New Hampshire GameDay

Bracket breakdown: Division I hockey tournament

2012-02-29T18:36:00.002-05:00

A pair of first-round games tonight kick off the 10-team Division I boys' hockey tournament.

Winners of the Bishop Guertin/Londonderry and Salem/Concord contests advance to Saturday's quarterfinals.

Here's my best guess at how the Division I postseason will play out:

First Round	Quarterfinals	Semifinals	Championship	Div. I champion

	1. Pinkerton
8. Londonderry
		1. Pinkerton
	8. Londonderry
9. Bishop Guertin
			4. Trinity
	4. Trinity

		4. Trinity
	5. Hanover

				2. Man. Memorial
	2. Man. Memorial
7. Concord
		2. Man. Memorial
	7. Concord
10. Salem
			2. Man. Memorial
	3. Bishop Brady

		6. St. Thomas
	6. St. Thomas

Bracket breakdown: Division II hockey tournament

2012-02-29T18:35:00.001-05:00

Division II, unlike the other two tiers in NHIAA boys' hockey, doesn't feature a slate of first-round games.

This league's eight-team tournament begins Saturday with quarterfinal contests.

Here's my best guess at how the Division II postseason will play out:

Quarterfinals	Semifinals	Championship	Div. II champion

1. Bedford

	1. Bedford
8. Timberlane

		1. Bedford
4. Oyster River

	4. Oyster River
5. Goffstown

			2. Merrimack
2. Merrimack

	2. Merrimack
7. Spaulding

		2. Merrimack
3. Dover

	3. Dover
6. Lebanon

Bracket breakdown: Division III hockey tournament

2012-02-29T18:34:00.003-05:00

A pair of first-round games Thursday kick off the 10-team Division III boys' hockey tournament.

Winners of the Portsmouth/Somersworth and Pembroke-Campbell/John Stark-Hopkinton contests advance to Saturday's quarterfinals.

Here's my best guess at how the Division III postseason will play out:

First Round	Quarterfinals	Semifinals	Championship	Div. III champion

	1. Kennett
8. Somersworth
		1. Kennett
	8. Somersworth
9. Portsmouth
			1. Kennett
	4. Hollis/Brookline

		4. Hollis/Brookline
	5. Souhegan

				1. Kennett
	2. Alvirne
7. Pemb.-Camp.
		2. Alvirne
	7. Pemb.-Camp.
10. JS-Hop.
			2. Alvirne
	3. Wind.-Pel.

		3. Wind.-Pel.
	6. Bel.-Gil.

Playoff slate: Feb. 29 boys' hockey schedule

2012-02-29T10:28:00.000-05:00

(Updated to reflect day/time changes of Division III first-round games, according to the NHIAA website.)

Playoff hockey starts today.

Four NHIAA first-round games take place this afternoon and evening, two apiece in Divisions I and III.

The puck drops at the homes of the higher seeds.

Winners advance to Saturday, when quarterfinals in all three divisions take place.

Here's a look at the games, their locations and start times.

Division I
10. Salem (8-8-2) at 7. Concord (8-8-2) -- Everett Arena, 7:30 p.m.
9. Bp. Guertin (7-8-1) at 8. Londonderry (8-8-2) -- Cyclones Arena, 8 p.m.

Division III
10. John Stark-Hop. (9-9-0) at 7. Pembroke-Campbell (8-8-1) -- ~~Tri-Town Arena, 8:10 p.m.~~
9. Portsmouth (8-9-1) at 8. Somersworth (9-9-0) -- Rochester Ice Arena, ~~8 p.m.~~

(In Division III, the 7-10 game will take place Thursday, March 1, at the Ice Den, 8:40 p.m. The 8-9 game will take place Thursday at 5 p.m.)

NHIAA hockey bracket released (Div. I boys)

2012-02-27T12:22:00.000-05:00

The NHIAA this morning released the 10-team bracket for this year's Division I boys' hockey tournament.

Statewide No. 1 Pinkerton Academy earned the top seed.

Five teams in this week's Rink Rankings will compete in the tourney to determine the state champion.

Beyond Pinkerton's Astros, other ranked clubs include No. 2 Bishop Brady, No. 3 Manchester Memorial, No. 7 Trinity and No. 8 St. Thomas Aquinas.

The top six seeds earned a first-round playoff bye. The seventh- through 10th-seeded teams skate Wednesday for the right to play in Saturday's quarterfinals.

Here's a look at the bracket:

First round: Wednesday, Feb. 29
Games at homes of higher seeds
7. Concord vs. 10. Salem -- Everett Arena, 6 p.m.
8. Londonderry vs. 9. Bishop Guertin -- Cyclones Arena, 8 p.m.

Quarterfinals: Saturday, March 3
Games at homes of higher seeds
1. Pinkerton vs. Londonderry/BG -- Ice Den, 4 p.m.
2. Man. Memorial vs. Concord/Salem -- JFK Coliseum, 4 p.m.
3. Bp. Brady vs. 6. St. Thomas Aquinas -- Everett Arena, 6 p.m.
4. Trinity vs. 5. Hanover -- St. Anselm College's Sullivan Arena, 11:30 a.m.

Semifinals: Wednesday, March 7
Games at JFK Coliseum, Manchester
Memorial-Concord/Salem winner vs. Brady/STA winner, 5:30 p.m.
Pinkerton-Londonderry/BG winner vs. Trinity/Hanover winner, 7:30 p.m.

Championship: Saturday, March 10
Game at Verizon Wireless Arena, Manchester
Puck drop: 4:30 p.m.

NHIAA hockey bracket released (Div. II boys)

2012-02-27T12:17:00.001-05:00

The NHIAA this morning released the eight-team bracket for this year's Division II boys' hockey tournament.

Fourth-ranked Bedford earned the top seed.

Three teams in this week's Rink Rankings will compete in the tourney to determine the state champion.

No. 5 Merrimack (2-seed) and No. 6 Dover (3-seed) are the other ranked clubs.

This tourney starts Saturday with quarterfinal games.

Here's a look at the bracket:

Quarterfinals: Saturday, March 3
Games at homes of higher seeds
1. Bedford vs. 8. Timberlane -- St. Anselm College's Sullivan Arena, 4 p.m.
2. Merrimack vs. 7. Spaulding -- West Side Arena, 4 p.m.
3. Dover vs. 6. Lebanon -- Dover Ice Arena, 4:10 p.m.
4. Oyster River vs. 5. Goffstown -- UNH's Whittemore Center, 4 p.m.

Semifinals: Wednesday, March 7
Games at The Rinks at Exeter, Exeter
Merrimack-Spaulding winner vs. Dover-Lebanon winner, 5:30 p.m.
Bedford-Timberlane winner vs. OR-Goffstown winner, 7:30 p.m.

Championship: Saturday, March 10
Game at Verizon Wireless Arena, Manchester
Puck drop: 2:30 p.m.

NHIAA hockey bracket released (Div. III boys)

2012-02-27T12:16:00.002-05:00

The NHIAA this morning released the 10-team bracket for this year's Division III boys' hockey tournament.

Ninth-ranked Kennett earned the top seed.

Two teams in this week's Rink Rankings will compete in the tourney to determine the state champion.

No. 10 Alvirne, which earned the 2-seed, is the other ranked club.

The top six seeds earned a first-round playoff bye. The seventh- through 10th-seeded teams skate Wednesday for the right to play in Saturday's quarterfinals.

Here's a look at the bracket:

First round: Wednesday, Feb. 29
Games at homes of higher seeds
7. Pembroke-Campbell vs. 10. John Stark-Hopkinton -- Tri-Town Arena, 6 p.m.
8. Somersworth vs. 9. Portsmouth -- Rochester Ice Arena, 6 p.m.

Quarterfinals: Saturday, March 3
Games at homes of higher seeds
1. Kennett vs. Somersworth/Portsmouth winner -- Ham Arena, 4 p.m.
2. Alvirne vs. Pembroke-Campbell/JS-Hop. winner -- Skate 3, 4 p.m.
3. Windham-Pelham vs. 6. Belmont-Gilford -- Icenter, 4 p.m.
4. Hollis/Brookline vs. 5. Souhegan -- Cyclones Arena, 4 p.m.

Semifinals: Wednesday, March 7
Games at Everett Arena, Concord
Alvirne-PC/JSH winner vs. W-P/B-G winner, 5:30 p.m.
Kennett-Somers./Ports. winner vs. HB/Souhegan winner, 7:30 p.m.

Championship: Saturday, March 10
Game at Verizon Wireless Arena, Manchester
Puck drop: 12:15 p.m.

Rink Rankings: Feb. 27 - March 4, 2012

2012-02-27T09:45:00.000-05:00

Regular-season contests concluded over the weekend.

Yes, folks, it's time for playoff hockey.

Ten teams will take a statewide ranking into the second season, adding to already high expectations.

There are also multiple playoff squads that aren't currently ranked. A strong showing in their respective one-and-done tournaments could bolster resumes as the release of this season's final top 10 draws closer.

For now, though, let's have a look at the top teams in NHIAA play.

Here you go hockey heads. Enjoy.

1. Pinkerton (last week: No. 1) - The preseason goal for the Astros (16-2-0 Div. I) was to finish first in the regular-season standings, something the team had yet to do under nine-year coach Casey Kesselring. As the postseason tournament's top seed -- and the state's top-ranked team -- the bull's-eye only grows bigger.

2. Bishop Brady (last week: No. 2) - The Green Giants (11-5-2 Div. I) finished third in the league standings. But the Concord club retained its ranking from a week ago. Can't penalize a team that closed its regular season with a season-best fourth straight win, a 4-3 decision Saturday against rival Concord.

3. Man. Memorial (last week: No. 3) - Yes, the Crusaders (14-4-0 Div. I) secured second place. Still, they stayed in this top 10 slot because, despite a 4-1 regular-season finale win last Wednesday over Manchester Central, the teams ahead of them did not lose.

4. Bedford (last week: No. 4) - The Bulldogs (14-3-0 Div. II) closed their regular season with a 6-5 win last Friday over area rival Goffstown. One year after a late-season surge to secure the eighth-and-final tournament seed, the Bulldogs are the top-seeded squad.

5. Merrimack (last week: No. 5) - The Tomahawks (14-4-0 Div. II) finished second in their league. They closed strong with a 5-0 win last Saturday at Timberlane. The question is whether this club's high-powered offense can continue to thrive in the playoffs, when opposing defenses turn up the intensity.

6. Dover (last week: No. 8) - Do not overlook the Green Wave (12-5-0 Div. II). Senior forward Liam Murphy netted a game-winning shorthanded goal to lead the defending champions past Seacoast rival Spaulding last Saturday, 2-1. The Green Wave take a season-best six-game win streak into the playoffs.

7. Trinity (last week: No. 9) - The defending champion Pioneers (10-6-2 Div. I) should give opposing coaches reason to panic. Why? Five reasons: Goaltender Ryan Slatky, goal-scorers Joey Libby, Kyle Valliere and Alex Disciscio, and a 9-1-1 record since Jan. 15.

8. St. Thomas Aquinas (last week: No. 7) - The senior-laden Saints (9-7-1 Div. I) slipped slightly. They split their two games last week, earning a 5-2 win Monday against non-playoff team Nashua North before dropping a 2-1 decision versus top-ranked Pinkerton.

9. Kennett (last week: No. 6) - The Eagles (16-1-1 Div. III), previously the state's last unbeaten team, lost to title-contending Windham-Pelham, 4-2, last Wednesday. But, the Conway club's season-long body of work was too impressive to knock it from the top 10.

10. Alvirne (last week: No. 10) - The Broncos (16-1-1 Div. III) closed their regular season with three straight wins since losing to Kennett. Likewise, body of work for this team is impressive.

No longer ranked: --

Previous rankings:
Feb. 20-26, 2012
Feb. 13-19, 2012
Feb. 6-12, 2012
Jan. 30 - Feb. 5, 2012
Jan. 23-29, 2012
Jan. 16-21, 2012
Jan. 9-15, 2012
Jan. 2-8, 2012
Dec. 26, 2011 - Jan. 1, 2012
Dec. 19-25, 2011

Saturday's slate: Feb. 25 boys' hockey schedule

2012-02-25T07:05:00.000-05:00

Back after a busy week. A new addition to my family explains why the blog was without recents posts.

Here, however, is Saturday's slate of regular-season finale games.

The NHIAA lists 16 boys' hockey games to be played today at rinks throughout the state.

Seven games feature at least one club in this week's Rink Rankings (those games are highlighted in blue).

Of those seven games, one is a matchup of top 10 teams: No. 1 Pinkerton at No. 7 St. Thomas Aquinas.

Here's a look at the games, their locations and start times.

Games are divided into three groups based on when the puck is scheduled to drop.

3:10 - 4:30 p.m.
Div. I: Nashua South at Nashua North -- Conway Arena, 3:10
Div. I: Exeter at Hanover -- Campion Arena, 3:30
Div. I: Berlin at Salem -- Icenter, 4:30
Div. II: Lebanon at Bow -- Everett Arena, 4:30

6 - 7 p.m.
Div. I: No. 9 Trinity at Man. Central -- JFK, 6
Div. III: Souhegan at No. 6 Kennett -- Ham Arena, 6
Div. II: Oyster River at Winnacunnet -- The Rinks at Exeter, 6:30
Div. III: Laconia-Winnis. at Windham-Pelham -- Icenter, 6:40
Div. I: No. 1 Pinkerton at No. 7 St. Thomas Aquinas -- Dover Ice Arena, 7
Div. III: No. 10 Alvirne at Kearsarge -- Melody Rink, 7
Div. II: Keene at Kingswood -- Pop Whalen Arena, 7

7:30 - 8:05 p.m.
Div. I: Bp. Guertin at Londonderry -- Cyclones Arena, 7:30
Div. I: No. 2 Bp. Brady at Concord -- Everett Arena, 7:30
Div. II: No. 8 Dover at Spaulding -- Rochester Ice Arena, 8
Div. III: Somersworth at Hollis/Brookline -- Cyclones, 8
Div. II: No. 5 Merrimack at Timberlane -- Icenter, 8:05

Rink Rankings: Feb. 20-26, 2012

2012-02-20T10:38:00.001-05:00

Well, there's no debate which high school hockey club is best in the state.

At this point, anyway.

Pinkerton Academy edged Manchester Memorial last Saturday at the Ice Den. The game gave a standing-room-only crowd its money's worth, showcased several of the state's top skaters, and earned the preseason favorite Astros another week atop the Rink Rankings.

But which teams round out the top 10 as the regular season's final week begins?

Here you go, hockey heads. Enjoy.

1. Pinkerton (last week: No. 1) - Still top-ranked, the Astros (14-2-0 Div. I) won the Game of the Year last Saturday with a 4-3 overtime victory over then-No. 2 Manchester Memorial. Star forwards Zach Sanford (goal, three assists) and J.D. Dudek (two goals) led the Astros, winners thanks to freshman Devin Moore. What more must be said?

2. Bishop Brady (last week: No. 5) - On the strength of a late-season, three-game win streak, the Green Giants (10-5-2 Div. I) jump three slots. They knocked off Nashua North last Wednesday, 4-3, and handled Exeter with ease last Saturday, 7-2. They also benefit from Pinkerton edging Memorial in the much-anticipated 1 vs. 2 clash.

3. Man. Memorial (last week: No. 2) - The Crusaders (13-4-0 Div. I) led No. 1 Pinkerton, 3-2, with less than 3 minutes remaining in regulation on the strength of a go-ahead goal by Brendan Sullivan. Can't punish this Queen City squad too much.

4. Bedford (last week: No. 9) - A week after suffering a drastic drop in the top 10, the Bulldogs (12-3-0 Div. II) bounced back in a big way. Their 4-3 win last Thursday against then-No. 3 Merrimack was certainly an attention-getter.

5. Merrimack (last week: No. 3) - The Tomahawsk (12-4-0 Div. II) were denied their eighth straight league win by then-No. 9 Bedford. But they rebounded last Saturday with a 3-1 win against Bow, which swept the regular-season series against the Bulldogs.

6. Kennett (last week: No. 7) - There's only one unbeaten team left in NHIAA boys' hockey. It's the Eagles (15-0-0 Div. III). They beat then-No. 6 -- and then-undefeated Alvirne -- last Wednesday at Skate 3 in Tyngsboro, Mass. Goaltender John Bishop made 21 saves for the Conway club, which won three games last week.

7. St. Thomas Aquinas (last week: No. 4) - Only playing once last week, and dropping a 5-2 decision at Memorial, forced the Saints (8-6-1 Div. I) down three slots.

8. Dover (last week: No. 10) - Here come the Green Wave (10-5-0 Div. II). They're riding a season-high four-game win streak. The run includes a 4-0 mid-week win over Seacoast rival Oyster River, and a 6-5 overtime victory last Saturday at Lebanon. The Green Wave trailed the Raiders, 4-0, with 2 minutes left in the second period.

9. Trinity (last week: NR) - Since the middle of last month, the Pioneers (8-6-2 Div. I) have been consistently cracking the win column. They are 7-1-1 since Jan. 15. Forwards Joey Libby and Kyle Valliere have led an offensive outburst in the club's last three games, a stretch in which the defending champs outscored the competition, 11-3.

10. Alvirne (last week: No. 6) - Losing last Wednesday's matchup of league unbeatens hurt the Broncos (14-1-0 Div. III), but not enough to send them spiraling out of the top 10. They lost the game by one goal, and responded with a 7-1 win against Pembroke-Campbell.

No longer ranked: Salem

Previous rankings:
Feb. 13-19, 2012
Feb. 6-12, 2012
Jan. 30 - Feb. 5, 2012
Jan. 23-29, 2012
Jan. 16-21, 2012
Jan. 9-15, 2012
Jan. 2-8, 2012
Dec. 26, 2011 - Jan. 1, 2012
Dec. 19-25, 2011

Saturday's slate: Feb. 18 boys' hockey schedule

2012-02-18T06:12:00.001-05:00

The NHIAA lists 17 boys' hockey games to be played today at rinks throughout the state.

Eight games feature at least one club in this week's Rink Rankings (those games are highlighted in blue).

Of those eight games, one is a matchup of top 10 teams. It's also the first No. 1 vs. No. 2 in this inaugural season of the statewide hockey rankings:

It's top-ranked and league-leading Pinkerton (13-2-0 Div. I) against second-place Manchester Memorial (13-3-0 Div. I). Game time is 4 p.m. at the Ice Den in Hooksett.

Here's a look at the games, their locations and start times.

Games are divided into three groups based on when the puck is scheduled to drop.

12:30 - 4:10 p.m.
Div. II: Timberlane at Oyster River -- UNH's Whittemore Center, 12:30
Div. I: Hanover at Bp. Guertin -- Skate 3, 1:30
Div. III: Man. West at No. 7 Kennett -- Ham Arena, 3:30
Div. I: No. 2 Man. Memorial at No. 1 Pinkerton -- Ice Den, 4
Div. II: Bow at No. 3 Merrimack -- West Side Arena, 4
Div. III: Windham-Pelham at Belmont-Gilford -- Laconia Ice Arena, 4
Div. I: Concord at Man. Central -- JFK Coliseum, 4:10

5 - 7 p.m.
Div. II: No. 10 Dover at Lebanon -- Campion Arena, 5
Div. I: No. 8 Salem at Berlin -- Notre Dame Arena, 6
Div. II: Spaulding at Keene -- Cheshire Fairgrounds, 6
Div. II: Goffstown at Kingswood -- Pop Whalen Arena, 7
Div. III: John Stark-Hopkinton at Kearsarge -- Melody Rink, 7

7:30 - 8:40 p.m.
Div. I: Exeter at No. 5 Bp. Brady -- Everett Arena, 7:30
Div. III: ConVal at Laconia-Winnis. -- Laconia Ice Arena, 7:30
Div. III: Hollis/Brookline at Portsmouth -- The Rinks at Exeter, 8:05
Div. II: No. 9 Bedford at Winnacunnet -- The Rinks at Exeter, 8:30
Div. III: No. 6 Alvirne at Pembroke-Campbell -- Tri-Town Arena, 8:40

Salem's Gagne to meet with Gati, Blue Devils

2012-02-16T16:30:00.000-05:00

Adam Gagne isn't wasting any time.

Salem's new head football coach said this afternoon that he already has two significant meetings scheduled.

The first meeting is Friday. Gagne plans to meet with former Salem mentor, Jack Gati, who retired from coaching high school football Dec. 5, but still teaches at the high school.

It is an important early step, Gagne said, in "engraining myself in the Salem community."

