to New Jersey for a chance to compete for a National Championship. The River Rats will open up pool play against the New Jersey Rockets at 9:40a tomorrow (Wednesday). The River Rats will play one game a day at Nationals. Their 2nd game will be against the top rated Dallas Ice Jets teams. The puck will drop for that game at 3:15p on Thursday. Their final round robin game will be on Friday at 4:15p against the Southpointe RinkRats out of Pittsburgh PA. The River Rats will then hope to head to the Quarter Finals on Saturday Morning.
The River Rats will look to have more of the same that got them to Nationals. Strong defense, balanced scoring and the strong play in net of goaltender Ryan Ferland had lead head coach John Calarese's team all season. The River Rats head to Nationals with a record of 38-12-8 on the season.
Former River Rat Alex Killorn reaches Milestone at Harvard
posted 03/11/2012
Congratulations to former River Rat Alex Killorn for reaching a great milestone and adding to his already illustrious career at Harvard. With 2 assists in last nights dramatic 4-3 Double OT win over Yale Killorn reached and past the 100 point mark for his career. With the 2 assists last night Killorn now has 18 goals and 20 assists on the season. In his career he has 48 goals and 53 assists for 101 points in 127 games. He will look to continue his great career tonight with a win over Yale which would move Harvard to the next round of the ECAC tournament.
Killorn becomes the 3rd River Rat to reach the 100 point career barrier in college hockey joining other former River Rat greats Joe Whitney (BC) and Brian Flynn (Maine) He also becomes the 1st Harvard player in the past 7 years to reach this honor.
Congratulations to Tommy Schofield(00) for being named the Rat of the week as the teams head into the playoffs. Schofield the Medfield, Ma native was a man on a mission this past weekend. Schofield scored 10 goals in 3 games! In a big playoff push for the 00 River Rats Schofield played a huge role. In a 3-1 win over the Bobcats in a pivital playoff positioning game, Schofield scored all 3 goals. The River Rats then went on to beat the RI Sainst 7-1, where Schofield exploded for 4 goals. To finish off the weekend the Rats slipped up a bit losing to the Warriors 5-3 but Schofield continued his strong play with another hat trick.
Schofield and the River Rats will finish up their season in Tyngsboro this weekend with the Hockey Northeast playoffs.
Former River Rat Chris Calnan commits to Boston College
posted 02/24/2012
Congratulations to former River Rat forward Chris Calnan on committing to Boston College for the fall of 2013. Calnan, a former River Rat and Norwell, Mass native, was a kep player on the U16 River Rats 2 years ago. He played on Coach O'Connors top line with current River Rat forward George Hunkele and current Nobles teammate Max Franklin. In that 2010 fall, Calnan finished tied for 2nd in the league in scoring with GBL forward and future BC teammate Austin Cangelosi, and the above mentioned Max Franklin with 7 goals and 11 assists for 18 points.
Calnan will join the tradition of many River Rats in Boston College jerseys including, former BC and River Rat captain Joe Whitney, current Eagles Steve Whitney and Barry Almedia.
Congratulations to Rat of the week winner Shaun Fitzpatrick of the Mite (03) team. Fitzpatrick, the Wrentham, Mass native, exploded for 5 goals in a very important 11-5 victory over the Springfield Rifles as the River Rats moved closer to clinching a playoff spot. The 5 goal outburst was the most of any River Rat in a game so far this season. With the win at home in Foxboro, the River Rats opened up a 5 point lead of the Rifles for the 6th and final playoff spot in the Hockey Northeast league.
Fitzpatrick and the River Rat Mite team will pack up and head into Brighton on Sunday in a important game as they now start to try to chase down the 5th place GBL Bruins in a head to head matchup.
Honorable Mention:
Ryan Ferland (98) Another stellar weekend for Ferland as he shutout the very strong RI Saints 1-0, and split with the CT Bobcats falling 3-1 and defeating the CT Bobcats 2-1 behind Ferland’s strong play Patrick Flemming (98) Had 2 goals on the weekend as the 98’s go 2-1 in a big weekend against the 2nd and 3rd place teams in division. Shane Hanley (99) Hanley had 2 goals and 1 assist on the weekend as 99’s split weekend falling to RI Saints 4-2 and beating the Middlesex Braves 4-0 Cam Daly (00) Had 1 goal and 1 assist in huge win for the 00 team as they continue to jump up the standings, jumping the Northstars with the win for 5th place in league Brandon Sherman/Trevor Ivatts (01) Goaltending duo was fantastic making 46 saves in a 1-1 tie vs the Northstars on Sunday in Westboro Braeden Mcphee (03) Had 3 point weekend (1 goal 2 assists) as Mites beat the Rifles 11-5 Patrick Hart (03) Had 3 assists in 11-5 win over the Rifles.
Congratulations to Grant Sherman (98) of the Bantam Minor team for being named Rat of the week. In the Bantam Minors lone game of the weekend the team pounded the Dual State Huskies 8-0 as the Rats pushed for the number 1 seed in the Hockey Northeast Playoffs. Sherman, an Attleboro native and defenseman, led the River Rats with 2 goals and 1 assist in the game. This is Sherman's 2nd time being named Rat of the week, as he was 1st named in late September for his play in the Syracuse Invitational.
The River Rats are in 1st place as of this weekend with 3 games looming between 2nd and 3rd place RI Saints and CT Jr Bobcats.
Honorable Mention:
Ryan Ferland/Tim McGrath (98) Goaltending duo made 14 saves in a shutout victory Tommy Giandomenico (98) 1 goal and 2 assists in 8-0 beating of Dual State Willie Tardif (98) 1 goal and 2 assist in lone game for 98's on weekend Billy Shea (99) 2 goals as the 99's split the weekend beating the Dual State Huskies, before falling to the North Stars Sean Tyer (99) 1 goal and 1 assist on weekend Cam Martin (99) 1 goal and 1 assist on weekend Henry Bruckner (99) 2 assists in weekend split Cam Daly (00) 2 goals in big 4-3 win over Dual State Huskies as 00's battle for playoff position Thomas Lorden (00) Had 1 goal and 2 assists in hug2 4-3 win over Dual State. Ryan Boyajian (01) 2 goals and 1 assists as the 01's get big win over the Dual State Huskies 8-3 Joey Janowicz (01) 2 goals in big 8-3 win over Dual State Patrick Hart (03) 2 goals and 1 assist on the weekend as the Mite, split the weekend, beating the Rifles and falling to the Saints.
Powered by a high scoring offense the Pee Wee Minor (00) team has won their 2nd tournament of the season, this time winning the 2012 JWK tournament at the AAA division. The River Rats opened up the tournament against the Providence Caps AAA team with a 4-4 tie. The River Rats were led by Cam Daly who paced the offense with 2 goals and 1 assist. The River Rats feeling as they could do better woke up the next morning to face off with the Dover Stars and came out flying. The River Rats pounded the Stars by a score of 10-0. Ryan Birch was the leader of the offense with 4 goals in the game. Cam Daly(1-2-3) added 3 points and Tommy Schofield(2-0-2), Thomas Lorden (1-1-2), Garrett Maxwell(1-1-2), Max Field(0-2-2), and Robert McNeice (0-2-2) all added 2 points. The River Rats feeling very confident with their game, would next face-off with the Boston Stars and once again come out flying and pound the Boston Stars, 10-0. Cam Daly was the star in this one with 5 points on 3 goals and 2 assists. Kyle Hirshom wasn’t too far behind with 2 goals and 2 assists. Robert McNeice (1-2-3) and Ryan Birch (0-3-3) added 3 points in the victory. This was the 2nd straight shutout for goaltender Owen Ginley. The River Rat’s next foe would be the NEHL’s Assabet Valley Patriots. The River Rats kept the high flying offense going in the game and came away with a 6-2 victory. Cam Daly and Tyler Page led the offense with 2 goals and 1 assist. Garrett Maxwell (1-1-2) Tommy Schofield (1-1-2) David Corrigan (0-2-2) and Andrew Stefura (0-2-2) all had 2 points in the game. The River Rats would round out the round robin round looking for the top seed as they faced off with Hockey NorthEast rival Boston Jr. Bruins. The Rats came out flying and took it to the Jr Bruins to the tone of a 5-3 win behind the incredible play of Andrew Stefura who had 4 goals in the game. Max Field (0-2-2) and Garrett Maxwell (0-2-2) added 2 points each.
Going into the playoffs as the top seed the River Rats would draw the NEHL’s East Coast Wizards in a early Martin Luther King day matchup at Mount St Charles. The River Rats would continue their strong play and ride the back of Andrew Stefura who was on fire again this time added another goal and assists in a 4-1 victory for the Rats. Kyle Hirshom, Tyler Page and Tommy Schofield all added goals in the game and Ginley was sharp in net. The victory would punch the River Rats ticket to the finals as they would head over to the Rhode Island Sports Center to face off with the South Coast Mariners. Liam Gately would be a force up front in this game as he scored 1 goal and 1 assists to pace the River Rats to a 4-2 victory and the tournament title. Robert McNeice, Tommy Schofield and defenseman Robbie Wilkinson would add goals for the Rats.
Leading the way in the scoring department for the tournament was tournament leading scorer Cam Daly who finished the tournament with 8 goals and 7 assists for 15 points. Right behind him was Ryan Stefura who had 5 goals and 6 assists for 11 points in the tournament. Tommy Schofield tied Daly for the lead in goals with 8. Tyler Page and Ryan Birch both finished the tournament with 4 goals and 4 assists.
Congratulations to Rat of the week winner Ryan Birch (00). On a fairly light week for the River Rats Birch, a Walpole, Mass native was the star. Birch, scored 2 goals in a huge Hockey Northeast matchup for the 00 team as they went on to defeat the Springfield Rifles 5-2. The Rifles and the River Rats are in a heated battle for 5th place in the league right now and win brought the River Rats within 2 points of the Rifles. The River Rats split the weekend with a 4-0 loss on Sunday to the Jr. Bruins.
Birch and the River Rats keep looking for more Hockey Northeast points as they play host to the Dual State Huskies and travel to 1st place Middlesex Braves this weekend in East Boston.
Honorable Mention:
Patrick Flemming (98) 2 assists in 4-2 victory over the Springfield Rifles for the 98's Andrew Moore (99) Big dman scores goal in 4-3 win over Springfield Rifles for the 99's Liam Gately (00) 1 goal and 1 assist in weekend split for 00 team Andrew Stefura (00) 1 goal and 1 assists in weekend split for 00 team Ryan Boyajian (01) 1 goal in 2-2 tie with Rifles Kevin Borah (01) 1 goal in 2-2 tie with Rifles
Congratulations to our 1st ever back to back Rat of the week winner Cam Daly(00). The West Roxbury native exploded with offense once again this weekend, this time at the JWK tournament in Rhode Island. Daly and the 2000 River Rats won the Pee Wee Minor AAA division and he was a huge part of it, leading the tournament in scoring with 8 goals and 7 asssists for 15 points in 7 games, including a big 2 goal and 1 assist effort in a win over the Assabet Valley Patriots. This is Daly’s 3rd career Rat of the week award.
In the past 2 weeks Daly has played 9 games and has 12 goals and 8 assists for 20 points in that span. Daly and the JWK champs will get back to work this weekend in Hockey Northeast play heading on the road twice first to Connecticut to play the Bobcats on Saturday and to Westboro on Sunday to play the 2nd place Northstars
Honorable Mention:
Jack Murphy (98) Big defenseman had 3 goals and 3 assists as 98’s go 3-2 in JWK Elite division James McKenna (98) 3-2-5 for 98’s in Rhode Island John Piatelli (98) high scoring forward had 2 goals and 2 assists in JWK tournament Cam Martin (99) Forwards 2 goals and 4 assists at the JWK lead the team to the semi finals of the elite division where they fell to the Carolina Jr Hurricanes Cullen McGlynn (99) 1-4-5 in Rhode Island for the semi finalist 99 team Billy Shea (99) Team high 4 goals for 99 team at JWK tournament Andrew Stefura (00) 5 goals and 6 assists in JWK tournament including a 4 goal explosion in win over league rival GBL Bruins Tommy Scholfield (00) Tied with Daly for the team lead in goals with 8 for the AAA division champion Pee Wee Minor team. Tyler Page (00) 4 goals and 4 assists on the weekend as 00’s win title Owen Ginley and Ben Colangelo (00) Pee Wee Minor goalies were great on the road to the championship Dan Savary (01) 4-2-6 in the weekend for the 01 team that went 2-3 in JWK tournament Bryan Testa (01) 2 goald and 4 assists in JWK including 1 goal and 2 assists in win over Providence Caps AAA Luke Alred (02) Had 2 goals in JWK for 02’s that went 0-4-1 in tournament. Alred scored big goal in 1-1 tie vs Boston Jr Eagles Ethan Stanley (03) Defenseman led the Mites in scoring in JWK tournament with 3 goals and 1 assist. Had a huge game in win over Boston Stars with 2 goals and 1 assist in 5-4 win. Mites go 1-3-1 in tournament.
Congratulations to Rat of the week winner Cam Daly of the Pee Wee Minor (00) team. The West Roxbury, Mass native scored 4 goals and 1 assist as the 2000 River Rats split the weekend games with a 5-2 loss to 1st place Middlsex Braves and a 4-1 win over the GBL Bruins. In the 5-2 loss Daly had 1 goal and 1 assists and in the 4-1 win Daly exploded for a hat trick.
Daly becomes the 2nd River Rat to win the Rat of the week award for a 2nd time this season joining 98 River Rats goaltender Ryan Ferland. Daly and the River Rats head down to RI for the JWK tournament this MLK weekend. Honorable Mention: Ryan Ferland (98) The above mentioned Ferland was excellent this weekend allowing 1 goal in 2 games including a shutout against the GBL Bruins, as 98's sweep weekend beating GBL and RI Saints (3-1) John Piatelli (98) 2 goals in 3-0 win over GBL Bruins Zach Rogers (99) Goaltender was solid in a 1-1 tie with Valley Warriors Jack Murphy (01) Dman scored a goal in a 4-2 loss to RI Saints this weekend. 01's lost both games on the weekend Kyle Rogers (02) 1 goal and 1 assist weekend against Valley where the 02's go 0-1-1. Braeden Mcphee (03) 2 goals in 8-3 loss to Middlesex Braves
Congratulations to Rat of the week winner Jared Hirshfeld of the Mite (03) team. Hirshfeld, the Medfield Mass native, exploded for 6 goals on the weekend as the Mite team swept the Springfield Rifles in a home and home series. The River Rats headed west on Saturday night to play the Rifles and came away with their most impressive effort of the season with a 8-2 win where Hirshfeld put up a hat trick. On Sunday the River Rats had the tough task of sweeping a team on the weekend and in a very up and down battle the River Rats won a barnburner 7-6 to complete the weekend split. Hirshfeld was a force once again scoring another hat trick for a 6 goal weekend.
Hirshfeld and the Mite team will be back at it on New Years day at home in Foxboro, as they try to keep the winning streak going against the team directly above them in the standings the GBL Bruins.
Honorable Mention: Matt McGlynn(98) Scored a crucial goal as the River Rats beat the RI Saints in a battle for the top spot in the league Ryan Ferland (98) Had another solid outing in a big game as the 98's beat the RI Saints 3-2 Dan Shea(99) Had 2 goals including a great wrap around goal as the 99's cruice past the Springfield Rifles 6-1 in Foxboro Sunday Shane Hanley (99) A staple each week in the Player of the Week category kept it going with 2 goals in a 6-1 win including a Shorthanded goal. Tyler Page (00) Had 3 goals on the weekend including the tying goal vs Dual State Huskies on the road with 1 minute left as 00's go 1-0-1 on weekend Tommy Schofield (00) Had 3 goals and 1 assist on the wekend as the 00's keep playing good hockey getting 3 points on the weekend Liam Gately (00) Had a game high 3 points with 3 assists in a 6-0 win over RI Saints at home Saturday Trevor Ivatts/Brandon Sherman (01) Goaltending duo gave up 1 goal in a weekend sweep for the 01 team beating the Dual State Huskies and Bay State Breakers AAA Matt Mactavish (03) Had tatrick in win over Springfield Saturday Shaun Fitzpatrick (03) Had a 5 point night (3 goals and 2 assists) in 7-6 win on Sunday in Foxboro over the Springfield Rifles
Congratulations to Pee Wee Major(99) Forward Ryan Johnson on being named this week's Rat of the Week. Johnson, the Medfield mass native, had a very solid weekend as the 99's had 2 big wins over the CT Bobcats and the GBL Bruins. On Saturday, the River Rats headed down south to Connecticut to play the CT Bobcats. Johnson has 2 assists in a big 3-1 win, to push the River Rats record against the Bobcats on the season to 2-0. Heading back up to Massachusetts on Sunday the River Rats headed into Boston for a matchup with the GBL Bruins and once again the defending champion 99 team proved the championship goes through Foxboro as they beat the Bruins 4-3 and Johnson was once again a huge contributor scoring 1 goal and 1 assist in the game.
Johnson and the River Rats have 1 more league game before the Christmas break as the River Rats face-off with the last placed Springfield Rifles in Foxboro on Sunday at 440p. The River Rats are now 11-4 in the league and sit in 3rd place in Hockey Northeast with a few games in hand.
Honorable Mention: Logan Liljeberg (98) Scored 2 goals on the weekend as the 98’s split the weekend beating Dual State Huskies and falling to the CT Bobcats Timothy McGrath (98) Had a shutout against the 98s beat Dual State Huskies Shane Hanley (99) High scoring forward had 2 goals and 1 assist for the 99s as they sweep the weekend Cam Martin (99) Had 2 goals on the weekend as the 99’s swept the weekend against the CT Bobcats and the GBL Bruins. Michael Curtin (00) Had 2 goals and 1 assist as the 00’s go 1-1-1 on weekend Ryan Boyajian (01) Was great on the penalty kill as the 01’s fall to the 1st place Middlesex Braves 4-2
Congratulations to Rat of the week winner Tyler Rudek of the Bantam Minor (98) team. Rudek, a Woonsocket RI native, led the 98 River Rats to another weekend sweep, this time of the Northstars and the GBL Bruins. Rudek was a force all weekend playing both ends of the ice very well. In the GBL Bruins game Rudek led the River Rats with 2 goals and 1 assist as the team rolled to a 9-0 victory. In Saturdays, home game against the Northstars, Rudek was very dangerous all game added an assist in the 3-2 win, finishing the weekend with 2 goals and 2 assists.
Rudek and the 1st place River Rats(24-5-7 overall, 13-1-1 in league) will head down south to Newington Connecticut to face off with a very strong and well coached CT Bobcats squad on Saturday before heading north on Sunday to Tyngsboro to face off with the Dual State Huskies looking for another weekend sweep.
Honorable Mention:
Alexander Barattini(98) Had 2 goals in a 9-1 win over the GBL Bruins. Timothy McGrath (98) Goaltender played 2 scoreless periods in 9-0 win over GBL Bruins and was solid against Northstars Logan Liljeberg (98) Had 2 goals and 1 assist in weekend sweep for 98 River Rats Mike Mazzocca (02) Shut out Springfield Rifles in his half game in a 3-1 loss to Springfield Braedon McPhee(Mites) Had 2 assists in a 8-2 loss to Northstars
Former River Rat Captain Ben Kaplan Commits to Holy Cross
posted 12/08/2011
Congratulations to former River Rat captain Ben Kaplan on committing to Holy Cross for this upcoming fall. Kaplan, a 2010 River Rats U18 captain, is playing this season for the New Hampshire Monarchs in the EJHL. Kaplan, will join fellow Co-Captain of the 2010 team Tommy Dwyer, at Holy Cross. He becomes the 6th 1992 date of birth player to go to a Division 1 college or Major Junior Program. He becomes the 12th player off the 2009 U18 team that went 20-3-2. He is the 6th player off the 2010 U18 River Rat team that went 18-6-2.
Kaplan, a St. Pauls graduate, is a smooth skating offensive defenseman. In 42 games in 2 years with the U18 River Rat team Kaplan had 7 goals and 25 assists for 32 points.
98's champs again; this time at Valley Thanksgiving Tourney
posted 12/04/2011
Congratulations are in order once again for the River Rats Bantam Minor (98) team. After earning a trip to the National Tournament earlier in the month with a Massachusetts Tier 2 championship crown, the River Rats were back at it again this time winning the Valley Jr Warriors Thanksgiving tournament. The 98 River Rats plowed through the very strong field finishing 5-0-1 including a 2-1 Championship game victory over the Calgary Royals. The River Rats opened up the tournament against the New Hamphire Monarchs, the River Rats didn’t have any Thanksgiving hangovers as the team pounded the Monarchs 5-0. Ryan Ferland was superb in net and Kyle Gately (2 goals and 1 assist) and John Piatelli (1 goal and 1 assist) lead the offense. Playing later that afternoon against the Rocky Mountain Roughriders the River Rats would once again get strong goaltending and timely scoring from defenseman Jack Murphy and forward Tyler Rudek as the River Rats came out on top 2-1. Coming into a showdown with a strong Calgary Royals team in the round robin the next day the River Rats knew they were in for a battle and that’s what they got. In a game in which Ryan Ferland was fantastic once again, the River Rats got a goal from James McKenna from Grant Sherman and John Piatelli and was able to hold on for a 1-0 win. Going into the 4th and final round robin game the River Rats got a little complacent and came out slowly and ended up tying Pro Ambitions 3-3. Dan Shea, Patrick Flemming and James McKenna were the River Rats goal scorers. As the River Rats took the top seed into the playoffs, they would face off with a strong Seacoast Spartans squad. The River Rats played a very solid game and defeated the Spartans 3-1. Tommy Giandomenico, Grant Sherman and Kyle Gately were the River Rats goal scorers and Ryan Ferland was solid as usual in net. Heading into the finals the River Rats knew they would be in for a major battle facing off once again with the Calgary Royals. The River Rats proved up to the challenge and as they have time and time again over the years rode a very hot Ryan Ferland in net and got a huge goal from big time scorer Tommy Giandomenico late in the 3rd period to break a 1-1 tie and beat the Calgary team 2-1. Dan Shea was the other goal scorer in the game. Ryan Heath, Tyler Viera, Logan Liljeberg and John Piatelli picked up assists in the game. The titled was captured by the River Rats due the combination of incredible goaltending and very steady defense. The defenseman, Ryan Heath, Grant Sherman, Jack Murphy, Tyler Viera, Matt McGlynn and Anthony Calarese was great again. Up front the River Rats were led by Kyle Gately with 3 goals and 2 assists and John Piatelli with 1 goal and 5 assists. Dan Shea and Tommy Giadomenico were great in the playoff round.
