MassLive released this year’s Western Massachusetts boys ice hockey Super 7 list on Thursday. Six schools received at least one recipient, with Greenfield leading the way with multiple nominees. Check out the complete list below:
Brayden Erickson, East Longmeadow
Erickson was tied with teammate Kevin Baker for the team lead with 11 goals last season, while the sophomore also recorded four assists and even scored the game-winning goal for the Spartans against Ludlow. Behind those efforts, Erickson was deemed one of three “Aldo Altobelli Rookies of the Year,” alongside Jake Fournier of Chicopee and Elise Musa of Pope Francis girls hockey during the 59th annual Amo ‘Betts’ Bessone Committee Awards Ceremony earlier this year.
During his rookie campaign, Erickson recorded a multi-point effort in five of the nine games in which he scored at least one point. The sophomore also recorded his first career hat trick against Everett High School and one assist in East Longmeadow’s WMass Class A semifinal overtime loss to Greenfield.
And if the Spartans hope to make another deep postseason run, they will need Erickson to duplicate those efforts for the upcoming season. The Spartans are scheduled to face North Middlesex on Saturday, Dec. 13, inside the Wallace Civic Center, at 4 p.m.
photo by J. Anthony Roberts
Sean Kefalas, Ludlow
According to Lions coach Paul Rivest, “everyone who knew Sean was convinced he would be a star high school player.”
And those individuals were correct. Over the past three seasons, the junior has demonstrated he is one of the premier players and defensemen in the region.
Coming into his senior season, Kefalas has 51 career points and counting. Alongside that impressive statistic, Kefalas was chosen for Super 7, All-Western Mass. First Team and All-League in the Berry Division last season.
That said, it’s no surprise that Kefalas’ teammates nominated him as a captain for the second consecutive season. Ludlow will open its winter season against Agawam on Saturday, Dec. 13, from Olympia Rink at 12:30 p.m.
Alexander Hensch, Longmeadow
Behind a career-high eight goals and five assists last season for 13 combined points, Hensch was recognized as an All-Western Mass. Second Team selection. During the soccer season, though, the midfielder scored 18 goals and registered 13 assists this fall en route to helping the Lancers clinch the Smith conference title and the WMass Class A title.
And behind those efforts, the Western Mass. Soccer Coaches Association presented Hensch with an All-American recognition last month. Hensch is just the second player in Longmeadow history to receive the award, joining former professional soccer player Jay Heaps, who graduated in 1994.
And now the senior can add another title to his already impressive resume: Super 7 recipient. Longmeadow will need that impressive skillset, as it bid farewell to nine seniors last winter. That figure included Nick DeAngelis-Gray, Doug Healey, and Kyle O’Connor.
But if Hensch can repeat last season’s effort and continue his leadership role, Longmeadow could earn an opportunity to compete for its first regional crown since 2023. And the Lancers, who are now led by coach Chad McGillicuddy, will begin their season against West Springfield on Saturday, Dec. 13, inside Olympia Rink at 2:30 p.m.
Jack Laurie, Greenfield
Upon the conclusion of the 2022-23 season, Laurie was named “Rookie of the Year” at the 57th annual Amo ‘Betts’ Bessone Committee Award Ceremony.
Almost three years later, the senior has continued to prove his worthiness as one of the premier offensive and defensive skilled athletes throughout the region and Division IV.
Last season was notable for the Green Wave, as they moved into the Berry Division to compete against (then) unfamiliar faces like Westfield, Longmeadow, East Longmeadow, and West Springfield, among others.
But despite the change in scenery, Greenfield claimed the division title before they fell in the WMass championship against the Bombers.
Regardless, though, the Green Wave won 12 of their 21 scheduled games as they competed in an overtime thriller against Sandwich in the D-IV Round of 32.
Laurie recorded one of his six goals in the loss.
But this winter won’t be any easier, as Greenfield was forced to bid farewell to seven seniors. That figure included former Super-7 selection Jake Jurek alongside Matt Garvin and William Petrin.
Now with two defensemen gone, that will ultimately allow Laurie to showcase his talents on both sides of the ice, as long as he can stay healthy after missing time due to injury last season. Only the sky is the limit for the senior now.
Joseph Maffia, Westfield
Most Valuable Player.
Behind a career-high 30 goals and 39 assists last season, the Westfield boys hockey team defeated Greenfield to claim its second consecutive WMass Class A championship.
Along with those essential moments, Maffia also led the region with 69 combined points, as the senior averaged 3.45 points per game. Maffia also posted a multi-point effort in 17 of 20 appearances last winter. Maffia’s electric speed, clear vision, and puck-handling skills will again make him difficult to defend, especially on the breakaway.
And behind those efforts, Maffia was crowned co-MVP alongside Michael McGrath of Pope Francis during the 59th annual Amo ‘Betts’ Bessone Committee Award Ceremony.
The Bombers are scheduled to open their season against Longmeadow on Thursday, Dec. 18, inside Amelia Park at 7 p.m.
Jack Reed, West Springfield
After the previous graduations of Owen Hall and Gavin Hall, the Terriers will need a new leader on and off the ice. And, good thing for West Springfield, is that they won’t have to search far because the answer is already on its roster.
Jack Reed.
According to Terriers coach Rick Williams, “having coached Jack for the past three seasons and into this upcoming year, I can say without hesitation that he is one of the most complete and deserving players in Western Mass. boys’ hockey.”
Since his freshman year, Reed has been a regular contributor on the power play, penalty kill, 6-on-5 both ways, and in overtime situations. You name the situation, and Reed has been there trying to support his team.
Through two seasons, Reed has recorded eight combined goals and 13 assists for 21 points. The most essential scores, however, occurred when Reed recorded a clutch playoff goal against Lynnfield to guide West Springfield into the D-III state quarterfinals in 2024.
Aside from those essential moments, though, Williams also commended Reed for his off-the-ice character that sets the perfect example for others to follow.
“Jack is an outstanding leader,” Williams said. “He is easy to coach, respected by every teammate past and present, and genuinely caring toward our younger players. Often overshadowed the last five years by the high-profile Hall brothers, Jack has quietly been the steady heartbeat of our program. This season, as our unquestioned captain and leader, he is poised to shine like never before.”
Cooper Smith, Greenfield
Smith was a vital piece of the Green Wave’s successful equation, which allowed them to reach the WMass championship last season. The senior, for example, recorded 456 combined saves in 17 appearances, to earn the most stops in Western Mass.
That impressive statistic marked a difference of 119, compared to former Terrier netminder Troy Cashman, who finished second in the region with 337 saves.
Experienced faces around the league describe Smith as a “veteran presence” who can make crucial saves and has no problem executing well in high-pressure situations.
Smith allowed three goals or fewer in 10 of his 17 appearances last season, which included a double-overtime loss to Sandwich in the D-IV Round of 32.
But if the Green Wave intends to build upon their past success, the preparation must start in their season-opener against St. Bernard’s on Saturday, Dec. 13, inside the Wallace Civic Center, at 2 p.m.