The second meeting is Monday. Gagne will introduce himself to the returning players.

"I just want to give out somenuts-and-bolts stuff with contact information. I want to get a feel for how many kidsare playing spring sports. I'm a firm believer in playing three sports," said Gagne, 31, who played football, basketball and ran track for Haverhill (Mass.) High.

One must wonder if the topic of Salem's offensive system comes up in either meeting.

Gati-led offenses at Trinity (1978-85), Concord (1986-93) and Salem (1994-2011) were largely known for running the football.

The strategy worked, as Gati amassed a 221-138 career record and celebrated four state titles (1987, 1989, 1995, 2009).

Gagne, a wide receiver during his playing days Bentley College, said he wants to run a balanced offense.

"But," the former Westford (Mass.) Academy offensive coordinator said, "I do enjoy throwing the football."

After loss, Central addresses issue of inconsistency

2012-02-16T15:04:00.000-05:00

Coach Dan Legro was the last member of Manchester Central's hockey team to enter the locker room after losing Wednesday night, 5-1, at St. Anselm College.

The game, against Queen City rival Trinity, ended at roughly 9:15 p.m. Nobody emerged for close to 30 minutes.

"There were just some things that we wanted to talk about, get (the players') ideas on," Legro said when the door finally opened.

Asked about the specifics of the conversation, Legro only said, "We're trying to figure out how to be more consistent."

Lack of consistency was apparent in Central's mid-week loss, a setback that dropped the club's Division I record to 7-8-0.

The Little Green played the defending champion Pioneers even for most of the first period. Legro's group fired just one less shot in the opening frame (10-9). But each team had one power play, and multiple chances to score the game's first goal.

Second period? Central entered it trailing, 1-0. Thirty shots on goal were fired.

Only seven left the sticks of Central skaters.

Legro's club doesn't lack playmakers. Austin Sprague, Mitchel Fortin and Cole Anderson are among them. Goaltender Connor Minch has the capability to steal games.

But it all must come together quickly.

Still fighting for a playoff berth, Central has three league games remaining in the regular season.

Though all three games are on home ice, none project as easy. The Little Green host Concord, No. 2-ranked Manchester Memorial and, for the second time in 10 days, Trinity.

Consistent effort, in all likelihood, can't wait any longer.

Wednesday's slate: Feb. 15 boys' hockey schedule

2012-02-15T12:51:00.002-05:00

The NHIAA lists 17 boys' hockey games to be played today at rinks throughout the state.

Six games feature at least one club in this week's Rink Rankings (those games are highlighted in blue).

Of those six games, two are matchups of top 10 teams: No. 7 Kennett at No. 6 Alvirne and No. 4 St. Thomas Aquinas at No. 2 Manchester Memorial.

Here's a look at the games, their locations and start times.

Games are divided into three groups based on when the puck is scheduled to drop.

3:45 - 5:50 p.m.
Div. III: Kearsarge at Belmont-Gilford -- Laconia Ice Arena, 3:45
Div. II: Goffstown at Timberlane -- Icenter, 3:50
Div. I: No. 1 Pinkerton at Exeter -- The Rinks at Exeter, 4
Div. III: John Stark-Hopkinton at Man. West -- West Side Arena, 4
Div. I: Hanover at Concord -- Everett Arena, 5:15
Div. II: Kingswood at Lebanon -- Campion Arena, 5:40
Div. III: No. 7 Kennett at No. 6 Alvirne -- Skate 3, 5:50

6 - 7:20 p.m.
Div. I: No. 4 St. Thomas Aquinas at No. 2 Man. Memorial -- JFK Coliseum, 6
Div. III: Laconia-Winnis. at Moult.-Inter-Lakes -- Laconia Ice Arena, 6
Div. I: Bp. Guertin at No. 8 Salem -- Icenter, 6:10
Div. II: Oyster River at No. 10 Dover -- Dover Ice Arena, 6:30
Div. III: Somersworth at ConVal -- Winchendon School, 7
Div. I: Berlin at Nashua South -- Conway Arena, 7:20

7:30 - 8:20 p.m.
Div. I: Man. Central at Trinity -- St. Anselm College's Sullivan Arena, 7:30
Div. I: Nashua North at No. 5 Bp. Brady -- Everett Arena, 7:30
Div. II: Winnacunnet at Spaulding -- Rochester Ice Arena, 8
Div. III: Hollis/Brookline at Windham-Pelham -- Icenter 8:20

Salem names Gati's successor

2012-02-15T10:56:00.000-05:00

Salem High School identified and hired Adam Gagne as the football program's new head coach.

Gagne fills the post vacated by Jack Gati, who decided this offseason to retire after 37 years coaching NHIAA football at Trinity, Concord and Salem.

Dave Rozumek, the school's athletics director, told me via e-mail that 17 candidates were considered. The field was trimmed to three finalists.

Rozumek also released a statement earlier this morning. It said Gagne's hiring was approved Monday night by the Salem School Board.

More from the release:

"For the past three years, Mr. Gagne has served as assistant coach and offensive coordinator in the Westford Academy football program in Westford, Mass., a school where he will continue to teach in the business department.

"Prior to coaching in Westford, Mr. Gagne served for six seasons as assistant coach and coordinator at Merrimack College in North Andover, Mass.

"Coach Gagne's playing experience includes three years as a starting wide receiver at Bentley College in Waltham, Mass."

The release also said Gagne, a resident of Haverhill, Mass., "expects to be a visible presence after school" to familiarize himself with current players and oversee the offseason weightlifting program.

Rink Rankings: Feb. 13-19, 2012

2012-02-13T10:29:00.000-05:00

If you're looking for change this week at the top of the poll, you won't find it.

The Nos. 1-, 2- and 3-ranked hockey clubs only played once last week. None of them lost on the ice, which means none of them lost ground in the top 10.

Others, however, suffered a slip.

One club dropped rather drastically for losing its only game of the week.

One squad dropped from the top 10, allowing another team's return to the rankings.

Here you go, hockey heads. Enjoy.

1. Pinkerton (last week: No. 1) - Minus one of their top forwards, the Astros (12-2-0 Div. I) won the only game they played last week. They beat then-No. 5 Bishop Brady, 3-1, at the Ice Den Wednesday. Winning a matchup of top-five teams, particularly while less than 100 percent, is impressive.

2. Man. Memorial (last week: No. 2) - The Crusaders (12-3-0 Div. I) only played once last week as well. They edged then-No. 8 Salem, 2-1, Saturday at the Icenter. Yes, this means the first No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup will take place this Saturday. Showdown is at the Ice Den.

3. Merrimack (last week: No. 3) - Can anyone touch the Tomahawks (11-3-0 Div. II)? They won their only game played last week, 5-1, at West Side Arena against Keene Saturday. That's seven straight wins for the league's top club -- regardless of what the standings suggest.

4. St. Thomas Aquinas (last week: No. 6) - Good week for the Saints (8-5-1 Div. I). They were expected to beat the two opponents on their slate. They topped Berlin and Nashua South decisively, winning by a combined score of 11-2.

5. Bishop Brady (last week: No. 5) - The Green Giants (8-5-2 Div. I) remain smack-dab in the middle of the top 10. They played the state's top-ranked team tough, and rebounded with a 4-3 road win at tough-to-figure-out Londonderry.

6. Alvirne (last week: No. 7) - Two more games, two more wins for the puck-potting Broncos (13-0-0 Div. III). They scored 11 goals last week, and climbed in the rankings because a higher-division team slipped.

7. Kennett (last week: No. 9) - The Eagles (12-0-0 Div. III) climbed two spots. They, too, scored 11 goals in two wins last week. They also leapfrogged the team that's two slots below them on the strength of a non-league head-to-head result Jan. 10.

8. Salem (last week: No. 8) - Seemingly locked in the No. 8 slot for weeks, the Blue Devils (7-5-2 Div. I) still stay there. They split their games last week, drubbing Nashua South, 8-1, before losing to the state's No. 2 team, 2-1.

9. Bedford (last week: No. 4) - The Bulldogs (10-3-0 Div. II) suffered a 4-2 setback at home last Thursday to unranked Bow, at the time 6-7-1 in league play. The game was the only one on the Bulldogs' slate, so they didn't have the chance to avoid a winless week.

10. Dover (last week: NR) - The Green Wave (8-5-0 Div. II) return to the rankings after spending their first week outside the top 10. A pair of one-goal wins, after a recent stretch of struggles, earned them the final slot.

No longer ranked: Windham-Pelham

Previous rankings:
Feb. 6-12, 2012
Jan. 30 - Feb. 5, 2012
Jan. 23-29, 2012
Jan. 16-21, 2012
Jan. 9-15, 2012
Jan. 2-8, 2012
Dec. 26, 2011 - Jan. 1, 2012
Dec. 19-25, 2011

Trinity football under new leadership

2012-02-11T06:06:00.001-05:00

The football program that represents the high school on Bridge Stree in Manchester is under new leadership.

Trinity High has a new head coach. Steve Burns, formerly an assistant with the Pioneers, takes over for Gary Leonard, according to today's story on UnionLeader.com.

Colleague Jim Fennell wrote the story (the scoop goes to another member of the newspaper's sports staff, John Habib, who learned of the news Thursday night).

Fennell's article said another longtime coach, who recently decided to retire after 30-plus years helped Leonard make the same decision.

Leonard, also Trinity's athletics director, will continue to serve that role with the school.

Saturday's slate: Feb. 11 boys' hockey schedule

2012-02-11T00:14:00.000-05:00

The NHIAA lists 19 boys' hockey games to be played today at rinks throughout the state.

Seven games feature at least one club in this week's Rink Rankings (those games are highlighted in blue).

Of those seven games, just one is a matchup of top 10 teams: No. 2 Manchester Memorial at No. 8 Salem.

Here's a look at the games, their locations and start times.

Games are divided into three groups based on when the puck is scheduled to drop.

12:50 - 3:10 p.m.
Div. I: No. 2 Man. Memorial at No. 8 Salem -- Icenter, 12:50
Div. I: Hanover at Trinity -- St. Anselm College's Sullivan Arena, 1
Div. III: Kearsarge at Laconia-Winnis. -- Laconia Ice Arena, 1:15
Div. II: Kingswood at Dover -- Dover Ice Arena, 2
Div. II: Keene at No. 3 Merrimack -- West Side Arena, 3
Div. I: Berlin at Nashua North -- Conway Arena, 3:10

4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Div. I: No. 5 Bp. Brady at Londonderry -- Cyclones Arena, 4:30
Div. III: Portsmouth at No. 7 Alvirne -- Skate 3, 4:40
Div. II: Goffstown at Lebanon -- Campion Arena, 5
Div. I: No. 6 St. Thomas Aquinas at Nashua South -- Conway Arena, 5:20
Div. III: No. 10 Windham-Pelham at Pembroke-Campbell -- Tri-Town Arena, 5:20
Div. II: Winnacunnet at Oyster River -- UNH's Whittemore Center, 6
Div. II: Spaulding at Timberlane -- Icenter, 6:20
Div. I: Man. Central at Exeter -- The Rinks at Exeter, 6:30

7 - 8:10 p.m.
Div. III: Man. West at ConVal -- Winchendon School, 7
Div. I: Bp. Guertin at Concord -- Everett Arena, 7:30
Div. III: John Stark-Hopkinton at Souhegan -- Conway Arena, 7:30
Div. III: No. 9 Kennett at Hollis/Brookline -- Cyclones Arena, 8
Div. III: Belmont-Gilford at Somesworth -- Rochester Ice Arena, 8:10

Bow's Walsh: 'I believe in them'

2012-02-10T15:10:00.001-05:00

The look on the face of Bow coach Tim Walsh after his hockey club upset No. 4-ranked Bedford was as good, if not better, than any post-game comment.

Walsh, while leaving the locker room after commending the Falcons for a 4-2 road win Thursday at St. Anselm College, smiled while slightly rolling his eyes.

The gesture's meaning, if translated into words: Now that's what I've been waiting to see from my team.

"I said to the guys, 'Now do you understand why I lose my mind?'" Walsh said. "I believe in them, that they can be a better team than they are. They have to believe that, too."

Bow's coach, with very good reason, was worried about this Division II matchup. The Falcons entered 6-7-1 in league play. They were 1-4-0 in their previous five games.

Bedford, by contrast, was blazing hot. The Bulldogs entered 10-2-0 in Division II, a mark built largely on a league-best, seven-game win streak.

Their last league loss was Jan. 7 against, of all teams, Bow.

Round 1 was an odd one.

As noted in "High School Hockey" for Wednesday's New Hampshire Union Leader, and highlighted in today's game story for the newspaper, the Falcons fired 22 fewer shots (42-20) in their head-to-head win at Everett Arena.

The second meeting was much closer -- through the opening 28 minutes, 29 seconds, anyway. Bow goaltender Connor Simpson (26 total saves) and counterpart Stevan Tempesta (23 saves) were perfect in that span.

The Falcons snapped a scoreless tie with two power-play goals from Jake Rand inside the second period's final 1:31. Derek Gallagher and Mike Fanaras doubled the lead with third-period goals before Bedford's Brian Collins and Tyler Murry made the final score respectable.

During Bow's recent struggles, Walsh said the team has "packed it in when things go bad."

That wasn't the case against the Bulldogs. Gallagher appeared to snap the scoreless tie with 3:10 left in the second period, scoring on a shot from the point.

But a crease violation disallowed the goal. For a playoff bubble team fighting to secure one of eight playoff berths, the ruling could have proven problematic.

Instead, the Falcons continued to work and attack. Their effort was soon rewarded, as the Bulldogs were whistled for 2-minute minors that led to Bow's crucial two-man advantage.

"The reason why we were winning games at the beginning of the year is because we worked our butts off," Walsh said. "We outworked other teams. We made smart plays and attacked the net."

Bow regained that form Thursday, finishing 2-for-5 on the power play (the club's penalty-kill unit was 4-for-4).

Team speed was a factor. Bow, unlike Bedford, doesn't have size.

"Honestly, I said this before the game," Bedford coach Marty Myers said. "I think they're a very good team with a record that doesn't show how talented they are. You can tell they're a well-coached, disciplined team that plays with a lot of drive."

The key is whether the Falcons can build off their big win.

It could be the difference between skating in the Division II tournament, or watching it from the stands.

The Falcons have three regular-season games remaining. Up next is No. 3 Merrimack, though the road game isn't until Saturday, Feb. 18.

"If we play like this, we can beat anybody," Walsh said. "As we've proven."

Pinkerton's Dudek sidelined for two tilts

2012-02-08T15:01:00.000-05:00

Pinkerton Academy is considered by many opposing coaches to be the hockey club with the two best forwards in the state: junior Zach Sanford and sophomore J.D. Dudek.

Half of the duo -- Dudek -- will miss miss Pinkerton's next two games.

As I reported in today's "High School Hockey" column for the New Hampshire Union Leader, Astros coach Casey Kesselring said the standout sustained "a pulmonary contusion to his lung" last Saturday at Hanover.

In other words, Dudek sustained a bruise to his lung.

Dudek's mother, Jodi, said her son last Saturday had X-rays taken. The X-rays revealed nothing was broken -- good news considering Pinkerton's playmaker immediately began coughing up blood after absorbing the hit.

"We just didn't want a punctured lung," Dudek's mother said.

Jodi Dudek said her son's follow-up with the pediatrician Monday ended with this order: no contact for two weeks.

That means Pinkerton (11-2-0 Div. I) will be without Dudek's services today against No. 6 Bishop Brady, and next Wednesday at Exeter.

"It stinks we don't have him against Brady," Kesselring said. "But we have a bye this (Saturday). As long as he's healthy a few games before the playoffs, we should be OK."

It is expected the sophomore will be medically cleared to play, Feb. 17.

That's the day before the game that's shaping up as the top regular-season tilt this winter: Manchester Memorial at Pinkerton.

Pinkerton, which returned to No. 1 in the Rink Rankings, beat the Marauders, 6-2, on Feb. 4. Dudek left the game in the second period after all-state defenseman Christian Wolter delivered the hit.

"J.D. tried to move in and take a shot," Kesselring said. "I think it was just a hockey play."

Wednesday's slate: Feb. 8 boys' hockey schedule

2012-02-08T14:17:00.000-05:00

The NHIAA lists 15 league games in boys' hockey to be played today at rinks throughout the state.

Five games feature at least one club in this week's Rink Rankings (those games are highlighted in blue).

Of those five games, just one is a matchup of top 10 teams: No. 5 Bishop Brady at No. 1 Pinkerton.

Here's a look at the games, their locations and start times.

Games are divided into three groups based on when the puck is scheduled to drop.

4 - 6 p.m.
Div. I: Bp. Guertin at Exeter -- The Rinks at Exeter, 4
Div. I: No. 5 Bp. Brady at No. 1 Pinkerton -- Ice Den, 4:30
Div. I: No. 6 St. Thomas Aquinas at Berlin -- Notre Dame Arena, 6
Div. II: Keene at Dover -- Dover Ice Arena, 6
Div. II: Lebanon at Spaulding -- Rochester Ice Arena, 6
Div. III: ConVal at Kearsarge -- Melody Rink, 6
Div. III: Pembroke-Campbell at Moult.-Inter-Lakes -- Laconia Ice Arena, 6

6:10 - 7:30 p.m.
Div. I: Man. Central at Nashua North -- Conway Arena, 6:10
Div. III: Somersworth at No. 10 Windham-Pelham -- Icenter, 6:10
Div. I: Londonderry at Concord -- Everett Arena, 7:30
Div. II: Kingswood at Goffstown -- St. Anselm College's Sullivan Arena, 7:30
Div. III: Laconia-Winnis. at John Stark-Hopkinton -- Clement Arena, 7:30

8:10 - 8:30 p.m.
Div. II: Timberlane at Winnacunnet -- The Rinks at Exeter, 8:10
Div. III: No. 7 Alvirne at Souhegan -- Conway Arena, 8:20
Div. I: Nashua South at No. 8 Salem -- Icenter, 8:30

Rink Rankings: Feb. 6-12, 2012

2012-02-06T11:54:00.000-05:00

Last week's No. 1 NHIAA boys' hockey team didn't retain the ranking for long.

Instead, the club that has spent the most time this winter wearing the team-to-beat target has reclaimed it.

Meanwhile, a defending champion mired in a three-game losing streak dropped out of the top 10 entirely.

As a result, this week's Rink Rankings feature a squad appearing in the top 10 for the first time.

Here you go, hockey heads. Enjoy.

1. Pinkerton (last week: No. 2) - It was a brief absence from the top spot for the Astros (11-2-0 Div. I). They reclaim the No. 1 ranking on the strength of their week-ending 6-2 rout at Hanover, which beat then-No. 2 Manchester Memorial Jan. 28 at JFK Coliseum, 5-2.

2. Man. Memorial (last week: No. 3) - The Crusaders (11-3-0 Div. I) played just once last week. But they reclaim the second-best ranking, nonetheless, with a commanding 5-0 win Saturday against Nashua North.

3. Merrimack (last week: No. 5) - The Tomahawks (10-3-0 Div. II) are riding a six-game win streak. The club's two-win week started with a dominant 4-1 home win last Wednesday against then-No. 7 Dover.

4. Bedford (last week: No. 6) - There was only one game last week on the slate for the Bulldogs (10-2-0 Div. II). They took care of business Saturday at UNH's Whittemore Center, securing their seventh straight win with a 5-2 decision against Oyster River.

5. Bishop Brady (last week: No. 1) - The Green Giants (7-4-1 Div. I) have won some big games this season. But they lost a stunner at home Saturday: a 2-1 home contest to Bishop Guertin, which entered the game one game below .500 (4-5).

6. St. Thomas Aquinas (last week: No. 4) - The Saints (6-5-1 Div. I) played just one game last week. They lost at home Saturday to then-No. 8 Salem, 4-2.

7. Alvirne (last week: No. 9) - At long last, the Broncos (10-0-0 Div. III) jump up in the rankings. They won twice last week, which was most important. The fact defending Division II champion Dover dropped out of the top 10 opened the door for the Hudson club to rise in the rankings.

8. Salem (last week: No. 8) - Yet again, the Blue Devils (6-4-2 Div. I) don't move up or down. They lost last Wednesday, 4-3, at Nashua South, which entered with one win. But they finished with a very impressive 4-2 victory at then-No. 4 St. Thomas Aquinas.

9. Kennett (last week: No. 10) - In their only game last week, the Eagles (10-0-0 Div. III) nearly doubled up Belmont-Gilford in an 11-6 decision Wednesday. They also benefit from the domino effect set in motion by Dover's skid.

