2018 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards

Canton junior Ryan Nolte has been named the 2018 HockomockSports.com Hockey Player of the Year. Nolte is the fifth recipient of the award in its six-year history and third straight selection from Canton.

Nolte was also voted as a Hockomock League All Star by the coaches after helping the Bulldogs win their eighth straight Davenport Division title, posting a perfect 10-0 league record. Canton remains the lone team to win a Davenport crown in boys hockey. Nolte was tied for the team lead with 36 points this season, including a team-high 18 goals and 18 assists.

“Ryan continued his progression from last season and emerged as one of the top forwards in the league this season,” said HockomockSports.com Editor-in-Chief Ryan Lanigan. “Not only was he dangerous with the puck on his stick in terms of scoring but his ability to get around the defense and create opportunities for teammates made him really stand out.”

Nolte follows former teammate Jackson Maffeo as the winner of this award. Maffeo earned Player of the Year honors in each of the previous two seasons. Nolte is the first forward selected since 2015.

“For two years, Ryan has been the go-to player on our team when we need a goal,” said Canton head coach Brian Shuman. “He is a natural scorer, but he also has exceptional hockey sense and playmaking ability as well.”

“As a Hockomock coach, you always need to prepare differently for league games, and league players, like Ryan Nolte,” said Mansfield head coach Mike Balzarini. “He is the type of player that you need to make sure your team is aware of when he is on the ice. He is a very skilled player and plays a 200-foot game, and plays all three zones well. His ability to speed through the neutral zone and into the offensive zone is something that defense can have trouble with. He’s only a junior, so he will be that much more a complete player next year.”

Nolte joins Maffeo (2016, 2017), Franklin’s Ryan Spillane (2015), Oliver Ames’ Tyler Provost (2014) and Canton’s Brian Brooks (2013) as winners of the award.

Honorable Mention: Brendan Tully (Foxboro), Brett Williams (Oliver Ames), Drew Wissler (North Attleboro)

Please note these are the HockomockSports.com Awards and are selected strictly by our staff.

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Owen Ginley – Franklin – Goalie
Franklin senior goalie Owen Ginley helped get the Panthers off to a strong start to the season, which included reaching the final of the prestigious Mount St. Charles (R.I.) tournament and earning a point against perennial power Malden Catholic for the first time in program history. Despite missing a few games mid-season with an injury, Ginley made 469 saves on the season, allowing only 39 goals. He finished with a 2.40 goals against average, saved 92 percent of the shots he faced and earned one shutout for the Kelley-Rex division champions. Franklin coach Chris Spillane said, “Owen had a great senior year in goal, he kept his team in many games at the start of the season which propelled us to a 12-1-3 record in the first 16 games.”

 

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Brendan Tully – Foxboro – Defense
After spending a year with juniors, Foxboro junior defenseman Brendan Tully rejoined the Warriors this winter and helped spark the best season in the program’s history. With Tully providing an offensive spark as well as leading Foxboro’s defense, the Warriors won 10 games and qualified for the postseason without needing the Sullivan rule. Tully scored 19 goals and had 18 assists from the blue line this season, making him the league’s top scoring defenseman and also one of the top scorers in the Hock regardless of position. Foxboro coach Mark Cedorchuk said, “Brendan Tully makes everyone around him a better player and plays both ends of the ice at a high level. He was also a leader on and off the ice as well.”

 

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Jack McGrath – Franklin – Defense
Franklin senior defenseman Jack McGrath was a physical presence on the blue line for the Panthers this season and provided leadership to the defensive corps, helping Franklin bring home another Kelley-Rex division crown. McGrath, who also boasts one of the harder shots from the point in the league, scored one goal this season and had five assists, while seemingly always being out on the ice, particularly in the third period. McGrath was also selected as an all-star by the Hockomock League coaches. Franklin coach Chris Spillane said, “Jack was a steady physical force on the blue line for the entire year. Jack logged the most ice time on our team and was a defensive leader as a captain.”

