By: Luke Devoe
I've been to nearly every rink in the state and seen many teams face off throughout the course of the first couple months of the season. From what I've seen, these players are Connecticut High School Hockey's most valuable. They've dazzled with speed, played stalwart defense and scored at an impressive clip. There may have been some players left off this list simply because of the caliber of team they play or, easily enough, I haven't seen them play. Again, I am always welcome to suggestions and tips as to what players to check out. Hope you enjoy and look for another team announcement at the end of the season when they men have been separated from the boys.
First Team All Connecticut High School Hockey Blog
F Colby Cretella, Sr. (Notre Dame-West Haven) 19 G, 16 A, 35 Pts.
Cretella has been as solid as they come for the Knights. He's captained a dynamic team and has led them and the state in total points. Cretella is an emotional leader with MVP ability. Centering arguably the states top line (alongside Vizzo and Zullo), Cretella has led NDWH to an 11-2-1 overall record.F David White, Jr. (Fairfield Prep) 18 G, 11 A, 29 Pts.
David White has tallied a four goal game and become a mainstay in the Jesuits' box scores. As a junior, the rest of the SCC has to be shaking to think of what this talented winger can do with another year of experience. If Prep wins the state title this year, White will be a main reason for that. Additionally, White has notched a point in all of the Jesuit's games this year and tallied multi-point efforts seven times.
F Mike Troiano, Sr. (West Haven) 12 G, 16 A, 28 Pts.
With the start Troiano had, many would have thought the MVP race would be quite one-sided. Sure, he's cooled down a bit but no one can doubt the shiftiness he possesses when he's handling the puck and the deft passing ability that has benefited his linemates all year. Troiano has notched three hat tricks through only eleven games this year.
F Ethan Holdaway, Sr. (Glastonbury) 13 G, 12 A, 25 Pts.
Possibly the state's fastest skater, Holdaway exhibits hands that match his speed. Holdaway has led an impressive Tomahawk team who's overachieved according to some this year, but with Ethan flying around the rink, I believe they'll be in it to win it. Holdaway has scored in every one of the Tomahawks games this season.
D Matt Brophy, Sr. (Fairfield Prep) 2 G, 6 A, 8 Pts.
Brophy has captained and led the state's best defensive unit. Along with fellow senior Tom Worsfold, the Jesuits are not only shutting down in state competition but out of state powers.
F/D Stephen Marsico, So. (East Haven) 13 G, 14, 27 Pts.
Considered a forward/defense combo player, sophomore Marsico shows the rare combination of speed and dependability. He's already tallied a four and a three goal game this year.
G Riley Wikman, Sr. (Fairfield Prep) 1.58 GAA, 3 SHO
Wikman has been the best goalie this year and playing against some of the most difficult competition. He has responded admirably and shutout some seriously potent offenses, three times to be exact. Those shutouts didn't come against any slouches either as he collected them against #2 Ridgefield, Springfield Cathedral (MA) and Boston College High (MA).Second Team All Connecticut High School Hockey Blog
F Bill Vizzo, So. (Notre Dame- West Haven) 14 G, 18 A, 32 Pts.
F Greg Zullo, Jr. (Notre Dame-West Haven) 8 G, 19 A, 27 Pts.
F CK Keater, Jr. (St. Joseph) 12 G, 15 A, 27 Pts.
F Craig Wargo, Sr. (Milford Co-op) 18 G, 15 A, 33 Pts.
F AJ Unker, Sr. (Fairfield Prep) 8 G, 15 A, 23 Pts.
F Sean Wilkinson Sr. (Ridgefield) 14 G, 21 A, 35 Pts.
F Sean Wilkinson Sr. (Ridgefield) 14 G, 21 A, 35 Pts.
D Kyle Leyerzapf (West Haven) 8 G, 11 A, 19 Pts.
G Andy Varga, Sr. (Hamden) 2.64 GAA, 1 SHO
Honorable Mention
F Tim Lee, Sr. (Hamden) 7 G, 5 A, 12 Pts.
F Jack Gethings, So. (Xavier) 9 G, 7 A, 16 Pts.
D Dan Dupont, Jr. (Xavier) 7 A, 7 Pts.
F Drew Mozzer, Sr. (Glastonbury) 15 G, 7 A, 22 Pts.
F David Ouellette, Sr. (South Windsor) 11 G, 6 A, 17 Pts.
F Austin Hansen, Jr. (West Haven) 11 G, 8 A, 19 Pts.
F Rich Decarlo, Sr. (East Haven) 13 G, 16 A, 29 Pts.
F Rob Celentano, Sr. (Branford) 17 G, 5 A, 22 Pts.
F Mike Andreucci, Sr. (North Haven) 11 G, 12 A, 23 Pts.
Freshmen Who've Impressed
Chris Burke (North Branford)
Alec Martone (North Branford)
Tyler Carangelo (Hamden)
Mike Falanga (East Haven)
Joe O'Connor (Hamden)
Lee Munson (East Catholic)
Ridgefield: SR: Sean Wilkinson #5, JR: Jack Christensen #9....easily better than the kids mentioned from East Haven, Glastonbury, West Haven. Not trying to be aggressive with that comment, just saying. Big game coming up against Darien at home (2/11) which will the premiere match up for this year's FCIAC. they also play @ South Windsor on the 4th which will be interesting. Either way both players are worth looking into, more so than just your typical SCC picks.
ReplyDeletehttp://vimeo.com/ridgefieldtigertv
DeleteI'll be the first to admit that this team is mainly comprised of players that I've seen in person. Ridgefield is the lone top ten team that I haven't seen in person and their box scores rarely appear in our local news. The aforementioned players are the top players I've seen in my various trips to different rinks. It is my goal to see the Tigers but as of right now I haven't. I appreciate you reading the blog and hope you enjoy the rest of the content. I am a big fan of the Tigers and their recent streak, it's just not the easiest team for me to see on a regular basis.
ReplyDeleteNo doubt brotha. Keep it up! I hit up most of the FCIAC games so let me know if you ever need anything. and check out that link if you ever wanna see game recaps, its just the Rigefield goals but at least you can see the plays develop and determine skill from that. one love.
ReplyDeletewith all due respect marsico dosen,t come close to decarlo, watch the whole game, see who controlls the game, not just shoots from anywhere?? decarlo centers 2 lines 1st & 3rd and easily the most VALUABLE player on this team, take him off the team they have 3-4 wins...also marsico is not a defenseman, he plays shooter on the powerplay, because thats all he doesdecarlo has assisted on at least 1 goal for every player thats scored this year 8 different players, also 1 of the most unselfish players in the state, will pass 1st sometimes too much
ReplyDelete