10. Windham-Pelham (last week: NR) - The Wolfpack (9-1-0 Div. III) have won nine straight games since losing their season-opener to Alvirne. They, too, must continuing winning to remain ranked.

No longer ranked: Dover

Previous rankings:
Jan. 30 - Feb. 5, 2012
Jan. 23-29, 2012
Jan. 16-21, 2012
Jan. 9-15, 2012
Jan. 2-8, 2012
Dec. 26, 2011 - Jan. 1, 2012
Dec. 19-25, 2011

Lancers, Monarchs and music at Verizon Wireless Arena

2012-02-04T01:03:00.001-05:00

View from above: Londonderry High's marching band played the national
anthem, and provided musical entertainment, at Friday's Monarchs game.

Anyone who has attended a football game featuring Londonderry High knows the school's marching band hardly lacks numbers.

In fact, in terms of size, it is arguably the most impressive in the state.

(The photo -- which shows the band covering the ice -- proves it.)

Oh, and the band is rather good, too.

While preparing to cover the Manchester Monarchs Friday night, I was pleasantly surprised to see Londonderry's band fill the majority of upper-bowl seats behind one of the goals at Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester.

My ears weren't let down, either.

Londonderry's band played the national anthem -- and nailed it.

Saturday's slate: Feb. 4 boys' hockey schedule

2012-02-04T00:10:00.000-05:00

The NHIAA lists 19 boys' hockey games to be played today at rinks throughout the state.

Seven games feature at least one club in this week's Rink Rankings (those games are highlighted in blue).

Of those seven games, just one is a matchup of top 10 teams: No. 8 Salem at No. 4 St. Thomas Aquinas.

This contest, of course, is STA's third annual "pink" game, which I wrote about in Wednesday's print editions of the New Hampshire Union Leader. The Saints are raising awareness for breast cancer, and hoping to raise $2,000 in the fight against the disease.

Here's a look at the games, their locations and start times.

Games are divided into three groups based on when the puck is scheduled to drop.

11:45 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Div. III: Windham-Pelham at Moult.-Inter-Lakes -- Laconia Ice Arena, 11:45
Div. III: Pembroke-Campbell at ConVal -- Winchendon School, noon
Div. I: No. 2 Pinkerton at Hanover -- Campion Arena, 12:40
Div. III: Hollis/Brookline at Belmont-Gilford -- Laconia Ice Arena, 2

4 - 6:30 p.m.
Div. III: Souhegan at Man. West -- West Side Arena, 4
Div. I: Nashua North at No. 3 Man. Memorial -- JFK Coliseum, 4:10
Div. III: Portsmouth at Laconia-Winnisquam -- Laconia Ice Arena, 4:15
Div. III: John Stark-Hopkinton at No. 9 Alvirne -- Skate 3, 4:40
Div. II: Winnacunnet at Lebanon -- Campion Arena, 5
Div. II: No. 5 Merrimack at Keene -- Cheshire Fairgrounds, 5:30
Div. II: No. 6 Bedford at Oyster River -- UNH's Whittemore Center, 6
Div. I: Nashua South at Exeter -- The Rinks at Exeter, 6:30
Div. I: No. 8 Salem at No. 4 St. Thomas Aquinas -- Dover Ice Arena, 6:30

7 - 8 p.m.
Div. III: Somersworth at Kearsarge -- Melody Rink, 7
Div. I: Bp. Guertin at No. 1 Bp. Brady -- Everett Arena, 7:30
Div. I: Berlin at Trinity -- St. Anselm College's Sullivan Arena, 7:30
Div. II: Bow at Timberlane -- Icenter, 7:30
Div. I: Man. Central at Londonderry -- Cyclones Arena, 8
Div. II: Kingswood at Spaulding -- Rochester Ice Arena, 8

Diagnosing Dover's on-ice struggles

2012-02-03T15:23:00.000-05:00

Since winning five of its first seven league games, defending Division II champion Dover has struggled to consistently crack the win column.

The Green Wave, once ranked No. 2 in the state, dropped to No. 7 in the latest Rink Rankings.

Coach Steve Riker & Co. are 1-2 in league play (1-3 overall) since Jan. 16.

"We went through a little bit of this last year," said Riker, referring to a regular-season slump. "So, hopefully, we'll snap out of it like we did last year."

What will it take?

"Probably, the No. 1 thing going forward (is) we need to start playing more like a team," Riker said.

Taking penalties hasn't helped Dover's ability to play cohesively. Riker's squad was whistled for 14 penalties in its 4-1 loss Wednesday at No. 5 Merrimack.

"We need to do something (to correct the problem)," Riker said. "It's sort of been a growing issue over the last two or three weeks. We just need to figure out that we can't play the game short-handed. Tough to win that way.

“Playing short-handed really kind of hurts our game," he added. "We like to play a full lineup. Our goal is to push the pace, wear teams down. When we take penalties, the reverse happens. Now we're wearing ourselves out. It just makes it real tough to win.

“It's something that we've been preaching the last couple of weeks. It obviously hasn't sunk in yet.”

The Green Wave return to action Sunday at Goffstown (St. Anselm College, noon).

Wednesday's slate: Feb. 1 boys' hockey schedule

2012-02-01T11:07:00.002-05:00

The NHIAA lists 16 boys' hockey games to be played today at rinks throughout the state.

Six games feature at least one club in this week's Rink Rankings (those games are highlighted in blue).

Of those six games, just one is a matchup of top 10 teams: No. 7 Dover at No. 5 Merrimack.

Here's a look at the games, their locations and start times.

Games are divided into three groups based on when the puck is scheduled to drop.

4 - 5:50 p.m.
Div. II: No. 7 Dover at No. 5 Merrimack -- West Side Arena, 4
Div. I: No. 2 Pinkerton at Man. Central -- JFK Coliseum, 4:30
Div. I: Concord at Hanover -- Campion Arena, 5:10
Div. II: Keene at Bow -- Everett Arena, 5:15
Div. III: No. 10 Kennett at Belmont-Gilford -- Laconia Ice Arena, 5:30
Div. I: Exeter at Bp. Guertin -- Skate 3, 5:50

6 - 7:30 p.m.
Div. I: No. 1 Bp. Brady at Berlin -- Notre Dame Arena, 6
Div. III: John Stark-Hopkinton at Somersworth -- Rochester Ice Arena, 6:10
Div. I: No. 8 Salem at Nashua South -- Conway Arena, 7:20
Div. I: Londonderry at Trinity -- St. Anselm College's Sullivan Arena, 7:30
Div. III: Portsmouth at Windham-Pelham -- Icenter, 7:30

7:45 - 8:10 p.m.
Div. III: Moult.-Inter-Lakes at Laconia-Winnis. -- Laconia Ice Arena, 7:45
Div. III: Souhegan at No. 9 Alvirne -- Skate 3, 7:50
Div. III: Kearsarge at Hollis/Brookline -- Conway Arena, 8
Div. II: Goffstown at Winnacunnet -- The Rinks at Exeter, 8:10
Div. III: Man. West at Pembroke-Campbell -- Tri-Town Arena, 8:10

Rink Rankings: Jan. 30 - Feb. 5, 2012

2012-01-30T13:33:00.000-05:00

If ever there's a week to debate which hockey club is the state's best, this is it.

Pinkerton and Manchester Memorial -- last week's Nos. 1 and 2 teams, respectively -- did something in their final games of the week that cost them in these latest rankings.

They lost.

They lost at home.

They lost at home by three goals apiece.

Pinkerton, therefore, did not retain the No. 1 ranking for the fifth straight week. Memorial did not overtake the Astros, either.

It's certainly a wide-open race this season in Divisions I and II. (At the time winless in seven games, Exeter beating then-No. 3 Manchester Central, 4-3, Monday in overtime proves it.)

The new rankings -- particularly at the top -- may reflect as much, too.

Here you go, hockey heads. Enjoy.

1. Bishop Brady (last week: No. 4) - The Green Giants (6-3-2 Div. I) Wednesday night delivered a 7-1 beatdown of defending champion Trinity, which Saturday night scored a stunning 4-1 upset of then-No. 1 Pinkerton. This Capital City club laden with underclassmen, but led by key veterans, can't be taken lightly.

2. Pinkerton (last week: No. 1) - The Astros (9-2-0 Div. I) have survived multiple scares as of late. They couldn't avoid the end-of-week upset at home to the Pioneers, though. Tough to justify keeping the Astros atop the rankings after Saturday's three-goal setback.

3. Man. Memorial (last week: No. 2) - The Crusaders (10-3-0 Div. I) missed their opportunity to reclaim the No. 1 ranking. They started strong with a 3-2 road win Wednesday at Concord. But an unexpected 5-2 home loss Saturday to then-.500 Hanover sent the Queen City squad slightly south in the rankings.

4. St. Thomas Aquinas (last week: No. 6) - Very strong week for the Saints (6-4-1 Div. I). They dismissed Exeter and Londonderry by a combined score of 13-4. The Seacoast club's 8-2 win Saturday against the Lancers, which previously played Pinkerton tough, was impressive.

5. Merrimack (last week: No. 7) - The Tomahawks (8-3-0 Div. II) for the second time this season are rolling. They extended their win streak to four games with Friday and Saturday wins against Bow (4-0) and Winnacunnet (5-2), respectively.

6. Bedford (last week: NR) - The Bulldogs (9-2-0 Div. II) are riding a six-game win streak, which includes three wins in a four-day span last week. They sandwiched road wins at Keene (2-1 Wednesday) and then-No. 5 Dover (2-0 Saturday) around a home triumph against Oyster River (3-2 OT Thursday).

7. Dover (last week: No. 5) - The Green Wave (6-3-0 Div. II) only played once last week. They were shut out at home by Bedford.

8. Salem (last week: No. 8) - The Blue Devils (5-3-2 Div. I) played twice last week and tied both contests. They skated to a 2-2 final Monday against Londonderry, which entered the game with four wins in its last five games. They skated to a 4-4 final Saturday against then-No. 4 Bishop Brady.

9. Alvirne (last week: No. 9) - Simply remaining ranked has required the unbeaten Broncos (8-0-0 Div. III) continue to win games in convincing fashion. It's necessary for any Division III team, given the league's caliber of competition compared to the upper tiers. This club scored at least seven goals for the sixth time with Wednesday's 7-3 win at ConVal.

10. Kennett (last week: No. 10) - The Eagles (9-0-0 Div. III) also continue to win in convincing fashion. Hard to imagine they'll be bounced from the rankings -- unless they're upset by a league foe.

No longer ranked: Manchester Central

Previous rankings:
Jan. 23-29, 2012
Jan. 16-21, 2012
Jan. 9-15, 2012
Jan. 2-8, 2012
Dec. 26, 2011 - Jan. 1, 2012
Dec. 19-25, 2011

Video recap: Hanover, No. 3 Man. Central win at JFK

2012-01-28T22:36:00.000-05:00

MANCHESTER -- Two hockey clubs near the top of this week's Rink Rankings, one perennial power fighting to remain in the playoff picture, and one consistent contender that wouldn't qualify for the Division I tournament if the regular season ended at this moment.

Those are the four teams that skated in today's doubleheader at JFK Coliseum.

Reigning runner-up and ninth-place Hanover upset No. 2 Manchester Memorial, 5-2. Peter Bensen led the hoping-to-hit-a-hot-streak Marauders with two goals and two assists.

No. 3 Manchester Central started strong and held off a late charge to defeat Bishop Guertin, 7-5. Austin Sprague paced the Little Green with three goals and an assist.

Hanover improved to 5-4-0. Central upped its mark to 6-4-0.

Memorial dropped to 10-3-0. BG slipped to 3-5-0.

Game stories appear in the print editions of the New Hampshire Sunday News.

Podcast: Jan. 28 N.H. High School Sports Show

2012-01-28T11:25:00.002-05:00

When Jennifer Wells is running the show -- the "N.H. High School Sports Show," that is -- it's a lock the podcast will be up in no time.

That's the case today.

Wells, the producer this morning, made sure the 7 to 9 broadcast on WGIR-AM 610 and 96.7 FM quickly made its way to the web.

Guests today included Scott Crowder, the go-to guy for the upcoming New England Pond Hockey Classic, boys' hoop coaches Pat Quinn of St. Thomas Aquinas and Tim Goodridge of Merrimack, and Brady Bilodeau, the senior captain of Manchester Memorial's No. 2-ranked hockey club.

The podcast is separated into four segments, each one slugged based on the guest who joined myself and co-host Pete Tarrier on the air.

Segment 1 - Crowder

Segment 2 - Quinn

Segment 3 - Goodridge

Segment 4 - Bilodeau

Saturday's slate: Jan. 28 boys' hockey schedule

2012-01-28T00:02:00.001-05:00

The NHIAA lists 19 boys' hockey games to be played today at rinks throughout the state.

Eight games feature at least one club appearing in this week's Rink Rankings (those games are highlighted in blue).

Of those eight games, just one is a matchup of top 10 teams: No. 4 Bishop Brady at No. 8 Salem.

Here's a look at the games, their locations and start times.

Games are divided into three groups based on when the puck is scheduled to drop.

11 a.m. - 1:35 p.m.
Div. III: No. 10 Kennett at ConVal -- Winchendon School, 11 a.m.
Div. II: Lebanon at Goffstown -- St. Anselm College's Sullivan Arena, 1
Div. I: Berlin at Exeter -- The Rinks at Exeter, 1:35

3:10 - 6:10 p.m.
Div. III: Belmont-Gilford at Souhegan -- Conway Arena, 3:10
Div. I: Winnacunnet at No. 7 Merrimack -- West Side Arena, 4
Div. I: Hanover at No. 2 Man. Memorial -- JFK Coliseum, 4:10
Div. I: No. 4 Bishop Brady at No. 8 Salem -- Icenter, 4:30
Div. II: Bedford at No. 5 Dover -- Dover Ice Arena, 5
Div. III: Laconia-Winnis. at Pembroke-Campbell -- Tri-Town Arena, 5:20
Div. I: Nashua South at Concord -- Everett Arena, 5:30
Div. I: Trinity at No. 1 Pinkerton -- Ice Den, 6
Div. III: Man. West at Kearsarge -- Melody Rink, 6
Div. I: Bishop Guertin at No. 3 Man. Central -- JFK Coliseum, 6:10
Div. II: Timberlane at Kingswood -- Pop Whalen Arena, 6:10

7 - 8:10 p.m.
Div. I: Londonderry at No. 6 St. Thomas Aquinas -- Dover Ice Arena, 7
Div. III: Windham-Pelham at No. 9 Alvirne -- Skate 3, 7:20 p.m.
Div. II: Spaulding at Bow -- Everett Arena, 7:30
Div. III: John Stark-Hopkinton at Hollis/Brookline -- Conway Arena, 8
Div. III: Moult.-Inter-Lakes at Somersworth -- Rochester Ice Arena, 8:10

Recap: Queen City 1, Capital City 1

2012-01-26T00:16:00.002-05:00

CONCORD -- Recap from Everett Arena, where Wednesday night a Division I doubleheader matching hockey clubs from the Queen City and Capital City played out.

The games each featured a squad in this week's Rink Rankings. Those teams earned mid-week wins.

No. 2 Manchester Memorial edged Concord, 3-2, in the early contest. The decision, according to multiple members of the winning team, marked the first time since 1995 that the Crusaders beat the Crimson Tide.

Memorial improved to 10-2-0 in Division I. Concord dropped to 4-5-1 in league play.

No. 4 Bishop Brady slammed Trinity, 7-1, in the nightcap. The Green Giants scored seven unanswered goals, the first six markers tallied in the second period.

Bishop Brady improved to 6-3-1 in Division I. Trinity slipped to 4-6-1 in league action.

Game 1: Man. Memorial 3, Concord 2

Game-winning goal - Center Matthew Tufts rifled home a rebound with 8 minutes, 45 seconds left in regulation to snap a 2-2 tie.

Tufts, atop the crease, was positioned perfectly to capitalize on a critical rebound that caromed off Crimson Tide goaltender Austin Judd (13 saves).

Player of the Game - Memorial captain Brady Bilodeau was the top player. The senior set up the game-winning goal with two rapid-fire shots on Judd that generated all-important rebounds, including the one that Tufts stuffed home.

Throughout the game, Bilodeau also blocked multiple shots in front of Tyler Fay (14 saves).

Bilodeau's efforts were significant, considering the contest was a defensive struggle in which each team tallied just 16 shots on goal.

The difference - The ability to capitalize on the power play separated these teams.

Memorial was 2-for-3 courtesy of second-period goals by Colin Williamson and Bryan Syrene. Concord went scoreless in three chances on the man-advantage.

Coaches' comments - Memorial coach Mark Putney:

“We played tonight with some passion. We played with some passion in the game that we lost (to Concord, 5-3, at JFK Coliseum Jan. 14) in the third period. By then, we were already down, 4-1, and it was an uphill climb.

“Tonight, we came to play. I'm very happy with the kids.”

Concord coach Dunc Walsh:

“We got the lead down there (in the win at JFK). I think we got a couple power-play goals. Tonight we didn't get a power-play goal – and they got two. So that's a huge swing.”

Game 2: Bishop Brady 7, Trinity 1

Game-winning goal - Freshman Colton McAllister recorded a hat trick, and his first goal snapped a 1-1 tie. The tally came on the power play, with a shade more than 3 minutes gone by in the second period.

Screening Ryan Slatky (15 saves) from the puck, McAllister redirected a shot by Richard Roy from the right-wing circle.

Player of the Game - McAllister scored his three goals in the second period. The amount of time that elapsed between his first and third goals was 9:10.

The difference - Penalties, penalties, penalties. There were 20 in total. Trinity had 12 of them, including nine in the second period.

Trinity coach Mike Connell was “very disappointed” with his team's inability to maintain composure.

It's no coincidence that Brady scored six times in the frame. Green Giants goalie Jacob Cordeiro did not allow a goal over the final 30:04.

Coaches' comments - Bishop Brady coach Clint Edinger:

“We're young, but we've got some strength. I think we got a little aggravated, for once. We never usually show that. We're just kind of silent in the room. The hits, everything, they fed off it. They were excited on the bench. They weren't quiet. They wanted more.”

Trinity's Connell:

“I'm not going to blame (the loss) on being tired (after playing for the third time in five days). I think Brady manhandled us. I think we didn't like it. And I just think we have a lot of growing up to do.”

Bedford begins grueling four-day stretch

2012-01-25T14:39:00.002-05:00

Starting tonight, the schedule for Bedford is going to present quite a test in terms of competition.

The slate is also going to test the club's conditioning.

Coach Marty Myers & Co. play three games in the next four days, the second and third contests against perennial contenders Oyster River (Thursday) and No. 5 Dover (Saturday).

"We talked a little bit about it (earlier this week)," Myers said.

The coach's conversation with the team stressed the importance of focusing completely on tonight's opponent.

Bedford (6-2-0 Div. II) visits Keene (4-3-1 Div. II).

The Bulldogs recently drubbed the Blackbirds, 8-2. But, as Myers said, it's a mistake to overlook them.

After all, Bedford isn't far removed from an unexpected three-game skid that included a non-league home loss to No. 10 Kennett of Division III.

Bedford, however, has rebounded nicely. Myers pointed to changes he made with his lines.

Junior Kurt Mitchel centers classmate Chris O'Hara and sophomore Chris Viola.

Ben Desrosiers, a sophomore, skates with seniors Luke McDonough and Mike Ahern.

Myers also added a consistent third line that he said has "good balance, good chemistry and, actually, is giving us some good offense."

Jason Campbell, a junior, centers the line, that rotates a fourth foward into the mix. Classmates Tyler Murray and Ben Philbrick are on the wings, and fellow junior Brian Collins also sees the ice.

Seniors Tyler Wise and Brian Johnson, and junior Cullen Willey continue to give the team a strong presence along the blue line, Myers said.

Bedford's coach also said he plans to start sophomore Stevan Tempesta in net for all three games this week.

"Every team grows and progresses. This team is no different," Myers said. "As the team was growing, we made some changes, went through some growing pains. Now, we're going through a spurt of good offense and solid defense."

Will it continue through the weekend?

No. 1 Astros, Lancers meet for Round 2

2012-01-25T13:45:00.001-05:00

Arch-rivals Londonderry and Pinkerton last played in front of a packed house at the Ice Den.

It was the season-opener for both boys' hockey clubs, and the first head-to-head meeting since the upstart Lancers stunned the Astros in last year's Division I tournament, 3-2.