Pee Wee Major (99) wins Valley Thanksgiving Tournament
posted 12/04/2011
Congratulations to the Pee Wee Major (99) team for winning the Valley Jr Warriors Thanksgiving tournament. It was an exciting day which saw both the 98 and 99 River Rats teams win the tournament in their respective divisions. The Pee Wee Major (99) were able to avenge an earlier loss in the tournament to the Valley Junior Warriors in the finals beating the Warriors 3-2. The River Rats started the tournament with revenge on their mind as they squared off with the Assabet Valley Patriots who beat the River Rats last season. This time around it was all River Rats as the 99’s pounded Assabet 9-2 behind a hat trick from high scoring forward Shane Hanley. John Maloney added a 3 point night with 1 goal and 2 assists, as did Cullen McGlynn who had 3 assists. Ryan Johnson (1 goal and 1 assist) Cam Martin (1 goal and 1 assist ) and Collin Cooke(1 goal and 1 assist) also played big roles for the River Rats. Zach Rogers was solid in net. Next up for the River Rats was the Seacoast Spartans. The River Rats offense came out firing but the defense couldn’t keep the Spartans off the score board as the game would head to a shootout tied 7-7. The River Rats wouldn’t fair well in the shootout falling to the Spartans. In the game, the River Rats were led up front by Adam Towey who had a hat trick and Shane Hanley who had 2 goals. Thomas Dugan and Ryan Johnson both had 2 assists in the game. In the next game the River Rats would play the very strong Valley Junior Warriors. The River Rats came out slowly as the team looked like it couldn’t shake the loss in the shootout as the River Rats couldn’t get anything going and lost the game 5-1. Shane Hanley scored the lone goal. Going into Saturday night the River Rats were faced with a win or go home game with the Greater Boston Vipers. The River Rats responded to the challenge and came out flying. Zach Rogers was very solid in net and Cam Martin(2 goals) and Ryan Johnson (1 goal 1 assist) both had 2 point nights. Collin Cooke scored the other goal for the River Rats as the rolled into the playoffs 4-2. Heading into the playoffs the River Rats would face-off with the East Coast Wizards. The River Rats would control the 1st 2 periods of the game behind goals from Shane Hanley (1 goal 1 assist) Collin Cooke and Cam Martin. The River Rats would led 3-2 in the 3rd period, and hold on for a 3-2 victory as Greg Moon was great in net making 31 saves and setting up a rematch against the Valley Warriors in the finals. The Rats jumped out to an early lead in the championship with a Jack Maloney strike assisted by Shane Hanley. The Warriors struck late in the first to tie and the battle continued through a scoreless second stanza. Jack Maloney notched his 2nd of the game with a great tip in off an Andrew Moore blast with Cam Martin also assisting. The Warriors continued with solid pressure and tied the game at the 8 min mark. Greg Moon was fantastic all game long, turning aside 37 VJW shots. Cully McGlynn then lit the championship lamp assisted by Ryan Johnson and Tommy Dugan. The championship game winner came with only 37 ticks left on the clock. The River Rats were lead up front in the tournament by star Forward Shane Hanley who had 7 goals and 3 assists for 10 points in the 6 game tournament. Cam Martin (4 goals and 3 assists) Ryan Johnson (2 goals and 5 assists) and John Maloney (3 goals and 3 assists) also played big parts in the River Rats high scoring offense in the tournament. Greg Moon was fantastic in net as the tournament wore on and Andrew Moore lead the defensive side of the things from the back end with 1 goal and 2 assists in the tournament. Henry Bruckner played very solid defense as well.
Congratulations to Rat of the Week winner Ryan Ferland (98) For the 2nd time in 3 weeks Ferland has been named the winner of the award. With a fantastic Valley Jr Warriors tournament, including stunning play in the playoff round, Ferland once again showed why he is a big game goalie. The Franklin native, played in 6 games in the tournament only giving up 6 goals in total against some great teams, but saved his best for last making a number of remarkable saves in a 2-1 win over Calgary Royals in the tournament finals. In championship games this season, Ferland, has won them both by scores of 1-0(Massachusetts State Finals) 2-1(Valley Thanksgiving tournament)
Honorable Mention: John Piatelli (98) En route to tournament championship Piatelli had 1 goal and 5 assists Kyle Gately (98) In winning the Valley Thanksgiving tournament Gately led the 98s with 3 goals. He also added 2 assists Tommy Giandomenico (98) Had 2 goals and 1 assist during the the Valley tournaments including the game winner in the finals with 5 mins left to defeat the Calgary Royals Greg Moon (99) Was great in net especially as the tournament wore on for the 99’s as they won the Valley Thanksgiving tournament Shane Hanley (99) Had huge numbers (7 goals and 3 assists) as he led the 99’s to the title at the Valley Thanksgiving tournament Cam Martin (99) 4-3-7 line in tournament for champion 99 team John Maloney (99) Had 3 goals and 3 assists including 2 goals in the finals of the tournament to defeat Valley for the crown. Cullen McGlynn(99) Had 5 points on the weekend including the winner with 37 seconds left to give the River Rats the trophy and tournament title Ryan Boyajian (01) Had 5 goals and 2 assists in 4 games in the Jr Warrior Thanksgiving Tournament. Ryan had a hat trick in the fourth and final game for The Rats in a tight game with the Seacoast Spartans Kyle Rogers (02) 2 goals and 1 assist in Vermont tournament Xavier Felli (02) Had 1 goal and 1 assist and was good all over the ice for the 02 team in Vermont Mike Mazzocca (02) Goalie sas player of the game twice during the tournament for the 02’s in Vermont
Congratulations to Andrew Moore from the Pee Wee Major (99) team for being named the Rat of the Week winner for this week. Moore, a Walpole Mass, has had a solid season so far and was fantastic this weekend as the Pee Wee Major (99) had 2 big Hockey Northeast league Victorys. Moore, a defenseman, scored 3 goals and added an assist while playing very strong defense as the River Rats beat the previously unbeaten Connecticut Bobcats in Connecticut 6-5 and beat the Middlesex Braves 5-2.
After starting the season 0-2 in the league the River Rats have won 9 of the next 10 games and have a 9-3 record in the league.
Moore and the River Rats will head to the Valley Tournament this weekend before returning to league play December 3rd in a big game with the RI Saints in Pawtucket.
Honorable Mention
Logan Liljeberg (98) 4 goals on the weekend as the 98’s split the weekend. Tommy Giandomenico(98) Had 1 goal and 2 assists as the 98’s beat Valley and lost to Middlesex Braves Shane Hanley (99) Had 4 goals in a big 6-5 win over the CT Bobcats in Connecticut Danny Savary (01) Had 4 goals on the weekend including a hat trick in a 6-2 win over the Springfield Rifles at home in Foxboro Ryan Boyajian (01) Had a Hat Trick in a 6-2 win over the Rifles on Sunday as 01’s split weekend Kevin O’Reilly (02) 2 goals on weekend as the 02’s fall in both games Mark Hirshom (02) 2 assists as 02’s get swept on weekend Rocco Bianculli (Mite) Had a hat trick in a 5-4 loss to the NorthStars on Saturday at Home Patrick Hart (Mite) Had 1 goal and 2 assists in 5-4 loss to NorthStars
Bantam Minor (98) River Rats win state title for 2nd straight yr
posted 11/17/2011
Congratulations to the Bantam Minor (98) team for winning the Massachusetts Bantam Tier 2 State Championship. In a tournament, that included mostly 97 teams, the River Rats stood tallest. With a 1-0 win over the Lynnfield Spartans the River Rats were able to defend their Massachusetts State Championship title and head to Nationals for the 2nd straight season, once again heading to New Jersey for a chance at a National Championship. The 98 River Rats, under coach John Calarese, have been the most successful of all River Rat teams, playing in the state finals every year since Mites (6 years in a row!) winning the state title as Squirt Minors(2-1 over Valley Warriors) Pee Wee Majors (3-0 over the Valley Warriors) and Bantam Minors (1-0 over Lynnfield Spartans).
This years playoffs were once again a challenging field for the River Rats being the lone Hockey Northeast representative the River Rats opened the tournament against a familiar foe in the Greater Boston Vipers. The River Rats had played them twice already being them in early October 3-1 in Peabody before falling to them in the East Coast Prep Cup at Lawrence Academy 3-0 in late October. This time was another even matchup that would go down to the wire with nobody able to find the back of the net. Ryan Ferland was fantastic in net, and a defensive all around effort from the River Rats was good enough to earn a 0-0 tie with the Vipers. The River Rats on short rest Saturday afternoon squared off with the Lynnfield Spartans and dominated the game throughout. The line of Tyler Rudek(1 goal and 2 assists), Logan Liljeberg (2 goals) and John Piatelli(2 goals) was dominate early going scoring 4 goals as the River Rats pounded the Lynnfield team 6-2. Back at it only a couple hours later the River Rats would face-off with the Bay State Bulldogs. Once again the River Rats came out flying and dominated from Start to finish getting a shutout from Ryan Ferland and 2 point nights from defenseman Matt McGlynn( 1-1-2) Dan Shea(0-2-2) and James McKenna (1-1-2)
Going into the Semi Finals the River Rats were the top seed and faced off with the Springfield Rifles 97 Tier 2 team. The River Rats used a monster 2nd period to break open a 1-1 game and run away with a 6-2 final over the Springfield Rifles. The difference in the game was when the River Rats got 3 goals in 1 minute as Kyle Gately, Tyler Rudek and Patrick Flemming all found the net in the 1 minute span in the 2nd period. In the game the River Rats got 1 goal and 2 assists from defenseman Grant Sherman , 2 goals from Kyle Gately and 1 goal and 1 assist from John Piatelli.
Heading into the finals the River Rats would face off with the Lynnfield Spartans as the Spartans knocked off the Greater Boston Vipers in the semi’s. In a hard fought, much tighter checking game the River Rats got fantastic goaltending from Ryan Ferland and a goal from Tommy Giandomenico from Grant Sherman in the 2nd period and held on for a 1-0 win and another state title.
The River Rats were led during the weekend in scoring by Tyler Rudek and John Piatelli who both had 3 goals and 2 assists on the weekend. Grant Sherman led from the blueline with 1 goal and 4 assists. This was really a team effort, as the team was very good defensively, many times paying the price for victory. The team has been and continues to be one of the best defensive teams in New England as Ryan Heath, Jack Murphy, Grant Sherman, Matt McGylnn, Tyler Viera and Anthony Calarese, are as strong as the region has. The 16-4-6 River Rats will finish up their season looking for a Hockey Northeast Title before they head down South on 95 to New Jersey for Nationals in Late March.
Congratulations to Ryan Ferland from the Bantam Minor (98) team for being named the Rat of the Week. Ferland has had a knack over his River Rat career of playing great in big games as this weekend was no exception. Ferland was fantastic all weekend leading the River Rats to the Massachusetts Tier 2 State Bantam Championship behind 3 shutout performances. In a weekend when the River Rats played mostly 97 teams, Ferland stood tall, allowing only 3 goals in 5 games, including shutouts against the very strong Greater Boston Vipers, and the Bay State Bulldogs. In the Finals, Ferland saved his best performance with the pressure on shutout the Lynnfield Spartans 1-0.
Ferland and the River Rats will get back to Hockey Northeast play this weekend in East Boston as the 1st place River Rats square off with the 4th place Middlesex Braves as the River Rats continue their push for a Hockey Northeast championship before the team will head to New Jersey in March for the USA Hockey National Championships.
Honorable Mention:
Niko Rufo (U18) Had 3 goals and 11 assists in only 4 games at the State Tournament where the River Rats fell in a heartbreaker to GBL Bruins 6-5 in OT. Finished season with 19-18-37 in 15 games. Casey Miller (U18) Led the River Rats with 7 goals in the playoffs in 4 games to finish season with 12 goals and 24 assists in 15 games. Phillip Angelo (U16) Scored lone goal in 1-0 win over Springfield Rifles that led River Rats to top seed in bracket. River Rats would be upset in the semis by Eastern Mass Senators 4-2. Tyler Rudek (98) Had a 5 point weekend for the 98 team in State Playoffs including 3 goals as the 98’s repeat as State Champs John Piatelli (98) Had 3 goals and 2 assists as 98’s advance to Nationals Grant Sherman (98) Led defenseman with 1 goal and 4 assists, including an assist on the state tournament winner, as the 98 River Rats punch National ticket
Tommy Giandomenico (98) Had 2 goals and 1 assist on the weekend including the loan goal in the state final game in the 2nd period against the Lynnfield Spartans. Sean Tyer (99) Had 1 goal and 1 assist in a 4-0 win over the Valley Warriors in league play. Kevin O’Reilly (02) Had 1 goal and 1 assist as the 02’s fall to the Springfield Rifles Rocco Bianculli (Mite) Had 2 goals in a 5-5 tie for the Mite team in a game against the Providence Capitals AAA team.
Congratulations to Rat of the Week Winner Brian Farell of the U16 team. Farrell, a 1995, date of birth, has played well this season but really stepped it up this weekend in a huge weekend for the U16 team. In 2 games that had major playoff implications the River Rats beat the District 10 Bulldogs 6-0 and tied the Central Mass Outlaws 5-5. Farrell, was a force all weekend scoring 1 goal in the 6-0 win, and then really bringing his game to the Central Mass Outlaws game. The winner of the game would finish as the 2 seed and the loser could fall down as far as the 4 seed in this weekend State Playdowns. Farrell, scored a hat trick in the game and added an assist for a 4 point night. His final tally of the game came with 14 seconds left to tie the score 5-5 and give the River Rats the 2nd seed in the tournament.
Farrell, on the season has 10 goals and 5 assists for 15 points in 12 league games, good for 4th in the league in scoring and 2nd in goals. Farrell, and the River Rats now head into playoffs with a 16-5-1 record on the season. They will open up Friday night against the Bay State Breakers at 8:30p. Saturday, brings 2 games against league rivals, 1st at 8:40a the River Rats will play the Springfield Rifles and on the night cap at 7:30p against the Cape Cod Whalers. Semi Finals and State Championship games will be on Sunday. All games will be played at Kasabuski arena in Saugus. The River Rats are 4-0 against their competition so far on the season.
Honorable Mention: Nick Ellis (U18) Providence recruit shutout D10 Bulldogs 6-0 in final tuneup before post season Niko Rufo (U18) Providence recruit had 2 goals and 1 assist in 6-0 win. Won league goal scoring title with 15 goals in 9 games. Tyler Whitney (U18) Whitney had 1 goal and 3 assists in blowout win over District 10 Bulldogs Nolan Vesey (U16) Had a 6 point weekend with 1 goal and 5 assists as the River Rats earn 2nd seed in state tournament Anthony Florentino(U16) Providence recruit had 4 points in 2 games as the U16 team goes 1-0-1 on weekend. James McKenna (98) Had 3 goals and 1 assists as 98's blowout Dual State 8-0 and Valley 9-1 Logan Lilgeberg (98) Had 3 goals and 1 assist as 98's head to state playdowns as 2nd seed John Piatelli (98) Had 2 goals and 2 assists as 98's keep rolling in league play Patrick Flemming (98) Had 4 point weekend for 98's Adam Towey (99) Had 1 goal and was constant threat to score as 99's beat Dual State 3-0 Greg Moon and Zach Rogers (99) Combined for 3-0 shutout win over Dual State Robert Wilkinson (00) Dman had a goal has 00's defeat Dual State 3-2 Cam Daly (00) Scored in 3-2 win over Dual State Sam Spencer and Owen Ginley (00) Both played well in a 3-2 win over Dual State
Congratulations to Rat of the week winner Patrick Spano. The 1993 date of birth, and Yale Commit was spectacular in the Beantown Classic this weekend that was cut short by weather as the River Rats headed to the quarterfinals. Spano started 2 games on the weekend, winning both.
In a early Saturday matchup with the CT Bobcats in Exeter, Spano got quite a bit of offensive support as the River Rats put up 10 goals on the Bobcats, while Spano was efficient giving up 4 goals in a 10-4 win for the River Rats. Heading into the playoffs, the River Rats playing their 3rd game of the day came out slowly and Spano put on a show. In a 1-0 Shootout victory over Detroit Little Caesars, Spano, stopped 42 shots as the River Rats got outshot 42-10. As the team heading to the shootout, Spano kept it going, stopping all 4 shots in the shootout as the River Rats got goals from Matt Baldino and Yannik Crete to win the shootout 2-0. One NHL scout in attendance called it the best goaltending performance he’s ever seen. Spano made many backdoor and rebound saves that seem impossible at the time. As the game wore on, his performance started to get a crowd around rink 1 to watch his play.
The River Rats head into Boston this weekend for a game against the District 10 Bulldogs Saturday night as Spano and the River Rats will try to wrap up regular season title. On the season Spano is 8-2-0 with a 2.50 goals against average and 1 shutout.
Honorable Mention: Tyler Whitney (U18) 3 goals and 4 assists at Beantown Classic in 4 games. Matt Salhany (U18) 3 goals and 3 assists as U18 team earns 1 seed in weather shortened Beantown Classic Ryan Colena (U16) Had a shutout in a 4-0 win over Boston Advantage as u16s take number 1 seed in weather shortened Beantown Classic Teddy Griffin (U16) Had 2 big goals for U16 River Rats in Beantown Classic
Congratulations to Rat of the Week winner Tyler Whitney of the U18 team. Whitney, the long time River Rat and Reading, Mass native had a monster weekend scoring 4 goals and 6 assists in 2 blowout victorys for the U18 team. In Saturday's 16-1 win on Saturday night on the road in Tygnsboro, Whitney had 1 goal and 4 assists for 5 points. On Sunday, playing at home at Lawrence Academy as part of the Prep Cup Tournament, Whitney exploded for 3 goals and 2 assists in a 9-2 win over the Eastern Mass Senators.
Whitney on the season has 10 goals and 17 assists for 27 points in 17 games. In league play, Whitney is 4th in the league in scoring with 6 goals and 10 assist in 9 games. Whitney and the River Rats head up north this weekend to New Hampshire to take part in the Beantown classic. 1st game is tonight at 8:30p at the Rinks at Exeter against rival GBL Bruins in the annual game in Exeter.
Honorable Mention:
Niko Rufo (U18) Had 6 goals and 2 assists on the weekend as the U18 rolled to 2 huge victories. Yannik Crete (U18) Had 2 goals and 4 assists on the weekend. Tommy Giandomeico (98) Had a few goals in the Prep Cup at Cushing Academy and Lawrence Academy on the weekend Brian Cellini( 99) Had 1g 1a in 5-4 loss to RI Saints. 99's split on the weekend. Joey Janowicz (01) Had 4 goals in Lake Placid Tournament Dan Savory (01) Had 1 goal and 3 assists for silver medalist at Lake Placid Tournament Kyle Rogers (02) Had 2 goals as the 02's beat the CT Bobcats Patrick Hart (Mite) Had 2 goals in a 4-2 loss to GBL Bruins at Home Sunday.
Congratulations to Rat of the Week winner Yannik Crete from the U18 team. Crete, a 1994 date of birth, had a monster weekend as he helped the River Rats knock off the number 1 team in the country, the GBL Bruins, 4-2 and roll over the RI Saints 15-1. In the much anticipated GBL game, Saturday night, Crete was a offensive powerhouse scoring 2 goals in a huge 4-2 win for the River Rats which put the team in the driver’s seat for the regular season title and the top seed in the Mass Select Playoffs. On Sunday, Crete kept it going offensively scoring a hat trick and added an assist in the blowout victory for the River Rats. Crete finished the weekend with 5 goals and 1 assist for 6 points.
Crete’s monster weekend now gives him 11 goals and 8 assists for 19 points in 14 games for the 11-3-1 River Rats. Crete is the leading goal scorer on the River Rats U18 team. In 7 league games where the River Rats are 6-0-1, Crete has 6 goals and 1 assist for 7 points. The U18 River Rats are ranked 6thnationally and return to action Saturday night in Tyngsboro as they play against the last place Dual State Huskies before heading to Lawrence Academy on Sunday to play the Eastern Mass Senators as part of the East Coast Prep Cup. The River Rats will be doing a Pink the Rink at this game in honor of the fight against breast cancer.
Honorable Mention Patrick Spano (u18) Made 40 Saves in a 4-2 win over GBL on the Road Saturday night Alex Poulin (u18) Had 5 goals and 2 assists in blowout win over RI Saints, added huge assist in 4-2 win over rival GBL as U18 team sweeps weekend Ryan Colena(u16) Played well, making 30 saves, in a 1-0 loss to GBL on road Saturday night Ryan Ferland (98) Was excellent allowing 1 goal on back to back wins against the Greater Boston Vipers (3-1) and the Middlesex Braves (2-1) as the 98’s keep rolling Billy Shea (99) Had 2 goals and 3 assists in weekend sweep for 99 team beating the Northstars 7-4 before heading west to Springfield to beat the Rifles 5-1. Sean Tyer (99) Had 2 goals and 2 assists as the 99’s sweep weekend with 2 key wins. Ben Emero (02) Had 3 goals and 1 assist in a weekend sweep in a home and home with the CT Bobcats Luke Aldred (02)2G 2A in weekend sweep for 02 team Patrick Lorden (02) 2G 2A in weekend sweep for 02 team Kevin O'Rielly (02) 1G 3A in weekend sweep for 02 team Jared Hirshfeld (Mite) Had 2 goals as the Mites lost a close one 6-5 to the NorthStars.
Pee Wee Minor (00) team wins Octoberfest tournament
posted 10/13/2011
Congratulations to the Pee Wee Minor (00) Team for winning the Octoberfest tournament in Rhode Island this past weekend. The River Rats stormed through the competition going 5-0 en route to winning the championship on Monday. The River Rats opened the weekend Friday night playing against league rival and tournament host RI Saints. The River Rats came out flying and avenged a loss earlier in the season with a 5-3 victory, setting the tone for the weekend. Forward Cam Daly led the offense with 1 goal and 2 assists. Schofield, Page, Curtin, McNeice also scored for the Rats in the tournament opener. Next up was a Saturday morning matchup with the CT Jr. Bobats. The River Rats were paced up front by a hat trick by Cam Daly leading the team to a 5-2 win over the Bobcats. The River Rats were also led up front by Tyler Page who had 1 goal and 2 assists and Tommy Schofield who had 1 goal and 1 assist. Sunday mornings game and the final game in the round robin was against the New England Jr Hurricanes. The River Rats kept it going beating the Hurricanes by a score of 7-3. Tyler Page, paced the River Rats with 2 goals. Michael Curtin, Cam Daly, Andrew Stufura, David Corrigan and Robert McNeice also scored for the River Rats. Ryan Birch had 2 assists in the game.
Heading into the playoff round the River Rats earned the top seed and faced off with the New England Jr Hurricanes again. The River Rats would quickly prove to the field they earned the top seed as they blew out the New England Jr Hurricanes 10-0. Schofield led the way up front scoring 3 goals and 1 assists. The River Rats also got goals from Liam Gately, Cam Daly, Kyle Hirshom, Robert Wilkinson, Andrew Stufura, Kevin Crawford and Ryan Birch. Hirshom had 2 assists to go along with his goal. Zach D’Amico also had 2 assists in the game. Heading into the finals the River Rats would play against the CT Jr Bobcats. Despite falling behind 2-0 in the finals the River Rats would battle back with 2 shorthanded goals by Cam Daly and Andrew Stefura. The River Rats would take a 4-2 lead then with goals from Schofield and Daly only to see if evaporate as the Bobcats scratched back to tie the game at 4 in the 3rdperiod. Kevin Crawford would score what would be the game winning goal with 4 minutes left on a beautiful feed from Ryan Birch. Thomas Lorden would get an insurance marker from Gately to give the River Rats a 6-4 win and the Octoberfest tournament title.