 

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Drew Wissler – North Attleboro – Forward
North Attleboro senior forward Drew Wissler was a dominant playmaker for the Rocketeers this winter, helping North win 12 games this season and finish second behind Canton in the Davenport division while scoring the third-most goals of any team in the Hock. Wissler scored 15 goals and also assisted on 21 other tallies for North while giving the Rocketeers consistently tenacious forechecking. His ability to not only spot the right pass but to make plays while under pressure opened up a number of chances for his teammates and he showed off an accurate shot of his own. North coach Ben McManama said, “Drew is the hardest working player I’ve ever coached. He was a leader in the locker room and on the ice.”

 

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Ryan Nolte – Canton – Forward
Canton junior center Ryan Nolte was a constant threat to opposing defenses for the league’s top team. The 2017 Underclassman of the Year became the 2018 Player of the Year after leading the Bulldogs with 18 goals and tying for the team high with 36 points. He was second on Canton with 18 assists and led one of the most potent top lines in the Hock, while also providing minutes on the power play and penalty kill. With Nolte in the middle on the first line, Canton went a perfect 10-0 in the league and emerged as one of the best teams in Div. 2. Canton coach Brian Shuman said “For two years, Ryan has been the go-to player on our team when we need a goal. He is a natural scorer, but he also has exceptional hockey sense and play-making ability.”

 

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Brett Williams – Oliver Ames – Forward
Oliver Ames junior forward Brett Williams has developed into one of the top offensive talents in the league, and he sparked OA to another state tournament appearance this winter and 13 regular season wins. Williams led the Tigers with 21 goals and 15 assists this season and his 36 points was one of the best scoring outputs in the league. A speedy forward with great skill on the puck, Williams’ development as one of the top forwards in the league gives OA a strong foundation for next year. OA coach Sean Bertoni said, “Brett is an explosive player that brings a lot of energy and speed to the game. He competes at a high level in practice and brings it each game. He is a determined young man, and he has high expectations.”

 

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Quinn Gibbs – Canton – Goalie
Canton senior goalie Quinn Gibbs, the 2017 Goalie of the Year, continued his stellar career between the pipes for the Bulldogs as the backstop for the league’s top defensive unit. Canton allowed only 23 goals in 24 games this year, going a perfect 10-0 in the league. Gibbs was a steadying influence on a relatively inexperienced defensive corps and a consistent performer game-in, game-out. Gibbs allowed only 0.87 goals against while saving 94 percent of the shots he faced. Canton coach Brian Shuman said, “Many people wondered how Quinn Gibbs would follow up with his exceptional junior season. He went on to exceed those high expectations with a phenomenal senior year, letting up less than one goal a game.”

 

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Matt McCormack – Oliver Ames – Defense
Oliver Ames junior Matt McCormack has emerged as one of the top defensemen in the league this season, giving the Tigers a physical presence in the defensive zone and also jumping into the attack to provide OA with an extra offensive punch as well. McCormack scored eight goals and provided eight assists from the blue line, while also adding toughness and necessary physicality in the corners that made it tough for opposing forwards to create scoring opportunities. OA coach Sean Bertoni said, “Matt McCormack is a true leader on and off the ice. Matt brings grit and toughness to our team. Matt plays all special teams and has good offensive instincts. He has the skill set to be a dominant defenseman next year.”

 

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Tim Arnold – Mansfield – Defense
Mansfield senior Tim Arnold missed the start of the season, but his return sparked a strong second half of the season for the Hornets as his skating, hitting, and ability to jump into the attack gave Mansfield one of the top blue line weapons in the league. Arnold was one of the top offensive defensemen in the league this season with seven goals and four assists. He scored a hat trick against King Philip and seemed to always pop up with a big play in either zone. Mansfield coach Mike Balzarini said of Arnold, “He led by example and was depended on each and every game. He would always keep pushing himself and never got discouraged, no matter what the situation. His daily productivity will certainly be a great challenge to match.”