Pinkerton earned some measure of payback Dec. 14.

The state's No. 1-ranked team scored early and often, and clinched an 8-4 win. Sophomore forward Brendan Philippon fueled the attack with four goals.

"This game will be a good measuring stick of where we are," Londonderry coach Peter Bedford said. "At the halfway point, we're 4-4-1. We couldn't be any more .500 (in terms of record)."

The Lancers, of course, started their season of high expectations with three consecutive losses. Digging a 3-0 hole early in the first go-round with Pinkerton (8-1-0 Div. I) didn't help.

Zach Sanford and Philippon staked the Astros to a 3-0 lead before the game was 12 minutes old.

What must Londonderry do successfully to have a chance at snapping Pinkerton's league-best six-game win streak?

"I don't want to have bad turnovers in our zone again. That was one thing (where) we were pretty generous to them," Bedford said. "With Zach Sanford and J.D. Dudek, you can't do those things.

"But it wasn't those guys that did it to us last time," Bedford added. "It was Philippon."

Puck drops tonight at 8 inside Cyclones Arena.

Wednesday's slate: Jan. 25 boys' hockey schedule

2012-01-25T12:54:00.001-05:00

Hard to believe we've reached January's final Wednesday of high school hockey. But that's the reality.

The NHIAA lists 14 boys' hockey games to be played today at rinks throughout the state.

Six games feature at least one club appearing in this week's Rink Rankings (those games are highlighted in blue).

Here's a look at the games, their locations and start times.

Games are divided into three groups based on when the puck is scheduled to drop.

4 - 6 p.m.
Div. II: Lebanon at Winnacunnett -- The Rinks at Exeter, 4
Div. I: Nashua North at Hanover -- Campion Arena, 5:10
Div. I: No. 2 Man. Memorial at Concord -- Everett Arena, 5:15
Div. III: No. 10 Kennett at Moult.-Inter-Lakes -- Laconia Ice Arena, 4:30
Div. II: Bedford at Keene -- Cheshire Fairgrounds, 6

6:45 - 7:30 p.m.
Div. III: Laconia-Winnis. at Belmont-Gilford -- Laconia Ice Arena, 6:45
Div. II: Spaulding at Kingswood -- Pop Whalen Arena, 7
Div. III: No. 9 Alvirne at ConVal -- Winchendon School, 7
Div. I: Exeter at No. 6 St. Thomas Aquinas -- Dover Ice Arena, 7:15
Div. I: Trinity at No. 4 Bishop Brady -- Everett Arena, 7:30
Div. III: Souhegan at Windham-Pelham -- Icenter, 7:30
Div. III: Hollis/Brookline at John Stark-Hopkinton -- Lee Clement Arena, 7:30

8 - 8:10 p.m.
Div. I: No. 1 Pinkerton at Londonderry -- Cyclones Arena, 8
Div. III: Kearsarge at Pembroke-Campbell -- Tri-Town Ice Arena, 8:10

Rink Rankings: Jan. 23-29, 2012

2012-01-23T12:18:00.000-05:00

The state's top two hockey clubs remain the same this week.

There was some reshuffling with regard to the Nos. 3 to 10 slots, however.

We've reached the point in the season where league records play a greater role in determining a team's ranking.

Head-to-head results are important. At what point, though, does a team's record hold more weight than particular wins (see: St. Thomas Aquinas)?

This week's big winner is a toss-up. Division I Manchester Central and Division III Kennett can each make a case.

Here you go, hockey heads. Enjoy.

1. Pinkerton (last week: No. 1) - How close were the Astros (8-1-0 Div. I) to slipping from the top spot? Mere minutes. Connor Donohue tied the game against No. 8 Salem with 2-plus minutes to play Saturday, and J.D. Dudek delivered the game-winner in the final seconds of overtime. Those heroics earned the No. 1 team its sixth straight league win with a 2-1 decision.

2. Man. Memorial (last week: No. 2) - The Crusaders (9-2-0 Div. I) also survived a scare Saturday. They held on to beat Berlin, 4-3, thus sweeping a two-game week that began by doubling up Nashua North, 6-3.

3. Man. Central (last week: No. 5) - Surprised to see the Little Green (5-3-0 Div. I) filling this slot? Going 2-for-2 last week, starting with a commanding 5-2 win over then-No. 6 STA, helped the club's cause. The fact none of the next three times enjoyed a two-win week didn't hurt, either.

4. Bishop Brady (last week: No. 4) - The Green Giants (5-3-1 Div. I) played just one game. They didn't win Saturday. But they didn't lose, either. They tied STA, 2-2. For now, this Capital City club holds steady.

5. Dover (last week: No. 3) - The Green Wave (6-2-0 Div. II) remain the highest-ranked team from their league. But the team dips for losing to STA, 3-2, and edging then-.500 Timberlane, 4-3.

6. St. Thomas Aquinas (last week: No. 6) - The Saints (4-4-1 Div. I) had a challenging week, going 1-1-1 against three teams also ranked in the top 10. They beat then-No. 3 Dover. They lost to then-No. 8 Salem, 5-3. They tied then-No. 4 Bishop Brady, 2-2. But the team's record is starting to take its toll. The Saints are barely above .500 counting their non-league win over the Green Wave.

7. Merrimack (last week: No. 9) - The competition for the Tomahawks (6-3-0 Div. II) wasn't outstanding. But they did what a heavily favored club should do. They cruised to victory. Final scores from the team's contests with Winnacunnet and Kingswood: 7-1 and 7-3, respectively.

8. Salem (last week: No. 8) - The Blue Devils deserve to remain ranked, even though they went 1-2-0 last week. They beat STA and nearly knocked off No. 1 Pinkerton. Those efforts outweigh a 5-2 loss to Londonderry, which entered riding a three-game win streak.

9. Alvirne (last week: No. 10) - One game last week for the Broncos (7-0-0 Div. III), one very lopsided win. The Hudson squad cruised past Manchester West, 11-1.

10. Kennett (last week: NR) - Nearly a top 10 team a week ago, the Eagles (7-0-0 Div. III) break through this time around. This slot came down to the Conway club and previously ranked Bedford of Division II. The difference maker: The Eagles on the road beat the Bulldogs, 5-3, on Jan. 10.

No longer ranked: Oyster River

Previous rankings:
Jan. 16-21, 2012
Jan. 9-15, 2012
Jan. 2-8, 2012
Dec. 26, 2011 - Jan. 1, 2012
Dec. 19-25, 2011

Saturday's slate: Jan. 21 boys' hockey schedule

2012-01-21T00:44:00.002-05:00

The NHIAA lists 20 boys' hockey games to be played today at rinks throughout the state.

Eight games feature at least one club appearing in this week's Rink Rankings (those games are highlighted in blue).

Here's a look at the games, their locations and start times.

Games are divided into three groups based on when the puck is scheduled to drop.

1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Div. I: Nashua North at Bishop Guertin -- Conway Arena, 1:30
Div. II: No. 7 Oyster River at Bow -- Everett Arena, 1:30
Div. I: No. 5 Man. Central at Nashua South -- Conway Arena, 3:10
Div. III: ConVal at Moult.-Inter-Lakes -- Laconia Ice Arena, 3
Div. III: Pembroke-Campbell at Kennett -- Ham Arena, 3:30

4 - 6:30 p.m.
Div. II: Kingswood at No. 9 Merrimack -- West Side Arena, 4
Div. III: No. 10 Alvirne at Man. West -- JFK Coliseum, 4
Div. I: Trinity at Concord -- Everett Arena, 5:30
Div. II: Winnacunnet at Keene -- Cheshire Fairgrounds, 5:30
Div. I: No. 1 Pinkerton at No. 8 Salem -- Icenter, 6
Div. I: No. 2 Man. Memorial at Berlin -- Notre Dame Arena, 6
Div. II: Bedford at Lebanon -- Campion Arena, 6:30

7 - 8:30 p.m.
Div. II: Timberlane at No. 3 Dover -- Dover Ice Arena, 7
Div. I: No. 6 St. Thomas Aquinas at No. 4 Bishop Brady -- Everett Arena, 7:30
Div. II: Spaulding at Goffstown -- St. Anselm College's Sullivan Arena, 7:30
Div. III: Somersworth at Belmont-Gilford -- Laconia Ice Arena, 7:30
Div. I: Hanover at Londonderry -- Cyclones Arena, 8
Div. III: John Stark-Hopkinton at Windham-Pelham -- Icenter, 8:10
Div. III: Kearsarge at Portsmouth -- The Rinks at Exeter, 8:30

-- Hollis/Brookline-Souhegan (Div. III game) at Conway Arena does not list a start time.

Clearing space in the notebook

2012-01-20T15:06:00.004-05:00

Plenty of items this week filled the hockey notebook, which needs to be emptied before a slew of games take place Saturday.

There's also a never-ending need to feed this blog.

Makes for a perfect partnership.

After sifting through game notes and coaches quotes, here are some of the items I found most interesting. Hopefully, you'll find them interesting, too.

Quote of the year? - This isn't a leftover. But it was certainly noteworthy and, from a reporter's standpoint, too good to exclude from this post.

Scroll down to the last section -- entitled "Quote-worthy" -- of my latest New Hampshire roundup for ESPNBoston.com.

Dover coach Steve Riker delivered what may be the quote of the year after rival St. Thomas Aquinas won Monday's uber-heated rivarly game, 3-2.

'A little more effort' - No. 8 Salem scored a 5-3 win Wednesday over No. 6 STA.

Salem (5-2-0 Div. I) squandered a 2-0 lead, but built a second two-goal advantage after STA (4-4-0 Div. I) stormed back to knot the score.

Just last season, Salem lost games that followed such a pattern. But such games are going Salem's way thus far this season.

The Blue Devils' bench boss offered his theory.

"A little more effort, a little more dedication, a little more excitement," Mark McGinn said outside the locker room at the Icenter.

The effort was apparent on the forecheck, particularly during the first period.

Salem altered its approach to apply more pressure. Kyle Svenson and Ryan Corbett were among the Blue Devils who made it difficult for the Saints to clear the puck from their zone.

Going for three - Lebanon (3-4-1 Div. II) hosts Bedford (5-2-0 Div. II) Saturday in a game at Campion Arena that could be more competitive than the team records indicate.

Each club is riding a modest two-game win streak.

The Raiders, for my money, have the more impressive streak. After starting 1-4-1, they beat Merrimack and Oyster River.

Coach Gary Smith on attempting to extend the streak against the Bulldogs.

"Bedford is clearly one of the best teams in our league," Smith said. "It will take a total team effort for 45 minutes in order for us to even have a chance of beating a team with that much talent and depth."

Can tri-captains Nick Dube (goalie), Cody Pelletier (defenseman) and Jake Davis (forward), and assistant captain Zach Pollard (forward) lead this Upper Valley club to a third straight upset win?

Rising (Crimson) Tide - Londonderry coach Peter Bedford talking about Concord (4-3-1 Div. I), riding its second two-game win streak of the season, and first since opening the campaign with consecutive wins.

"Some of the perennial teams are starting to round out," Bedford said. "I think Concord is starting to show they're better than their record (indicates)."

Concord hosts defending champion Trinity (2-5-1 Div. I) Saturday at Everett Arena.

'It's wide open' - STA coach Andrew Leach on Division I boys' hockey this season:

"You've got teams that are in 10th place beating teams that are in second place. It's wide open," Leach said after the loss to Salem. "I think you're going to have a lot of teams that are, at the end of the year, 10-8 or 11-7.

"Last year, you could see a real discrepancy in the top four or five teams," he added. "But now, it's 10 teams that can beat anybody."

Should make for a fantastic state tournament.

Recap: No. 8 Salem 5, No. 6 St. Thomas Aquinas 3

2012-01-19T00:52:00.001-05:00

Recap from Wednesday night's top 10 clash at the Icenter in Salem, where No. 8 Salem defeated No. 6 St. Thomas Aquinas, 5-3, in Division I boys' hockey.

Brandon Travaglini scored the decisive goal. He capped a three-goal second period for the Blue Devils, scoring 3 seconds before the buzzer to double his team's lead, 4-2.

Mike Downing paced Salem (5-2-0 Div. I) with three points.

Downing assisted on his team's third and fourth goals, markers that answered STA's two second-period tallies to knot the game at 2-apiece. The senior forward's empty-net goal with 84 seconds to play ensured STA (4-4-0 Div. I) didn't pull even at 4-apiece.

Salem goaltender Nick Phair made 19 saves. STA's Chris Parker stopped 17 shots.

Eddie Conroy, Christian Going and Jay Dylingowski scored goals for the Saints.

Post-game reaction - Noteworthy comment from Salem coach Mark McGinn:

Marc Thaler (marc_thaler) on Twitter via kwout

A thought from Saints coach Andrew Leach, who said his players were "deflated" by the second-period power-play goal allowed to Garnet Antkowiak, which gave Salem a 3-2 edge -- and led to this:

Marc Thaler (marc_thaler) on Twitter via kwout

With the win - Salem avoided its first two-game league losing streak of the season.

The Blue Devils entered their mid-week matchup just two days removed from a 5-2 loss at suddenly surging Londonderry.

Quickly returning to the win column wasn't lost on the coach.

"We're an old and a young team. Even the old guys haven't had a lot of success, wins and loss-wise," McGinn said. "So, we lost one Monday. We didn't want to lose two in a row. But we've got a tough stretch coming up. This win was big for us.

"They do build on every win. They're learning as they go," he added. "They're getting a little better and a little better. So, any win is a big win."

With the loss - St. Thomas dropped its second consecutive league decision for the first time this season.

Since returning to Division I action after the holiday break, the Saints have lost three of four league games. The Saints did, of course, win their non-league rivalry game Monday against Division II Dover, 3-2.

"Overall, I was pleased with the way the kids competed," Leach said. "Down, 2-0, we got a lucky one to start, to get us going. The next two goals were just hard-working goals, taking pucks to the net."

On the horizon - The schedule doesn't get any easier for either club.

Salem's next three opponents to close the month: No. 1 Pinkerton (Saturday); Londonderry (Jan. 23); and No. 4 Bishop Brady (Jan. 28).

STA's next three opponents to close the month: At No. 4 Bishop Brady (Saturday); Exeter (Jan. 25); and Londonderry (Jan. 28).

(Note: The STA-Salem game story appears in today's print editions of the New Hampshire Union Leader.)

Londonderry rebounds from rocky start

2012-01-18T11:19:00.000-05:00

Pinkerton Academy, Manchester Memorial and St. Thomas Aquinas are among the hockey clubs currently slotted in the top six of the latest Rink Rankings.

The No. 1 Astros, No. 2 Crusaders and No. 6 Saints are also the first, second and third opponents Londonderry faced to start its 2011-12 season.

The Lancers went 0-3.

"There were certainly high expectations (entering this season). The school and student body saying, 'You guys showed you can play last year," said Londonderry coach Peter Bedford, referencing the program's first trip to the Division I semifinals.

It seems Bedford's club has overcome those initial struggles. Londonderry (4-3-0 Div. I) has won four consecutive league games.

Why the rocky start for a team several coaches considered second-best, behind only arch-rival Pinkerton, in the preseason?

And why the turnaround?

"Guys understand their roles and what's expected of them," Bedford said.

Other factors also contributed to the turnaround, which includes wins over Nashua North, Exeter, Bishop Guertin and Salem.

Bedford adjusted his top three lines before the team earned its first win, an 8-2 decision Dec. 21 at North. Goaltending, over the life of the win streak, has also stabilized.

The first line features center Mike Bears (14 points), and wingers Brian Greene (16 points) and Sam MacNicholl (10 points). Bedford believes the trio compares favorably to the best lines in the state.

Ryan Griffin centers Steven Devereaux and David Donovan on a hard-working, and therefore formidable, second line.

Center Tommy Parilla is on the third line, along with Mike Donlan and 6-foot 3-inch, 190-pound Eric Coburn, whom Bedford said is using his body to block and protect the puck with greater frequency.

In net, Mitchell Schirch has stepped forward. He is making the saves expected of him, the coach said.

Londonderry's upcoming foes are Hanover (4-3-0 Div. I) and No. 8 Salem (4-2-0 Div. I).

Then, a stretch similar to the start of the season begins.

Bedford's bunch plays Pinkerton (Jan. 25), STA (Jan. 28), defending champ Trinity (Feb. 1), No. 5 Manchester Central (Feb. 4), Concord (Feb. 8) and No. 4 Bishop Brady (Feb. 11).

How the Lancers fare in those games is, obviously, unknown. But this much is certain:

Bedford won't allow his players to look past Saturday's contest with the Marauders.

"I just remind them, 'You guys started 0-3,'" Bedford said when asked how he plans to keep his skaters from overlooking any opponent. "If I see them going the other way, believe me, practice is a great tool.

"I can guide them, I can give them good information," he added. "But at the end of the day, it's their team."

Tune in - Londonderry's Bedford is scheduled to join the N.H. High School Sports Show this Saturday at 7:40 a.m. on WGIR-AM 610 and 96.7 The Wave.

Wednesday's slate: Jan. 18 boys' hockey schedule

2012-01-18T09:54:00.002-05:00

The NHIAA lists just seven boys' hockey games to be played today at rinks throughout the state.

Three games feature at least one club appearing in this week's Rink Rankings (those games are highlighted in blue).

Only one game features a matchup of top 10 teams.

Eighth-ranked Salem (4-2-0 Div. I) hosts No. 6 St. Thomas Aquinas (4-3-0 Div. I) at the Icenter. Start time is 7:30 p.m.

Here's a look at the games, their locations and start times.

Games are divided into three groups based on when the puck is scheduled to drop.

3 p.m.
Div. III: Kearsarge at ConVal -- Winchendon School, 3

7:20 - 7:30 p.m.
Div. I: No. 2 Man. Memorial at Nashua North -- Conway Arena, 7:20
Div. I: No. 6 St. Thomas Aquinas at No. 8 Salem -- Icenter, 7:30

8 - 8:10 p.m.
Div. II: Bow at Spaulding -- Rochester Ice Arena, 8
Div. III: Man. West at Hollis/Brookline -- Cyclones Arena, 8
Div. II: No. 9 Merrimack at Winnacunnet -- The Rinks at Exeter, 8:10
Div. III: Portsmouth at Pembroke-Campbell -- Tri-Town Arena, 8:10

Recap: No. 6 St. Thomas Aquinas 3, No. 3 Dover 2

2012-01-16T23:21:00.000-05:00

DOVER -- Recap from Holt Rink at Dover Ice Arena, where today sixth-ranked St. Thomas Aquinas edged No. 3 Dover, 3-2, in the annual non-league rivalry game of Dover-based hockey clubs.

Christian Going was the stat-sheet star. The senior forward scored STA's second and third goals, his second marker the game-winner as Dover's Liam Murphy made things interesting with a score inside the final minute.

But the real story of this heated clash -- beyond the fact the Saints snapped a two-game skid in head-to-head competition -- was the combined number of penalties.

Nineteen.

STA (4-3-0 Div. I) cracked double digits with 11, including 5-minute high-sticking majors assessed to Zach Hird and Ed Conroy. Hird's penalty resulted in a disqualification.

Dover (5-2-0 Div. II) committed its share of penalties, too, tallying eight infractions.

'Going' for the win - Going made the Green Wave pay for a turnover deep in their zone with 2 minutes, 50 seconds remaining in regulation. Just prior to the pivotal play, the Saints were protecting a 2-1 lead.

The insurance-goal-turned-winning-score, described by Going:

"I think (the puck) bounced off someone's skates, went into the boards by their bench, then popped out. Luckily, I was there," he said. "I got the puck on my stick and Tyler (Briand), their goalie, went down. I just shot right under his glove, right to the side of his hip."

Late in the second period, with the game tied at 1-apiece, Going snapped the deadlock with a power-play goal. He showcased some nifty stickhandling out of the left corner, skating around defenders along the goal line and tucking the puck past Briand (22 saves) in traffic.

Power outage - Dover coach Steve Riker looked at his shot-chart after the game. It showed the Green Wave were just 1-for-7 on the power play.

Riker didn't express much concern with the low success rate (14.3 percent).

"The power play tonight, when we did possess the puck and worked it around the zone, we generated some opportunities," Riker said. "That's really all we're looking for."

Dover's power-play goal came courtesy of Matt Henderson. The forward knotted the score at 1-1 late in the second frame. But the game remained tied for just 78 seconds.

Areas of strength - STA coach Andrew Leach doesn't want his club making a habit of committing double-digit penalties, and being forced to overcome them.