The River Rats used an aggressive forecheck and back pressure to really push the pace all weekend. The goaltending was fantastic as Ben Colangelo and Owen Ginley combined to only allow 12 goals in 5 games. Up front the River Rats were led by Cam Daly who had 8 goals and 3 assists. 3 others that led the offense were, Tommy Schofield had 6 goals and 3 assists, Tyler Page had 4 goals and 3 assists and Andrew Stefura had 3 goals and 4 assists. The River Rats are now 6-4 on the season and will get back to league play Saturday as they head to Connecticut to have an Octoberfest Finals rematch with the CT Bobcats.
Congratulations to Rat of the week winner Cam Daly from the PW Minor (00) team. The West Roxbury native lit it up this weekend as the 2000 team went 5-0 en route to winning the Octoberfest Tournament in Rhode Island this past weekend. Daly, in the tournament, led the River Rats in scoring with 8 goals and 3 assists for 11 points.
This is Daly's 2nd time being named Rat of the week, 1st winning the honor last season in February. Daly and the River Rats will look to keep the winning streak going as they once again head south of the Massachusetts border as they head to Connecticut on Saturday to face off with the CT Bobcats in a finals of the Octoberfest tournament rematch at 2:30p at Norwich Arena.
Honorable Mention: Nick Finn (U18) 2 goals and 1 assists for 3 points in a 6-2 win over the Valley Warriors keeping the U18 team undeafted in league play Ryan Colena (U16) Allowed 1 goal in a 3-1 win at Valley Saturday day to push the River Rats to 6-0 in league play and 12-1 overall Tommy Giandomenico (98) Had 2 goals and 2 assists as the 98's sweep another weekend to stay perfect in league play John Piatelli (98) 3 goals and 1 asisst in 2 games as 98's roll in 2 big wins on weekend Cam Martin (99) Had 1 goal and 1 assist in a 4-1 win on the road in Tyngsboro over the Dual State Huskies Tommy Schofield (00) Had 6 goals and 3 assists as the 00 team went 5-0 to win the Octoberfest tournament in Rhode Island Tyler Page (00) Had 4 goals and 3 assists in Octoberfest tournament Ryan Boyajian (01) Had a hat trick as the 01 team headed north to Tyngsboro and got a big 8-5 win over the Dual State Huskies
Congratulations to U18 Forward Matt Salhany on being named this week's Rat of the Week. The long time River Rat and Warwick, RI native had a monster weekend in helping the River Rats to a 3 point weekend. The team on Saturday headed out west to Springfield on Saturday to face off with the Springfield Rifles. In a 6-2 win for the River Rats, Salhany had 5 assists. Salhanys 5 assists tied fellow U18 River Rat George Hunkele for season high for points in a game. On Sunday back at home in Foxboro against rival Cape Cod Whalers, Salhany had a goal and an assist in a 3-3 tie. Salhanys goal with about 6 minutes left gave the River Rats a lead only to see that erased as the Whalers and Quinnipiac recruit Adam Gilmour scored with under a minute to play to tie the game at 3.
Salhany is now tied for the lead in scoring on the U18 River Rats with Canton Mass native Nick Finn. Salhany in 12 games has 7 goals and 9 assists for 16 points. In league play Salhany has 1 goal and 8 assists in 4 games, good for 2nd in the league behind BU recruit Brendan Collier. Salhany and the 8-3-1 River Rats get back to work Saturday night in league play looking to go 4-0-1. The puck will drop at 6:40p Saturday in Haverhill against the Valley Jr Warriors.
Honorable Mention: Casey Miller (U18): Had 2 goals and 4 assists for 6 points in weekend win over Springfield and tie against the Cape Cod Whalers Cam McCusker (U16) Had 3 goals and 1 assist in 2 wins over Springfield (3-1) and rival Cape Cod Whalers (4-1) Luke Babcock (U16) Had 1 goal and 3 assists for 4 points in weekend sweep. Babcock now leads state in scoring with 11 points in league. Conor Coughlin/Ryan Colena (U16) Both goalies picked up wins and allowed only 1 goal in their respective starts Coughlin-Springfield and Colena- Cape Cod Whalers James McKenna (98)- Exploded for 4 goals in a 8-0 win over Valley in 98's lone game on the weekend Tyler Rudek (98)- Had 1 goal and 2 assists in 8-0 win over Valley Greg Moon (99) Made 28 saves on 31 shots in a 4-3 win for the 99's against Valley Ryan Johnson (99) 1 goal and 1 assist in big 4-3 win over Valley Sunday in Haverhill Shane Hanley (99) High scoring forward keeps it going with 1 goal and 2 assists in 4-3 win over Valley on the road Trevor Ivatts/Brandon Sherman (01) Ivatts went the distance Saturday in 2-1 win over Valley, goalies split time each playing well in 2-1 loss at home to RI Saints Sunday Kevin O'Reilly (02) 3 goals on weekend, in a pair of losses for 02's
Congratulations to Bantam Minor Defenseman Grant Sherman for being named the Rat of the Week. In the ultra competitive Syracuse Invitational this weekend Sherman, a Attleboro Mass native, led the team in scoring with 3 goals and played solid D all weekend. The River Rats who finished 1-0-2 in their bracket good enough for the 1st seed in the playoffs were beat by the NJ Devils in the playoff round 4-3.
The River Rats started the weekend off with a 2-2 tie with the Westchester Express goals were scored by John Piatelli and James McKenna. In a 4-1 win over a strong Pittsburgh Hornets team the River Rats got 40 mins of shutout hockey by Ryan Ferland and goals by Piatelli, Sherman, McKenna and Patrick Flemming. Next up for the River Rats was a game against the Valley Forge Minutemen. In a game the River Rats should have won they settled for a 3-3 tie. All goals were scored by defenseman as Matt McGlynn had 2 goals and Sherman had the other. Heading into the playoffs the River Rats got a tough draw with the NJ Devils. The River Rats trailed early but scrapped their way back into the hockey game to draw it even at 3 on goals from once again all defenseman as Tyler Viera, Sherman and Ryan Heath scored. The River Rats would give up a late goal and fall 4-3 to the Devils. In a consolation game the River Rats would fall 4-0 to the Cleveland Barons.
The River Rats now sit at 5-2-2 on the season and are 3-0 in the league. Sherman and the River Rats get back at it Sunday in Haverhill against the Valley Jr Warriors.
Honorable Mention:
Niko Rufo (U18) Had 4 goals in a 7-1 win over the NS Wings George Hunkele (U18) Had a River Rat weekend high 5 points in 7-1 win over NS Wings Matt Baldino (U18) Had 3 goals in weekend sweep which included a 7-1 win over NS Wings and a 4-3 win over the South Shore Dynamoes Brian Farrell (U16) Had 4 goals and 3 assists for 7 points in 2 blowout wins for the U16 team. Phil Angelo (U16) Had 3 goals and 3 assists on weekend sweep for U16 team including a hat trick Sunday in 10-3 win over the South Shore Dynamoes Cam McCusker(U16) Had 3 goals and 1 assists in 2 wins for the U16 team on the weekend. John Piatelli (98) Forward had 2 goals in Syracuse Invitational Tournament Matt McGlynn (98) Dman had 2 goals against the Valley Forge Minutemen in 3-3 tie in Syracuse Sean Connelly (02) Had GWG and added an assist in a win over the Springfield Rifles in Springfield Sunday. Rats 02's split the weekend Shaun Fitzpatrick (Mite) Had 2 goals on the weekend as the Mites dropped their 1st 2 games of the season Giuliano Dirissio (U18 T2) Had 2g and 1 assist as U18 Tier 2's tied Walpole Express 3-3
Congratulations to Austin Ricker of the Squirt Major (01) team for being named Rat the Week. Ricker, a Mansfield Mass native, was fantasic this weekend in a weekend split for the 01 team. The River Rats defeated the Springfield Rifles in Springfield 7-4 on Saturday, behind a 3 goal 1 assist effort from Ricker, including a penalty shot goal. The team returned home on Sunday to Foxboro, but fell to the GBL Bruins 4-1. Ricker was the lone scorer for the River Rats in that game, giving him 4 goals and 1 assist on the weekend.
Ricker and the rest of the Squirt Major team get back at it on Sunday in Hockey Northeast action travelling north to East Boston to play the 2-0 Middlesex Braves, looking to give the Braves their 1st loss of the season.
Honorable Mention
Luke Babcock (U16) Babcock picked up right where he left off despite the bye week scoring 2 goals and 2 assists giving him 9 goals and 3 assists on the season in a 8-1 win over the 495 Stars. Nolan Vesey (U16) Picked up 2 goals and 2 assist in blow out win over 495 Stars Ryan Ferland (98) Picked up 2 more shutouts in wins over RI Saints (5-0) and GBL Bruins 3-0) In 4 games Ferland GAA is 0.00 Dan Shea (98) In 5-0 win over RI Saints, Shea had 2 goals including a shorthanded tally Tommy Giandomenico (98) Continues to put up huge numbers with 2 goals and 2 assists in weekend sweep for 98's Kevin Borah (01) 2 goals in 7-4 win in Springfield Saturday Marc Hirshom (02) Was especially strong defensively in 4-0 season opening loss to Northstars
Former River Rat Riley Bourbonnais has commited to RPI for the fall of 2012. Bourbonnais, left the River Rats with 1 year of eligibilty to play in the USHL for the Cedar Rapids Roughriders this season. Last year Bourbonnais was one of the leading scorers on the U18 River Rats team scoring 9 goals and 14 assists for 23 points in 17 games, helping the team to a 18-6-2 record.
Bourbonnais, a 1993 date of birth, will play in the River Rat alumni heavy ECAC. He becomes the 2nd River Rat to play for RPI joining current senior forward Josh Rabbani. Bourbonnais, becomes the 5th player from the 2010 U18 River Rats to commit to a Division 1 School.
Congratulations to Shane Hanley of the Pee Wee Major team for being named this weeks Rat of the Week winner. Hanley, the states 3rd leading scorer last season picked up right where he left off last season. In the highly competive Cyclones Fall Classic in Hudson NH this past weekend, Hanley, a Foxboro native, led the River Rats to a solid 3-1 record on opening weekend for the team. In the tournament the team had wins over the Boston Advantage, Dual State Huskies and Providence Capitals. The teams only loss came in overtime to the Worcester Crusaders. Hanley lead the River Rats in scoring over the 4 games with 7 goals and 2 assists for 9 points, including some big goals over the weekend. Hanley and the 99 River Rats open up league play this upcoming Sunday vs GBL Bruins at home in Foxboro, puck drop is 4:10p.
Honorable Mention Kyle Gately (98)- 2 goals and 5 assists in 2 wins for the 98's over the Springfield Rifles and the Valley Jr Warriors Tommy Giandomenico (98) The reigning state scoring champ picked up right where he left off, scoring 3 goals and 3 assists in 2 blow out wins Ryan Ferland and Tim McGrath (98)- Both goaltenders combined for 2 shutouts in the weekend sweep of Springfield and Valley Robbie Wilkinson (00) The dman picked up 2 goals in a 6-3 victory over the GBL Bruins in Foxboro on Sunday Garrett Maxwell (00) Had a goal and 2 assists in a 6-3 win over GBL Bruins Jack Murphy (01) Scored the tying goal against Valley with 9 seconds left to gain weekend split of games with Valley and RI Saints. The Dman picked up an assist in a 6-2 loss to the RI Saints on Saturday
Congratulations to Rat of the Week winner Luke Babcock on the U16 team. During the opening week of the season Babcock scored 7 goals and added an assist as he helped coach Frank O'Connors squad to a successful start of the season. Along with a 6-0 season opening win over the Bay State Breakers, the U16 River Rats went 5-1 in the Massachusetts Tier 1 Labor Day Tournament, losing to the GBL Bruins in the semi finals. Babcock was key all of the wins including scoring a Hat Trick in a 4-0 win over the Amherst Knights and big goals in wins over the Connecticut Bobcats (2-1) and the New Jersey Freeze (3-2)
The U16 River Rats have a bye this week and get back to work next Sunday against the 495 Stars in Foxboro, in the league opener.
Honorable Mention: Ryan Colena (U16) Had a 1.75 goals against average including a hand in 2 shutouts, and 3 wins Connor Coughlin (U16) Had a 0.66 goals against average and picked up 2 wins Cam McCusker(U16) 4 goals and 4 assists in 7 games. Anthony Florentino (U16) Dman had 1 goal and 4 assists, while also delivering many bone crushing hits. Yannick Crete (U18) Leads U18 team in scoring with 5 goals and 6 assists in 8 games on the week Matt Salhany (U18) Had a team high 6 goals in 8 games over opening week Nick Ellis (U18) Posted a 4-1 record over the week with wins over CT Bobcats, CD Selects (EJHL), Cape Cod Whalers and Pittsburgh Viper Stars Adam Augusta (U18 T2) Had 11 points as U18 Tier 2 team goes 2-3 on opening weekend
Former River Rat Jon Gillies named to USA U18 team
posted 07/15/2011
Congratulations to former River Rat goaltender Jon Gillies for being named to Team USA U18 team that will represent the United States at the 2011 Ivan Hlinka Tournament in the Czech Republic in Mid August. Gillies last wore the River Rat Jersey in 2009 when he backstopped the U16 team to a state championship. A Northeastern recruit, Gillies has been playing for the Indiana Ice in the USHL.
Gillies, a 1994 birth date, joins a long list of River Rats who have represented the United States overseas including Joe(88 team) and Steve Whitney(90 and 91 teams), Kevin Quick(88 team) Matt Walsh (90 team) and Jay Williams (93 team).
Gillies and the Americans will open up the Ivan Hlinka on August 8th when they face off with Team Finland. Over the course of the next two days the Americans will face off with Team Russia and Team Slovakia, before getting into the Medal rounds Friday the 12th and Saturday the 13th.
Congrats to Zack Phillips for winning the Memorial Cup Title
posted 05/30/2011
Congratulation to Former River Rat and projected 1st round draft pick, Zack Phillips and his St. John Seadogs for winning the 2011 Memorial Cup Title. The Memorial Cup is the champion of the 3 Major Junior Leagues in Canada. (QMJHL, OHL and WHL) Phillips's Seadogs won the title game 3-1 last night behind his 1 goal and 1 assists. The QMJHL champion became the 1st Maritimes team to win the CHL Championship.
Phillips becomes the 1st River Rat to win the Memorial Cup championship. Phillips who had 95 points during the regular season. He was even better in the playoffs scoring 24 points in the QMJHL playoffs and 5 points in 4 games of the Memorial Cup.
Look for Phillips to be drafted mid 1st round of nexts months NHL Draft in Minnesota.
Former River Rats High on Final Rankings for Central Scouting
posted 04/22/2011
Zack Phillips has been named the 15th rated prospect in North America for this June's NHL Entry Draft to be held in Minnesota. Phillips, who plays for the St. John Sea Dogs in the QMJHL, is projected to be a 1st round draft pick this summer. Phillips last season with the River Rats was 2008 when he left the River Rats and Lawrence Academy to embark on a pro career in Canada.
Former River Rat goaltender Jay Williams has also been named to the list as the 12th rated goalie in North America.
Last summer Danny Biega became the highest River Rat ever drafted in the NHL Draft going 67th overall to the Carolina Hurricanes edging out a collection of former 3rd round draft picks for the River Rats including, Kevin Quick in 2006, Alex Killorn in 2007 and Mac Bennett in 2009. Look for Phillips to become the highest River Rat ever drafted to an NHL club this June.
Former River Rat Brian Flynn has been named captain at the University of Maine for the 2011-2012 season. Flynn becomes the 2nd former River Rat to captain his NCAA team joining former Boston College captain and River Rat teamate Joe Whitney. Flynn, the Lynnfield Mass, native has had a great career at Maine scoring 51 goals and 57 assists for 108 points in 3 seasons.
Former River Rat Steve Whitney gets on Sportscenters Top 10
posted 03/19/2011
Former River Rat and current Boston College Sophomore forward Steve Whitney scored an incredible goal last night in the Hockey East Semi Final game against the Northeastern Huskies. The goal ended up on ESPN's SportCenters top 10 plays in the # 2 spot. In the 2008 season, current BC Eagle, Steve brother Joe, another former River Rat ended up as the number 2 spot on SportsCenters top plays of the day also. Below is a link to both of their goals. Boston College plays for the Hockey East Championship tonight at 7pm against Merrimack.
Congratulations to River Rats Pee Wee Major (98) goaltender Ryan Ferland for being named Rat of the week playoff version. Ferland slammed the door shut in the playoffs on the AY Northstars, Middlesex Braves and Valley Jr Warriors to win the Massachusetts Tier 1 State Championship. Ferland allowed 6 goals over 4 games for a 1.5 goals against average. More impressively was Ferland's two performances against top seed Valley Jr Warriors. In two must win games Ferland allowed 1 goal on Saturday night in a 5-1 win and then backed it up with a shut out in the winner take all State Final Sunday. Ferland was in net for all 180 minutes for the River Rats over the playoffs.
Ferland and the River Rats now advance to Nationals at the end of the month in New Jersey.
Honorable Mention John Schofield (02) Scored all 3 of the River Rats goals over the playoff weekend including a Double OT win over AY Northstars in the Semi Finals Cam Giunta (02) Played great in a 2-1 Double OT win, making several key saves Sean Tyer(99) Scored 3 goals and added 3 assists in 4 games for the State Championship Pee Wee Minor Team Billy Shea (99) Had 3 goals and 1 assist in Playoff Weekend Adam Towey (99) Had 2 goals and 2 assists along with 1g 1a in 2-1 State Final win Andrew Moore (99) 1g 3a and played very steady D for Champion 99 team Greg Moon (99) Allowed just 1 goal in State Championship game; made several spectacular stops.
Tommy Giandomenico (98) States leading scorer lead the State Champion 98 team in scoring over the weekend with 6 points in 4 games James McKenna (98) 5 points over weekend including a game high 2 points in State Final 3-0 victory over Valley Josh Vertendes (98) Averaged a point a game during the playoffs and had 3 goals for Champion 98 team
Pee Wee Major (98) team wins State Title; heads to Nationals
by river rats posted 03/13/2011
Behind a shutout by goaltender Ryan Ferland the River Rats Pee Wee Major (98) team defeated the number 1 seed Valley Jr Warriors 3-0 to win the Massachusetts Tier 1 State Championship. With the win the River Rats have earned the right to head to New Jersey to play for a National Championship.
Head Coach John Calarese and company beat the Valley Jr Warriors 2 days in a row, first 5-1 last night in the final game of the round robin, and again today in the State title game to leave little doubt on whos deserved the state title. In todays game the River Rats played a tight checking brand of hockey early on and took the lead when the states leading scorer got free and scored his 30th goal of the season, set up by James McKenna and Tyler Viera. Holding a 1-0 lead late in the 2nd period Kyle Gately got his 3rd of the playoffs with assists going to James McKenna and Ryan Heath. From there Ferland was excellent keeping a powerful Valley offense at bay with several highlight reel saves. With the goal pulled for Valley Josh Vertendes scored ending any chance for a Valley comeback and sealed a 3-0 win and a state championship for the River Rats.
Leading the way up front again was Tommy Giandomenico who had 2 goals and 4 assists for 6 points in 4 games. James McKenna (2g 3a), Josh Vertendes (3g 1a) and Tyler Rudek (2g 2a) all average at least a point a game over the playoffs. Ferland was fantastic all tournament long playing all the minutes in net for the River Rats.
The River Rats now head to New Jersey at the end of the month to compete for a National title with the nations best. The River Rats finish the league season with a 26-4-5 record and heading into nationals have a 39-11-7 record.
Pee Wee Minor (99) team wins State Title; next stop Nationals
by river rats posted 03/13/2011
Congratulations to head coach Neil Johnson and the Pee Wee Minor (99) River Rats for being named the Massachusetts Tier 1 State Champions this afternoon in Tyngsboro, and punching their ticket to USA Hockey Nationals. The River Rats went wire to wire this season finishing 1st in both the regular season and the playoffs. Today the River Rats defeated the Western Mass Blades 2-1 behind a late 3rd period goal by Sean Tyer.
The River Rats were out looking for revenge today after losing to the Western Mass Blades 7-0 during the round robin part of the playoffs. The River Rats knowing they hadn’t played their best hockey yesterday felt they had a lot to prove. The River Rats came out flying as Adam Towey scored just 1:28 into the game, assisted by Ryan Johnson. It was Toweys 23rd of the season. Western Mass would answer right back as Jack Pagano scored late in the 1st period to tie the game. The game would go to the 3rd period tied 1-1 before Sean Tyer would get his 24th goal late in the 3rd period assisted by Andrew Moore and Adam Towey. The River Rats would kill a huge penalty late in the 3rd period to preserve the lead. Greg Moon was fantastic in net as he went the distance in the win.
The River Rats were lead in the playoffs up front by Sean Tyer who had 3 goals and 3 assists in the 4 game playoffs. Williams Shea 3 goals and 1 assist, Adam Towey 2 goals and 2 assists and Cam Martin 2 goals and 1 assists were also clutch up front. On D, Andrew Moore (1g 3a) and Henry Bruckner (1g) were both solid. Moon was solid all tournament in net as was Rogers who beat the NY Northstars 6-2 Friday night to get the River Rats rolling.
The next stop for the River Rats will be San Jose, California for the 2011 USA Hockey Pee Wee Nationals. The 99 River Rats will play in the Tier 2 98 division. The River Rats will have a few weeks to recover before jumping on a plane for San Jose in pursuit of more hardware at the end of this month. With the state championship win the River Rats finished league play with a 30-4-3 record and head to nationals with a 45-9-6 overall record.
The River Rat Mite (02) team fell this afternoon in the state championship game 3-1 to the Dual State Huskies. The River Rats coming off an emotional 2-1 double overtime win over the NY Northstars in the semi finals came out slowly in the championship game falling behind 3-0. Mid way through the 2nd period defenseman John Schofield, the hero of the semi final game, once again found the back of the net unassisted to cut the Dual State lead to 3-1. The River Rats would get a few good chances late but couldn’t muster another goal .
The state finalist River Rats (02) finished the season with a 13-6-1 record in league play and a 14-10-1 overall record.
98's return to State Title game for 5th straight season
by river rats posted 03/13/2011
The Pee Wee Major (98) team will be going back to the familar territory of the state finals tomorrow afternoon in Tyngsboro. For the 5th season in a row the River Rats 98 team will play for a state championship, an incredible streak that started 5 seasons ago as Mites. The River Rats 1st won the State title as Squirt Minors in the 2007-2008 season the River Rats defeated the Valley Jr Warriors 2-1 to win the state championship. The last two seasons the River Rats 98's have reached and fallen in the state final game. The River Rats look to get back on the winning side tomorrow against the Valley Jr Warriors.