 

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Luke Downie – Franklin – Forward
Franklin senior Luke Downie centered the top line for the Panthers this season and spearheaded an offense that helped the Panthers win another Kelley-Rex division title and reach the final of the Mount St. Charles tournament. Downie scored eight goals and had 10 assists for the Panthers this season and was also one of Franklin’s top forecheckers, consistently putting pressure on the opposing team with or without the puck and showing off the physical part of his game by battling in the corners. Franklin coach Chris Spillane said of the Hockomock League all-star, “Luke has had a great three-year varsity career at Franklin. Luke is extremely talented offensively and has a knack of scoring timely goals for his team.”

 

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Cullin Anastasia – Mansfield – Forward
Mansfield senior forward Cullin Anastasia closed out his career with the Hornets with one of his best seasons, spearheading a potent offense that allowed Mansfield to keep pace with Franklin for much of the league campaign. Anastasia, who centered Mansfield’s top line, was the team’s leading scorer this year, netting 10 goals and recording eight assists, while also being a strong presence at the face-off circle and on the forecheck. Anastasia also provided the Hornets with a tough forward for the penalty kill. Mansfield coach Mike Balzarini said of Anastasia, “[He] became a leader on and off the ice as the season progressed and also another player who came up big when we needed him the most.”

 

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Johnny Hagan – Canton – Forward
Canton sophomore Johnny Hagan followed in the footsteps of his linemate Ryan Nolte by earning the 2018 Underclassman of the Year as the joint top scorer for the Bulldogs this season. The winger was second on the team with 14 goals and led Canton with 22 assists, tying Nolte with 36 points on the season. Hagan added a physical presence, and an edge to the first line and his big hits and accurate shot helped Canton go 10-0 in the Hockomock League and become one of the top teams in Div. 2 this winter. Canton coach Brian Shuman said of Hagan, “He has great speed and vision which leads to many goal scoring chances for his linemates. He also may have one of the highest hockey IQs of any player I’ve coached.”

 

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Ryan Warren – North Attleboro – Goalie
North Attleboro junior goalie Ryan Warren had another strong season between the pipes for the Rocketeers, helping North make another appearance in the state tournament. Warren, the 2016 Underclassman of the Year, is a three-year starter for North and allowed only 2.75 goals against this season and held 11 opponents to two goals or less. His quickness enabled him to make stops even when it looked like he might be beaten and he came up with some of his biggest games against the top opponents, including 36 saves against Franklin, and more than 50 saves against Canton. North coach Ben McManama said of Warren, “He stood on his head in a few games when we needed him. When he is on, he’s the best in the league.”

 

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Tyler Oakley – Mansfield – Defense
Mansfield senior defenseman Tyler Oakley was one of the most imposing physical presences in the league this season, giving the Hornets stability on the blue line from start to finish and a player that opposing forwards wanted to avoid, particularly along the boards. Oakley also chipped in with solid play in the offensive zone, scoring three goals and recording nine assists this season while giving the Hornets leadership that helped them return to the state tournament and challenge Franklin at the top of the Kelley-Rex standings. Mansfield coach Mike Balzarini said of Oakley, “[Tyler] has always been well respected by his teammates, opponents, the officials and every other coach in the Hockomock League. He has been a true leader.”

 

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Nick Allen – Canton – Defense
Coming into the season, one of the question marks about Canton was whether the defense could be as strong as past years. With senior Nick Allen leading the way, the Bulldogs were dominant in the defensive zone again, allowing only 23 goals in 24 games this year. Allen’s physicality was matched by his ability to carry the puck out of the zone or pick the right outlet pass to spark Canton’s transition game. He also scored once this season and finished with 11 assists. Canton coach Brian Shuman said, “One main reason our defensive group had such a phenomenal season was the play of Nick Allen. He brought the perfect blend of puck-movement and toughness, which is why he played so many important minutes for us this year.”