But, for one game, he found reason to be pleased.

"I was happy with the way our penalty-kill was able to withstand a few 5-on-3's and a 5-on-4, twice with a 5-minute major," said Leach, whose goalie, Chris Parker, stopped 19 shots. "Luckily, (Dover) got a couple of penalties in there to cancel it out. But we were killing a lot of penalties tonight. On that aspect, I was happy.

He also liked his club's 5-on-5 play, though it seemed even-strength action was limited.

"I felt like we did a pretty good job of using our speed, getting pucks deep," he said.

Near-complete effort - Riker was less than thrilled with the penalties STA took at his team's expense. He did, however, like his team's intensity and fearless attitude against a physical Division I foe.

"I really liked the way we played. There's nothing to really be ashamed of today, losing a 3-2 game. We just didn't capitalize on the opportunities we had with the power play.

"If anything, I think the last couple games that we've played, we haven't been able to put together 45 minutes. I thought we came much closer to that tonight than we have in the last two weeks," he added. "So, we may have gotten something out of this."

(Note: A special "High School Hockey" column devoted to the STA-Dover game appeared in the Tuesday print editions of the New Hampshire Union Leader.)

Rink Rankings: Jan. 16-21, 2012

2012-01-16T09:47:00.001-05:00

Ugh.

A few weeks back, I wrote that ranking the top 10 teams immediately after the holidays would likely be the toughest exercise of the hockey season.

I was wrong. Very wrong.

Ranking the top 10 teams this week was, by far, the toughest challenge to date.

The reason: Aside from top-ranked Pinkerton Academy, the other six teams in last week's top seven all suffered at least one loss.

So, between Dover, Merrimack, Manchester Memorial, St. Thomas Aquinas, Bishop Brady and Manchester Central -- last week's Nos. 2-7 teams, respectively -- which clubs benefited the most from a weird week? Likewise, which teams took the biggest tumble?

Here you go, hockey heads. Enjoy.

1. Pinkerton (last week: No. 1) - There's now just one club in Division I that has played at least eight games and lost just once. It's the Astros (7-1-0 Div. I). They outscored their foes last week, Concord and Berlin, 10-3. They're also riding a five-game win streak. Coach Casey Kesselring & Co. remain the team to beat.

2. Man. Memorial (last week: No. 4) - Hey, somebody has to be the No. 2 club coming off a week where nobody stepped up to grab the spot. The Crusaders (7-2-0 Div. I) doubled up winless Exeter, 6-3, on Wednesday. They lost to Concord, 5-3, on Saturday. But, maybe Memorial's loss isn't so bad. Pinkerton's Kesselring told me last Wednesday that the Crimson Tide "threw the kitchen sink at us."

3. Dover (last week: No. 2) - Similarly, the Green Wave (5-2-0 Div. II) were saved from a drastic dip. Before beating Bow in comeback fashion on Saturday, 3-2, the defending state champs lost on Wednesday to sub-.500 Kingswood, 3-1. But, the Green Wave picked the right week to suffer a stunner.

4. Bishop Brady (last week: No. 6) - Sense a theme here? The Green Giants (5-3-0 Div. I) climb in the rankings thanks to a late-game 2-1 win over then-No. 7 Manchester Central on Wednesday. The Capital City club's Sunday game, at Trinity, resulted in a 1-0 setback. Hardly a lopsided loss. In fact, the team's three losses have all been by a single goal.

5. Man. Central (last week: No. 7) - In terms of scheduling, the Little Green (4-3-0 Div. I) had the toughest week of any ranked team. They lost at then-No. 6 Bishop Brady, but Saturday rebounded to top then-No. 5 St. Thomas Aquinas, 5-2. A close loss and a three-goal win against top-six squads? Good combination this week.

6. St. Thomas Aquinas (last week: No. 5) - The Saints (4-3-0 Div. I) only played one game last week. It was Saturday at Central. Considering the Saints were on the road, skating against the No. 7 team, their skid in the top 10 was minimal.

7. Oyster River (last week: NR) - The Bobcats (5-1-0 Div. II) are ranked for the first time. They have won three in a row since a 2-1 loss Jan. 4 to Dover. The Durham club's win streak includes a 3-1 victory at Merrimack last Wednesday, and a 3-2 triumph Saturday against Goffstown.

8. Salem (last week: No. 8) - The Blue Devils (4-1-0 Div. I) played one game last week. They knocked off sub-.500 Nashua North, 3-1, on Wednesday. So, they didn't move up. But they didn't drop, either.

9. Merrimack (last week: No. 3) - The Tomahawks (4-3-0 Div. II) took the biggest hit. They went 0-2 last week, with losses against unranked foes Oyster River and Lebanon. Since starting 4-0 in league play, the Tomahawks have lost three consecutive contests.

10. Alvirne (last week: No. 9) - The Broncos (6-0-0 Div. III) played one game last week, and won it, 9-1. But drubbing Moultonborough-Inter-Lakes, at the time 4-2-0, didn't prevent the Hudson club from dropping one spot in the rankings. M-I-L's three losses have all been by at least six goals.

No longer ranked: Bedford

Previous rankings:
Jan. 9-15, 2012
Jan. 2-8, 2012
Dec. 26, 2011 - Jan. 1, 2012
Dec. 19-25, 2011

Sports-talk radio takeaways, Jan. 14

2012-01-14T15:12:00.000-05:00

Earlier today, the "New Hampshire High School Sports Show" on WGIR-AM 610 and 96.7 FM included four segments with coaches, two apiece in hockey and hoop.

The lineup for the 7 o'clock hour featured hockey coaches Paul Roy (Goffstown) and Dunc Walsh (Concord), followed by boys' basketball mentors Seth Garon (Alvirne) and D.B. Betz (Spaulding assistant) in the program's second hour.

We definitely hit it big -- again -- with the hockey coaches. Both made some noteworthy comments.

Starting with Roy, who joined us at 7:15 a.m.:

Inconsistent start - Roy on Goffstown's 2-2-2 Division II mark, which includes a pair of 3-3 ties this week against Winnacunnet and Keene:

"Expectations were high out of the gate ... We've taken our foot off the gas a little bit."

Sad, but not surprising - Roy on the state of hockey at Manchester West, where he coached before the program dropped to Division III with the opening of Bedford High:

"I saw it coming a little bit. To their credit, they've been able to muster a team."

Tough to admit - Roy on the league rival whose success he finds most surprising:

"As painful as it is (to say), to me it's Merrimack ... They are a high-powered offense. Credit to them, they're finding ways to score goals."

Later in the hour, we spoke with Walsh, who joined us at 7:40 a.m.:

Taking the lead - Walsh on the key for his club overcoming its 2-3-1 Division I start:

"It's important they get a lead. We've been behind, it seems, every game. We're pressing right now."

'Even' strength - Walsh on the talent level for Division I teams not named Pinkerton, Manchester Memorial, St. Thomas Aquinas and Bishop Brady:

"After those four, the next 11, it's pretty even."

What's the difference? - Walsh on the difference between frontrunners Memorial and Pinkerton:

"I think ... Memorial has a little more balance -- and goaltending. (Memorial senior) Tyler Fay is a very good goalie."

Saturday's slate: Jan. 14 boys' hockey schedule

2012-01-13T14:04:00.001-05:00

The NHIAA lists 18 boys' contests to be played Saturday at rinks throughout the state.

Seven games feature at least one club appearing in this week's Rink Rankings (those games are highlighted in blue).

Only one rink offers a doubleheader featuring three teams in the top 10: JFK Coliseum in Manchester.

Seventh-ranked Manchester Central hosts No. 5 St. Thomas Aquinas in a 4:10 p.m. contest. The second game, slated for a 6:10 p.m. start, includes No. 4 Manchester Memorial and Concord.

Here's a look at the games, their locations and start times.

Games are divided into three groups based on when the puck is scheduled to drop.

Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Div. II: Goffstown at Oyster River -- UNH's Whittemore Center, noon
Div. II: Timberlane at Spaulding -- Rochester Ice Arena, noon
Div. I: Berlin at No. 1 Pinkerton -- Ice Den, 1:20
Div. I: Nashua South at Hanover -- Campion Arena, 1:30

3:10 - 6:30 p.m.
Div. I: Exeter at Nashua North -- Conway Arena, 3:10
Div. III: Laconia-Winnisquam at Man. West -- West Side Arena, 4
Div. I: No. 5 St. Thomas Aquinas at No. 7 Man. Central -- JFK Coliseum, 4:10
Div. II: Bow at No. 2 Dover -- Dover Ice Arena, 4:15
Div. III: Moult.-Inter-Lakes at No. 9 Alvirne -- Skate 3, 4:40
Div. III: Hollis/Brookline at Pembroke-Campbell -- Tri-Town Arena, 5:20
Div. III: Windham-Pelham at Kearsarge -- Melody Rink, 6
Div. I: Concord at No. 4 Man. Memorial -- JFK Coliseum, 6:10
Div. II: Kingswood at Winnacunnet -- The Rinks at Exeter, 6:30

7 - 8:10 p.m.
Div. III: Portsmouth at John Stark-Hopkinton -- Clement Arena, 7
Div. II: Keene at No. 10 Bedford -- St. Anselm College's Sullivan Arena, 7:30
Div. III: ConVal at Souhegan -- Conway Arena, 7:30
Div. II: No. 3 Merrimack at Lebanon -- Campion Arena, 7:40
Div. III: Kennett at Somersworth -- Rochester Ice Arena, 8:10

There's also one game Sunday afternoon:

Div. I: No. 6 Bishop Brady at Trinity -- St. Anselm College's Sullivan Arena, 1:30

Recap: No. 6 Bishop Brady 2, No. 7 Man. Central 1

2012-01-12T23:44:00.000-05:00

Recap from the nightcap of Wednesday's doubleheader at Everett Arena in Concord, where No. 6-ranked Bishop Brady edged seventh-ranked Manchester Central, 2-1.

For the second straight game, Brady freshman Andrew Hadley scored the game-winning goal.

Hadley blasted home a rebound with 8 minutes, 36 seconds left in regulation. Brady (5-2-0 Div. I) clinched its third consecutive win, the last two against Manchester opponents.

Last Saturday, Hadley netted the decisive goal in Brady's 3-2 overtime win at Memorial.

Central (3-3-0 Div. I) scored the only goal of the second period. Mitchel Fortin connected for the equalizer. Colton McAllister gave Brady a 1-0 lead in the opening period.

Super save - Brady sophomore goaltender Jacob Cordeiro (14 saves) only faced 15 shots on goal.

But the final shot -- fired by Austin Sprague in the final minute -- was the stop of the night.

From the high slot, Sprague slapped a sizzling shot that appeared headed for the top-left corner of the net. Cordeiro had little time to react, but shifted right nonetheless and denied the potential game-tying goal.

"For a small goalie, that was a high shot. He played it well," Brady coach Clint Edinger said. "I feel that we don't give up a lot. But sometimes, we give up some good quality (chances) and he bails us out."

Works in progress - Central coach Dan Legro said earlier in the week that, while his players were meeting many of his expectations, two areas remained works in progress.

The Little Green needed to play with (1) greater composure and (2) sharper focus.

"We weren't there (mentally) for three periods. That's why we lost," said Legro, whose netminder, Connor Minch, faced 32 shots on goal. "Brady was present, in the moment, for a longer period of the game. And they wanted to win more. So, it went their way."

Surprising start - Brady's success is particularly impressive considering the team's 22-player roster includes eight sophomores and five freshmen.

"To be 5-2 this early in the year, you're a few wins from being in the playoffs for sure," Edinger said. "That's huge when you're nervous when the season starts.

"But we've got Trinity next. Another Manchester school. On a Sunday," he added. "So let's see what that brings."

Recap: No. 1 Pinkerton 4, Concord 1

2012-01-12T14:37:00.000-05:00

Recap from the early game of Wednesday's doubleheader at Everett Arena in Concord, where No. 1-ranked Pinkerton Academy posted a 4-1 win over struggling Concord.

Junior left wing Zach Sanford and sophomore right wing J.D. Dudek powered Pinkerton with three points apiece. Sanford tallied two goals and assisted on Dudek's breakaway score in the second period (Ryan Hall also scored for the Astros).

But it was junior Nate Mitchell who received the most praise from Pinkerton's bench boss.

"Our goalie played excellent. He was our best player (Wednesday)," said Pinkerton coach Casey Kesselring, whose team improved to 6-1-0 in Division I. "That was huge because we weren't good in our own zone."

Mitchell made 27 saves, including 15 in the third period when the Crimson Tide came to life.

Alan Bauman scored on the power play to pull Concord within 3-1. But the Tide couldn't turn their increased pressure into additional goals -- thanks largely to Mitchell.

Best of the best? - There are some talented skaters playing NHIAA hockey. Pinkerton's Sanford, with one-third of the 2011-12 season complete, has to be considered the best.

The junior winger boasts a team-high 21 points (nine goals, 12 assists) in Pinkerton's seven league games.

Sanford's eighth goal of the season -- which opened the scoring against Concord -- was superb. It resulted from a move much like the crossover dribble in basketball.

Faking wide to the left, Sanford cut inside and fired from the slot. The deke left defenseman Ian Bickford a step behind, which typically is all a sniper like Sanford needs to make a goaltender pay.

"The first one was pretty nice," Kesselring said. "He's pretty much the human highlight film of the league."

Worth wondering - It's fair to wonder how Concord (2-3-1 Div. I) would have fared with Taylor LeBell in the lineup. The senior, whom Concord coach Dunc Walsh considers his top defenseman, did not play.

LeBell was sidelined with a bad back. He was hit from behind, Walsh said, in the team's 5-0 loss last Saturday at fifth-ranked St. Thomas Aquinas.

Might LeBell's presence on the ice prevented Dudek's breakaway goal, or Sanford's second score in traffic at the net?

Still waiting - Considering its talent, particularly along the top two lines, Pinkerton has yet to play a full 45 minutes of high-caliber hockey.

That observation came from Kesselring himself.

"We're still young, so we're always trying to get better," Kesselring said. "We talk about it after (each game). We're not trying to be negative, but we want to get better.

"We've got to be better in our own zone," he added. "We've got to stay focused. We still haven't put 45 minutes together. It's part of the process. We're trying to peak for the end of the year. Hopefully, Saturday (against Berlin) will be better."

Tough tests continue - As I said in Wednesday's video post, Concord has the toughest schedule this week of any hockey club in the state. Up next: No. 4 Manchester Memorial.

Where Concord is struggling to score goals, and stop them, facing Memorial (7-1-0 Div. I) Saturday at JFK Coliseum is a tough way to start the middle portion of the campaign.

"We've just got to stay positive. We're 2-3-1 through six games," Walsh said. "We're a third of the way through the season. I just told them, 'The next six, we've got to be 4-2.'

"I think we're in the hunt. We've just got to get better," he added. "We've got to play with the intensity that we (had) in the third (period)."

Video: Thaler pegs teams with week's toughest tests

2012-01-11T14:19:00.000-05:00

Which high school hockey team has this week's most challenging schedule?

I actually provide two clubs to consider in this video post.

One of them is a team in the latest Rink Rankings. The other, though unranked, may have the toughest week of all.

Wednesday's slate: Jan. 11 game schedule

2012-01-11T10:13:00.000-05:00

The NHIAA lists a total of 19 boys' contests to be played Wednesday at rinks throughout the state.

Six of those games feature at least one club appearing in this week's Rink Rankings (those games are highlighted in blue).

The top four teams are all in action, but there's only one game that matches two teams in the top 10.

It's No. 7 Manchester Central at No. 6 Bishop Brady. The 5:15 p.m. game is part of a doubleheader at Everett Arena that concludes with Concord hosting top-ranked Pinkerton Academy.

Here's a look at the games, their locations and start times.

Games are divided into three groups based on when the puck is scheduled to drop.

3:20 - 5:15 p.m.
Div. II: Lebanon at Timberlane -- Icenter, 3:20
Div. I: No. 4 Man. Memorial at Exeter -- The Rinks at Exeter, 4
Div. II: Oyster River at No. 3 Merrimack -- West Side Arena, 4
Div. III: Somersworth at Man. West -- JFK Coliseum, 4
Div. III: Laconia-Winnisquam at Kennett -- Ham Arena, 5
Div. I: No. 1 Pinkerton at Concord -- Everett Arena, 5:15

6 - 7 p.m.
Div. I: Hanover at Berlin -- Notre Dame Arena, 6
Div. II: Goffstown at Keene -- Cheshire Fairgrounds, 6
Div. III: Kearsarge at Moult.-Inter-Lakes -- Laconia Ice Arena, 6
Div. II: No. 2 Dover at Kingswood -- Pop Whalen Arena, 7
Div. III: John Stark-Hopkinton at ConVal -- Winchendon School, 7

7:30 - 8:10 p.m.
Div. I: No. 7 Man. Central at No. 6 Bishop Brady -- Everett Arena, 7:30
Div. I: Nashua North at No. 8 Salem -- Icenter, 7:30
Div. I: Nashua South at Trinity -- St. Anselm College's Sullivan Arena, 7:30
Div. III: Portsmouth at Souhegan -- Conway Arena, 7:30
Div. I: Londonderry at Bishop Guertin -- Skate 3, 7:50
Div. III: Windham-Pelham at Hollis/Brookline -- Cyclones Arena, 8
Div. II: Bow at Winnacunnet -- The Rinks at Exeter, 8:10
Div. III: Belmont-Gilford at Pembroke-Campbell -- Tri-Town Arena, 8:10

Kennett's 'orange' line with red-hot night

2012-01-11T00:24:00.001-05:00

Center Connor Todd, right wing Kevin Murphy and left wing Dillon Smith make up the "orange" line for the powerful Division III Kennett Eagles.

Red was more the trio's color Tuesday night.

Kennett's talented line burned No. 10 Bedford, 5-3, in non-league action at St. Anselm College's Sullivan Arena.

Todd, Murphy and Smith scored a combined 11 points (four goals, seven assists). All three forwards tallied at least three points against their club's Division II competition.

"We really pride ourselves on rolling three lines. That's the line that's got to finish for us," said Kennett coach Mike Lane, whose club is 5-0 overall and 4-0 in Division III. "They really started to gel the past couple of games. That's good news for us to get that line going."

How dominant was Kennett's trio?

Todd (two goals, two assists), Murphy (goal, three assists) and Smith (goal, two assists) earned one point apiece on Kennett's third, fourth and fifth goals.

Bedford (3-3, 3-2) built a 2-0 first-period lead on goals scored by Jason Campbell and Michael Ahern.

But the Eagles responded with four markers in the final 2 minutes, 56 seconds of the opening stanza.

Murphy started the barrage. Justin Munck netted the equalizer. Todd and Smith capped the onslaught.

Lane also lauded the play of goaltender John Bishop (36 saves). He faced 39 overall shots, 22 more than Kennett's offense fired.

"He did a good job controlling rebounds," Lane said, "and not giving Bedford second opportunites."

Leftovers from interview with Man. Central's Legro

2012-01-10T20:25:00.002-05:00

Dan Legro coached Merrimack within one win of last year's Division II championship.

Legro is now the bench boss at Division I Manchester Central (3-2-0). Whether he can rapidly turn the program into a title contender remains to be seen.

But, at the present time, this much is known: Central has two quality wins to its credit.

Legro's club defeated Pinkerton Academy during the Derry squad's first stint atop the Rink Rankings. This past Saturday, the Little Green knocked off reigning state runner-up Hanover.

I spoke with Legro for my "High School Hockey" column, which will run in the print editions of Wednesday's New Hampshire Union Leader.

Here are a few noteworthy leftovers:

Who's next? - Legro on Central's next opponent, No. 6 Bishop Brady (4-2-0 Div. I):

"I expect -- and I hope I'm wrong -- that Brady will be the toughest game we've come across. I just think that they are going to be deeper, tougher, better, faster, stronger than anybody we've played.

"It's going to be more difficult than the kids on the team think it will be. And I've been briefing them on it."

'My home' - Legro on the success of his former team, No. 3 Merrimack (4-1-0 Div. II):

"I'm happy where I am, and this is what I want. This is my home. I hope that what I did (at Merrimack) helped them get to this point."

Room for improvement - Legro on Central's 5-on-5 play:

"We're not meeting (my expectations) yet. We're playing teams that are taking penalties. But we're taking too many penalties ourselves."

No slowing down - Legro on his coaching philosophy:

"You have to skate, physically, so hard, that the opponent has no choice but to trip, slash or hold. If you get in the habit of (playing at that pace), you're going to start going on odd-man chances.