The River Rats ran through the round robin part of the playoffs with a 2-0-1 record. The River Rats opened up playoff play Friday night with the Middlesex Braves. The River Rats came out flying and took a 1-0 lead on Tyler Rudek's 19th goal of the seaon assisted by Zach Ward just 2 minutes into the game. The Braves answered right back before Liljeberg and Gately scored 2 minutes apart to give the River Rats a 3-1 lead heading into the intermission. James McKenna would add an insurance tally in the 2nd period to give the River Rats a 4-1 lead, more then enough with Ryan Ferland in net as the River Rats would hang on for a 4-2 win. The River Rats got 2 point nights from James McKenna (1g1a), Tyler Rudek (1g 1a) and Zach Ward (2a)
Saturday mornings game had the River Rats face off with the AY Northstars. The River Rats would give up a goal 11 seconds in, but answer back with 2 goals of their own to end the 1st period, when Kyle Gately and Zach Ward tallied for the River Rats. Danny Shea would give the River Rats a 3-1 lead midway through the 2nd, only to see the Northstars get two goals from Joe Sanchioni to tie the game at 3. Sanchioni had a hat trick in the game for the North Stars that ended 3-3.
The River Rats would then have a win and your in game against the 1st seeded Valley Jr Warriors. The River Rats sensing the urgency of the game came out flying scoring 2 1st period goals as the states leading scorer Tommy Giandomenico got his 29th goal of the season assisted by Matt McGlynn and James McKenna got his 20th of the season assisted by Tommy Giandomenico. The 2nd period Josh Vertendes took over scoring 2 goals including a beautiful end to end rush assisted by Tommy Giandomenico. Valley would answer late in the 2nd to make it 4-1 before Tyler Rudek got his 20th of the season assisted by Anthony Calarese to give the River Rats a spot in the state finals.
The rematch of tonights game will be played at 2:10pm in Tyngsboro tomorrow (Sunday) as the River Rats look to punch a ticket to nationals in New Jersey.
1st seed Pee Wee Minor (99) team advances to State Title Game
by river rats posted 03/13/2011
The Pee Wee Minor (99) team won a must win game tonight against the 3rd seeded Valley Jr Warriors 6-2, led by a 3 point night by forward Sean Tyer to advance to tomorrows state final game against the 2nd seed Western Mass Blades.
The River Rats opened up the round robin playoffs Friday with a 6-2 win over the AY Northstars. The River Rats exchanged 2 first period goals (Shea and Towey) with the Northstars. The River Rats then exploded for 3 2nd period goals and added the insurance marker halfway through the 3rd to win it 6-2. The River Rats got 2 point nights from Billy Shea (2g), Cam Martin (1g 1a) and Sean Tyer (1g1a). Zachary Rogers went the distance in net for the win. The top seeded River Rats faced off with the 2nd seeded Western Mass Blades this morning and came out very flat falling 7-0, setting up the Saturday night must win. The River Rats came out flying lead by Andrew Moore who scored the lone 1st period goal off an assist from Mason Giunta. Sean Tyer added his 23rd goal of the season assisted by Billy Shea to open the 2nd period. Valley would answer right back to cut the lead to 2-1 before Henry Bruckner gave the River Rats their 2 goal lead back. William Shea's 28th goal of the season and Cam Martin added his 26th of the season in the 3rd period, before Shane Hanley added the insurance marker, good for his team leading 30th goal of the season, giving the River Rats a 6-2 win.
The puck will drop in the State Championship game tomorrow (Sunday) in Tyngsboro at 12:40pm as the River Rats look to get revenge on the Western Mass Blades and take home the state championship hardware.
Schofield's heroics leads Mite (02) team to state final game
by river rats posted 03/12/2011
Mite (02) defenseman John Schofield scored in double overtime in Tyngsboro this afternoon to defeat the AY North Stars 2-1. Schofield put a backhander, his 2nd goal of the game past the Northstar goaltender, to punch the River Rats ticket to tomorrows championship game against the Dual State Huskies. Schofield was assisted on the goal by Conor Conor Cooke and Benjamin Quinn. The River Rats were down 1-0 in the 3rd period when Scholfield struck assisted by Ryan McCarthy and Kevin O'Reilly to force overtime. Cam Giunta was superb as usual in net making a number of key stops.
Tomorrows state championship game will start at 1:40p in Tyngboro.
Pee Wee Minor (99) wins regular season title; playoffs on tap
by river rats posted 03/10/2011
Congratulations to the Pee Wee Minor (99) team for winning the regular season championship. This marks the 2nd year in a row head coach Neil Johnson and the 99 team has won it, as last year as Squirt Majors they accomplished the feat also.
The team finished the regular season with a 26-3-3 record in 32 league games played. The team beat out the Western Mass Blades for the title by 3 points. The River Rats head into playoffs with an overall record of 42-8-6 which includes winning the Cyclone Classic in early September in Hudson NH.
Leading the way in the scoring department for coach Johnson has been Shane Hanley. In 32 games the high scoring winger has 29 goals and 29 assists for 58 points. Hanley is 1st on the River Rats in scoring and 4th in the Massachusetts Selects Tier 1 league. The River Rats had 5 other players average over a point a game lead by Sean Tyer who had 20 goals 26 assists for 46 points and Adam Towey who had 20 goals and 21 assists for 41 points. William Shea (23g 16a 39 points), Cam Martin (23g 14a 37 points) and Ryan Johnson ( 8g 24a 32 points) all averaged over a point a game. Leading the way defensively has been Henry Bruckner who has 8 goals and 10 assists for 18 points. Goaltending duties have been split pretty evenly between Greg Moon and Zachary Rogers.
The River Rats open up post season play against the 4th seeded North Stars at 6:20p Friday night at Skate 3 in Tyngsboro Mass. Saturday the River Rats will take on both the 2nd seeded Western Mass Blades at 12:20p and the 3rd seeded Valley Jr Warriors at 8:30p, before hopefully landing in the State Final Game Sunday March 13th at 12:40p at Skate 3 in Tyngsboro.
Mite (02) team finishes 2nd in regular season; playoffs next
by river rats posted 03/10/2011
The River Rats Mite(02) team will head to the playoffs as the 2nd seed as they will faceoff with the 3rd seeded NorthStars in the Semi Final matchup at 5:40p in Tyngsboro, MA. In 2 matchups with the North Stars this season the River Rats split the season series. On Halloween the River Rats headed up to Westboro and lost 3-1. On November 21st the North Stars headed down 495 to Foxboro and the River Rats played a solid defensive game winning the game 2-1. The Winner of the semi final matchup punches a ticket to the State Final game Sunday at 1:40p in Tyngsboro, Ma against the winner of the other semi final matchup which faces the 1st seed Dual State Huskies vs the 4th seed Middlesex Braves. Head Coach Dennis MacMullins team has been lead to the post season due to the tremendous play of goaltender Cam Giunta. Giunta finished the season with 4 shutouts, including two against the high-scoring RI Saints. Due to Solid defensive play by Will Murphy, Connor Foley, and RJ Hilvert, it's no wonder The River Rats finished the season having given up only 36 goals; fewest GA in the league. Up front the River Rats were led by forwards Kevin O'Rielly (9-5-14) and the twin speedsters Allison Paik (10-5-14) and Ryan "Butch" McCarthy (9-5-14.) From the blueline John Schofield's points (12-5-17) was terrific offensively and defensively all season long.
Pee Wee Major (98) team prepares for wide open playoffs
by river rats posted 03/10/2011
The River Rats Pee Wee Major (98) has by way of losing a tie breaker with the Middlesex Braves landed as the 3rd seed for the wide open Pee Wee Major Playoffs that kick off Friday night in Tyngsboro, Ma. The River Rats finished the regular season with a 23-4-5 record. Overall the River Rats head into the post season with a 36-11-6 record.
Leading the way offensively for Coach John Calarese and company has been the states leading scoring Tommy Giandomenico. Giandomenico has been a scoring force all season with 28 goals and 21 assists in 30 league game good for 49 points. The River Rats have 4 players in the top 20 in scoring in the state including Logan Lijeberg(8th) who has 16 goals and 20 assists in 36 games, James McKenna (13th) 18 goals and 16 asssits for 34 points and Tyler Rudek (19th) 18 goals and 12 assists for 30 points. Josh Vertendes has also been a big part of the offense scoring 17 goals and adding 8 assists. Defensively the team has been led by big Matt McGlynn who has 7 goals and 9 assists and puck moving dman Ryan Heath who has 5 goals and 8 assists. As always the River Rats have been very strong in net with Ryan Ferland leading the way there.
The River Rats look to punch a ticket to nationals in New Jersey starting Friday night at 7:35p in Tyngsboro as they face off with the Middlesex Braves in a rematch of a tie 2-2 this past weekend in Foxboro. Saturday the River Rats will play against the 4th seeded North Stars (11am puck drop) and the 1st seeded Valley Jr Warriors at 7:00p. The River Rats hope to reach the State Final game Sunday March 13th at 2:10p. All games will be held at Skate 3 in Tyngsboro, MA.
Congratulations to Pee Wee Major (98) Tommy Giandomenico on being named River Rat player of the week. This is the 2nd straight week we have had a repeat winner, as last week it was Pee Wee Minor (99) Adam Towey. Giandomenico exploded for 4 goals and 1 assist in a 8-0 win over the Central Mass Outlaws. Giandomenico last won the award right after the new year for a big performance in the NECDL tournament.
Giandomenico’s five point game was enough to propel him to win the state scoring championship, edging out Evan MacDonald on the Valley Jr Warriors for 1st place in the Massachusetts Tier 1 Select League. Giandomenico finishes the regular season with 28 goals and 21 assists for 49 points in 30 games. Giandomenico leads the River Rats into the playoffs where they fell to the 3rd seed due to losing the tie breaker vs the Middlesex Braves. The River Rats open up their pursuit for a championship on Friday night at 7:35p at Skate 3 in Tyngsboro against those Middlesex Braves.
Honorable Mention: Alexander Towey (97) 1 g 1a in 5-3 win Josh Hirshfeld (97) 1g 1a in 5-3 win Ryan Ferland (98) Shutout victory over Central Mass Outlaws Shane Hanley (99) 1g 1a in Win and Tie over the weekend Mason Guinta (99) 1g 1a in win and tie over the weekend William Shea (99) 1g 1a in win and tie Kevin O’Reilly (02) GWG in win over Valley Jr Warriors Ryan McCarthy (02) 1g and 1a in 5-1 win over Valley Warriors to help River Rats secure 2nd place regular season finish
Congratulations to Pee Wee Minor (99) Adam Towey for being named River Rats player of the week. For the 1st time the River Rats have a 2 time Rat of the Week winner. Towey last won Rat of the Week from the January 8th weekend, where Towey lead the River Rats with 2 goals and 2 assists in a 9-1 win over the Manchester Flames. This weekend Towey had 3 goals and 1 assist in a weekend split that saw the River Rats down the Dual State Huskies 9-1 and fall to the Western Mass Blades 2-1. With a 3rd period goal assisted by Ryan Johnson and Nick Wheeler, Towey completed his first hat trick of the season and gave him 20 goals on the season.
In 29 league games Towey now has 20 goals and 19 assists, good for 3rd on the River Rats and 16th in the state for the 1st place River Rats. Towey and the River Rats PW Minor team look to wrap up the regular season title this weekend with a 3 games weekend that kicks off Friday night in East Boston against the Middlesex Braves at 5:00pm. The River Rats will then travel to Tyngsboro to once again face the Dual State Huskies and will wrap up the regular season on Sunday at home Foxboro at 4:40p against the RI Saints.
Honorable Mention: John Schofield (02) 3 goals 1 assist in loss and tie in weekend series vs Middlesex Braves Shane Handley (99) 2 goals and 1 assist in weekend split Mason Guinta (99) 2 goals against Dual State and 1 goal in 2-1 loss to Western Mass Sunday Sean Tyer (99) 2 goals and 1 assist in weekend split Tommy Giandomenico (98) 1 goal and 1 assist as River Rats push towards playoffs in 4-1 win over NS Wings Declan O'Malley (97) Dman had 1 goal and 1 assist in weekend split for Bantam Minor River Rats team
Former River Rat Brian Flynn reaches another Milestone at Maine
posted 02/22/2011
Congratulations to former River Rat and current UMaine Junior Brian Flynn for reaching another milestone at the University of Maine. Already the holder of most points in a game in UMaine Hockey history, Flynn has now become a member of the 100 career point club. With an assist in a 4-0 win on Saturday night vs Umass Lowell, Flynn received his 28th point of the season and 100th of his career.
Flynn becomes the fastest River Rat to 100 career points breaking the record held by current Boston College captain and Flynn's River Rat teammate Joe Whitney. Flynn received his 100th point in only 107 career games. The previous record holder, Whitney, scored his 100th career point in 115 games. Flynn, the Lynnfield Mass native, now has 47 goals and 53 points and counting in his prolific career at UMaine. Look for Flynn to continue to climb up the career scoring leaders list at Maine, as the team pushes through the stretch run, Hockey East Playoffs, and NCAA's. Flynn, will have one more season to continue to add to these already huge numbers.
Congratulations to Cam Daly (00) for being named Rat of the week. Daly, the native of West Roxbury, has been on fire of late scoring hat tricks in back to back games. Daly’s latest hat trick came in a 5-5 tie with the 3rdplace Middlesex Braves. Dalys final goal of the game came with 5 minutes left to knot the game at 5 and completed his hat trick. Daly has been a force for the River Rats this season leading the team in scoring with 26 goals and 8 assists for 34 points in 29 games. The River Rats get back to work Sunday in Boston vs GBL Bruins at 5:10pm as the River Rats push for that last playoff spot.
Honorable Mention Alison Paik (02) 2 goals in 6-1 win over SS Dynamoes John Schofield (02) 1 goal and 1 assist in 6-1 win William Shea (99) Game winning goal in 3-2 win over Valley Warriors Logan Liljeberg (98) 1 goal and 1 assist in 2-2 tie with RI Saints
Former River Rat Christian Cowles commits to UMass Lowell
by river rats posted 02/17/2011
Congratulations to former River Rat and Georgetown, Mass native Christian Cowles for committing to UMass Lowell. Cowles a 90 birth date, has been playing for the New Hampshire Monarchs (EJHL) with other former River Rats Connor Toomey (Merrimack) and Cody Sharib (Uconn)
Cowles is a great offensive player with great north to south speed and a very good set of hands will arrive in Lowell this upcoming fall. Cowles, was part of what was probably the best U18 River Rats team to date in 2008 the team lost in the state finals and along with Cowles included potential 2011 1st round draft pick Zach Phillips, Steve Whitney( BC) Wade Megan (BU) Mac Bennett ( Michigan, Montreal Draft Pick) to name a few. Cowles becomes the 13th player from that 2008 U18 River Rats team to commit to either a Division 1 team or Major Junior Program. He becomes the 8th 1990 to commit to a Division 1 school and will join a River Rat loaded Hockey East when he arrives on campus this upcoming fall.
Congratulations to Josh Vertendes for being named River Rats player of the week. Vertendes, the Rehoboth Mass native exploded for 4 goals and 2 assists in a mid week 7-2 win over the Manchester Flames up at St A's. Vertendes has been a force all season scoring 16 goals and 8 assists in 10 league games for the 2nd place River Rats team. Vertendes and the River Rats get back to work Sunday in a huge matchup with the RI Saints in Foxboro at 4:30p.
Honorable Mention: Erik Foley (97) 3 goals and 1 assist in weekend sweep over Valley Warriors and Central Mass Outlaws. Sean Tyer (99) 3 goals and 2 assists in weekend sweep over AY Northstars and Central Mass Outlaws Shane Handley (99) 3 goals and 1 assist in weekend sweep Adam Towey (99) 2 goals and 3 assists in weekend sweep Cam Daly (00) Hat Trick in 6-1 win over Central Mass Outlaws Andrew Stufura (00) 2 goals in win Sean Gately (01) 1g 1 a in loss to Northstars Kevin O'Reilley (02) 1 goal in big 1-0 win over RI Saints to propel Mites into 2nd place
Congratulations to Rat of the Week winner Tyler Rudek (98). The Woonsocket, RI native had a monster weekend scoring 3 goals and 5 assists for 8 points in two big weekend wins, 9-1 over GBL Bruins and 7-2 over SS Dynamoes. Rudek had a 5 point( 1 goal and 4 assist) afternoon on Saturday at home in Foxboro as the 2nd placed River Rats beat up on GBL. Rudek was back at it on Sunday on the road scoring 2 goals and adding an assist in a 7-2 win over the Dynamoes.
Rudek now has 15 goals and 11 assists for 26 points in 27 games good for 4th on the River Rats and 14th in the Massachusetts Tier 1 Select league. Rudek continues a long line of Rhode Island players that have been successful in River Rat jerseys including current University of Michigan Wolverines Mac Bennett and Derek Deblois.
The River Rats played last night against the Manchester Flames and get back to work on Feb 20th in a huge matchup at home against the Rhode Island Saints at 4:30p.
Honorable Mention:
Cam Daly (00) GWG in big 4-3 win over Valley Jr Warriors Adam Towey (99) 1 goal and 1 assist in 4-1 win over NS Wings Cullen McGlynn (99) 1 goal and 1 assists in 4-1 win over NS Wings Logan Liljeberg (98) 3 goals and 2 assists in weeeknd sweep over GBL and SS Dynamoes Josh Vertendes (98) 2 goals and 2 assists in 9-1 win over GBL Bruins.
MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT RIVER RATS MOVING TO NEW LEAGUE IN 2011-2012!
posted 02/06/2011
February 5, 2011 - For immediate release
It is with great anticipation that we announce the formation of Hockey Northeast for the 2011-2012 hockey season. The new league will feature USA Hockey registered teams and play at the Tier 1 Elite AAA level.
The Connecticut Bobcats, Dual State Huskies, Greater Boston Jr. Bruins, Middlesex Braves, Neponset Valley River Rats, Northstar Selects, Rhode Island Saints, Valley Jr. Warriors and Western Mass Blades will be the programs competing in Hockey Northeast.
The new league will have divisions at each age level from Mite to Bantam Major with an anticipated 32 game regular season schedule as well as league playoffs and 16 games as well as league playoffs for the split season Bantam Major team.
The main goal of the new league is to strengthen competition amongst its members as well as to continue to develop the players.
Congratulations to Ryan McCarthy from the Mite (02) team for being named River Rats player of the Week. The young River Rat McCarthy is a Wrentham, Mass native and was dominate in a 6-1 River Rats win over the Manchester Flames. McCarthy had 3 goals and 1 assist for the 2nd place River Rats in the big win at home in Foxboro as they chase down the 1st place Dual State Huskies in the Massachusetts Tier 1 standings.
The River Rats Mite team is now 9-3-0 in the league and have a match-up Sunday at 2pm with the Central Mass Outlaws at home in Foxboro at 2pm.
Honorable Mention Frankie Cosolito (97) 2 assists in a tough weekend that led to two heartbreaking losses Tommy Giandomenico (98) 2 goals in a 4-1 win over the 495 Stars Thomas Dugan (99) 2 goals in 6-3 loss to SS Dynamoes Cam Daly (00) Big goal in 1-0 win on road in Springfield vs Western Mass Blades Jason Sullivan (01) 1 goal in loss to Middlesex Braves Kevin O'Reilly (02) 1 goal 2 assists in 6-1 win over Manchester Flames Allison Paik (02) 2 goals in win
Congratulations to Shane Hanley of the Pee Wee Minor (99) team for being named River Rats player of the week. Hanley, who hails from Foxboro Mass, once again had a monster weekend. In the River Rats single game of the weekend, Hanley was once again dominating with 2 goals and 1 assist as the River Rats beat 4th place Northstars 6-0.
In league play, Hanley picked up his 22nd and 23rd goals on the season and his 26th assist in the game. Hanley now has a Massachusetts Tier 1 Selects leading 23 goals, 26 assists for 49 points in only 23 games. With the big win on Sunday night, the River Rats got their 20th win and continue to sit in 1st place with a 20-1-2 record.
Hanley and the River Rats return to action Saturday at 2:50p at home in Foxboro against the South Shore Dynamoes. The River Rats put up one of their best team performances of the season this past weekend and look to keep that going Saturday.
Honorable Mention Kevin O'Rielly (02) 2 goals in big 5-3 win over GBL Bruins Dan Savary (01) 2 goals in 3-3 tie Tom Giandomenico (98) 2 goals in weekend split Erik Foley (97) Added 3 goals and 1 assist to his huge totals already in weekend split Greg Moon (99) Picked up a shutout against the 4th place Northstars Cam Martin (99) 2 goals in 6-0 win over the NorthStars
The honors continue to pile up for former River Rat Zack Phillips, he will suit up for Team Orr coached by NHL legend Doug Gilmour tonight. The CHL is the highest level of junior hockey in Canada and is comprised of the Western Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Phillips has been pegged as one of the top 40 players in the three leagues eligible for this summers NHL draft. Last season's game featured 17 players that were drafted in the first round last summer, Phillips hopes to follow in their path. "Nothing is set in stone yet and I'm still playing hard to impress the scouts. There's a lot of hockey left this season, but the draft is always in the back of your mind." said Phillips.
Congratulations to Erik Foley of the Bantam Minor team for being named Rat of the Week. Foley, a Mansfield, Mass native had a big weekend at the Kennedy tournament this past wekend in Rhode Island. In 5 games Foley had 5 goals and 5 assists for 10 points. Foley was especially dominate when it mattered most. In a 5-4 win over the Boston Red Rangers, Foley has 1 goal and 2 assists for 3 points, and in a thrilling 3OT loss to the host RI Saints Foley has 2 goals including a lazer under the crossbar that was part of a huge 3rd period rally to force overtime, coming back from 3 goals down.
Foley on the season has been a force, leading the River Rats in scoring and 3rd in the Massachusetts Tier 1 league with 26 goals and 24 assists for 50 points in only 21 games. Foley and the River Rats are back at it in league play with a huge matchup Saturday evening at 5:40pm at Reilly Rink vs 2nd place GBL Bruins.
Honorable Mention: Ryan Ferland (98) Allowed 4 goals in 4 games and recorded 3 shutouts in 5 games at the Kennedy Tournament Timmy Weinstein (97) 5 goals and 3 assists, including huge penalty shot goal that tied the playoff game against RI Saints 4-4 and sent the game to overtime Josh Vertentes (98) Continued strong play with 4 goals and 6 assists on the weekend Tyler Rudek (98) 4 goals and 2 assists for 6 points Tom Dugan (99) 2 goals and 3 assists for 5 points Cameron Daly (00) 4 goals and 2 assists Kevin Borah (01) 3 goals and 1 assist John Schofield (02) 4 goals from his defense position to lead the Mite team in scoring
Brian Flynn once again Hockey East Player of the Week
posted 01/18/2011
Congratulations to former River Rat Brian Flynn for being named Hockey East Player of the week. Again. Brian was named player of the week in Hockey East last month also. This past weekend Flynn, a Lynnfield Mass native, was huge for his Maine Blackbears as they got two wins over Providence College and defending National Champion Boston College. In a 4-3 overtime win Flynn 2 goals and 1 assists including the game winner in overtime to beat the Friars. On Sunday in a huge televised contest with Boston College Flynn was huge again, scoing 1 goal and 1 assists in a 4-1 win over the Eagles. Flynn looks to keep his hot hand going as Maine heads to Northeastern Saturday night for a game with the Northeastern Huskies.