 

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Will Walsh – Taunton – Forward
Taunton senior forward Will Walsh lived up to his billing as a preseason player to watch by piling up the points for the Tigers this year. Walsh, who came back to the program after spending time in juniors, scored 24 goals and had 25 assists and was one of the league’s top point-getters this season while leading Taunton on a run to the Div. 2 South semifinal. With a strong shot and never shying away from a hit, Walsh gave Taunton an emotional spark throughout the season. “Will is an incredible athlete and emotional player that will work hard to light a spark for the team and help the team succeed,” said Taunton coach Kris Metea. “His desire to succeed on the ice and determination to do so is unmatched by many other players I worked with.”

 

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Jeremy Miller – Franklin – Forward
Franklin senior forward Jeremy Miller would have been on the first line on most teams, but he was the center on the second line for the Panthers, giving them a potent attacking option and physical presence that other teams would have to try and match up with. Miller was the team’s top scorer with 20 points this season. He scored six goals and had 14 assists, while also causing opposing defenses problems with his size, strength, and work rate on the fore-check. A three-year varsity player, Miller was chosen as an all-star by the league’s coaches. Franklin coach Chris Spillane said, “He plays the game like a power forward and is relentless in all three zones. His physical play and approach to the game will be missed.”

 

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Jake Parker – Attleboro – Forward
Attleboro senior forward Jake Parker closed out his impressive career with the Bombardiers as one of the league’s top goal scorers. Parker found the back of the net 26 times this season and added eight assists while centering the top scoring line, the top power play unit, and the top penalty kill group. One of the most skilled puck handlers in the league, Parker helped Attleboro get back to the Div. 3 South playoffs and win nine games this season. Attleboro coach Mark Homer said, “Jake will be a huge loss to our program next season with the way he consistently progressed in his offensive abilities through his career. Jake scored some big goals for us during the season in order to keep us in contention to make the state tournament.”

 

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Canton sophomore forward Johnny Hagan has been selected as the 2018 HockomockSports.com Boys Hockey Underclassman of the Year. This is the sixth season that the award has been handed out. Hagan is the second straight Canton player to be selected following his linemate and 2018 Player of the Year Ryan Nolte.

“It’s not often the best team in the league has so many successful underclassmen, but for the second straight year the award goes to a Canton Bulldog,” said Editor-in-Chief Ryan Lanigan. “Johnny possesses a great combination of speed and skill, and he isn’t afraid to throw his body around either. He had some highlight goals this year.”

Hagan tied for the team-lead with 27 points during the regular season. He deposited 10 goals while dishing a team-high 17 assists. In the playoffs, the sophomore registered nine points in just three playoff games, scoring four goals and adding five assists. He scored twice in Canton’s comeback attempt against Plymouth South in the sectional finals.

“Johnny has emerged into one of the best players in the league as only a sophomore,” said Canton head coach Brian Shuman. “He has great speed and vision which leads to many goal scoring chances for his linemates. He also may have one of the highest hockey IQs of any player I’ve coached.”

Hagan is the fourth player from the Davenport division to win the award, and fourth Canton player to win. He joins Ryan Nolte (2017), Jackson Maffeo (2015) and Matt Lazaro (2014) along with North Attleboro’s Ryan Warren (2016) and Sean Young (2013).

Sean McCafferty, Mansfield – McCafferty emerged as one of the top goaltenders in the league this winter, building on his impressive freshman season to allow only 1.85 goals against and save 92 percent of the shots that he faced. McCafferty made 377 saves this year and helped Mansfield battle Franklin to the end for the top spot in the Kelley-Rex division.

Owen Lehane, Canton – Lehane, a freshman, stepped right into one of the best defensive units in the league and looked like a veteran for a team that allowed only 23 goals in 24 games and ran through a perfect league campaign. Lehane also stepped into the attack to score three goals and record 10 assists, making him the team’s top scoring defenseman.