"And that's what sets you apart."

Recap: No. 4 Man. Memorial 4, Trinity 3

2012-01-10T00:08:00.001-05:00

GOFFSTOWN -- Recap from St. Anselm College's Sullivan Arena, where No. 4-ranked Manchester Memorial survived a serious scare Monday night from Queen City rival Trinity and won, 4-3.

Jacob Boylan played the hero. The junior forward recorded the game-winning goal with 34.4 seconds left in regulation.

Boylan's backhand tally from atop the crease saved the Crusaders (6-1-0 Div. I). Just like Saturday, they failed to protect a 2-0 lead built through two periods.

The Pioneers (1-4-1 Div. I) stormed back with three straight goals from Mitch Myers, Kyle Valliere and Joey Libby in less than 3 minutes.

But the Crusaders responded with a pair of power-play goals and avoided their second straight loss.

Brady Bilodeau knotted the score with 6 minutes, 14 seconds to play.

Boylan made sure overtime wasn't necessary. He buried the rebound of Bilodeau's blast from the left-wing circle.

Putney's perspective - Memorial coach Mark Putney said he wasn't pleased with his club's level of intensity from start to finish.

It was a somewhat surprising comment, considering sophomore forward Brendan Sullivan gave the Crusaders a 1-0 lead just 22 seconds into the game. Ethan Pollack doubled the lead late in the second period.

"I don't think we played our type of game," Putney said. "I don't think we were physical enough. I don't think we were moving the puck like we should. We took some untimely penalties that could have proven very costly."

Close calls - Though the Pioneers didn't score until the third period, they had three quality chances in the middle stanza.

All three scenarios matched Libby against goaltender Tyler Fay (20 saves).

The first and third chances were 2-on-1 rushes. The middle bid was a breakout by Libby down the left wing. Fay was up to the challenge each time.

Of the three sequences, the third featured Fay at his best. In a bang-bang play, the senior stopper stoned Libby on his initial shot from the right wing and denied the talented forward on his bid to bury the rebound.

Coach's decision - Junior goalie Jacob Zimmerman (44 saves) earned the start for Trinity rather than standout Ryan Slatky.

Asked about his decision, Trinity coach Mike Connell said, "We have two very good goaltenders. We needed a change. I thought (Zimmerman) did phenomenal."

Bouncing back - Memorial's sixth win was significant for a reason that goes beyond earning a critical five points for a victory on the road.

It showed the Crusaders have bounce-back ability. The loss Saturday against Bishop Brady was a stunner, the type that could send a squad in one of two directions.

Slamming the door shut on the opposition, however, has suddenly become a struggle for the state's fourth-ranked team. Cause for concern?

Batchelder's big return for Stevens

2012-01-09T15:36:00.000-05:00

Remember Logan Batchelder?

He is the standout quarterback for Stevens, who suffered a season-ending injury in Week 1 of high school football's 2011 campaign.

Batchelder's injury -- a broken leg -- quickly altered the course of the team's season. The Cardinals were considered the preseason favorite in Division V prior to losing their signal-caller.

Right now, though, the junior's focus is basketball. Batchelder made his return to NHIAA athletics last Friday.

He entered the game with 3-plus minutes remaining in his team's 66-43 Division III win over Kearsarge -- whose football team was the Week 1 foe for Stevens.

Recovered from a broken leg suffered
during football season,Logan Batchelder
earned minutes in the hoop team's
Jan. 7 win. (Courtesy photo)

Batchelder scored three points on 3 of 4 shooting from the free-throw line.

Stevens head football coach Paul Silva said via e-mail that Batchelder's return didn't go unnoticed. Anything but, actually.

"His teammates and the home crowd really made it a memorable return with a very raucous reception when he stepped on the court. It was really something to see," Silva said. "For me personally, I couldn't have been happier or more excited for a young man, than I was for Logan (Friday) night. He has truly been an inspiration and he has really worked hard to recover and get back to playing sports."

Silva said Batchelder's injury required surgery. A rod was inserted into the junior's leg.

"He went through some very difficult times, but ... (made) his return to competitive sports in just over 17 weeks," Silva said.

Rink Rankings: Jan. 9-15, 2012

2012-01-09T12:03:00.001-05:00

So, this past week Bishop Brady on the road stunned powerful Manchester Memorial in Division I action, defending Division II champion Dover won a matchup of top-four teams against Merrimack, and Alvirne rolled along in Division III.

But wait. There's more.

Bedford dropped two consecutive contests, while Manchester Central continued to build momentum.

These are precisely the types of week-to-week storylines that make ranking the state's top hockey clubs a challenge.

Where does your squad rank, if at all?

Here you go, hockey heads. Enjoy.

1. Pinkerton (last week: No. 1) - The Astros (5-1-0 Div. I) are the first team to retain the No. 1 ranking. They began their second consecutive week atop the poll thanks to sweeping a three-game week. It started with a 4-3 comeback win Jan. 2 at then-No. 8 Bishop Brady.

2. Dover (last week: No. 4) - The defending champion Green Wave (4-1-0 Div. II) survived arguably the most grueling week for any club in the state. They beat Seacoast rival Oyster River, 3-1, marking the first time under coach Steve Riker that the Green Wave won at UNH's Whittemore Center. Then, the squad showed some late-game gusto in a 3-2 overtime win against then-No. 2 Merrimack.

3. Merrimack (last week: No. 2) - Only a slight slip for the Tomahawks (4-1-0 Div. II). You can't penalize a team too much for a 3-2 overtime loss at Dover, especially after starting the week with a thrilling 4-3 OT win Wednesday against then-No. 6 Bedford.

4. Man. Memorial (last week: No. 3) - The Crusaders (5-1-0 Div. I) suffered their first league loss Jan. 7. They squandered a two-goal lead at home and lost in overtime to Bishop Brady, 3-2. Earlier in the week, though, coach Mark Putney watched his skaters scorch Bishop Guertin, 7-2.

5. St. Thomas Aquinas (last week: No. 5) - The Saints (4-2-0 Div. I) earned a split decision in two games. The week started with a 3-1 loss to Hanover Wednesday. It didn't hurt that the convincing win, a 5-0 rout of Concord, took place Saturday.

6. Bishop Brady (last week: No. 8) - Young but fearless, the Green Giants (4-2-0 Div. I) won two of their three games last week. The big win, of course, was the 3-2 OT triumph Saturday at Memorial. Freshman forward Andrew Hadley was a huge part of it.

7. Man. Central (last week: No. 10) - The Little Green (3-2-0 Div. I) are riding a modest two-game win streak, the second victory particularly noteworthy. The team traveled to Campion Rink Saturday and defeated always-tough Hanover, last season's state runner-up, 5-3. In each of their three wins, the Little Green potted at least five pucks.

8. Salem (last week: NR) - Welcome the Blue Devils (3-1-0 Div. I) to the Rink Rankings. They're riding a three-game win streak since dropping their season-opener. They only played one game last week, but won it by a 3-2 count against defending champion and then-No. 7 Trinity.

9. Alvirne (last week: No. 9) - The only undefeated team in the top 10, the Broncos (5-0-0 Div. III) remain in the same spot. They won twice last week -- and likely must continue winning to prevent dropping from the poll. That's the challenge that faces a club from the small-school league.

10. Bedford (last week: No. 6) - Just two weeks ago, the Bulldogs (3-2-0 Div. II) were considered the second-best club in the state. Why are they now in danger of slipping from the top 10? They coughed up a two-goal advantage, and later a one-goal lead at Merrimack. Then, they dropped a 4-1 decision Saturday night at unranked Bow.

No longer ranked: Trinity

Previous rankings:
Jan. 2-8, 2012
Dec. 26, 2011 - Jan. 1, 2012
Dec. 19-25, 2011

Video recap: Freshmen fuel No. 8 Bishop Brady, Bow

2012-01-08T00:19:00.002-05:00

CONCORD -- Underdog teams with ties to the Capital City were among the biggest winners Saturday in NHIAA boys' hockey.

Marc Thaler points to a pair of freshmen who fueled the big wins.

Forward Andrew Hadley (two goals, assist) lifted No. 8 Bishop Brady to the 3-2 overtime win over No. 3 Manchester Memorial at JFK Coliseum.

Goaltender Connor Simpson was superb on defense, stopping 41 of 42 shots fired his way as Bow earned a 4-1 win over No. 6 Bedford at Everett Arena.

Game stories appear in the print edition of the New Hampshire Sunday News.

Sports-talk radio takeaways, Jan. 7

2012-01-07T11:41:00.000-05:00

This morning's "New Hampshire High School Sports Show" featured three very engaging guests.

Hockey coaches Kurt Mithoefer (Merrimack) and Jim Tufts (Exeter) joined us for segments sandwiched around a fun boys' hoop discussion with Trinity mentor Dave Keefe.

Both hockey coaches made several noteworthy comments. I jotted down a few of my favorites.

Starting with Mithoefer, who joined us at 7:15 a.m.:

-- On the No. 2-ranked Tomahawks (4-1-0 Div. II) visiting No. 4 Dover (3-1-0 Div. II) later today:

"We're coming out to prove that Merrimack is legit and we're for real."

-- On Merrimack's four-game run to the Bauer Classic holiday tournament title:

"The tournament was validation that we want to play together and play hard."

-- On the most disappointing aspect of losing last year's Division II title game to Dover, 5-1:

"We as coaches didn't give the kids the proper game plan to be successful."

Moving on to Tufts, who joined us at 8:40 a.m.:

-- On Exeter (0-4 Div. I) solidifying the goaltender position, which was territory of standout Nolan Daley the past four years:

"The development of that position is something that is ongoing for us."

-- On the positive that came from a 4-3 loss Wednesday to No. 1-ranked Pinkerton:

"We scored first. We have a tendency for teams to get a one- or two-goal lead against us, and we're fighting against the tide."

-- On teaching the game of hockey, whether at the high school or youth levels:

"Sixty minutes of practice. That's my classroom."

Saturday's slate: Jan. 7 game schedule

2012-01-07T00:20:00.000-05:00

The NHIAA lists a total of 20 boys' contests to be played this weekend at rinks throughout the state.

Nineteen of them take place today.

Top-ranked Pinkerton is in action. The Astros visit Conway Arena for a date with Nashua South.

No. 2 Merrimack visits No. 4 Dover. There's also No. 3 Manchester Memorial playing host to No. 8 Bishop Brady.

Here's a look at the games, their locations and start times.

Games are divided into three groups based on when the puck is scheduled to drop.

11:10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Div. I: Trinity at Nashua North -- Conway Arena, 11:10
Div. III: Man. West at Moult.-I-L -- Laconia Ice Arena, noon
Div. I: Pinkerton at Nashua South -- Conway Arena, 1:10
Div. I: Man. Central at Hanover -- Campion Rink, 1:10
Div. III: Hollis/Brookline at Laconia-Winnis. -- Laconia Ice Arena, 2

4:10 - 6:30 p.m.
Div. I: Bishop Brady at Man. Memorial -- JFK Coliseum, 4:10
Div. II: Merrimack at Dover -- Dover Ice Arena, 4:10
Div. II: Spaulding at Lebanon -- Campion Rink, 5
Div. I: Concord at St. Thomas Aquinas -- Dover Ice Arena, 5
Div. I: Bishop Guertin at Berlin -- Notre Dame Arena, 6
Div. III: Kennett at Kearsarge -- Melody Rink, 6
Div. III: Alvirne at Belmont-Gilford -- Laconia Ice Arena, 6:30
Div. III: ConVal at Portsmouth -- The Rinks at Exeter, 6:30

7 - 8 p.m.
Div. II: Oyster River at Kingswood -- Pop Whalen Arena, 7
Div. III: Pembroke-Campbell at John Stark-Hop. -- Clement Arena, 7
Div. I: Exeter at Londonderry -- Cyclones Arena, 7:30
Div. II: Bedford at Bow -- Everett Arena, 7:30
Div. II: Keene at Timberlane -- Icenter, 8
Div. III: Souhegan at Somersworth -- Rochester Ice Arena, 8

Sunday, Jan. 8
Div. II: Winnacunnet at Goffstown -- St. Anselm College's Sullivan Arena, 1:45

Podcast: Dec. 24 "N.H. High School Sports Show"

2012-01-05T23:34:00.000-05:00

Hockey coaches Mark Putney (Manchester Memorial) and Marty Myers (Bedford)
appeared in-studio for the Dec. 24 "New Hampshire High School Sports Show."

Lost in the shuffle of the holiday season was providing links to the Dec. 24 "New Hampshire High School Sports Show."

Alas, here it is.

On Christmas Eve, Manchester Memorial coach Mark Putney and Bedford coach Marty Myers appeared in-studio. The Crusaders and Bulldogs, at the time, were the Nos. 1 and 2 teams in the Rink Rankings.

Putney and Myers joined myself and co-host Pete Tarrier for the first hour of the show. We discussed the Manchester High Schools Christmas Tournament (Bauer Classic), along with several other hockey topics.

Here are the links to the segments of the show: 1A, 1B, 1C, 2A, 2B, 2C

Recap: No. 2 Merrimack 4, No. 6 Bedford 3 (OT)

2012-01-04T22:28:00.000-05:00

MANCHESTER -- Recap from West Side Arena, where today senior forward David Downie scored on a breakaway chance with 32.6 seconds left in overtime to clinch a dramatic 4-3 overtime win for No. 2 Merrimack against No. 6 Bedford.

Merrimack improved to 4-0-0 in Division II. Bedford dropped to 3-1-0 in Division II.

The Tomahawks surrendered a goal in each period of regulation, trailed by a 2-0 count through two frames, and fell behind, 3-2, inside the final 4 minutes.

But Connor Powell unloaded on a rebound to tie the game with 18.9 seconds left.

Downie delivers - Merrimack's senior captain, recently named a forward on the Bauer Classic all-tournament team, factored in all four goals. He tallied an assist on Merrimack's first, second and third scores -- third-period markers netted by Rutger Tupper, Cal Lazema and Powell -- before burying his big chance in OT.

Downie, describing the breakaway chance:

"The puck was just rolling out of (Merrimack's) corner and I took a quick look up ice because I noticed their defenseman stepped in, so I was all alone," he said. "I called to Powell. He just slid it across and I was gone.

"I came in on the goalie. He gave me left side, so I just put it in."

Saving best for last - Junior goaltender Brett Glendye, the Bauer Classic tourney MVP, tallied 30 saves.

He was instrumental in OT.

Bedford was buzzing around Glendye for the duration of the sudden-victory frame. It was clear the Bulldogs were fuming after surrendering the OT-inducing goal.

The result was a decisive 9-2 shots-on-goal advantage prior to Downie's heroics. Glendye was simply terrific between the pipes.

"There were times, stretches, good minutes there, that we hung on for dear life," Merrimack coach Kurt Mithoefer said. "And Brett kept us in it."

Cases in point: Bedford had two quality chances in a 50-second span early in OT.

Jason Campbell was stoned on a breakout chance. Michael Ahern had his bid from the left wing -- and subsequent attempt off the rebound -- denied by Glendye.

Deja vu - These teams last met a season ago in the Division II quarterfinals at JFK Coliseum. Bedford, then the upstart No. 8 seed, built a 2-0 lead on then-top-seeded Merrimack through two periods.

But the Tomahawks rallied to win, 3-2.

"They're a good team. We came at them in the first period, put a lot of shots on them and kept it in the (offensive) zone. But by the third period, they popped right back," Bedford senior defenseman Tyler Wise said. "They don't give up. We've just got to play consistent."

Man down - Making Merrimack's story even more impressive was the fact that sniper Chris Fortin missed the second half of the game with a shoulder injury, according to Downie.

As a result, the Tomahawks rotated just five forwards throughout OT.

Stage is set - Merrimack's miraculous win sets up a great Saturday showdown with No. 4 Dover (3-1-0 Div. II) at the Dover Ice Arena.

The Green Wave tonight beat Oyster River, 2-1, at UNH's Whittemore Center. The decision earned Dover its first win in four games at The Whit under coach Steve Riker.

It's also the first meeting between these teams since last year's title game. Dover, as the No. 2 seed, earned a convincing 5-1 win.

Puck drops for Saturday's clash at 4:15 p.m.

Dover's Riker seeks first win at The Whit

2012-01-04T13:37:00.001-05:00

Defending Division II champion Dover faces a tough test today against its Seacoast rival from Durham.

Oyster River's Bobcats routinely present a challenge, particularly on home ice at the University of New Hampshire's Whittemore Center.

That's where the Green Wave (2-1-0 Div. II) are winless in three contests under fourth-year coach Steve Riker.

"Our guys are aware we haven't won there in three years. It's something our senior leadership has brought up in the last couple of days," Riker said. "There's a little more emphasis on practice this week because we have two big games."

Fourth-ranked Dover hosts No. 2 Merrimack on Saturday. But, at this moment, attention is squarely on the Bobcats (2-0-0 Div. II) and cracking the win column at The Whit.

Riker points to the size of the ice sheet, specifically its width, as the chief reason his club has struggled on OR's ice. It's Olympic size, or 100 feet wide.

That's 15 additional feet compared to the standard North American rink.

"If you get out of position there, you're going to get in trouble," Riker said. "We've always played a style where we're a little more free. I let our guys roam a bit more and, I think, over there it hurts us a little bit."

Will it hurt the Green Wave today?

Puck drops at 6 p.m.

Wednesday's slate: Jan. 4 game schedule

2012-01-03T22:46:00.000-05:00

High school hockey officially returned to action Monday. Top-ranked Pinkerton edged No. 8 Bishop Brady at Everett Arena, 4-3.

But Wednesday marks the first time a full slate of post-holiday games will be played.

The NHIAA lists a total of 18 boys' contests to be played at rinks throughout the state.

Here's a look at the games, their locations and start times.

Games are divided into three groups based on when the puck is scheduled to drop.

4 - 6 p.m.
Div. I: Berlin at Man. Central -- JFK Coliseum, 4
Div. II: Bedford at Merrimack -- West Side Arena, 4
Div. I: Exeter at Pinkerton -- Ice Den, 5:40
Div. I: Man. Memorial at Bishop Guertin -- Skate 3, 5:50
Div. I: Trinity at Salem -- Icenter, 6
Div. II: Dover at Oyster River -- UNH's Whittemore Center, 6
Div. II: Timberlane at Goffstown -- St. Anselm College's Sullivan Arena, 6
Div. II: Bow at Keene -- Cheshire Fairgrounds, 6
Div. III: Moult.-I-L at Belmont-Gilford -- Laconia Ice Arena, 6

6:10 - 7:50 p.m.
Div. I: Concord at Nashua North -- Conway Arena, 6:10
Div. I: Hanover at St. Thomas Aquinas -- Dover Ice Arena, 6:15
Div. III: Kearsarge at John Stark-Hopkinton -- Lee Clement Arena, 7
Div. II: Lebanon at Kingswood -- Pop Whalen Arena, 7
Div. III: Hollis/Brookline at Alvirne -- Skate 3, 7:50

8 - 8:20 p.m.
Div. III: Laconia-Winnisquam at Somersworth -- Rochester Ice Arena, 8
Div. II: Spaulding at Winnacunnet -- The Rinks at Exeter, 8:10
Div. I: Bishop Brady at Nashua South -- Conway Arena, 8:20
Div. III: Man. West at Windham-Pelham -- Icenter, 8:20

Video recap: No. 1 Pinkerton 4, No. 8 Bishop Brady 3

2012-01-03T01:14:00.003-05:00

Pinkerton Academy edged Bishop Brady, 4-3, Monday afternoon in Division I boys' hockey. Marc Thaler hits the key points in the comeback win for the Astros, who hours before the puck dropped at Concord's Everett Arena returned to No. 1 in the latest Rink Rankings.

Rink Rankings: Jan. 2-8, 2012

2012-01-02T13:18:00.000-05:00

If ever there was a tough week to use as the basis for ranking the state's top high school hockey clubs, this past one was surely it.

NHIAA contests were on hiatus during the winter break. Holiday tournaments took their place.

Some high-caliber teams fared well. Other upper-echelon squads struggled.

Which raises the question: How much weight should be given to games that don't count in the fight for NHIAA hardware? Coaches, players and fans still take the games seriously regardless.

In other words, there isn't an easy answer.

That said, some shuffling in the top 10 certainly took place.

Here you go, hockey heads. Enjoy.

