This is the eighth installment of the 2025-26 Western Massachusetts Boys Hockey Top 10. Pope Francis, though, competes as an independent team, so they won’t be a part of this project. But the rankings will be updated weekly throughout the winter regular season.
If there are missing statistics, coaches can please send them to sports@masslive.com.
Previous Rankings: Dec. 11, Dec. 19, Jan. 7, Jan. 14, Jan. 21, Jan. 28, Feb. 4
- Longmeadow (10-5-2, No. 4)
- Westfield (10-6, No. 2)
- Greenfield (10-6-1, No. 3)
- Minnechaug (11-5-1, No. 5)
- East Longmeadow (10-6, No. 1)
- McCann Tech (12-1, No. 6)
- Ludlow (6-9, No. 8)
- Easthampton (9-8, No. 9)
- Taconic (5-9-1, No. 10)
- Amherst (6-10-2, NR)
Throughout the winter, there have been numerous changes in the top overall spot, since it’s also been noted how there has been no one clear dominant force compared to years past.
So, with the regional and state postseasons scheduled to begin sooner rather than later, that will make the upcoming tournaments fun to watch, especially since most might wonder who will raise some hardware next week.
That said, it only seemed fitting that Longmeadow claimed the No. 1 spot in the final rankings of the regular season. Though the Lancers (10-5-2, 5-5-1, .500 PCT) are in fifth place inside a crowded Berry division, Longmeadow has remained one of the hottest teams alongside McCann Tech in Western Massachusetts.
Following a previous three-game losing streak, the Lancers have countered with an impressive eight-game undefeated streak. And during that stretch, Longmeadow has gained ground in the conference with successful outcomes against East Longmeadow, Minnechaug, and West Springfield, among other teams.
Super 7 selection Alexander Hensch has paced the Lancers’ offense with 17 goals and 10 assists for 27 combined points. Matt Desrosiers and Andrew Hensch, meanwhile, have also recorded a team-best 10 assists through 17 games.
Jackson Blais has also posted back-to-back shutouts in net to help Longmeadow punch its ticket back into the state postseason behind its 10th-season win.
The rankings also welcomed back Amherst into the mix. Though the Hurricanes’ record is below .500 at 6-10-2, that doesn’t paint the complete picture of how much talent is on that team.
Though Amherst has only won two of its last eight overall games, three of those losses were by one goal against premier teams like Easthampton (twice) and Longmeadow (once).
And then Sawyer Ferro and Nate Desbien also recorded one goal each to ensure the Hurricanes spoiled Alex Jerebtsov‘s two-goal performance and ultimately forced a tie against Taconic last week.
Other essential games to watch during the final stretch of the regular season are Taconic versus Chicopee on Wednesday from the Pittsfield Boys & Girls Club at 7:15 p.m.
And on the same evening. Westfield is scheduled to host Ludlow inside Amelia Park for its Senior Night at 7:45 p.m. On Thursday, meanwhile, Longmeadow will compete against those same Lions for its regular-season finale from Olympia Rink at 8:30 p.m.
Pope Francis will then complete the weekend as they celebrate Valentine’s Day in style, as they welcome Catholic Memorial to Olympia Rink on Saturday at 12:30 p.m.