Tom Tasker, Franklin – Once again Franklin had a strong underclassman presence on the blue line, as Tasker, a sophomore stepped right in with four goals, four assists, and a boatload of big hits over the course of the season. Franklin coach Chris Spillane said, “His size and big shot made him a presence on the blue line for the entire season. Tom will be the backbone of defense for the next two years.”

Ryan Morry, Attleboro – Morry stepped in as the center on Attleboro’s second line and the top power play and penalty kill units and provided 11 goals and 15 assists for the Bombardiers, while averaging more than 25 minutes per game. Attleboro coach Mark Homer said, “Ryan has the unique ability to make other players around him better and at the same time use those instincts to improve his abilities as a major role player for AHS.”

Mike Albert, Taunton – Albert, a sophomore forward, was among the league’s top offensive threats this season with 32 points, including 17 goals and 15 assists, as Taunton made a run to the D2 South semifinal. Taunton coach Kris Metea said, “Mike is a total team kid. He works hard every single day, and his passion for the game is an example that all kids should want to embody.”

Johnny Hagan, Canton – The 2018 Underclassman of the Year built on his impressive rookie campaign by tying for the team lead in points with 36. Hagan scored 14 goals, which was second on the team, and added a team-high 22 assists, making the Canton top line one of the most potent in the Hockomock and his physical play added an edge that helped Canton win an eighth straight Davenport title.

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Franklin senior Owen Ginley has been selected as the 2018 HockomockSports.com Goalie of the Year. Ginley is the fifth goalie to receive the honor in its sixth season being awarded.

“Franklin plays a grueling schedule against some of the best teams in the state and Owen was able to keep the Panthers in many of those games,” said HockomockSports.com Editor-in-Chief Ryan Lanigan. “Owen was a big reason the Panthers were one of the top defensive teams this season, and it will be tough to fill his shoes next year.”

During the 2017-2018 season, Ginley made 469 saves with just 39 goals allowed for a 0.917 save percentage. He had a 2.40 goals against average this season and recorded one shutout. He was also named to the HockomockSports.com First Team and was also voted a Hockomock League All Star by the coaches.

“Owen had a great senior year in goal, he kept his team in many games at the start of the season which propelled us to a 12-1-3 record in the first 16 games,” said Franklin head coach Chris Spillane.

Spillane is the second goal from Franklin to win this award, joining Ryan Shea (2015). Other winners include Canton’s Quinn Gibbs (2017) and Justin Slocum (2016) and Oliver Ames’ Jimmy Tierney (2013, 2014).

Honorable Mention: Quinn Gibbs (Canton), Ryan Warren (North Attleboro), Sean McCafferty (Mansfield)

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Coach of the Year – Mark Cedorchuk, Foxboro

Foxboro head coach Mark Cedorchuk has been selected as the 2018 HockomockSports.com Boys Hockey Coach of the Year.

In his second year at the helm, Cedorchuk led the Warriors to the best record in program history. Although Foxboro had qualified for the postseason in prior seasons, 2018 was the first time the Warriors reached the postseason by having a .500 record or better.

During the regular season, the Warriors finished 10-8-2 overall, and 3-4-2 in Hockomock League play. Foxboro was third in the Davenport division, just two points shy of North Attleboro in second place. In the postseason, Foxboro earned the #13 seed in the MIAA Division 3 South tournament. The Warriors fell in the opening round to #20 Ashland.

“It has been impressive to see how much Foxboro has improved in Mark’s two years as head coach,” said HockomockSports.com Editor-in-Chief Ryan Lanigan. “They almost doubled their point total in terms of league play, and they more than doubled their overall point total from last year to this year.”

Cerdorchuk joins Oliver Ames’ Sean Bertoni (2017), Franklin’s Chris Spillane (2016, 2015) and Canton’s Brian Shuman (2013, 2014) as winners of the award.

Honorable Mention: Brian Shuman (Canton), Mark Homer (Attleboro), Kris Metea (Taunton)
 

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