1. Pinkerton (last week: No. 2) - The Astros (2-1-0 Div. I) regain the top ranking based on their strength of schedule at the Maine High School Hockey Invitational and winning twice in the event. Beating perennial power Lewiston and defending Class A champ Thornton Academy -- and even losing in a shootout to both Lockview (Nova Scotia) and North Yarmouth Academy -- certainly count as impressive.

2. Merrimack (last week: No. 5) - Behind goaltender Brett Glendye, the MVP of the Bauer Classic at JFK Coliseum, the Tomahawks (3-0-0 Div. II) won their four contests, including the final over then-No. 1 Manchester Memorial, 2-1, in a shootout. Three of Merrimack's wins were against Division I competition.

3. Man. Memorial (last week: No. 1) - The Crusaders (4-0-0 Div. I) were oh-so-close to winning the Bauer Classic. It took a four-round shootout to land them in the loss column for the first time in eight overall games. Can't drop them too far.

4. Dover (last week: No. 6) - Goalie Tyler Briand was named tourney MVP of the Capital City Classic after leading the Green Wave (2-1-0 Div. II) on a three-game run to the title at Everett Arena. The club sandwiched wins over Division I teams Concord and Londonderry around a commanding victory against South Kingston, R.I.

5. St. Thomas Aquinas (last week: No. 4) - The Saints (3-1-0 Div. I) won three games at the Exeter Christmas Tournament to clinch the title. But they drop one spot because teams ahead of them each had a tougher holiday strength of schedule. STA reached the final at The Rinks at Exeter with convincing wins over Division II teams Kingswood and Winnacunnet, whose combined league record is 0-4 (outscored 20-0).

6. Bedford (last week: No. 2) - The Bulldogs (3-0-0 Div. III) skidded four spots after an 0-3 showing at the Bauer Classic. Of course, the first and second setbacks were against Division I Queen City squads Memorial and Central. Here's a hunch: Bedford bounces back.

7. Trinity (last week: NR) - The Pioneers (1-2-0 Div. I) opened the Bauer Classic with a loss to eventual champ Merrimack. They responded with three straight wins, including a victory over Central in the consolation game. Starting the Pioneers at No. 4 was perhaps too high. Bumping them from the top 10 a week ago was perhaps too harsh.

8. Bishop Brady (last week: No. 7) - Losing their opener at the Capital City Classic, the Green Giants (2-1-0 Div. I) finished 2-1 at the tourney and for the second time since Dec. 21 beat rival Concord, ranked entering both head-to-head matchups.

9. Alvirne (last week: No. 10) - Rounding out the top 10 the past two weeks, the Broncos (3-0-0 Div. III) jump a spot after knocking off Division I clubs Nashua North and Nashua South at the Conway Arena Tournament. Forward Phil Sweeney, a known force in Division III, netted four goals in the final.

10. Man. Central (last week: NR) - Time to show the Little Green (1-2-0 Div. I) some love. They knocked Pinkerton from the No. 1 spot in the inaugural Rink Rankings, and downed then-No. 2 Bedford at the Bauer Classic. And those two league losses? They were one-goal setbacks in low-scoring games, the first a season-opening 1-0 loss to powerful Memorial.

No longer ranked: Concord; Keene.

Previous rankings:
Dec. 19-25, 2011
Dec. 26, 2011 - Jan. 1, 2012

Football's top 10 storylines of 2011

2011-12-30T21:35:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays, high school sports fans.

As the New Year rapidly approaches, now is the perfect time to take one final look back at the high school football campaign.

What better way to review the season than with a top 10 list?

Working in reverse order, these were my picks for the top storylines of 2011:

10. East-West All-Star Game - News that an all-New Hampshire summer all-star game was on its way in 2012 first broke before this past season kicked off. But it's been a signficant storyline, nonetheless.

The game will take place June 23 at the University of New Hampshire's Cowell Stadium. Event founder Nick Vailas insists the contest isn't intended to serve as competition for the annual Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl.

Still, "competition" is the key word. New Hampshire owns an 11-game win streak over Vermont in the Shrine Game, so there's certainly a place for the East-West contest.

9. Portsmouth wins Div. III crown - Finally, the program's football drought ended.

After three straight runner-up finishes to Souhegan, the Clippers clinched their first title since 1981. They buried Bedford, 41-6, to become the second team in Division III to run the tournament table as a No. 4 seed.

8. Pressure? What pressure? - If St. Thomas Aquinas head coach Eric Cumba felt any pressure, he didn't show it.

The first-year heach coach took over for Rod Wotton, New England's all-time wins leader (342), and rolled to an 11-0 championship season in Division V.

7. Trinity tackles Div. IV - The Pioneers also celebrated an 11-0 championship season. They finished No. 1 a year after losing the league final.

Their season -- which officially ended with a Turkey Bowl loss to Division I Manchester Central -- included arguably the year's most memorable regular-season win.

Week 4. At Plymouth. Carmen Giampetruzzi fired touchdown passes to Josh Hughes (80 yards) and Andrew Lauderdale (48 yards) in the final minutes for a thrilling 12-7 win.

It snapped Plymouth's 40-game home win streak.

6. History rewritten - I first unveiled this football fact in the Division I season preview for the New Hampshire Union Leader: Pinkerton Academy, as a defending champion, had not failed to win a second consecutive crown since the program moved to Division I in 1985.

The Astros were repeat champs in 1985-86, 1991-94, and 2005-07.

They were also the top team in 2010. But a stunning 23-13 home loss to Exeter snapped the streak.

5. Under a microscope - As first reported on this blog, Travis Cote filled the head coaching vacancy at perennial Division II power Bishop Guertin.

Talk about a difficult situation. Cote was taking over for Tony Johnson, also the school's athletics director, who surprisingly stepped down last winter.

The season didn't start in promising fashion. The Cardinals were shut out at home, 16-0, by Pinkerton.

But the season ended just like the past three: with a state title.

4. Spaulding's resurgence - You'd be hard-pressed to find many fans who figured the Red Raiders would contend for a title this season. That sums up the story I wrote for ESPNBoston.com.

The storied program, a Division II punching bag for most of the decade, last reached the playoffs in 2006.

Enter Dennis Fontaine.

Spaulding's first-year head coach, after an 0-4 start (0-3 Div. II) led the team on a five-game win streak to close the regular season. It resulted in a No. 3 playoff seed and berth in the state semifinals.

3. Gati retires - Coaches seemingly come and go with each season. But the decision by Salem's Jack Gati to call it quits after 37 years as a head coach was certainly unexpected.

Gati officially retired Dec. 3. He amassed a career record of 221-138 (four state titles) in his days leading Trinity, Concord and Salem.

2. Exeter wins Division I crown - As I also wrote for ESPNBoston.com, the Blue Hawks went from worst to first.

After a frustrating Division I debut (0-8) in 2010, the Blue Hawks proved they belong in the "big boy" division. They rolled to an 11-1 season, capped by the dominant 23-13 title-game in in Derry.

1. NHIAA's one-year plan - Divisional realignment is always a hot topic. This year was no different.

Since student enrollment numbers were released Oct. 1, talk of where football-playing schools would find themselves for the 2012-13 seasons was non-stop.

The process of grouping teams was a challenge like never before, according to NHIAA executive director Pat Corbin. And because the football committee couldn't fully agree on the next two-year plan, it was granted an extension of sorts.

The 2012 season will again feature six divisions. But the football committee, which Corbin said will look seriously at consolidating divisions, must present a new plan to the classification committee by April 1, 2012.

Schedule for Nashua Hockey Holiday Classic

2011-12-27T12:49:00.001-05:00

Later this week, the puck drops for the "Nashua High Schools Hockey Holiday Classic" at Conway Arena.

The two-day tournament, which begins Thursday, features Division I clubs Nashua North and Nashua South, and Division III squads Alvirne and Hollis/Brookline.

The opening contest includes North and Alvirne. Gametime is 1:30 p.m.

South and Hollis/Brookline match up in the second game. Scheduled start time is 3:40 p.m.

Winners advance to Friday's championship game at 4:40 p.m. A consolation game will take place earlier in the afternoon (2:30 p.m.).

Rink Rankings: Dec. 26, 2011 - Jan. 1, 2012

2011-12-26T09:06:00.000-05:00

Pinkerton Academy and statewide rankings just don't work well together.

The school's football team hasn't fared particularly well when No. 1 in the Power Poll.

The curse, apparently, extends to the rink, too.

It took one week for the first top-ranked team in this blog's Rink Rankings -- Pinkerton's Astros -- to tumble.

There was some movement in the latest top 10. Nine of the team's from last week are still ranked, the lone club to drop from the top 10 being defending champion Trinity (1-2-0 Div. I).

Here you go, hockey heads. Enjoy.

1. Man. Memorial (last week: No. 2) - Flat out, the Crusaders (4-0-0 Div. I) are crushing it. In their four pre-holiday contests, they scored at least seven goals three times. They fired at least 43 shots three times, twice cracking 50 in the category. They're plus-20 in the scoring margin (25-5).

2. Bedford (last week: No. 3) - The Bulldogs (3-0-0 Div. II) have size and roster depth. They're using both -- and a solid forecheck -- to their advantage. The result? Eighteen goals scored, four goals allowed.

3. Pinkerton (last week: No. 1) - The Astros (2-1-0 Div. I) lost the only game they played in the regular season's second week, a 5-3 decision. It was a surprising loss because of the opponent (Manchester Central), game location (at home, Ice Den) and how the game played out (squandering a 2-0 lead).

4. St. Thomas Aquinas (last week: No. 7) - The Saints (3-1-0 Div. I) are perhaps the surprise of the early season. How did they respond to a tough overtime loss Dec. 17 at Trinity? Try a 5-2 road win at Londonderry, a game in which the Saints scored four unanswered goals over the final two periods.

5. Merrimack (last week: No. 9) - The Tomahawks (3-0-0 Div. II) continue to score goals. Their total stands at 23. But they also have the ability to win in comeback fashion, twice erasing deficits Dec. 21 to post a 6-3 win against perceived title contender Goffstown.

6. Dover (last week: No. 8) - The Green Wave (2-1-0 Div. II) scored six times in their Dec. 21 shutout win at Winnacunnet. Thus far, the average margin of victory for the defending champs has been five goals.

7. Bishop Brady (last week: NR) - Since dropping a 4-3 decision to Berlin in their season-opener, the Green Giants (2-1-0 Div. I) have responded with consecutive wins over perennial contenders Hanover, 2-1, and Capital City rival Concord, 6-1.

8. Concord (last week: No. 5) - The five-goal setback Dec. 21 for the Crimson Tide (2-1-0 Div. I) raises this question: Did Bishop Brady catch the Tide on a bad night, or did the final score indicate how the club will fare against the league's elite? Here's guessing the answer is the former rather than latter.

9. Keene (last week: No. 6) - After back-to-back, low-scoring shutout wins, the Blackbirds (2-1-0 Div. II) lose in similar fashion, 1-0, at previously winless Lebanon.

10. Alvirne (last week: No. 10) - Early indications show beating the Broncos (3-0-0 Div. III) requires an opponent outscore them. Good luck. This preseason favorite is averaging nine goals per game.

Previous rankings: Dec. 19-25, 2011.

Beliveau names Shrine Game assistants

2011-12-24T10:54:00.003-05:00

Souhegan's Mike Beliveau, a four-time championship-winning head football coach, was recently named as New Hampshire's shot-caller for the 59th annual Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl.

I reported Friday via Twitter that Bedford head coach Kurt Hines, a former Sabers assistant, accepted the opportunity to join Beliveau's Shrine coaching staff.

Marc Thaler (marc_thaler) on Twitter via kwout

On Saturday, Beliveau named the rest of his coaching staff.

It includes Merrimack head coach Joe Battista, also a former Souhegan assistant, as well as current Sabers assistants Paul Landau, JT Anderson and Justin Smith.

The 59th Shrine Game is Aug. 4, 2012, at Dartmouth College's Memorial Field.

New Hamphshire seeks to extend its series-record win streak to 12 games.

Perfect way to hit holiday break

2011-12-22T13:01:00.000-05:00

Forty-two teams across three divisions are playing NHIAA boys' hockey this season.

Heading into the holiday break, seven clubs remain undefeated.

The list includes one team from Division I, and three teams apiece from Divisions II and III.

Manchester Memorial is the lone team from the top tier. Bedford, Merrimack and Oyster River are perfect in Division II. Alvirne, Kennett and Souhegan boast unblemished records in Division III.

Here's a quick look at each club's current NHIAA resume:

Memorial Crusaders (4-0-0 Div. I)
Dec. 14: vs. Man. Central, 1-0
Dec. 17: at Londonderry, 7-3
Dec. 19: vs. Trinity, 7-0
Dec. 21: vs. Nashua South, 10-2

***

Bedford Bulldogs (3-0-0 Div. II)
Dec. 14: at Goffstown, 5-0
Dec. 17: vs. Kingswood, 6-0
Dec. 21: vs. Timberlane, 7-4

Merrimack Tomahawks (3-0-0 Div. II)
Dec. 14: vs. Timberlane, 9-5
Dec. 17: at Spaulding, 8-5
Dec. 21: vs. Goffstown, 6-3

Oyster River Bobcats (2-0-0 Div. II)
Dec. 17: vs. Lebanon, 3-1
Dec. 21: vs. Spaulding, 4-2

***

Alvirne Broncos (3-0-0 Div. III)
Dec. 14: at Windham-Pelham, 7-5
Dec. 17: vs. Laconia-Winnisquam, 13-0
Dec. 21: at Hollis/Brookline, 7-4

Kennett Eagles (2-0-0 Div. III)
Dec. 14: at Laconia-Winnisquam, 12-0
Dec. 17: vs. John Stark-Hopkinton, 3-0

Souhegan Sabers (4-0-0 Div. III)
Dec. 12: at John Stark-Hopkinton, 3-1
Dec. 14: vs. Man. West, 11-1
Dec. 17: at Kearsarge, 7-2
Dec. 21: at Laconia-Winnisquam, 12-0

Wednesday's slate: Dec. 21 game schedule

2011-12-21T13:53:00.003-05:00

Holiday tournaments aside, hockey games played today and tonight are the last chance for clubs to close the calendar year on a solid note.

The NHIAA lists a total of 20 games -- 18 boys' contests, two girls' matchups -- to be played at rinks throughout the state.

Here's a look at the games, and their locations and start times.

Games are divided into three groups based on when the puck is scheduled to drop.

4 - 4:45 p.m.
Div. I: St. Thomas Aquinas at Exeter -- The Rinks at Exeter, 4 p.m.
Div. I: Nashua South at Man. Memorial -- JFK Coliseum, 4 p.m.
Div. II: Goffstown at Merrimack -- West Side Arena, 4 p.m.
Div. III: Souhegan at Laconia-Winnis. -- Laconia Ice Arena, 4 p.m.
Div. I (girls): St. Thomas-Dover at Concord -- Everett Arena, 4:45 p.m.

6 - 6:15 p.m.
Div. I: Salem at Man. Central -- JFK Coliseum, 6 p.m.
Div. II: Timberlane at Bedford -- St. Anselm College's Sullivan Arena, 6 p.m.
Div. II: Spaulding at Oyster River -- UNH's Whittemore Center, 6 p.m.
Div. III: Portsmouth at Man. West -- West Side Arena, 6 p.m.
Div. I (girls): Souhegan at Lebanon -- Campion Rink, 6:10 p.m.
Div. III: Belmont-Gilford at Moult.-Inter-Lakes -- Laconia Ice Arena, 6:15 p.m.

7 - 8:10 p.m.
Div. III: Windham-Pelham at ConVal -- Winchendon School, 7 p.m.
Div. I: Londonderry at Nashua North -- Conway Arena, 7:20 p.m.
Div. I: Concord at Bishop Brady -- Everett Arena, 7:30 p.m.
Div. I: Trinity at Bishop Guertin -- Skate 3, 7:50 p.m.
Div. II: Keene at Lebanon -- Campion Rink, 8 p.m.
Div. II: Dover at Winnacunnet -- The Rinks at Exeter, 8 p.m.
Div. III: Alvirne at Hollis/Brookline -- Cyclones Arena, 8 p.m.
Div. III: Kearsarge at Pembroke-Camp. -- Tri-Town Arena, 8:10 p.m.

Tonight's Division III game between Somersworth and host Kennett has been postponed due to slick driving conditions, Kennett coach Mike Lane said via e-mail.

The rematch of last year's championship game will take place Wednesday, Jan. 18.

No. 2 Crusaders playing like a powerhouse

2011-12-20T13:45:00.002-05:00

Hours before the puck dropped Monday at JFK Coliseum, Manchester Memorial debuted at No. 2 in the inaugural "Rink Rankings," a new weekly top 10 you'll find here at New Hampshire GameDay.

The Crusaders did not disappoint.

Hosting Queen City rival and defending Division I champion Trinity, which opened at No. 4, the Crusaders cruised to a never-in-question 7-0 win.

Ten Crusaders cracked the scoring column. Sophomore defenseman Bryan Syrene (two goals, assist) and junior forward Ethan Pollack (two goals) led the attack.

For the details, read the game story written by colleague Chad Graff (I'm on vacation through the New Year).

The fact Memorial improved to 3-0 didn't surprise its coach, Mark Putney. But the margin of victory? You bet.

"I am (surprised)," Putney said. "Our kids were really pumped up for this game. We talked about Trinity being the reigning state champion ... We knew with their coaching -- and Ryan Slatky is a top goaltender in this state -- that we were going to have to work."

Work harder than the opposition. That's what Putney has preached since the first day of tryouts Nov. 21.

Message received. Memorial scored 15 goals in its three wins -- 14 in the last two games.

Prior to trouncing Trinity, the Crusaders rolled to a 7-3 road win against Londonderry at Cyclones Arena. The Lancers, a surprising 0-3, were considered by several coaches to be the league's second-best team at the start of the season.

The team's third win was remarkably similar to its season-opening victory -- even though the final score doesn't indicate it.

Memorial beat city rival Central, 1-0, on Dec. 14. It took a 51-save effort from Connor Minch to prevent the Crusaders from landing a lopsided win.

The Crusaders controlled play. They dominated puck possession.

In effect, they did precisely what made them successful against the Pioneers.

Putney's post-game analysis:

"Credit to our offensive players. They had a good forecheck going (Monday)," he said. "We were disciplined. We stayed out of the box. They worked hard backchecking and prevented Tyler Fay from getting a lot of shots on him."

By contrast, Central's Minch and Trinity's Slatky (and back-up Jacob Zimmerman) were under constant attack. Minch faced 52 shots. Slatky and Zimmerman saw a combined 58 shots.

Fay's return this season from juniors hockey gave the Crusaders a big boost. They already had a strong group of returning skaters led by senior forwards Brady Bilodeau and Patrick Curley, and junior defenseman Colin Williamson.

Expectations, as a result, are very high.

But, at this point, so is the club's confidence.

"We're excited about starting out 3-0," Putney said. "Memorial, over the last few years, has struggled in the beginning of their seasons. This is, I think, a breath of fresh air. But it's still a long season.

"We'll keep working hard," he added. "Hopefully, the kids will respond."

Podcast: Dec. 17 "N.H. High School Sports Show"

2011-12-20T13:15:00.001-05:00

Hockey and hoop.

Both boys' winter sports last week finally began playing regular-season games, so last Saturday's "New Hampshire High School Sports Show" gave myself and Pete Tarrier our first opportunity to break it all down.

And, of course, talk with coaches.

Four coaches spoke with us last Saturday. The list included hockey coach Casey Kesselring (Pinkerton), and hoop coaches Jim Mulvey (Portsmouth), Matt Alosa (Pembroke) and Jim Migneault (Bishop Guertin).

Hour 1, Segment 1

Hour 1, Segment 2

Hour 1, Segment 3

Hour 1, Segment 4

Hour 2, Segment 1

Hour 2, Segment 2

Hour 2, Segment 3

Hour 2, Segment 4

Rink Rankings: Dec. 19 - 25, 2011

2011-12-19T13:13:00.002-05:00

Ranking the state's top teams in high school football has, over the past four years, been a great way to generate debate.

Why not do something similar for boys' hockey?

There are plenty of quality clubs -- and plenty of passionate fans -- who'd probably like to see a weekly top 10. That's my belief, anyway.

So, let's give it a shot. Each Monday, New Hampshire GameDay will release its "Rink Rankings."

It's important to note, these rankings come from just one sportswriter: Yours truly.

Feel free to agree or disagree. Feedback in the comments section is always welcome.

But please review this blog's rule with regard to publishing reader comments.

Here you go, hockey heads. Enjoy.

