MassLive announced the top five Pope Francis boys hockey players to watch on Tuesday as the Cardinals look to defend their first-ever Division I state championship title.
Olympia Arena 2/22/22. Pope Francis No.10 Zach Buffone, skates the puck in for a shot on goal as Catholic Memorial No.25 Matthew Harvey stands ready to stop him in the 1st period.
photo by J. Anthony Roberts
Zachary Buffone, Defenseman
Buffone has prided himself on defensive capability, especially when paired alongside Jacob Jarrell. With three years of varsity experience, the senior will help guide newcomers with his experience and offensive output as the Cardinals look to make another deep postseason run.
Pope Francis’s Jacob Jarrell takes a shot at the MIAA Division I state championship boys hockey game between Pope Francis High School and Xaverian Brothers High School on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at TD Garden in Boston. (Katie Morrison-O’Day / MassLive)
Jacob Jarrell, Defenseman
As one of three captains, Jarrell is another impressive defensive weapon. Jarrell and Buffone are viewed as two of the top defensive teammates in the state, and the duo was a big reason why the Cardinals only surrendered 40 goals through 27 games last season, which featured seven combined shutouts.
Pope Francis’ Mossey Kearney (#26) against Bishop Hendricken on Feb. 11, 2023.
Mossy Kearney, Forward
Despite losing two of its premier scoring leaders, CJ Watroba and Josh Iby, Pope Francis returned its third-best offensive producer in Kearney. The senior recorded 16 goals and 26 assists last season and will look to take over the reins since he is now responsible for the team’s offense and power play.
The Pope Francis boys hockey team celebrates its Division I state championship win over Xaverian at the MIAA Division I state championship boys hockey game between Pope Francis High School and Xaverian Brothers High School on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at TD Garden in Boston. (Katie Morrison-O’Day / MassLive)
Jacob Petrin, Forward
Interim coach Daniel Fenton said Petrin is the “heart and soul of the team.” The senior captain is a leader who has continued to bring energy and physicality to the team’s offensive unit. Those efforts have allowed Petrin to become a first-line center and contribute to the team’s top power play and penalty-kill unit this season.
Goalie Nick Ritchie gets ready at the MIAA Division I state championship boys hockey game between Pope Francis High School and Xaverian Brothers High School on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at TD Garden in Boston. (Katie Morrison-O’Day / MassLive)
Nick Ritchie, Goaltender
The junior goaltender was essential to helping the Cardinals defeat Xaverian during last year’s Division I state championship game. During the postseason, Ritchie only gave up seven goals and made 93 combined saves during five games. After taking over the starting position last February, Fenton said Ritchie is one of the state’s premiere goalies.