Congratulations to Adam Towey of the Pee Wee Minor team for being named River Rats player of the week. The Coventry RI native had 2 goals and 2 assists as the 1st place River Rats beat up on the Manchester Flames 9-2 on Sunday. After taking a 2-1 lead into the 1st period intermission the River Rats exploded for 6 goals in the 2nd, led by Towey who had 2 goals and an assist to help break the game open. The River Rats are 31-4-4 on the season and have a comfortable lead over 2nd place Western Mass Blades. The River Rats in league play are now 19-1-2. Towey has had a strong season for the River Rats with 14 goals and 12 assists for 26 points in 21 games played, that is good for 5th on the River Rats and 14th in the Massachusetts Tier 1 Select League. The River Rats head to Rhode Island for the Kennedy tournament this weekend. The River Rats will play against some of the top teams in the country. The team will open up the Kennedy tournament Friday night in Pawtucket against a strong Long Island Royals team.
Honorable Mention: John Schofield (02) 1 goal and played great defense against 1st place Dual State Huskies. Tyler Page (00) 2 goals and 1 assist in weekend split Christopher Schworer (00) 3 goals in weekend Split Sean Tyer (99) 1 goal 3 assists in 9-2 win over Manchester Flames Shane Handley (99) 1 goal 3 assist for the Select Leagues point leader to add to his already huge totals. Matt McGlynn (98) 1 goal and 1 assist in big 4-1 win over Rhode Island Saints Erik Foley (97) 2 goals and 2 assists in weekend split Timothy Weinstein (97) 3 goals 2 assists in weekend split
Former River Rat Cody Sharib to University of Connecticut
posted 01/06/2011
Former River Rat Cody Sharib has committed to Uconn for the upcoming fall. Sharib, a Needham Mass native, last played for the River Rats in the 2007 season. Sharib, since then has been playing for the New Hampshire Monarchs in the EJHL. Sharib is a Needham High School graduate playing under former River Rat assistant coach Bill Guisti on the Needham High School state championship team in 2007-2008 season. Sharib PG'ed at New Hampton School and won the last division 2 prep school championship under coach Mike Levine.
Sharib, a power forward has had a breakout season in New Hampshire this season under coach Sean Tremblay. He becomes the 7th 1990 date of birth to commit from the River Rats to a D1 program. He also becomes the 10th player from the 2007 River Rat team to commit to a Division 1 program.
Rat of the Week-Tommy Giandomenico Pee Wee Major (98) team Congratulations to Tommy Giandomenico of the Pee Wee Major Team for being named the River Rats Player of the Week award. The Walpole Mass native had 4 goals in the NECDL Prep Showcase All-Star game and caught the eye of many prep school coaches in the process. One of Giandomenico's goals was an eye popping lacrosse style goal! Giandomenico was also key to the River Rats run to the finals in the NECDL tournament last weekend in Raynham.
The long time River Rat is 1st on the River Rats in scoring in league play with 15 goals and 14 assists for 29 points in 19 games played. That is also good for 3rd place in the Massachusetts Tier 1 Select League. The 14-3-3 Pee Wee Major River Rats return to league action January 8th on the road in Rhode Island with a huge game against the 16-2-1 Rhode Island Saints at Lynch arena at 3:30pm.
Honorable Mention:
Allison Paik (02) 1 goal and several scoring chances in 2-0 win over Central Mass Outlaws Connor Braun (97) 2 goals and 3 assists in 2 wins
Andrew Rizzitano (00) 2 goals against vs 2nd place WM Blades Danny Savary (01) 4 Points in Sundays game vs Central Mass Outlaws
Rat of the Week-Shane Piotti Bantam Minor (97) team Congratulations to Shane Piotti of the Bantam Minor Team for being named the River Rats Player of the Week award. The Mansfield, Mass native had 2 goals and 3 assists in a home weekend sweep of 495 Stars and NS Wings. In the 11-0 Win over the 495 Stars Piotti had 2 goals and 1 assist. The next afternoon Piotti had 1 goal and 1 assist in a 5-2 win over the NS Wings. The River Rats Bantam Minor Team sits at 9-5-2 this season. Piotti has had a strong season so far with 15 goals and 7 assists for 22 points in 15 games, good for 2nd on the team and 12th in the Select League in scoring. Piotti and the River Rats return to action Monday December 27th at 6:10pm for a home game against the Manchester Flames.
Honorable Mention: Erik Foley (97) 4 goals-0 assists 4 points; Tim Weinstein (97) 0-5-5; Thomas Giandomenico (98) 2-3-5; James McKenna (98) 3-1-4
Another Former Rat named Hockey East Player of the Week
posted 12/13/2010
Bryan Flynn has been named Hockey East Player of the Week. Flynn is now a junior at the University of Maine and suited up for the River Rats U18 while he was playing his prep school hockey at Pomfret. This is the second week in a row a former River Rat has been awarded with POTW honors. The following is from www.hockeyeastonline.com
Flynn had four goals as the Black Bears split a pair of games on the weekend. He scored Maine's second goal in a game that it would drop to New Hampshire in overtime. Flynn had a hat trick in Maine's 4-1 victory over UMass on Sunday afternoon with a power play goal to go along with a pair of even strength goals, which included the game-winning goal against UMass. Flynn finished the weekend with nine shots on goal and a +3 rating for the Black Bears.
Steven Whitney named Hockey East Player of the Week
posted 12/07/2010
This past weekend was a good one for the Boston College Eagles. Anytime they are able to beat cross town rival BU is a good night, this weekend they beat #3 BU twice. Powered in large part by Steve Whitney's 2 goals and 2 assists. The sophomore forward has a 3-5-8 line in 13 games this year after a 28 point freshman season. Whitney spent 3 years with the River Rats U18 team before moving on to BC.
Bantam Major (96) reach and fall in State Final game
by river rats posted 11/19/2010
The Bantam Majors (96) began last weekend with the tough job of defending a state title. In the end they fell on game short losing to a very strong Middlesex Braves team 4-1 in the state final game.
The weekend began with a matchup with the Middlesex Braves. The River Rats got behind early 2-0 but battled back to make it 2-1 late in the 1st period on a Power Play goal from Owen Campbell. Middlesex would get a 2nd period insurance goal to make it 3-1 and the River Rats could get no closer and fell 3-1.
The loss set up 2 must win games for the River Rats. No easy task as the River Rats had the Saturday morning game against number 1 seed Valley Jr. Warriors. The River Rats came out flying tho and took a comanding 3-0 lead into the 1st period intermission. Andrew Kelly, Owen Campbell and Andrew Whelan were the River Rats goal scorers in the 1st period. Valley would wake up and pop a goal of their own in the 2nd, but the River Rats stayed hungry and a Derek Clancy goal in the 3rd period gave the River Rats a much needed 4-1 win. Joe Harrington had 3 assists in the game and Clancy added an assist to go along with his 3rd period tally. Christian Cellini was very sharp in net.
The win set up a win and your in for the River Rats as they played host to the 4th seeded Central Mass Outlaws. The River Rats would start slow going down 1-0 early on but a monster period by Nick Ward (2 goals and 2 assists) would lead the way to 4 1st period goals by the River Rats as they went to the intermission up 4-1. The Outlaws would get 2 goals in the 2nd but couldnt keep pace with the River Rats as Andrew Whelan added a goal in the 2nd and 3rd periods as the River Rats held on for a 6-4 win and a trip to the state finals.
The finals were a rematch against the Middlesex Braves. After a scoreless 1st period the Braves struck first with an 2 goals to give them a 2-0 lead. The River Rats would cut that lead in half on an Owen Campbell goal. The Braves tho answered right back to take a 3-1 lead into the lockerroom. The River Rats would pressure in the 3rd but a Middlesex goal by the leagues leading scorer Ara Nazarian would give Middlesex a 4-1 lead which they would hold onto to win the state championship 4-1.
The River Rats were led in the Playoffs upfront by Owen Campbell, Nick Ward and Andrew Whelan. From the dzone the River Rats were led by Captain Derek Clancy. It was another great season for the River Rats 96 team which feel one game short of going to Nationals for the 3rd time. The River Rats finished the season with a 15-8-2 record.
Bantam Major (96) team looks to defend its state title
by river rats posted 11/12/2010
The Bantam Major (96) team looks to defend its state championship this weekend in Saugus. The River Rats have had another successful regular season earing the 3rd seed in the playoffs with a 9-1-2 record in the league. Overall the River Rats have had a 13-6-2 record. Leading the way up front has been Andrew Whelan who has been on fire offensively scoring 23 goals 13 assists for 36 points. Whelan has 13 goals in league play. Forwards Nick Ward (10 goals 18 assists 28 points), Troy Donahue ( 9 goals 18 assists 27 points) and Owen Campbell ( 14 goals 13 assists 27 points) have also been very good this season. Leading the way defensively has been captain Derek Clancy who has pitched in offensively with 2 goals and 12 assists for 14 points. Christian Cellini has been steady as always in net. Corey Colangelo has also seen some time in between the pipes and has been solid.
The playoffs will open up tonight at 7:10pm against the 2nd seeded Middlesex Braves. Saturday morning the River Rats will face top seeded Valley Jr Warriors at 9:00pm. The final game of the round robin will be Saturday evening at 6pm vs the Central Mass Outlaws. The state championship game is set for Sunday afternoon at 3:40pm. All games are held at the Kasabuski rink in Saugus Mass. The River Rats look to make it back to back state Championships!
Midget Major (U18) Team heads to Playoffs as top seed
by river rats posted 11/11/2010
The Midget Major (U18) team capped off a regular season title Sunday with a 8-0 win over the Western Mass Blades. The team finishing 10-1-0 in the regular season and 17-4-2 overall heads to the playoffs as the top seed. The team has been led by a balanced offensive attack, Alex Bonito (34 points) and Matt Salhany (32 points) have been the biggest scorers up front. 5 other forwards ( Jack Riley, Trevor Mingioa, Connor Quinn, Riley Bourbonnais and Tommy Dwyer) are all over 20 points for the season so far. The Defensemen have been led by two high scoring Dmen in Shayne Gostisbehere and Ben Kaplan. Both these dmen have also topped the 20 point barrier. Goaltending has been strong as well with both Jimmy Harrison and Nick Ellis with save percentages over .900.
In league play the River Rats scored 73 goals for and only gave up 21. Alex Bonito (5th), Jack Riley (7th) and Matt Salhany (7th) all finished in the top 10 in scoring during league play. Shayne Gostisbehere led all Defenseman in scoring and was 15th overall. Nick Ellis was 6-0-0 in net.
The playoffs on tab now and the River Rats will open up with the 4th seeded South Shore Dynamoes at 9:00pm Friday night. Saturday Morning bring a matchup with 3rd seed and defending champion GBL Bruins at 12:30pm and ending the round robin games against 2nd seeded Cape Cod Whalers at 9:10pm Saturday night. The State Championship game will be played at 1pm on Sunday. All games are played at the Foxboro Sports Center.
This is a fantastic opportunity for people to see tomorrow’s stars of both College and the NHL. 9 Players from the Mass Select Midget playoffs are on the NHL Central Scouting list for the 2011 NHL Draft this upcoming June, including the River Rats Jay Koukoulis. Players from these playoffs are committed to such schools as Boston College, University of New Hampshire, Harvard University, Yale University, Union College, Brown University, Dartmouth College and Holy Cross.
Bantam Minor team; mid season plays for Nationals Birth
by river rats posted 11/11/2010
New to the Bantam Minor (97) level this year is the birth to Nationals in March will be decided now in November. The Bantam Minor team has played 10 games in the league this season and so far sit at 6-3-1 in league play.
The team has been led up front by high scoring forward Erik Foley. Foley in league play is averaging almost 3 points a game! In 10 games Foley has 14 goals 14 assists for 28 points. Joe Feeney (7 goals 6 assists for 13 points) and Shane Piotti (10 goals 2 assists for 12 points) have also provided plenty of offense for the team. Defensively the team has had steady play from Josh Hirshfeld, Declan O’Malley and Evan Kershaw. The goaltending has been solid with Matthew Mccaughey being solid in net. Andrew Bluestein has also been sharp this season.
The River Rats will kick off the tournament Friday night at 4:40pm vs. Middlesex Braves. Saturday morning the River Rats play the Conquistadors at 8:20pm and Saturday afternoon at 4:30pm against Central Mass Outlaws. Sunday will bring about the semi finals at either 8am or 9:30am. The puck will drop on the state final game at 2:30pm. All games are being played at the CDL arena in Raynham Massachusetts. Come down and support the team!
River Rat Dman Jay Kourkoulis on NHL Central Scouting List
by river rats posted 10/25/2010
Current U18 Dman Jay Kourkoulis has been named to the preliminary NHL Central Scouting list for the 2011 NHL draft this upcoming June which will be held in Minnesota. Kourkoulis has been named a "C" prospect meaning he is projected to go in the 6th or 7th round of the NHL draft.
Kourkoulis, a 1993 date of birth, is a steady stay at home defenseman with a blistering shot from the point. In 17 games to date Kourkoulis has 1 goal 10 assists for 11 points. As of now Kourkoulis is undecided on a college.
In the last two drafts the River Rats have had players names called 3 times. Current Harvard defenseman Danny Biega (Carolina) and current University of Michigan defenseman Mac Bennett (Montreal) both went in the 3rd round of the NHL draft in 2010 and 2009 respectively. Current Boston University sophomore Wade Megan was drafted in the 5th round by Florida in 2009.
Neponset Valley's U18 and U16 teams will both be in action again this weekend at the Fall Beantown Classic in Exeter, NH. Last weekend both teams traveled to Connecticut to take part in the Bobcats Showcase at Quinnipiac University. The U16 team played against Ct Bobcats (2-2 tie), Boston Advantage (2-0 win) and New Jersey Devils (4-2 win) before facing off in the finals against the Bobcats again only to lose 6-3. The young Rats have been to the finals in both tournaments they have played in this season and hope to see the final game again this weekend. They will play Mercer Chiefs at 8:15pm tonight at UNH, Seacost Spartans Friday at 9:50pm in Haverhill and Syracuse Nationals Saturday morning at 9:50am at the Dover rinks.
This year the U16 team has been led on the ice by the dynamic trio of Max Franklin (17-17-34), Chris Calnan (12-16-28) and George Hunkele (19-12-31). They will be without Hunkele, who suffered a shoulder injury last weekend and look to Luke Griffin (6-7-13) to step up and fill his void. "Losing George will hurt us, but it gives some other guys a chance to step up and show everyone in attendance how deep this squad is. We're not going to dwell on his loss." said assistant coach Steve "Bobcat" Needham. On defense the twin towers Robby Klein and Greg Zaffino have been imposing figures. Both are 6'4" and having breakout season. In goal the tandem of Mason Pulde and Drew Michals have combined for a goals against average of below 1.70 thru 20 games.
The U18 team is also coming off a successful weekend that saw them beat the #4 ranked Mid-Fairfield Blues 4-2 last Sunday at Quinnipiac. The win boosted the elder Rats national ranking to #4 in the country and has them ready to go this weekend. Friday night is the premier match up of the tournament that sees the Rats face off against league rival and #6 ranked GBL Bruins at 7:10pm in Exeter. They will be back in action at 7:30am in Exeter vs Ct Bobcats and again at 12:30pm in Exeter against the Bay State Breakers U19.
There has been no shortage of offense this year with forwards Connor Quinn (6-13-19), Riley Bourbonnais (7-12-19) and Alex Bonito (12-6-18) leading the forwards in scoring respectively. "We're certainly not struggling for offense this year. We have ten players who are averaging over a point a game. Singling out just a few guys is tough, it's been a team effort to get to where we are right now." said head coach Jon Hutcheon. On defense, Ben Kaplan (3-17-20) leads the team in scoring and Shayne Gostisbehere (6-12-18) has been playing great also. Between the pipes Nick Ellis and Jimmy Harrison have combined for a 1.67 goals against average thru 14 games.
The River Rats are becoming more technology friendly, you can now follow us on twitter at www.twitter.com/NVRiverRats or friend us on facebook by searching for Neponset Valley River Rats.
Former River Rat Cam Spiro commits to Boston College
by river rats posted 10/01/2010
Former River Rat former Cam Spiro has committed to defending National Champion Boston College for the fall of 2011. Spiro, a 12/31/91 date of birth and Hingham, Mass native aged out of midget hockey this year. He is currently in his senior year of high school and is ineligible for the Mass Select League by only hours. Spiro is a big skilled forward with great vision and a tremendous shot.
Last season Spiro led the U18 River Rats to a 20 wins 3 losses and 2 ties records. Spiro was the teams leading scorer, in 23 games he had 19 goals 24 assists for 43 points. Most of the season Spiro played on the top line with current Union College Freshman center Kevin Sullivan and current Brown University Freshman wing Jake Goldberg.
Spiro joins a long line of River Rats at the Heights including current BC captain Joe Whitney, former River Rat captains Steve Whitney and Barry Almeida. He becomes the 11th player off the 2009 River Rat team to commit to a Division 1 School. He is the 13th player from the 1991 date of births the River Rats have sent division 1. The 91's have been by far the strongest group the River Rats have had to date. When Spiro arrives at Chesnut Hill he will join 9 other River Rats in the ultra competive Hockey East Conference.
Midget Minor (U16) team wins Tier 1 Faceoff Classic
by river rats posted 09/19/2010
Congratualtions to Head Coach Frank O'Connor, assistant coach Steve "Bobcat" Needham and the rest of the Midget Minor (U16) River Rats on winning the prestigious Tier 1 Labor Day Classic in Marlboro Massachusetts in dominating fashion. The win in the finals over the Eastern Mass Senators 6-2 capped a weekend which led the River Rats to finish with a 7-0 record.
The weekend started off Friday night against the Phantom Fireworks from Ohio. The team escaped a penatly filled hockey game with a 4-1 victory led up front by Max Franklin 2 goals and 1 assist and George Hunkele 2 assists. Drew Michals was strong in net killing off many Fireworks powerplays. The next morning the River Rats showed up to avenge a loss from last season playing the New Jersey Devils. The River Rats in control throughout the night beat the NJ Devils 4-1 behind 3 point nights from Max Franklin( 3 goals) and Greg Zaffino ( 3 assists) and a 2 assist night from center Luke Griffin. The team then headed to a game against the Bridgewater Bandits. The River Rats were sharp from the get go mercy ruling the Bandits 7-1 behind hat tricks from Jon Pallotta and George Hunkele and 2 assist nights from Hunkeles linemates Chris Calnan and Max Franklin.
Going into Sundays matchups with the Eastern Mass Senators and Mid Fairfield the River Rats held a 3-0 record. The morning matchup with the Senators saw the River Rats beat the Senators 7-3 behind a balanced attack offensively. Max Franklin was the leader with 2 goals and 1 assist. Chris Calnan was strong with 2 goals, while Dan Doherty and Jon Pallotta both had 1 goal and 1 assist. Defenseman Greg Zaffino led the way from the blueline with 2 assists. Going into the Sunday night matchup the River Rats already clinching a birth in Mondays Semi Finals game the River Rats faced Mid- Fairfield, looking to get revenge on a team that beat them in the National Championships last April. The River Rats came out and beat a good Mid Fairfield team 4-2. The line of Chris Calnan, George Hunkele and Max Franklin led the way up front. Pat Magliano also scored for the River Rats. Mason Pulde was superb in net.
With a perfect record of 5-0 the River Rats played a strong New Jersey Freeze team in the semi-finals. In an epic game the River Rats beat the New Jersey Freeze in the longest Midget River Rat game of all time. The River Rats thanks to a Luke Griffin goal defeated the New Jersey Freeze 3-2 in Triple Overtime. Luke Griffin was the hero pumping in a rebound of a Dan Doherty shot. Doherty and Hunkele provided the other 2 River Rats goals. Drew Michals was very strong in net earning the victory. In the finals the River Rats faced a rematch wih the Eastern Mass Senators once again dominating the Senators this time 6-2. In the finals the star of the night was Chris Calnan who exploded for a 4 point night with 2 goals and 2 assists. George Hunkele (2 goals) and Greg Zaffino (2 assists) were also both strong on the night.
Over the course of the weekend the line of Chris Calnan ( 6 goals and 7 assists for 13 points), George Hunkele ( 11 goals and 5 assists for 16 points) and leading scorer Max Franklin ( 8 goals and 10 assists for 18 points) was virtually unstoppable. Greg Zaffino lead the way from the blueline with a 3-7-10 line.
The River Rats continued there strong play this weekend defeated the Central Mass Outlaws 3-1 and the District 10 Bulldogs 8-2 and now sit at 10-1-1 on the young season.
The 99 Pee Wee Minor River Rats started the 2010-11 campaign by taking home the Cyclone Fall Classic championship in Hudson, NH. The Rats opened with the host Northern Cyclones on Thursday evening and were led by an outstanding 2 goal, 1 assist performance by game MVP Shane Hanley on route to a 4-2 victory. Patrick Sunderland and Billy Shea added goals as the Rats were backstopped by solid efforts from goaltenders Zak Rogers and Greg Moon.
Next up was a Friday night match-up with the New England Bulldogs that saw Cully McGlynn take home game MVP honors as he lit the Bulldogs up for a hat trick. Greg Moon and Zak Rogers again split the duties in net, combining for the 6-0 shut-out win. Forwards Cam Martin and Adam Towey and blueliner Matt Mackin chipped in goals as the Rats controlled play from start to finish.
The Rats dropped the New England Predators on Saturday morning with another shutout, 4-0, as game MVP Zak Rogers went the distance in goal. Martin, Sean Tyer, Shea and Towey pumped in the goals as the Rats again dominated both ends of the rink. With a one hour rest, the Rats were back on the ice to take on Select League foe Manchester Flames. A tired and undermanned (only 4D and 8 forwards) contingent dispatched the Flames 3-1 with Rogers and Moon splitting the pipes. A goal and assist earned Billy Shea game MVP with scoring help from defenseman Henry Bruckner and Cam Martin.
The Sunday afternoon finals was another Select's match-up as the Rats lined up against the always tough AY Northstars. As expected, the action was fast and rough with Cam Martin staking the Rats to a 1st period lead after a nice feed from Adam Towey. The Northstars evened the score at 1 but Tommy Dugan answered back 34 seconds later assisted by Sean Tyer. The Rats 2-1 lead survived a scoreless 2nd period, but was evened up at 2 early in the 3rd. Shane Hanley responded with a mid period strike on a helper from linemate Sean Tyer. The Northstars wouldn't quit and again got even at 3 with 2:42 left. As they had done all game, the Rats responded with the game winner 15 seconds later. A Billy Shea beauty, assisted by Hanley and Bruckner put the Rats up for good 4-3. Game MVP honors went to goaltender Greg Moon. The "Moon Man" was outstanding with key saves throughout and certainly in the final 2 minutes as the Rats survived a 6 on 3 Northstar advantage. A great start for the upcoming league campaign which opens on 9/19 against a solid Braves squad.
