This is the day that defines the tournament for Massachusetts. Both the Neponset Valley River Rats and the Minutemen Flames face their toughest tests yet at USA Hockey 15U Nationals in Green Bay, squaring off against rosters loaded with USA Hockey NTDP Evaluation Camp invitees. These aren't just games. These are the matchups that will show the country what Massachusetts 2010 hockey is made of.
Game 1: River Rats vs Honeybaked
The River Rats were dominant in their opener, rolling Sioux Falls Power 7-1 with 11 of 17 skaters on the scoresheet. Now they face the ultimate test: #1 Honeybaked, the top-seeded team in the tournament and a Michigan powerhouse loaded with elite talent. Honeybaked brought three players who were invited to the USA Hockey NTDP Evaluation Camp in Plymouth earlier this month - the same camp that selects the U.S. National Under-17 Team.
On the River Rats' side? Jack Queally. That's it. One NTDP eval camp invitee against three. The St. Sebastian's forward and Massachusetts' top-scoring 2010 (37 pts in prep) will need to be at his best against a Honeybaked roster that features some of the most highly regarded players in the country.
Cullen is considered one of the highest-profile players in the entire 2010 class nationally. Buttweiler brings relentless compete and puck acquisition. Delgado is a skilled forward from Florida who has thrived in the Michigan development system. The River Rats will need every ounce of team depth that was on display in the Sioux Falls game to hang with this group. But if any team from Massachusetts can do it, it's the Rats - the same team that won the Massachusetts Tier 1 state title and earned this trip to Green Bay.
Game 2: Flames vs Woodbridge
The Flames gutted out a 3-2 OT win over the LA Jr. Kings in their opener behind Brayden Erickson's 3-point performance. Tonight they face a #4 Woodbridge Wolfpack team from New Jersey that brought three NTDP Evaluation Camp invitees of their own, including a goaltender, a defenseman, and a forward.
The Flames counter with Sam Lee and Blake Wilichoski - both NTDP eval camp invitees, both Minutemen Flames products, both USA National 15 alumni. Lee was the #4 scorer among Massachusetts 2010 forwards this year (31 pts at Belmont Hill) and Wilichoski brought a strong all-around game at Milton Academy. They'll need to lead the way against a Woodbridge team that will test every line.
Woodbridge's NTDP goaltender Chase Pastor could be the x-factor. If he's dialed in, the Flames' offense will need to be sharp to break through. This is a 4-vs-5 seed matchup - as close to a coin flip as you'll find at Nationals.
Two games. Two Massachusetts teams. Both facing rosters stacked with NTDP talent. This is the day that defines the tournament for the River Rats and the Minutemen Flames. Massachusetts vs. the nation. Let's see what they're made of.
State of Hockey is following both games live on USAHOCKEYTV. Follow along for post-game recaps, and full stats from both games.