On the eve of training camp; U18 Captain commits to Holy Cross!
by river rats posted 08/06/2010
On the eve of training camp which starts Monday evening in Princeton, New Jersey U18 Captain Tommy Dwyer has committed to Holy Cross for the fall of 2011 or 2012. Dwyer who was a solid contributer on last seasons U18 team will be looked upon in a much larger role this season. Dwyer is a 6ft 2in power forward whos scoring touch has come along nicely as his game continues to develop. He becomes the 10th player off the 2009 River Rats to commit to a Division 1 School, and looks to lead a very strong 2010 River Rats team to a state and national championship.
When Dwyer arrives on the hill in Worcester he will be joined in the Atlanic League playing against some fimilar faces including former River Rats TJ Powers (Sacred Heart) Paul Cinquegrana (Uconn) and Micah Williams (Bentley). Dwyer will also be looked at very closely for the 2011 NHL Draft which will take place in Minnesota at the end of June.
The U18 team opens camp in Princeton NJ Aug 9th playing their 1st exhibiton game Tuesday Aug 10th in Princeton vs the Hamilton Red Wings of the OPJHL. The team will open up the regular season back home in Foxboro August 30th in the Neponset Valley River Rats Jamboree.
Big week continues for Jay Williams; commits to Miami (OH)
by river rats posted 07/19/2010
In the same week that former River Rat goaltender Jay Williams was selected to the United State Under 18 team, he also committed to Miami of Ohio for the fall of 2012. Williams, regarded by many as the best 1993 born goaltender in the United States will become the 1st River Rat to play for perineal national championship contender University of Miami. He also becomes the 9th player off of last seasons River Rat U18 team to commit to a Division 1 school. He becomes the 2nd River Rat from the 93 age group for the River Rats to commit Division 1 joining University of Wisconsin bound Corbin McGuire. Look for more 93 committments from the very strong 93 group from the River Rats soon. When Williams arrives on campus he will be the 3rd River Rats in the CCHA joining Rhode Island natives Mac Bennett and Derek Deblois who will both be juniors at the University of Michigan.
Williams was a backbone for the team last fall leading the team to a 20-3-2 record. He will be leaving the River Rats this fall heading west the play for the Waterloo Blackhawks in the USHL. Williams is draft eligible this upcoming June and is on many NHL teams radar.
Former River Rat goaltender Jay Williams has been named to the United States Under 18 team that will compete at the 2010 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament in Breclav, Czech Republic and Piestany, Slovakia Aug. 9-14. Williams is a returner on the United States team as last summer he represented the United States at the 5 Nations Tournament. The United Stats will compete against Team Slovakia, Team Russia, Team Czech Republic and Team Finland over the course of the round robin portion of the tournament.
The players on the team were picked from their recent play at the 2010 USA Hockey Select 17 Player Development Camp held in Rochester, NY, along with their tremendous play during the fall and winter. Williams finished the Select 17 tournament 1st in saver percentage with a .963 save percentage. He also pitched a shutout in the camps all star game. Williams will play next season for the Waterloo Blackhawks (USHL) Other River Rats that have been selected to represent the United States overseas in the summer include Joe Whitney, Steve Whitney, Barry Almeida, Kevin Quick and Matt Walsh.
Former River Rat and current Harvard University defenseman Danny Biega was selected in the 2010 NHL Draft by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 3rd round. Biega, who went 67th overall joins a collection of other former River Rats who were 3rd round draft picks in the NHL including Tampa Bay Lightning/Norfolk Admirals Defenseman Kevin Quick (2006), Harvard University Forward Alex Killorn (2007) and Michigan recruit Mac Bennett (2009). Biega becomes the highest River Rat ever selected going 67th.
It was a great draft for the Mass Select League with 3 players from this past season being selected. Kevin Hayes(Whalers) went in the 1st round 24th overall. Patrick McNally(GBL Bruins) went in the 4th round 115th overall to the Vancouver Canucks and RJ Boyd (GBL Bruins) went in the 7th round 183rd overall to the Florida Panthers. Additionally 4 other former Mass Select league players were selected led by San Jose Sharks 1st round pick 28th overall Charlie Coyle (South Shore Dynamoes)
Former River Rat Steve Whitney Selected to World Junior Tryout
posted 06/21/2010
Former and long time River Rat Steve Whitney has been named to the 2010 United States World Junior Tryout Roster. The tryout camp will take place July 31st-August 6th in Lake Placid New York. The tryout camp will include Team Finland and Team Sweden. The team selected will compete in the 2011 World Junior Championships in Buffalo NY in late December 2010 and early January 2011. Last season the United States beat Team Canada 6-5 in overtime to win the championship on a goal by Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson. Former River Rat and current Tampa Bay Lightning/Norfolk Admirals defenseman Kevin Quick was the last River Rat to be selected to the World Junior Tryout. Whitney just finished his freshman season at Boston College which resulted in a national championship. Steve finished the season with a 7-21-28 line.
Former River Rats power BC to NCAA National Championship
by river rats posted 04/11/2010
Congratulations to former River Rats Joe Whitney, Steve Whitney, Barry Almeida and the rest of the Boston College Eagles for winning the 2010 NCAA National Championship. In the championship run that included wins over Alaska, Yale, Miami and Wisconsin the team was led by Joe Whitney who had 3 goals and 7 assists for 10 points including 6 points in the frozen four. Steve Whitney chipped in with 2 points in the frozen four. Joe Whitney was named to the all frozen four team and also the all regional team of the east bracket in Worcester. Joe finished the season with 17 goals 28 assists for 45 points. Steve had a successful freshman season leading the freshman in scoring with 7 goals 21 assists for 28 points. Almeida, played very well in the checking role with chipping in 8 goals and 5 assists for 13 points.
It was a very successful season for the Eagles winning the beanpot, Hockey East Championship and National Championship. This Eagles roster featured 11 players that grew up playing in the Massachusetts Select League.
3 Former River Rats on Final Central Scouting for 2010 Draft
by river rats posted 04/09/2010
3 Former River Rats are on the Final Central Scouting list that came out recently for the 2010 NHL Draft this upcoming June in Los Angeles California. Danny Biega, a defenseman and current freshman at Harvard University is rated number 46 among North American skaters projecting him to be a 2nd round pick in this years draft. Derek Deblois, who will head to the University of Michigan this upcoming fall is rated the 153rd best prospect projecting him to go in the 6th round. Kyle Quick(shown above), the captain of this past seasons team and current Brown University recruit is rated 188th, slating him to be drafted in the 7th round.
The Highest River Rat ever drafted has been current Harvard forward Alex Killorn who went in the 3rd round 77th overall in 2007 to the Tampa Bay Lightning a year after Kyle Quicks older brother Kevin went 78th to the Lightning. Quick, after a season at the University of Michigan has bounced up and down between the Tampa Bay Lightning(NHL) and the Norfolk Admirals(AHL). Last season 2 River Rats were drafted Mac Bennett( 79th overall to Montreal) and Wade Megan (153rd overall to Florida)
U16 goaltender Jon Gillies has committed to Northeastern University for the fall of 2012 or 2013 depending on Gillies accelerating his high school studies. Gillies, a 94 date of birth, stands 6'5 and just came back from the National Development Camp Evaluations. He will get back on a plane on Tuesday and head to Chicago for the U16 Tier 1 National Championships.
This fall Gillies was tremendous playing on a team that won the State Championship, Gillies was fantastic in the playoffs and especially in the finals where he stopped 45 shots on fellow Northeastern recruit Cam Darcy and the Valley Jr Warriors.
The River Rats will open their drive for a National Championship on Wednesday vs Mid Fairfield, a team they beat earlier in the season 5-2 with Gillies in net. Gillies becomes the 1st River Rat to commit to Northeastern and the 1st 1994 date of birth out of the River Rats organization to commit to a college and also the 1st 1994 goalie in the nation to commit to a college!
Former River Rat Connor Toomey has committed to Merrimack College for the fall of 2011. Toomey, a 1990 date of birth, from Billerica Mass will play a year of junior hockey before arriving in North Andover on the campus of Merrimack College.
Toomey, a forward, is a very quick forward who uses his speed to get to the net, and also utilizes good on ice vision. He becomes the 6th River Rat born in 1990 to commit to a Division 1 school and the 3rd to a Hockey East school, joining Wade Megan who was a freshman this season at Boston University and Will Rayner who will be a freshman next season at Umass Lowell. Toomey will be the 1st River Rat to play at Merrimack College.
The Squirt Minor 00) team lost to the Dual State Huskies 4-0 in the state final game. This marks the 2nd year in the row this team has lost to the Dual State Huskies in the finals, last season as Mites, the Huskies won the state championhsip 3-2 in OT.
The River Rats came into the semi final game and upset the 2nd seeded American Youth NorthStars 2-1 behind goals from Cameron Daly and Jimmy Duffy and strong goaltending as they received all season from Justin Paik and Sam Spencer to secure a spot in Sundays Final game vs the top seeded Dual State Huskies.
Pee Wee Minor(98) team reaches and falls in State title game
by river rats posted 03/17/2010
The Pee Wee Minor (98) team has finished 2nd place in the state after falling 5-1 in the championship game of the State tournament to the Middlesex Braves. The loss in the finals ended a nice run to the championship game which started off Friday night with a 2-1 win over the Middlesex Braves. The team got goals from Tommy Giandomenico and Erik Clements and superb goaltending from Ryan Ferland. In the second game of the round robin round the River Rats tied the American Youth NorthStars 2-2 behind two goals from Eric Piccolo. In the 3rd game the River Rats exploded for 7 goals in a 7-4 win over the 4th seeded Dual State Huskies. Tommy Giandomenico had two goals in the game as did Zach McGowan and Kyle Gately added 3 assists in the game that propelled the team to the finals, where they would run into a hot Middlesex Braves team and lose 5-1. Over the course of the weekend the team was led in scoring by Eric Piccolo (2 goals and 2 assists) and Tommy Giandomenico( 3 goals). This marks the 4th year in a row the team advanced to the Mass state playoffs.
Congratulations to the Bantam Minor(96) team; State Champions!!
by river rats posted 03/14/2010
Congratulations to Coach Brian Ward and the Bantam Minor(96) team for winning the 2010 Massachusetts Tier 1 Bantam Minor State Championship! The River Rats won the game 4-0 and in the fashion of how they played all season got a shutout from Christian Cellini and got the game winning goal from Andrew Whelan to avenge their only loss in the round robin part of the state playoffs.
Along the way the team beat the American Youth NorthStars 3-0 behind a 3 point(1g 2a) from forward Tommy Munichiello and a 15 save shutout from Christian Cellini. The next game brought the GBL Bruins and the River Rats got a monster game from center Nick Ward who had 3 goals and 2 assists in a 9-3 win. In the 3rd and final game of the round robin the River Rats were upset 4-3 despite a goal and an assist from Andrew Whelan to set up the final game rematch, in which the River Rats would come out flying.
The championship keeps their remarkable season going as they will face off starting April 7th for a chance at a National Championship in Wayne NJ. The teams record for the season now stands at 44-4-2. Leading the way up from in the tournament were Nick Ward 3 goals 5 assists for 8 points, Tommy Munichiello 2 goals 5 assists for 7 points and Andrew Whelan who had 3 goals and 3 assists for 6 points.
The team will look to keep their streak going, counting the state playoffs the Bantam Minor (96) team has won all 4 tournaments they went in this season winning the 2009 Warrior National Showcase, the 2009 Winter Championship tournament, the prestigious Kennedy Tournament in Rhode Island and now the Tier 1 Massachusetts Bantam Minor State Championship. The team will look to make it 5 for 5 and bring home a National Championship this April in New Jersey.
Former River Rat Joe Whitney reaches milestone at Boston College
by river rats posted 03/13/2010
Congratulations to former River Rat Joe Whitney for reaching a career milestone to add to his already illustrious career at Boston College. In last nights 6-5 Hockey East quarterfinal playoff victory over UMass Amherst, Whitney recorded 3 assists the 3rd of which was his 100th career point. Fittingly the assist came on the power play, when he sent a feed to another former River Rat, his brother, Steve Whitney who put home the goal the would eventually be the game winning goal.
Joe Whitney, currently a junior, has played in 115 games and has 31 goals 69 assists for 100 points. In his time on the heights, Whitney has steadily climbed the latter of the all time scorers at Boston College and will continue that climb throughout the stretch drive this season and his senior campaign.
While at Boston College, Whitney has been spectacular, earning such accomplishments as the NCAAs Northeast Regional Most Valuable player, when he scored the overtime winning goal to send the team into the Frozen Four, that same season the Eagles would win the 2008 NCAA championship, Whitney had a goal in the championship game on the power play in a 4-1 win over Notre Dame. Whitney has also won 2 Beanpot championships and played defense for sometime as a sophomore for the Eagles.
A link below to the overtime goal by Whitney that sent the Eagles to the Frozen Four. The play ended up being number 2 on sportcenters top plays of the day!
All 6 River Rat full season teams prepare for playoffs !!
by river rats posted 03/12/2010
All 6 full season River Rat teams have qualified for the playoffs this weekend! To go along with the Midget Major (U18) and state champion Midget Minor(U16) 8 of the 9 River Rats teams made the Mass Select league playoffs. The Squirt Major (99) and Bantam Minor (96) teams both won the regular season titles for the league. The River Rats organization leads the state with most teams making the playoffs for the 3rd consecutive season!!!
The Mite(01-02) team has finished in 2nd place in the regular season with a record of 13-3-2 and will play the 3rd seeded GBL Bruins in a semi final game 4:40pm in Tygnsboro Saturday afternoon with the winner getting a slot in the championship game on Sunday at 1:20pm.
The Squirt Minor (00) team has finished the regular season in 3rd place with a 10-5-3 record. The River Rats draw the 2nd seeded American Youth NorthStars in the semi finals. That game will be played at 4:40pm in Chelmsford. Winner goes to the State Championship game at 2:30pm in Tygnsboro on Sunday.
The Squirt Major(99) team won the league title finishing in 1st place with a record of 22-6-2 and open up their round robin playoff format with the GBL Bruins at 10AM on Saturday in Tyngsboro.
The Pee Wee Minor (98) team has finished the regular season in 3rd place with a record of 21-7-2 and will open up their round robin format tonight at 5:50pm in Tyngsboro vs the 2nd seeded Middlesex Braves.
The Pee Wee Major (97) team has finished in 3rd place with a record of 20-6-4. The team will play the American Youth NorthStars in the 1st game of their round robin set up tonight at 7:10 in Tyngsboro.
The Bantam Minor (96) team has finished the season in 1st place running through the regular season with a 28-1-1 record and will play host to the American Youth NorthStars tonight in Tyngsboro at 8:40pm.
If you can go up and support all the River Rat teams in the Mass State Championships this weekend!
Congrats to U16 goalie Jon Gillies; selected to NTDP top 40 camp
by river rats posted 03/12/2010
Congratulations to U16 goalie Jon Gillies on being selected to the National Development Programs Evaluation roster. The camp which will take part in Ann Arbor, Michigan March 27-March 30th will bring together the best 40 hockey players in the United States born in 1994. Gillies has been named to the camp with 4 other goalies from around the country.
From the camp in Ann Arbor, Gillies, will prepare for the USA Nationals in early April in Chicago. Gillies was strong all season so far and was fantastic in the state final win over the Valley Jr Warriors where he stopped 45 shots in the 6-3 win.
Bantam Minors(96) go wire to wire win Regular season title!!
by river rats posted 03/12/2010
Congratulations to coach Brian Ward and the Bantam Minor (96) team that went wire to wire in the select league winning the league title over the Manchester Flames by 7 points. The River Rats finished the regular season in league with a record of 26-1-1 outscoring their opponents along the way 152-27. Including out of league games the Bantam Minor (96) team finished the season with a record of 41-3-2. That included titles in the Kennedy Tournament in Rhode Island, the 2009 Warrior Showcase National Tournament and the 2009 Winter Championship Tournament. The team looks to make it 4 for 4 on tournaments as they kick off the league playoffs tonight at 8:40pm in Tyngsboro vs the 4th seeded American Youth Northstars with a chance for a trip to Nationals on the line.
Congratulations to coach Neil Johnson and the Squirt Major(99) team who won the league titled that went to the the wire over the American Youth Northstars and the Valley Jr Warriors with a record of 22-6-2. The team was led by Adam Towey who finished in the top 5 of the league in scoring with 32 goals 10 assists for 42 points and Billy Shea who had 15 goals 21 assists for 36 points. Other big scorers include Sean Tyer ( 20-12-32) and Cam Martin (15-18-33). Henry Bruckner has been strong on D with 5 goals 12 assists for 17 points. The team kicks off the playoffs this Saturday at 10am in Tyngsboro vs 4th seeded GBL Bruins.
Former River Rat Brian Flynn sets record at UMaine!
by river rats posted 02/20/2010
Former River Rat forward Brian Flynn set the all time single game record for most points in a game at the University of Maine. Flynn, last night in a 8-4 win over UMass- Lowell had 5 goals and 2 assists for 7 points. Flynn, a Lynnfield Mass native, has a great stick and is very smart with the puck on his stick. Brian is currently a sophomore at the University of Maine and has 14 goals 21 assists for 35 points in 29 games for the 2nd place in Hockey East, University of Maine Black Bears. Flynn was also named Hockey East Player of the Month for the Month of February.
Below is a video to all of his points in the game! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHwQagMSI5U&feature=related
In an effort to continue the River Rats player development and making our teams better, the River Rats have added goalie skills with Stop-It-Goaltending run by Brian Daccord. Next year (2010-2011) we have negotiated a special rate with Stop-It-Goaltending. The River Rats will split the special rate with the goalie parents ( 3 sessions of an 8 week program ...24 week total). These sessions are held at the River Rats home rink the Foxboro Sports Center upstairs in the brand new Stop-It-Goaltending facility located at the back on the rink on real ice. This year most of our goalies have been enrolled with Stop-It-Goaltending since New Years and the results have been very noticable. Our goalies have been going to Stop-It-Goaltending before our Tuesday night Skills. We have reserved the same time for next year starting in September.......Brian Daccord and his staff will be available during some of our tryouts if parents have questions.
The Bantam Minor(96) team has done it again this time winning the prestigious Kennedy tournament this past week held in Rhode Island. This makes it a perfect 3 for 3 in tournaments this season for the Bantam Minor team winning the 2009 Warrior National Showcase and the 2009 Winter Championship Tournament and now the Kennedy Tournament!
The team defeated the Seacoast Saints in the finals 3-2, and in a trend that has become an impressive trend avenged there only loss in the tournament. In the finals The River Rats killed off a key 5 on 3 PP with about 7 mins left in the 3rd thanks to great goaltending from Christian Cellini and a big shot block from forward Tommy Munichiello. After the penatly kill the River Rats got a power play for themselves with 5 mins remaining and broke the deadlock in the 2-2 game with the game winning goal from Nick Ward with assists going to Joey Harrington and Billy Moore. In the semi finals the River Rats defeated league rival Connecticut Clippers 8-3.
In the round robin the River Rats defeated the NECDL Classics 4-0, the 495 Stars 8-2, Wilkes-Barre Scranton Kings 5-0, the Westchester Vipers 3-2 and fell to the SeaCoast Spartans 2-1 the team they deafted in the finals.
Leading the way up front was the play of forwards Troy Donahue, Billy Moore and Nick Ward who all finished the tournament with 10 points. Also chipping in was forwards Guiliano DiRissio(7 pts)who was playing in his home state, defenseman Derek Clancy (7 points) and defenseman Joey Harrington (6 points) . The team got a lift for the rematch vs the Spartans by the returns of defensemen Danny Sullivan and Matt Doherty from injuries. Once again the team got strong goaltending from Christian Cellini who went 5-1 in the tournament and Ryan Huburt who picked up the win vs the 495 Stars.
The team was once again strong in the 3rd periods were they didnt allow a goal and have now outscored teams 86-5 in 3rd periods this season. The River Rats are in 1st place in the Mass Select league with a record of 20-1-1 and an overall record now of 35-3-2. The River Rats get back to league play this weekend with games vs the Connecticut Clippers(team they beat in the semis) and the American Youth Northstars
2 former River Rats on 2010 Central Scouting Mid Term Rankings
by river rats posted 01/13/2010
Derek Deblois(shown above) and Danny Biega both former River Rats have been named to the 2010 Central Scouting Mid Term Rankings for the 2010 NHL Draft in Los Angeles California in June. Biega, a defenseman, currently a freshman at Harvard University has been ranked 31st overall in the North American skaters. Biega is expected to be a 2nd round draft choice this summer. Deblois, a forward is currently playing for the Cedar Rapids Roughriders for a season before heading to Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan next fall. Deblois has been ranked 170th in North American skaters meaning that he should be a 5th round draft pick this summer. Deblois played on a line last season for the River Rats with Boston College freshman Steve Whitney and Wade Megan a 5th round draft pick of the Florida Panthers. Megan is now currently a Boston University freshman.
Last summer the River Rats had 2 players drafted, Mac Bennett went in the 3rd round to Montreal and Megan to Florida in the 5th round.
The Bantam Minor(96) team has won the 2009 Winter Championship Tournament this past week in Marlboro Massachusetts. The team won the finals 1-0 over the Minutemen Flames, the second time in the tournament they had shut out the Minutemen Flames. Along the way to the finals the River Rats took out the New England Bulldogs 7-1 in the opener, beat the Long Island Royals 6-3, tied the Minutemen Flames 0-0 to go into the semi finals where they had a rematch against the Long Island Royals. The result though would be the same as the River Rats won the game 6-2.
In the final game the River Rats got the game winning goal from Nick Ward assisted on the play by Owen Campbell and Troy Donahue. The defense and goaltender Christian Cellini were solid as usual in posting the shutout. On the weekend the team was lead offensively by Nick Ward who had 5 goals and 4 assists for 9 points, Troy Donahue who had 2 goals and 5 assists for 7 points and Billy Moore who had 4 goals and 2 assists for 6 points. Christian Cellini was outstanding in net posting two shut outs in the tournament.
This is the 2nd tournament the team has won this season winning the 2009 Warrior Showcase Tournament this past August. The teams overall record stands at 28-2-2 and are currently in 1st place in the Mass Select league with a 19-1-1 record.
U18 Forward TJ Powers has committed to Sacred Heart University for the fall of 2010. Powers, a 1991 date of birth is from East Greenwich RI. Power will become the 8th member of this season River Rats team to committ to a Division 1 school and the first to play in the Atlantic Hockey League. Powers also becomes the 12th player from the River Rats very strong 1991 date of birth year to committ to a Division 1 school.
Powers, is known for being a very strong and explosive skater with very good hands. Powers is on the 2010 NHL draft list rated as a C prospect meaning that he should be selected in the 6th or 7th round of this Junes NHL Draft in Los Angeles, California. Powers finished the season tied for 2nd on the team in scoring with Brown recruit Mike Borge with 14 goals 16 assists for 30 points in 22 games played.
U18 Forward Mike Borge has committed to Brown University for the fall of 2010. Borge, a 1991 date of birth, is from Somerset Mass. Borge has continued with the long trend of River Rats to go 25 minutes south down 95 to Providence onto the campus of Brown. Borge is the 4th member of the 2009 River Rats to commit to Brown, joining 2010 recruits Kyle Quick and Jake Goldberg and 2011 recruit Greg Tang. Borge is the 7th River Rat from this seasons team to commit to a Division 1 School and the 6th to play in the ECAC.
Borge missed the early part of the season with a wrist injury but came back guns blazing finishing 2nd on the team in scoring with 15 goals and 15 assists in only 16 games. Borge is a very quick forward with good vision of the ice and will get his nose dirty.
U18 Defenseman and Captain Kyle Quick has committed to Brown for the fall of 2010. Quick, a 1991 date of birth and long time River Rat Defenseman becomes the 6th member of the 2009 U18 River Rats to commit to a Division 1 College. Quick also becomes the 3rd member of the team to commit to Brown University joining his defense partner Greg Tang, and forward Jake Goldberg. Quick will be the 5th member of the team playing in the ECAC joining the above mentioned players and fellow captain Kevin Sullivan who will play at Union College in the fall of 2010 and Princeton recruit Jon Liau.
Quick is a offensive minded defenseman, while very responsible defensively, is known for his outstanding skating and a great shot from the point. Quick quarterbacked the top powerplay unit for the River Rats. In 21 games this past fall Quick averaged a point a game leading the defenseman in scoring with 12 goals and 9 assists for 21 points.
Squirt Major(99) team to play at outdoors at Fenway Park!
by river rats posted 11/18/2009
The Squirt Major(99) team will play outdoors at Fenway Park, the site of this seasons Winter Classic in an exhibition game Sunday December 20th vs the Boston Jr Eagles! The game will be played at 3:45pm. Pictures from the event will be available following the conclusion of the game.
Congratulations to U16 coach Frank O'Connor and his staff on being named the 2009 Massachusetts Tier 1 State Champions. The River Rats took down the number 1 seed Valley Warriors in the finals 6-3 getting a great goaltending performance by Jon Gillies who stopped 45 shots including 21 in the crucial 3rd period and 2 goals by captain Matt Baldino and a 3 point night by captain Conor Helfrich. In the final game the team came out storming building a 3-0 lead on goals from Billy Beirnes, Matt Baldino and Brian Miller. In the 2nd period Matt Baldino got his 2nd of the night, giving the River Rats a 4-3 lead going into the 3rd period where a huge goal from Conor Helfrich put the River Rats up 5-3, and the game was iced on a Eric Butts empty net goal, leading to a huge celebration.
The River Rats opened up the round robin tournament with a 10-0 win over the District 10 Bulldogs, behind a 5 point night from Matt Salhany and a shutout split between Nano Heilbron and Jon Gillies. The River Rats then beat a good South Shore Dynamos team behind 2 goals and an assist from Will Messa and a goal and an assist from Matt Salhany. The River Rats lost the 3rd game to the team they would eventually beat in the finals, 5-4 in a battle the River Rats fell despite getting 2 goals from Matt Salhany.
The River Rats had great goaltending all weekend from both Jon Gillies and Nano Heilbron. Up front the River Rats were lead by Matt Salhany (5g 4a 9pts), Conor Helfrich ( 3g 5a 8pts), and Matt Baldino (3g 2a 5pts) The River Rats record is now 18-5-1. Next up for the River Rats is a trip to Chicago for the National Championships in April!
Both the Midget Major (U18) and Midget Minor (U16) teams have qualified for the state playoffs to be played this weekend at the Foxboro Sports Center with a trip to Nationals on the line.
The Midget Major (u18) team is 19-1-2 overall and 10-0-2 in the league finished as the number 2 seed in the league, and will open up Friday night(11/13) with the 3 seed GBL Bruins at 9pm. On Saturday the U18 team plays the Eastern Mass Senators at 12:50pm and at 9:10 with the Cape Cod Whalers, a team they beat to win the Labor Day Tier 1 Faceoff tournament. The state championship game wil be at 1 pm Sunday November 15th at the Foxboro Sports Center.
The Midget Minor(u16) team is 15-4-1 overall and 9-1-0 in the league and will open up with the 3rd seeded District 10 Bulldogs at 7:00pm. Saturday morning they will face off with the 4th seeded South Shore Dynamoes at 10:40am and play Saturday night vs the Valley Jr Warrios at 7:00pm. The state final game is schedule for 10am Sunday morning. All games are played at the Foxboro Sports Center.
This will be a great chance to support the River Rats and see many of tomorrows college and NHL stars now. Players in the tournament have committed to such division 1 schools as Boston College, University of Wisconsin, Harvard University, Yale University, Princeton University, Brown University, Union College, and many of the players are on the NHL Central Scouting list for the 2010 NHL Draft.
2 U18 River Rats forwards, Cam Spiro and TJ Powers have been named to the NHL's Central Scouting Preliminary list. The NHL Central Scouting Report is the list NHL teams use for the 2010 NHL Draft which will be held this upcoming June. Both players are listed as of now as C rated prospects for the draft meaning as of now they are projected to be 6th or 7th round draft picks.
Spiro, a Hingham Mass native, is a good skater with a great shot. Spiro has been known for his high hockey IQ and the amount of scoring chances he can create. Spiro has been the teams leading scorer this season so far with 14 goals 21 assists for 35 points in 17 games played.
Powers, a East Greenwich RI native, is a fantastic skater with tremdenous explosiveness while also possessing great hands. Powers has been the teams 2nd leading scorer this fall with 11 goals 14 assists for 25 points in 18 games played this season.
Last season 2 River Rats players were drafted in the 2009 NHL Draft. Mac Bennett went in the 3rd round to the Montreal Canadiens and current Boston University forward Wade Megan was drafted in the 5th round by the Florida Panthers.
Another to Brown U18 Defenseman/Forward Greg Tang commits!
by river rats posted 09/15/2009
U18 Defenseman/Forward Greg Tang has committed to Brown University. Tang, a 1991 date of birth and Cambridge Mass native becomes the 5th member of the 2009 U18 River Rats to commit to a Division 1 School. Tang becomes the 2nd River Rat to commit to Brown in a week, joining forward Jake Goldberg. Counting Tang the River Rats will now have 3 players off this seasons team playing in the ECAC Kevin Sullivan(Union) and Jake Goldberg(Brown) being the other two.
Tang has played defense mostly for the River Rats this fall being paired with Captain Kyle Quick, but moved up to forward for the South Shore Kings EJHL game and scored a big goal in an 4-3 win. Tang is ultra skilled and has a fantastic set of hands that he uses to break the puck out of the zone. Tang is also very effective on the power play. Tang becomes coach Brendan Whittet's second recruit. As of now the only two recruits committed to Brown for 2010 are members of the River Rats.
Pee Wee Minor (98) team wins Northern Mass Cyclones Tournament!
by river rats posted 09/15/2009
Congratulations to the Pee Wee Minor team who has won the Northern Mass Cyclones Tournament defeating the Greater Boston Vipers in the finals 4-3. In the finals the River Rats overcame a 3 to 1 deficit going into the 3rd period to pull out the victory. With the score tied late in the 3rd period the River Rats got the tying goal from Zach McGowan assisted by Eric Piccolo with just over 5 minutes remaining and the winning goal with just under 2 minutes to play from Tom Giandomenico assisted by Dan Shea and Zach D'Amico. In the final game, the River Rats got strong performances from Dan Shea(1g 2a) , Zach McGowan (1g 1a) Tom Giandomenico (1g 1a) and Zach D'Amico (1g 1a). A strong performance in net from Ryan Ferland was very crucial to the tournament championship as he was very strong all weekend. A strong point for the team was the defensemen and there tremendous play all weekend.
Midget Major (U18) team win Tier 1 Faceoff Tournament!
by river rats posted 09/08/2009
The Midget Major (U18) team has won the Tier 1 Faceoff Labor Day Classic in Marlboro this past weekend. In the finals the River Rats beat the Cape Cod Whalers 3-2, coming from behind on goals from Union bound Kevin Sullivan, a shorthanded goal by Princeton bound Jon Liau and the game winner from Kyle Quick. The River Rats were also helped by a strong goaltending performance from Jay Williams. In the semi-finals, the River Rats beat a strong Mid-Fairfield team 7-1, behind 4 goals from Cam Spiro and 4 assists from Brown recruit Jake Goldberg.
In the round robin the River Rats finished with a 4-0-1 record earning the number 1 seed in the tournament. The tournament opened with a 6-0 win over Phantom Fireworks behind 2 goals and 2 assists from Kyle Quick. The Saturday games proved to be two good tests, 1st the River Rats beat the Boston Little Bruins (defending champs). The River Rats were able to win 4-2 behind the strong play of the Corbin McGuire (1g), Jon Liau (2a) and Tommy Dwyer (1g ,1a) line and a good goaltending performance from Jordan Nathan. Saturday Nights game was a tough test for the River Rats facing the Cape Cod Whalers. The River Rats held a 3-0 lead late in the 3rd period behind goals from Cam Spiro, TJ Powers and Tyler Whitney, before the Whalers came storming back with 3 quick goals to tie the game at 3. The game would end there at 3-3. Sunday Mornings game was against Western NY Prep and the River Rats came out very flat and forced goaltender Jay Williams to make several great stops to keep the River Rats up 1-0 on a Ryan Coffey PP goal. The River Rats didnt wake up until half way through the 2nd period when they got 2 goals in less then a minute from Wisconsin bound Corbin McGuire and Tyler Whitney. After exchanging goals in the 3rd the River Rats held on for a 4-2 win. After already clinching a spot in Mondays playoff round the River Rats took the ice with the New Jersey Colonials. The River Rats took an early 2-0 lead on goals from Tyler Whitney and Sam Kane before giving the lead away to the Colonials as they tied it up 2-2 late in the 3rd period. After a River Rats time out the team came out flying and Brown bound Jake Goldberg got the game winner with help from linemates Cam Spiro and Kevin Sullivan with 38 seconds left. The River Rats almost lost the lead though very late as Colonials forward and Yale recruit Kenny Agostino broke in all alone on River Rat goalie Jordan Nathan only to be stoned and the victory was preserved.
Leading the team in scoring in the tournament was Cam Spiro who had 6 goals and 3 assists, behind him is Kevin Sullivans 1 goal and 7 assists, Kyle Quicks 4 goals and 3 assists and Jake Goldbergs 1 goal 6 assists. Both goaltenders Jay Williams and Jordan Nathan were both solid in net.
The team is now 8-0-1 overall and 1-0-1 in the league, with the help of wins Wednesday and Thursday over the Western Mass Blades and the South Shore Kings(EJHL) team respectively.
U18 Forward Jake Goldberg has committed to Brown University!
by river rats posted 09/06/2009
U18 Forward Jake Goldberg has committed to Brown University for the fall of 2010. Goldberg, a 1991 date of birth, is the 4th member of the U18 2009 River Rats to commit to a Divison 1 college and the 3rd to go to a ECAC school, joining linemate Kevin Sullivan(Union) Corbin McGuire(Wisconsin) and Jonathan Liau(Princeton)
Goldberg, has been strong this fall, playing alongside Kevin Sullivan and Cam Spiro. Goldberg, a pure goal scorer, has a great shot with very good vision of the ice. Goldberg was a big part of the U18 team winning the Tier 1 Faceoff tournament scoring some big goals including the winner over the New Jersey Colonials in the final minute. In 8 games played this season Goldberg has 2 goals and 10 assists for 12 points. Goldberg is the 1st recruit in Coach Brendan Whittets time at Brown, and will be the 1st River Rat to play at Brown
Bantam Minor's(96) win 2009 Warrior National Showcase Tourny
by river rats posted 09/01/2009
Congratuations to the Bantam Minor (96) team for winning the 2009 Warrior National Showcase Tournament this past weekend in Haverhill, MA. In the finals the River Rats beat the Manchester Flames 1-0 behind a Andrew Whelan 1st period goal and a shut out performance in net by Christian Cellini.
The team finished the round robin portion of the tournament as the number 1 seed, only falling to the Manchester Flames 7-5 ( the team the defeated in the finals) The turning point in the robin robin play was a 5-1 win over the Warriors Elite team. While leading in that game 2-1 the Warriors took a 5 minute major penalty and put the River Rats on the PP where they scored 3 Power Play goals to coast to a 5-1 victory, and setting up a semi final matchup with the Dual State Huskies.
In the semi final game the River Rats exploded for 3 second period goals by Sam Topham, Dylan Casserly and Matt Doherty before the Huskies could strike for a goal. With the score 3-1 late in the 3rd period Andrew Whelan got the insurance marker to make it 4-1 and propel the River Rats into the finals.
Leading the team up front for the tournament was Nick Wards 4 goals and 6 assists. Dylan Casserly(6g 1a), Troy Donahue(2g 5a), and Andrew Whelan(5g 2a) all finished the tournament with 7 points. Defensively the River Rats were lead by Matt Doherty who finished the tournament with 1 goal and 5 assists, and the play in net was very strong by Christian Cellini, who as mentioned above finished the tournament out in style with a shutout
U18 Goalie Jay Williams has been selected to Team USA U17 Team
by river rats posted 07/16/2009
U18 Goalie Jay Williams has been selected to the Team USA U17 team that will participate in the 2009 Five Nations Tournament that will take place in Germany August 18th-22nd. Team USA will play against Team Slovakia, Team Switzerland, Team Czech Republic and Team Germany during the course of the tournament. The players on the team were picked from their recent play at the 2009 USA Hockey Select 16 Player Development Camp held in St. Cloud, MN, along with their tremendous play during the fall and winter.
This will be Jay's first time wearing the Red White and Blue of the USA. At the Select 16 festival Jay finished with a .932 save percentage and a 2.33 goals against average.
Jay will join a long list of River Rats to represent the United States overseas including, Forwards Joe Whitney, Steve Whitney, Barry Almeida, Defenseman Kevin Quick and goaltender Matt Walsh.
U18 Forward Jonathan Liau heads to Rochester for Select 17's
by river rats posted 07/06/2009
U18 Forward and Princeton University recruit Jonathan Liau has been selected to attend USA Hockey's Select 17 Festival in Rochester New York. The festival brings together the best players in the United States born in 1992. At the conclusion of the camp, they will select the top players to compete for Team USA Under 18's at the Memorial of Ivan Hlinka Tournament.
At last seasons Select 16 festival Liau finished tied for 5th in scoring with 2 goals and 5 assists for 7 points in 5 games played.
Mac Bennett and Wade Megan Selected in 2009 NHL Draft!
by river rats posted 06/28/2009
U18 River Rats Mac Bennett(shown above) and Wade Megan were both selected in the 2009 NHL Draft. University of Michigan recruit Mac Bennett, an alternate captain this past season, was selected in the 3rd round by the Montreal Canadiens. Bennett was taken 79th overall. Bennett had a strong fall for the River Rats, using his fantastic skating as a one man breakout.
Boston University recruit Wade Megan was selected by the Florida Panthers in the 5th round. Megan, the center of the U18 teams first line this past season was selected 138th overall. Megan had a strong fall for the River Rats, scoring on of the biggest goals of the year a great shot under the crossbar as time expired to beat the Cape Cod Whalers in the playoffs in Foxboro.
Two other players from this past seasons Massachusetts Select League were drafted this year, Valley Jr Warrior Chris Kreider was drafted in the 1st round 19th overall to the New York Rangers and Cape Cod Whaler Gus Young was selected in the 7th round 184th overall by the Colorado Avalanche.
4 Current River Rats head to USA Hockey's Select 16 Festival
by river rats posted 06/25/2009
4 River Rats head to Rochester for the USA Hockey Select 16 Festival that runs from June 27th-July 2nd at the ESL Sports Center. The festival brings together the best players in the United States born in 1993. 2 U18 members, Corbin McGuire and Jay Williams and 2 U16 members Matt Salhany and Billy Beirnes were selected to participate in the festival. At the conclusion of the festival the top players from the festival will be selected to the U17 USA team that will participate in the U17 Five Nations Tournament.
At last years Select 15 camp U18 forward and University of Wisconsin recruit finished tied for 2nd in scoring with 3 goals and 5 assists for 8 points in 5 games.
The 2009 Neponset Valley River Rats U18 team has been posted. The team is looking to build off a successful season last year where the U18 team was the State Finalist and has had 9 players committ to Division 1 Colleges. Any Questions please contact
Forwards Mike Borge
Ryan Coffey
Tommy Dwyer
Jake Goldberg
Sam Kane
Jonathan Liau
Corbin McGuire
TJ Powers
Cam Spiro
Kevin Sullivan
Keith Veronesi
Tyler Whitney
Defense
Ian Coleman
Mark Higgins
Ben Kaplan
Andy Latta
Kyle Quick
Greg Tang
U18 Forward Derek Army committs to Providence College
by river rats posted 06/03/2009
U18 Forward Derek Army has committed to Providence College for the fall of 2010. Army becomes the 9th player from this past season to committ to a Division 1 college. Army had a strong year for the River Rats ranking high on the leading scorers in the league before breaking his wrist the last week of the regular season. Army, a Rhode Island, native with join former River Rats Justin Gates and Austin Mayer as a Friar. Army, marks the 4th Rhode Island native to committ to a Division 1 school from the River Rats team joining Mac Bennett and Derek Deblois, both going to Michigan and Paul Cinquegrana who will be heading to the University of Connecticut in the fall of 2010.
5 River Rats Dot NHL Final Central Scouting Rankings
by river rats posted 05/16/2009
5 Midget Major(U18) River Rats have been named to the 2009 NHL Central Scouting's Final Ranking List. Leading the way is University of Michigan recruit and assistant captain Mac Bennett. Bennett has been ranked by Central Scouting as the 40th rated prospect making him a projected 2nd round draft pick. Bennett has moved up 23 slots from his ranking on the Mid Term rankings. Fellow Rhode Islander and another University of Michigan recruit Derek Deblois has finished the year as the 77th rated prospect making him a projected 3rd round draft pick. Boston University recruit Wade Megan checks in as the 123rd rated prospect. Megan has also moved up the draft list 7 spots due to a strong winter. Megan is projected as a 5th round draft pick. The biggest mover on the list was forward Jake Goldberg who moved from the 202 rated prospect at the Mid Term all the way up to number 145, moving him from a projected 7th round draft pick to a projected 5th round draft pick. Rounding out the River Rats on Central Scouting's Final Rankings is Boston College recruit and captain Steve Whitney who checks in at number 197 making him a projected 7th round draft pick.
The 2009 NHL draft is June 26th at the Bell Center in Montreal, Quebec. The highest River Rats drafted have been in 2006 Kevin Quick going 78th overall to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Quick is currently a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning. In 2007 Alex Killorn was drafted 77th overall also by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Killorn is currently a freshman at Harvard University.
The Following players have been selected for the 2009 U16 River Rats team. Any questions please contact
Forwards
Matt Baldino
Billy Beirnes
Brady Burns
Connor Helfrich
Will Messa
Brian Miller
Jim O'Connor
Ryan Quinn
Niko Rufo
Matt Salhany
Devin Tringale
DJ Walsh
Defense Jared Beckwith
Nick Bennett
Eric Butts
Mark Hamilton
Jake Schechter
Tyler Wilmot
Goalies Jon Gillies
Nano Heilbron
U18 Defenseman Will Rayner committs to Umass-Lowell!
by river rats posted 03/25/2009
U18 defenseman and assistant captain Will Rayner has committed to Hockey East runner-up Umass-Lowell for the fall of 2010. Rayner, a 1990 date of birth, is from Needham Mass, where he played at Needham High school leading the team to a state championship in 2008 playing for River Rats assistant coach Bill Guisti.
Rayner had a strong year for the River Rats playing alongside D partner and current University of Michigan recruit Mac Bennett. Rayner is known for his very physical play, and a great shot from the point. Over the course of the fall his stock with Division 1 colleges and NHL teams really started to take off. Rayner is rated the 140th best NHL prospect in North America for this years upcoming NHL draft.
Rayner becomes the 8th player from this seasons U18 team to committ to a Division 1 college and the 4th to a Hockey East School, joining Steve Whitney(BC), Wade Megan(BU), and Zack Phillips(Umass-Amherst). Rayner will become the 1st River Rat to play at UMass-Lowell.
Squirt Major(98) team advances to Finals to defend their crown!
by river rats posted 03/14/2009
The River Rats Squirt Major (98) team has given itself a chance to defend their State Championship with a exciting 3-2 victory over the Middlesex Braves. The River Rats got a two goal performance from Eric Piccolo and two assists each from Zach McGowan and Jack Downie. The River Rats also got a stellar stellar goaltending perfromance from Ryan Ferland.
The River Rats will play the American Youth NorthStars in the finals. The puck will drop at 12:20pm at Skate 3 in Tyngsboro.
Pee Wee Minor (97) go 2-0-1 in Round Robin Advance to Finals!
by river rats posted 03/14/2009
The Pee Wee Minor (97) team has finished the round robin tournament 2-0-1 and has advanced to the State Final game to be played tomorrow. On Friday night the River Rats played the 3rd seeded Western Mass Blades and defeated them 5-2 behind two goals from John MacLean and a goal and an assist from Ken Mackin. On Saturday the River Rats squared off with the tournaments number one seed the South Shore Dynamoes. The River Rats came out flying and defeated the Dynamoes 4-1 on the back of a 4 goal performance from Ken Mackin. With a bid in the finals already wrapped up the River Rats played the American Youth North Stars. The game was an up and down battle with plenty of offense from both teams resulting in a 6-6 tie. The River Rats were lead by 2 goals each from Joe Feeney and Shane Piotti and a goal and an assist from Ken Mackin.
Over the 3 games the team has been led offensively by Ken Mackin who in the 3 games has had 6 goals and 2 assists. Joe Feeney ( 3 goals and 2 assist) and John MacLean (3 goals and 1 assist) have also been very good for the River Rats.
The puck drops at 11:30am at Skate 3 in Tyngsboro as the River Rats will face-off against the South Shore Dyamoes.
The River Rats Mite (2000) team has won their semi final game over the American Youth Northstars behind a 3 point night (1 goal 2 assists) from the states leading scorer Hunter Sarro and a strong goaltending performance from both Derek Dattero and Jake Shields. The River Rats also got goals from Danny McLoughlin, Cam Daley, Tyler Oakley and Jimmy Duffy. This win sets up a final game showdown between the top two seeds in the state, the Dual State Huskies, who advanced to the finals with a 6-0 win over the Valley Warriors and the River Rats. The Final game will take place tomorrow (Sunday) at 2:40pm at Skate 3 in Tyngsboro.
Pee Wee Major (1996) team looks to defend State Title
by river rats posted 03/13/2009
The Pee Wee Major (96) team will look to defend their State Title this weekend as the Mass Select Tier 1 Playoffs are on tap in Tygnsboro this weekend. The team won the Pee Wee Minor title last season with an 5-1 victory over the South Shore Dynamoes. Much of the team is the same as they look for their 2nd straight title. The line of Troy Donahue, Tommy Munichiello and Dylan Casserly has been a force all season. Jack Riley, Nick Ward and Matt Smith and then Justin Hirschfeld, Billy Moore (is hot as of late) and Mike Price, are all playing well. Munichiello and Casserly are the leading scorers. The defense has been fantastic as of late with Danny Sullivan, Derek Clancy, Matt Doherty, Sean Casey, Will Conroy and Steve DeGeorge holding the line. The goaltending has been fantastic all season with Christian Cellini seeing most of the action. Robbie May has also been strong when called upon. The team went 15-0-2 in their last 17 games (25-4-3 for the season, 133 GF/59 GA) to finish in first place. Four more games to go for another State Championship and then hopefully off to Indian Trail (Charlotte) NC. for the Nationals.
4 River Rat teams have made the playoffs that will take place this upcoming weekend in Tyngsboro at Skate 3. The Mite(2000), Squirt Major(98), Pee Wee Minor (97) and Pee Wee Major (96) have all finished in the top 4 in the league and qualified. All in all including the Midget Major (90 91) team which lost in the state final game 5 River Rat teams made the playoffs the most of anybody in the Mass Select league for the 2nd straight season.
The Pee Wee Major team has finished in 1st place for the regular season will open up against the 4th seed GBL Bruins Friday night at 7:20. The River Rats will be looking to defend their state title that they won last season and go into the playoffs as the favorite.
The Pee Wee Minor team has finished in 2nd place and will open the playoffs against the 3rd place Western Mass Blades Friday night at 6:15pm.
The Squirt Major team has finished in 2nd place and will also be looking to defend their state championship from last season as they open up Saturday at 4pm vs the Middlesex Braves.
The Mite team finished the season in 2nd place and open up the playoffs Saturday at 3:20pm vs the American Youth North Stars. The Mite team has been led this season by the States leading scorer in Hunter Sarro. Right behind Sarro in the scoring lead for the state is Jimmy Duffy and Cam Daly.
Good luck to all the teams this upcoming weekend!
Another to Hockey East; Zack Phillips committs to Umass Amherst!
by river rats posted 03/11/2009
U18 Forward Zack Phillips has committed to Umass Amherst for the fall of 2011. Zack is a sophomore at Lawrence Academy. Phillips, a late 1992 date of birth, was the youngest member of this years U18 River Rats team. He becomes the 7th player on the roster to committ to a division 1 college off the U18 team and the 3rd player that will play in Hockey East joining Megan(BU) and Whitney (BC). Phillips will be the 1st River Rat to be a Umass Minuteman and the first 92 birth date to committ to college!
U18 Forward Derek Deblois committs to University of Michigan
by river rats posted 02/25/2009
U18 Forward Derek Deblois has committed to the University of Michigan for the fall of 2010. Deblois becomes the 6th U18 River Rat from this seasons team to committ to a Division 1 school. Deblois will be the 3rd River Rat to play for the University of Michigan joining Kevin Quick who has since left school and has played for the Tampa Bay Lightning and their AHL affliate the Norfolk Admirals this season and U18 teammate Mac Bennett, who is also going to Michigan in the fall of 2010. Deblois is a 1991 date of birth and a Rhode Island native.
Deblois has been ranked number 69 on the NHL Central Scouting Mid Year report. Deblois had a strong fall for the River Rats playing on a line with Boston College recruit Steve Whitney and Boston University recruit Wade Megan.
U18 Forward Paul Cinquegrana committs to Uconn for the fall of 2010. Uconn plays in the Atlantic Hockey Conference. Paul, a 1991 date of birth, becomes the 5th River Rat this season to committ to a Division 1 school, the first for a school in the Atlantic Hockey Conference. Cinquegrana a Rhode Island native, will play one more season for the U18 River Rats before heading to Storrs, on the campus of Uconn for the fall of 2010. When Paul gets to campus he will be joined by former River Rats Captain Steve Bergin who at that time will be a senior at Uconn.
As of this upcoming season 2009-2010 Mass Hockey will allow Squirt Majors (1999) to play for the River Rats without a home town commitment. We are working with the Foxboro Sports Center to add another hour of ice so that the Squirt Major team will have 2 practices a week, one skills session and approximately a 30 game schedule.
Also new this year, Mass Hockey will allow Districts 1, 3, 4 & 5 to play for the River Rats (a District 3 based team) all the way down to the mite level. We will still be allowed 3 out of district players. This change will allow, for example, players from such towns as Mansfield, Foxboro, Sharon and Easton to be in district.
The top four teams in each level make the State playoffs and as of right now 5 of our 6 teams are in contention. The Pee Wee Minor, Pee Wee Major and Bantam Minor teams are all National Bound teams.
U18 Forward Kevin Sullivan committs to Union College!!
by river rats posted 01/29/2009
River Rats U18 forward Kevin Sullivan has become the River Rats 4th D1 commitment this season as he has committed to Union College. Union College plays in the ECAC conference. Kevin, a 1991 date of birth, joins Wade Megan (Boston University) Steve Whitney (Boston College) and Mac Bennett (University of Michigan) as the other Division 1 committed players. Kevin is a Junior at the Berkshire School and will arrive in Schenectady, New York on the campus of Union College in the fall of 2010, after another season with the U18 River Rats.
Kevin had a strong year for the River Rats scoring some big goals including 2 goals in a 2-1 dramatic last minute win for the River Rats over the Central Mass Outlaws to propel the team into the state finals. Kevin also had an assist on Boston University recruit Wade Megans goal as time expired to beat the buzzer and down the Cape Cod Whalers 6-5 in another big playoff game.
Kevins brother, Bobby, was a former River Rat and is currently a sophomore at Colby College.
8 U18 River Rats on NHL Mid Term Central Scouting Rankings
by river rats posted 01/29/2009
7 Members of this years Neponset Valley River Rats U18 team and one former player have been named to the 2009 NHL Draft's Central Scouting Mid Term Rankings. Mac Bennett, an assistant captain and a Michigan recruit, leads the way at number 63 a potential 3rd round draft pick in this summers NHL draft. Bennett has battled a knee injury this winter, expect him to be higher on the final NHL rankings before the draft. Right behind Bennett is Derek Deblois who is # 69 on the rankings. Deblois is also listed as a 3rd round selection. Boston University recruit Wade Megan checks in next at number 130, and is listed as a 5th round selection. At number 140 is defenseman and assistant captain Will Rayner. Rayner is predicted to go in the 5th round. In the 6th round the NHL Central Scouting has River Rats Captain Steve Whitney, as Boston College recruit ranked as the number 171 ranked prospect. Former River Rat and current Yale recruit Antoine Laganiere checks in next at number 176. In the 7th round two River Rats have been predicted to be drafted led by new Union College recruit Kevin Sullivan who checks in as the number 189 rated prospect. Couple slots down is Jake Goldberg who is rated as the number 202 prospect.
Quick Makes NHL Debut for Tampa Bay Lightning Tonight!
by posted 01/13/2009
Former River Rat defenseman Kevin Quick will make his NHL Debut tonight for the Tampa Bay Lightning when they travel to San Jose to play the Sharks. Quick a 1988 birth date is only 20 years old, and for the past two seasons since playing for the River Rats has played for the University of Michigan and the Norfolk Admirals (AHL)
Quick was a 3rd round draft pick of Tampa Bay in 2006, and is a graduate of the Salisbury School. Quick is known for being a tremendous skater, great on the breakout and defends very well. His father Kevin Quick Sr. was an assistant coach with the U18 River Rats during the 2007 season. Kevin will be the 1st River Rat to play in the National Hockey League since Keith Yandle made his debut last season. Tonights game is a 1030pm start time.
Prohockeynews.com does Feature on U18 Coach Jon Hutcheon
by river rats posted 01/04/2009
Prohockeynews.com has recently done a feature on U18 Assistant Coach Jon Hutcheon. Hutcheon has since the U18 season has ended continued his professional career his season in Battle Creek Michigan playing for the Battle Creek Revolution in the AAHA. Jon has played professional hockey in such leagues as the Southern Professional Hockey League and the Central Hockey League. This season in Battle Creek in 14 games Jon has 3 goals 10 assists for 13 points.
Jon joined the River Rats staff two seasons ago as an assistant coach. Jon works with the defense and has been known as a players coach. Many of the players have been known to go to Jon for not only hockey advice but also with advice for their lives.
Inside the article it also speaks about the blogs Jon has been writing while playing pro hockey throughout the years and there are many mentions of his coaching days with the River Rats.
The link to the article is http://www.prohockeynews.com/hockey/publish/aaha/Hutcheon_living_the_dream_in_blog.shtml
The River Rats U18 team survived the round robin bracket of the Mass Select U18 playoffs this past weekend in Foxboro only to fall in the State Finals to the GBL Bruins. The River Rats came out of the round robin bracket with a record of 2-1 and played the 3-0 GBL Bruins in the Finals on Sunday.
It was a exciting road to the finals for the River Rats. On Friday night the River Rats played the Cape Cod Whalers. The River Rats led 2-0 early on two quick goals by Boston College recruit Steve Whitney. The Whalers responded with two goals of there own on the Power Play to tie the game at 2-2 after 1 period. The River Rats responded in the 2nd on a goal by Boston University recruit Wade Megan scoring on a nice feed from University of Michigan recruit Mac Bennett and took the lead into the locker room. The 3rd period was all offense as the River Rats gave up 2 quick Whaler goals both of which off the stick of Kyle Hunchberger as the Whale took the 4-3. The River Rats line of Jake Godlberg, Kevin Sullivan and Christian Cowles responded with two goals of their own to give the River Rats a 5-4 lead late in the 3rd. The Whalers answered though with a minute left in the game to tie the game 5-5. It looked like the game would end that way but Wade Megan took a feed from Kevin Sullivan and buried it under the bar literally as time expired to give the River Rats the 6-5 win.
The River Rats came out the next morning and faced a strong GBL team that they split the regular season series with beating them 6-2 and losing 8-3. The Bruins took an early 2-0 lead before Derek Deblois answered with a beautiful goal assisted by Steve Whitney and Wade Megan to cut the GBL lead to 2-1. GBL defenseman Kyle Turrin put GBL up by two with a goal with only 26 seconds left in the 1st period. GBL got an early 2nd period goal to lead 4-1, before Deblois answered again on a beautiful feed from Steve Whitney making it 4-2 going into the 3rd. GBL came out and got a couple quick goals answered by a River Rats tally by Jackie Bartlett assisted by Mark Higgins but that was as close as the River Rats would get falling 6-3.
Saturday Nights contest was against the Central Mass Outlaws with the River Rats needing at least a tie to reach the State Finals. The River Rats came out slow and went behind 1-0 early in the 1st on a great shot by Outlaws forward Drew Jelinek. Although peppering the Central Mass goaltender the River Rats couldnt score trialing 1-0 going into the 3rd. With the goalie pulled the River Rats scored 2 goals in the last two minutes of the game to clinch a spot in Sundays State Finals. Both goals were scored by Kevin Sullivan. The 1st goal assisted by Derek Deblois and Wade Megan and the 2nd assisted by captains Steve Whitney and Will Rayner.
In the State Finals the GBL Bruins downed the River Rats 6-0. The River Rats out shot the GBL Bruins 45-32 but couldnt get anything past GBL goaltender Branden Komm who was nothing short of fantastic in net. Komm held the River Rats at bay in the 1st period as the River Rats outshot the Bruins 19-9, but trailed on a goal from GBL forward Chris Brown. The 2nd period was much of the same as the River Rats again outshot the Bruins 16-12 but the Bruins were the ones who got on the board on a Grant Telfer goal that bounced off the back of River Rats goalie Matt Walsh and went in. The Rats trailed 2-0 after two. In the 3rd the River Rats gave up and early PP goal off the stick of Grant Telfer and ran out of gas late as GBL got 3 late goals including the hat trick for Telfer and won the State Championship 6-0.
This was a tough was to end a great season for the Midget Major (U18) River Rats. Leading the team in scoring during the playoffs was Steve Whitney who had 2 goals and 3 assists. Following Whitney was Wade Megan and Kevin Sullivan who both had 4 points each. The River Rats would like to congratulate GBL coach John Flaherty and the rest of his staff on a fanstastic season and wish them best of luck in the Nationals in Pittsburgh in April.
Midget Majors (U18) prepare for playoffs this weekend
by river rats posted 11/05/2008
The Midget Major (U18) team has qualified for the playoffs which will be held this weekend (November 7th-9th) at the Foxboro Sports Center. The top 4 teams in the league will play in a round robin tournament with the two top teams meeting for the state championship on Sunday November 9th with a trip to Nationals at stake. The GBL Bruins, Cape Cod Whalers, Central Mass Outlaws will join the River Rats as the 4 teams in the playoffs.
The River Rats will open up the playoffs Friday night at 9:10pm vs the Cape Cod Whalers. Saturday brings two games for the River Rats as they play the GBL Bruins at 12:30pm and then the Central Mass Outlaws at 9:10pm. The Finals are set for Sunday at 1:00pm, all games played at the Foxboro Sports Center.
The playoffs will be a good chance to catch many future NHL and college players as there are 16 players in the tournament who are on the preliminary Central Scouting list for players that should be drafted in the 2009 NHL Draft held in June, including 8 on the River Rats. Players in the playoffs are committed to schools such as Boston College, Boston University, University of Michigan, Yale, Princeton, Dartmouth, Brown etc.
8 Current and 2 Former River Rats on NHL Central Scouting
by posted 10/23/2008
8 Current and 2 former River Rat Midget Major (U18) players are listed on the NHL Central Scouting Preliminary Rankings. The NHL Central Scouting Report is the list NHL teams use for the 2009 NHL Draft which will be held this upcoming June in Montreal. The preliminary list breaks down players into 3 categories. 'A' Players, which are considered players that should be drafted in the 1st or 2nd round in the NHL Draft. 'B' Players are players that are considered to be drafted in the 3rd-5th rounds. 'C' players are players that are considered to be late round draft picks in the upcoming draft.
Defenseman and Michigan recruit Mac Bennett has been rated an 'A' Prospect for this upcoming NHL Draft. Forward and Boston College Recruit Steve Whitney has been rated a 'B' Prospect. Forward Derek Deblois and Defenseman Will Rayner were both also considered 'B' Prospects in the eyes of the NHL scouts. 'C' Prospects include Boston University recruit Wade Megan, Kevin Sullivan, Jake Goldberg and Nic McIntyre. Former River Rats Kyle Quick and Antoine Laganiere, a Yale recruit, are both also considered 'C' Prospects.
The last two River Rats drafted were Kevin Quick and Alex Killorn. Quick who was selected in the 3rd round by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2006 draft is currently playing in the Lightning minor league system. Killorn was also selected in the 3rd round by the Tampa Bay Lightning, was selected in the 2007 Draft, and is currently a freshman at Harvard University.
PW Major ′s (96) wins Central Mass Outlaws Tournament
by posted 08/25/2008
The defending State Champion River Rats Pee Wee Major ( 96) team has started the season off well winning the Central Mass Outlaws Labor Day Tournament in Marlboro this past weekend. The Pee Wee Major (96) team has started their season off where the left off going undefeated in the tournament with a 5-0-1 record. The River Rats played well in the prelimary round, with their only blemish on their perfect record a 3-3 tie vs the New Jersey Titans. Once the Playoffs started the team showed that they had earned the number 1 seed in the playoffs and continued to pick up their play defeating the New Jersey Devils 5-2 in the semi finals before facing off in the finals with league rival GBL Bruins and beating them 4-1 in a convincing win to earn the tournament championship.
The team was lead by stellar defense and great goaltending only allowing 14 goals over the six games. Robbie May was fantastic in net, and Christian Cellini who came in for the last three games of the tournament and was equally impressive. Up front the team was led by Tommy Munichiello's 5 goals and 5 assists for 10 points and Nick Ward's 3 goals and 7 assists for 10 points.
Despite Team USA U18 struggles in Czech; Whitney Shines
by posted 08/17/2008
Despite a 1-3 record by Team USA Under 18's at the Memorial of Ivan Hlinka, River Rats Midget Major (U18) forward Steve Whitney was fantastic, leading the United States team in scoring. The tournament which was held in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, brought together the world's best players born in 1991. Whitney, a Boston College recruit, in the 4 games over seas had 2 goals and 4 assists for 6 points. Whitney is no stranger to doing well at international competitions as he has represented the United States on 5 different occasions already on the world stage, many times leading the team in scoring.
River Rats U18 Forward commits to Boston University
by river rats posted 08/14/2008
Midget Major (U18) forward Wade Megan ( shown above #6) has committed to Boston University for the fall of 2010. Megan who will be a senior this fall at South Kent will play a year of Juniors before becoming a Terrier. Megan who was among the leading scorers in prep school last season having a huge year with 24 goals 29 assists and 53 points. Wade, a 1990 date of birth, is the first Neponset Valley River Rat to wear the Red and White for the BU Terriers.
4 River Rats Teams in Labor Day Tournament; IMR forms needed!
by posted 08/06/2008
Four of the River Rats teams will participate in the Tier 1 Faceoff in Marlboro Mass on Labor Day weekend. The Bantam Minor, Bantam Major, Midget Minor and Midget Major teams will be on hand for the tournament that is based out of the Foxboro Sports Center in Foxboro for the Bantam divisions and the New England Sports Center in Marlboro for the Midget divisions. The Tier 1 faceoff tournament is widely regarded as one of the top few Midget and Bantam tournaments in North America, as teams come from all over the country come to compete in it. The tournament is heavily recruited by College, Junior and Prep School teams.
The Bantam Minor (95's) team will be in the Under 14 East/West Division and will open play on Friday August 29th vs the Bantam Major (94's) 495 Stars in Foxboro at 5:00pm. This will be a good challege for the Bantam Minor to start the season as they will be playing against almost exclusively Bantam Major (94's) teams.
The Bantam Major (94's) team will be in the Under 14 Atlantic/Pacific Division and will open play for the season on Friday August 29th at 8:00pm in Foxboro vs the Boston Jr. Eagles. The Bantam Majors(94's) will be playing in a very strong division with many of the top Bantam Major (94's) Teams in the all the country. Look for the winner of this division to be a top condenter for the Bantam Major Tier 1 National Championship in April.
The Midget Minor (92, 93's) Team will be in the Under 16 East/West Division and will open their season on Friday August 29th at 3:40pm at the New England Sports Center in Marlboro vs the New Hampshire Monarchs 92's. This will be a good test for the new look River Rat team that will open up league play the next weekend vs the District 10 Bulldogs at Boston University.
The Midget Major (90 91's) Team will be in the Under 19 Atlantic/ Pacific Division and will open up the tournament Friday August 29th at 6:40pm at the New England Sports Center in Marlboro vs the Boston Jr. Eagles. This will be the Midget Majors(90 91's) 2nd game of the season as they play their first game Wednesday August 27th at 8:20pm in Foxboro vs the Eastern Mass Senators. This game is a league game and will count in the standings. Look for the winner of this Division to be among a few favorites to be the Midget Major AAA National Champion in April.
All Players need to have their IMR forms registered and e-mailed to their head coach/manager ASAP. Roster can't be completed for the tournament before these forms are in.
Full Schedule for the teams in the tournament can be found at www.tier1faceoff.com, the tournaments website. Good luck to all the teams as there seasons get started in a few weeks.
Midget Major(U18) forward Chris McCarthy has committed to defending National Champion Boston College. McCarthy made the decision to attend BC over University of Vermont and will arrive on the heights the fall of 2010. McCarthy is a 1991 date of birth and will be a junior at Berkshire Academy this upcoming school year.
It has been a busy week for McCarthy as he along with another River Rat Midget Major player and Boston College recruit Steve Whitney were named to the United States Under 18 team that will compete in early August in the Czech Republic.
When McCarthy arrives at Boston College former River Rat Joe Whitney will be a senior and current River Rat Steve Whitney will be a sophomore.
River Rats Whitney and McCarthy Selected to Team USA Under 18
by posted 07/21/2008
Current Midget Major(U18) River Rats Steve Whitney and Chris McCarthy have been selected to play for Team USA Under 18's at the Memorial of Ivan Hlinka Tournament. The tournament will be played in both the Czech Republic and Slovakia starting August 9th with an exhibition game versus Team Canada and finishing up with the medal round on August 16th. Team USA's first 3 games in the tournament will be against Team Russia, Team Finland and Team Czech Republic. The players on the team were picked from their recent play at the 2008 USA Hockey Select 17 Player Development Camp held in St. Cloud, MN, along with their tremendous play during the fall and winter.
This will be Steve Whitney's 3rd straight year he has been selected to play for Team USA, playing in 2006 as an under age player with the U17 USA team. In 2007, he also played for the U17 USA team. At the Select 17 Festival Steve finished tied for 12th in scoring with 3 goals and 4 assists for 7 points in 5 games played. Steve will be a senior at Lawrence Academy and has committed to Boston College for the fall of 2009.
This will be Chris McCarthy's first time in the Red, White and Blue of the USA. Chris had a fantastic Select 17 camp finishing 3rd in scoring with 5 goals and 5 assists for 10 points in 5 games played. Chris attends will be a Junior this year at the Berkshire School and as of now is undecided on a college.
9 Current U18′s Selected to play at Select 17 Camp in MN
by posted 07/05/2008
Good luck to current U18 (Midget Majors) River Rats, Steve Whitney, Ryan Coffey, Chris McCarthy, Jake Goldberg, Kevin Sullivan, Derek Deblois, Paul Cinquegrana, Derek Army and Mac Bennett who have all been selected to represent their districts at USA Hockey's Select 17 Festival in St. Cloud Minnesota. The games start July 8th and runs through July 13th. The Select 17 Festival brings together the nation's best players born in the 1991 year. At the conclusion of the camp a group of all stars will be selected to represent the United States at the Memorial of Ivan Hlinka in Czech Republic August 12-16th.
Last year at the Select 16 festival, River Rat Steve Whitney was the leading scorer over the 5 game showcase, he recorded 4 goals 8 assist for 12 points. Whitney was selected to the USA team that participated in the Five Nations tournament last August.
Congratulations to all of these players for being selected to represent their districts at this prestigious event.
Congratulations to Coach Casserly and the Pee Wee Minor (1996) team for being Massachusetts Tier 1 State Champions. In the final game the River Rats defeated the South Shore Dynamoes 5-1 to be named State Champions. In league play the team finished the season with a record of 24-7-3.The team also represented Massachusetts at the Pee Wee Tier 2 National Championships in New Jersey.
Congratulations to Coach Calarese and the Squirt Minor (1998) Team for winning the Massachusetts Tier 1 State Championship. The team defeated the Valley Jr Warriors 2-1 in an exciting final game to be named State Champions. In League play the River Rats finished the season with a record of 17-1-2.
Former River Rat Joe Whitney Wins National Championship at BC
by posted 07/02/2008
Congratulations to former River Rat and current Boston College Eagle Joe Whitney for winning the National Championship for Boston College this year. Joe was the 5th leading scorer in the nation this season and 1st in the nation in assists, leading all freshman in the country in scoring. Joe also scored the overtime goal against Miami of Ohio to push Boston College to the Frozen Four in Denver. He also had a goal in Boston College's 4-1 win over Notre Dame in the National Championship Game!
Here is the link of Joe's Overtime game winning goal vs. Miami of Ohio. The goal became the number 2 play on ESPN's SportsCenter! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLBS2hTe98A