1. Pinkerton - The Astros (2-0-0 Div. I) have depth, speed and plenty of skill. They were the championship favorite exiting the preseason. Thus far, they're living up to the distinction.

2. Man. Memorial - The Crusaders (2-0-0 Div. I) scored the game's only goal in their season-opener against Central. But they potted seven pucks the next time out against Londonderry, a fellow title contender that's off to a slow start.

3. Bedford - The Bulldogs (2-0-0 Div. II) started slowly last year. It's different this time around. They won their first two games by a combined score of 11-0.

4. Trinity - Too high a ranking for the Pioneers (1-0-0 Div. I)? Time will tell. But the defending champs, like last year, appear to have a key intangible: The ability to play well under pressure.

5. Concord - It's expected that defense will be the strength for the Crimson Tide (2-0-0 Div. I). So far, that's the case. The Tide allowed three goals in the opening week.

6. Keene - Several coaches considered the Blackbirds (2-0-0 Div. II) a sleeper squad before the season started. They've only scored three goals, but they've posted two shutouts.

7. St. Thomas Aquinas - The Saints (1-1-0 Div. I) drubbed perennial power Bishop Guertin, 9-2, in the opener. They nearly knocked off Trinity over the weekend, losing in overtime, 3-2.

8. Dover - The defending champion Green Wave (1-1-0 Div. II) started the season strong, netting five goals against Spaulding. But they were blanked in their follow-up against Keene.

9. Merrimack - The Tomahawks (2-0-0 Div. II) crack the top 10 on the strength of their offense. They scored 17 goals in two games. But they allowed 10. Dangerous way to live.

10. Alvirne - The Broncos (2-0-0 Div. III) are the favorite in their division. They outlasted contender Windham-Pelham, 7-5, helping create a plus-15 in scoring (20-5).

Pioneers still thriving under pressure

2011-12-18T15:46:00.002-05:00

Much has been made about where defending champion Trinity ranks in the early season hierarchy of Division I boys' hockey. The Pioneers, last season's top story, lost three key contributors (juniors hockey) from the school's first champion since the 1988-89 campaign.

But this year's edition sent a message in its season-opening comeback win, a 3-2 overtime decision against St. Thomas Aquinas.

Maybe the message -- that these Pioneers, like last year's club, can still perform under pressure -- was meant for everyone outside Trinity's locker room. But, it could also be a message intended for the current collection of skaters wearing the Trinity sweater.

That latter was the coach's hope.

Mike Connell expressed it after junior center Kyle Valliere clinched the victory Saturday at St. Anselm College's Sullivan Arena.

"There were all kinds of question marks before the season started," said Connell, whose team is without multiple athletes now playing juniors hockey. "It's not the outside people questioning, it's them. And I think they answered a lot of the questions that they probably had because St. Thomas is a very good club."

Some squads thrive in crunch time. Others play tense.

The Pioneers fall into the first category.

After all, several key contributors from a year ago, including wingers Joey Libby and Alex Disciscio, defenseman Mike Beaudet and goaltender Ryan Slatky are back for Trinity's title defense. They all played key roles last winter.

They all know about playing under pressure.

This isn't to say Trinity will clinch a second consecutive crown this season. It's too early to make such a prediction.

But I'm confident saying this: If Trinity is trailing late in any game, the opposition will need a supreme effort to slam the door on the defending champ.

A few additional takeaways from Trinity's season-opener:

Battling back - It appeared the goal that gave STA its 2-1 third-period lead deflected off a Trinity defender near the crease.

It forced the Pioneers to face their first deficit of the young season.

"When those goals go in, your team can get a little deflated," Connell said. "They seemed to just battle right back. It wasn't a big deal."

Leaders emerging - Libby scored Trinity's first and second goals against STA.

The senior's second marker tied the game at 2-apiece inside the final 7 minutes of regulation.

"Joey Libby did a phenomenal job. He's really stepping up into being the leader of this team, along with Beaudet on the blue line and, of course, Slatky in net," Connell said.

Beaudet led a defense that routinely prevented breakaway chances. Perfect example: Beaudet broke up a scoring chance by Caleb Kane, coming off the left wing while the game was scoreless early in the second period.

Slatky's best save kept the contest scoreless late in the first period.

Trinity's stopper denied STA's Connor Merrill after the forward blocked a blue-line shot by Colby Fortin. Merrill settled the puck and skated up the left wing.

Slatky returned the favor, blocking Merrill's bid by moving up in the crease to take away the angle.

(The rebound bounced over the stick of Christian Going, who had an open look from the right post.)

Valliere's wake-up call - Valliere's game-winner was scored less than 2 minutes into the 8-minute sudden-victory session.

He capitalized on his chance to make a big play. The junior credited his senior linemates Libby and Disciscio for providing the wake-up call.

"Before we went out onto the ice (for overtime), Libby and 'Cis' were telling me I'm going to have to start going and picking it up because a couple of times I was dogging it out there," Valliere said.

Connell's closing thought - "I don't want to go through 18 overtime games. But they make it fun. It's a nice way to open the season."

Saturday's slate: Dec. 17 game schedule

2011-12-17T06:10:00.002-05:00

It's a full Saturday slate of hockey, the first of the 2011-12 season.

The NHIAA lists a total of 24 games -- 20 boys' contests, four girls' games -- to be played today at rinks throughout the state.

Here's a look at the matchups, complete with locations and start times.

Games are divided into four groups based on start times.

Noon - 2 p.m.
Div. II: Kingswood at Bedford -- St. Anselm, noon
Div. II: Lebanon at Oyster River -- UNH, noon
Div. I: Nashua South at Bishop Guertin -- Skate 3, 1:30
Div. I (girls): Bishop Guertin at Concord -- Everett Arena, 1:30
Div. III: ConVal at Belmont-Gilford -- Laconia Ice Arena, 1:45

3 - 4 p.m.
Div. I: St. Thomas Aquinas at Trinity -- St. Anselm, 3
Div. I: Pinkerton at Nashua North -- Conway Arena, 3:10
Div. I: Berlin at Concord -- Everett Arena, 3:30
Div. III: Laconia-Winnisquam at Alvirne -- Skate 3, 3:50
Div. III: Pembroke-Campbell at Somersworth -- Rochester Ice Arena, 3:55
Div. III: Hollis/Brookline at Moult.-Inter-Lakes -- Laconia Ice Arena, 4

5:20 - 7:30 p.m.
Div. I (girls): Berlin-Gorham at Lebanon -- Campion Rink, 5:20
Div. I: Hanover at Bishop Brady --Everett Arena, 5:30
Div. I: Exeter at Salem -- Icenter, 6
Div. II: Dover at Keene -- Cheshire Fairgrounds, 6
Div. III: John Stark-Hop. at Kennett -- Clement Arena, 6
Div. I (girls): Hanover at Oyster River -- Jackson's Landing, 7
Div. I: Man. Memorial at Londonderry -- Cyclones, Arena, 7:30
Div. II: Goffstown at Bow -- Everett Arena, 7:30

8 p.m. and beyond
Div. II: Merrimack at Spaulding -- Rochester Arena, 8
Div. I (girls): St. Thomas-Dover at Souhegan -- Conway Arena, 8
Div. II: Winnacunnet at Timberlane -- Icenter, 8:05
Div. III: Windham-Pelham at Portsmouth -- The Rinks at Exeter, 8:30

* One game listed without a start time is Souhegan at Kearsarge (Div. III)

Corbin confirms NHIAA's one-year plan for football

2011-12-16T23:05:00.001-05:00

Over the last two months, there has been plenty of speculation about where teams would land when the new plan for divisional realignment in football was finalized.

In that time, while it seemed scenarios changed by the week, I wrote just two stories.

(Both of them, for the record, complete with attribution from multiple sources.)

The first was my Nov. 21 print-edition "First & 10" for the New Hampshire Union Leader, which reported on the football committee's proposal. You can read it below.

The second story? Today's article on UnionLeader.com, with a contribution from colleague Chad Graff, who spoke with two head coaches.

Turns out the proposal dissected in "First & 10" just after the high school football season ended was nearly spot-on.

The only difference between the proposal and the finalized plan? Division IV Trinity isn't going anywhere.

At the time, the Pioneers were, according to head coach Gary Leonard, unwillingly placed in Division III.

Instead, Merrimack Valley makes the move -- where its enrollment places the program.

Here's the division-by-division look for 2012, which also appears in today's story (asterisk indicates teams whose petition was approved to move either up or down):

Division I (1,586 students and beyond)

Pinkerton of Derry (3,168)

Manchester Central (2,324)

Nashua South (2,053)

Manchester Memorial (2,040)

Nashua North (1,928)

Concord (1,860)

Londonderry (1,707)

Exeter (1,703)

Salem (1,543) *

Division II (1,235 to 1,585)

Keene (1,582)

Spaulding of Rochester (1,506)

Merrimack (1,450)

Dover (1,437)

Timberlane (1,424)

Bedford (1,351)

West (1,304)

Winnacunnet of Hampton (1,235)

BG (854) *

Division III (855 to 1,234)

Alvirne (1,400) *

Goffstown (1,201)

Portsmouth (1,085)

Milford (936)

Hollis/Brookline (908)

ConVal of Peterborough (905)

Pembroke (899)

Souhegan of Amherst (857)

Merrimack Valley of Penacook (885)

Division IV (625 to 854)

Kennett of Conway (857) *

Kingswood of Wolfeboro (799)

John Stark of Weare (762)

Hanover (760)

Lebanon (727)

Windham (708)

Plymouth (688)

St. Thomas of Dover (643)

Laconia (628)

Trinity (417) *

Division V (501 to 624)

Sanborn (736) *

Stevens (649) *

Pelham (623)

Kearsarge (604)

Monadnock (601)

Inter-Lakes-Moultonborough (581)

Fall Mountain (574)

Somersworth (573)

Epping-Newmarket (539)

Bow (528)

Division VI (1 to 500)

Farmington-Nute (656) *

Gilford (532) *

Campbell of Litchfield (493)

Winnisquam of Tilton (481)

Franklin (459)

Newfound (422)

Raymond (419)

Mascoma (404)

Newport (390)

Bishop Brady (362)

Some leftovers from my conversation today with NHIAA executive director Pat Corbin:

'Big struggle' - The football committee logged between 40 and 50 hours, including two full-day sessions, since enrollment figures were released Oct. 1.

Corbin said committee members struggled to balance certain divisions, and "address issues centering around transportation and equity of competition."

There was, he said, no easy answer.

"This year was a particularly big struggle for football," Corbin said. "I don't think anybody felt it was a very good outcome, though it's reasonably fair."

Staying put - Why, in the end, will Trinity remain in Division IV?

"Under the existing bylaws, the (football) committee didn't have any authority to put them up into three," Corbin said.

Fewer divisions? - It sounds like football will feature fewer divisions in 2013 -- the second year of the upcoming classification cycle that still has no plan in place.

Number of divisions is one item the football committee must address with a "Year 2" proposal that must be presented to the classification committee by April 1, 2012.

The entire petition process will also be under the microscope, since it proved so problematic during the process. He said multiple teams petitioned to move down because they anticipated "down years" in talent.

As a result, Corbin said, the football committee will likely look at how other states counter that challenge.

One possibility: If a team's petition to move down is approved, it cannot qualify for the tournament. The team can work to rebuild, and eventually return to the proper league based on enrollment.

"We're going to look at the whole process," Corbin said. "The intent is not to box ourselves in, in any capacity."

For those interested in revisiting my column from Nov. 21, here it is:

NHIAA FOOTBALL’S 2011 season finished Saturday and it’s already time to talk about 2012. Here’s why:

The NHIAA last week released to principals and athletics directors the football committee’s proposal for divisional realignment next fall. Barring a last-minute change to the proposal, it is expected to reach Round 2 of the three-stage approval process: Presentation to the classification committee.

Multiple NHIAA head coaches confirmed seeing the proposal. A copy of it also crossed my desk.

Most teams — including champions Exeter (Div. I) and Nashua’s Bishop Guertin (Div. II) — aren’t going anywhere under the committee’s current vision for the upcoming two-year classification cycle. But several changes exist.

Division III finalist Bedford, Division IV champion Trinity of Manchester, Division V winner St. Thomas Aquinas of Dover and runner-up Windham, and Division VI king Inter-Lakes-Moultonborough and runner-up Epping-Newmarket would all move up one division. NHIAA football would continue to crown six state champions.

The number of teams in each division will remain the same: nine apiece in the upper leagues, 10 apiece in the lower tiers. Student enrollment for Division I is 1,586 and beyond, followed by Division II (1,235 to 1,585), Division III (855 to 1,234), Division IV (625 to 854), Division V (501 to 624) and Division VI (1 to 500).

NHIAA executive director Pat Corbin declined to discuss the committee’s thought process behind placement of teams. Committee members won’t speak publicly until the proposal earns final approval from the NHIAA Council.

Corbin, however, confirmed a football school unhappy with its placement can have the principal submit in writing a request to appeal. Deadline to file is Wednesday at 5 p.m.

Principals granted the maximum 20-minute hearing will meet with the football committee Dec. 1 at the NHIAA office.

"They’ve spent dozens of hours on this thing. This (proposal) probably came the closest to having uninimity within the football committee," Corbin said. "Whether it’ll end up like that remains to be seen."

As it stands, Bishop Guertin, the smallest school in Division II with 854 students, will not join Division I.

Sources said BG — winner of its fourth straight Division II crown Saturday — petitioned to play in Division I. But the football committee wants Divisions I, II and III to remain nine-team leagues. Division I Salem, a Division II program based on enrollment (1,543), does not want to drop, leaving no room for BG to enter.

The proposal features zero change in Division I. Therefore, champion Exeter — whose return to Division II has been a hot rumor — stays in the large-school league.

Four teams, however, appear poised to drop one division: Alvirne of Hudson joins Division III, despite having a student enrollment of 1,400; Monadnock moves to Division V; and Campbell of Litchfield and Bishop Brady of Concord slide to Division VI.

Winless in Division III the last two seasons, former two-time Division V champion Pelham returns to the league it once dominated.

Corbin said the football committee’s challenge with realignment is "creating some degree of equity and fairness across the divisions."

Based on that explanation, at least once school has a major case to make. It’s Trinity.

AD and head coach Gary Leonard said Trinity — whose 417 students is 440 fewer than the next-smallest Division III school, Souhegan of Amherst (857) — petitioned to remain in Division IV.

Why the jump?

"We were put there," Leonard said. "By the committee."

That’s alarming.

Since the proposal hasn’t been finalized, here’s a suggestion: Move Plymouth Regional (688) back to Division III.

Of all the teams in this new-look Division IV, Plymouth is most accomplished.

And it isn’t close.

Plus, that recent 57-game win streak, at the time the nation’s best? Plymouth won games 1 through 33 while dominating Division III from 2005-07 (lopsided 11-0 championship seasons).

Trinity, by contrast, continues to rebuild a program for years considered a punching bag. The Pioneers won the Division V title in 2009. Suddenly, a single 11-0 campaign in Year 2 of Division IV play means the Pioneers must go?

Asked whether Trinity plans to appeal, Leonard would only say he has a meeting today with principal Denis Mailloux.

Corbin said the NHIAA is under a time crunch to finalize realignment. Schedules must be created for next season, a process that can’t start until divisions are defined.

The NHIAA Council meets in "mid-December," Corbin said. That means the football committee must approve its proposal shortly after Dec. 1, so the classification committee can provide its stamp.

Here’s hoping my gut feeling — that this very proposal will pass — is dead wrong.

The puck drops ... finally

2011-12-14T14:55:00.000-05:00

The puck finally drops -- for real.

True, the boys' hockey season officially started with Monday's Division III contest between Souhegan and John Stark-Hopkinton. The Sabers won, 3-1.

But tonight offers the first full slate of regular-season Wednesday games.

It figures to be busy. The NHIAA lists 19 games on the slate.

Six contests, in particular, jump off the page. They include:

Division I - Man. Central at Man. Memorial (JFK Coliseum, 4 p.m.)

Division I - Concord at Exeter (The Rinks at Exeter, 4 p.m.)

Division I - Londonderry at Pinkerton (Ice Den, 7 p.m.)

Division II - Spaulding at Dover (Dover Arena, 5:30 p.m.)

Division II - Bedford at Goffstown (St. Anselm College, 7:30 p.m.)

Division III - Alvirne at Windham-Pelham (Icenter, 7:30 p.m.)

Gati's grid file

2011-12-13T13:38:00.002-05:00

If it were up to Jack Gati, little fanfare would have come with his recent decision to retire from coaching high school football.

In Gati's case, it doesn't work that way.

Soon to be 60, Gati closes his career with a 221-138 career record. His win total ranks third all-time among New Hampshire high school football coaches.

Gati isn't one to shine the spotlight on himself. So, in addition to speaking with him, I chatted with three other Granite State head coaching giants to help put Gati's career in perspective: Ken Sciacca, Bob Camirand and Brian O'Reilly.

Some other factoids:

Successful stints - Of Gati's 37 years coaching high school football, the final 34 were as a head coach.

Gati, guided Trinity from 1978-85, led Concord from 1986-93, and patrolled the sideline in Salem from 1994 through the 2011 season. His records at each stop:

Trinity: 53-32
Concord: 47-29
Salem: 121-77

Consistent contender - Gati won four championships, two apiece at Concord and Salem. But he took all three programs to at least one state final.

Better yet, each program reached the title game in Gati's second year at the helm.

At Trinity - The 1979 season marked Gati's first appearance in the title game.

"That (season) was special. It was my second year," Gati said. "We played Spaulding and, back then, only two teams made it (to the postseason)."

Gati's Pioneers faced Hugo Bolin and then-perennial power Spaulding in the 1979 Division I championship. Spaulding won, 19-3.

At Concord - The Crimson Tide qualified for three straight title games from 1987-89.

The Tide beat Salem, 14-7, for the 1987 Division I title. They outlasted Londonderry, 28-21, for the 1989 Class L crown.

In between, the Tide lost to Trinity, 10-9, in the '88 final (the Pioneers had a player by the name of Dan Mullen, now the head coach at Mississippi State).

At Salem - The Blue Devils went undefeated in 1995 and won the Division II title. Yet another Gati squad edged Londonderry, this time by a 13-7 score.

Fourteen years later, Salem again reigned supreme. Gati clinched his fourth and final title in 2009, when the Blue Devils knocked off Nashua North, 28-21, for the Division I championship.

Overall - Gati appeared in eight championship games (4-4 record).

"People don't realize how hard it is to get to a championship game and win," said Camirand, also a former Concord head coach and Gati's longtime friend. "His teams didn't always match up physically. He just took what he had and made them better."

Milestone matchup - Did you know while Gati coached at Concord, he faced O'Reilly's Pinkerton Astros in a fight-for-100-wins contest?

Both coaches, at the time, entered with 99 career wins (Pinkerton won the game).

Well-kept secret - Gati made his decision to retire before the 2011 season. The secret survived the entire campaign.

"I've been thinking about this for a good three years now," he said. "At the end of every year, I would sit back and evaluate, and (decide to) go again.

"This year, before the season started, I said, 'This one's it. Thirty-seven years is a good number.'"

Open invitation - For the first time in decades, Gati should have free time in the fall. What might he do with it?

The man who hired him as an assistant at Trinity has an idea.

"He should come up and hike with me. I live up in the White Mountains," said Sciacca, another of Gati's closest friends who also coached at Manchester Memorial, Salem and Kennett. "He needs to get up here and see the good life. And I think he will."

Division VI coaches' all-state football team (2011)

2011-12-12T22:29:00.001-05:00

Division VI coaches met recently to select their all-state football team for the 2011 season.

Fourteen players apiece were chosen for the first team offense and defense. The team also includes second team offense (14 players) and defense (11 players).

First Team offense
QB - Mitch Jurius; Inter-Lakes-Moultonborough, jr.
RB - Daniel Espol; Epping-Newmarket, sr.
RB - Brandon Murphy; Gilford, sr.
FB - Malcom Benavides; Gilford, jr.
FB - Tanner Quinney; Inter-Lakes-Moultonborough, sr.
WR - Dustin Jarosz; Epping-Newmarket, sr.
E - Hunter Jensen; Inter-Lakes-Moultonborough, sr.
OL - Dylan Turner; Franklin, sr.
OL - Mike McClean; Franklin, sr.
OL - Conor Langille; Inter-Lakes-Moultonborough, sr.
OL - Hayden Jurius; Inter-Lakes-Moultonborough, sr.
OL - Zack Lynch; Newfound, sr.
OL - Cole Boone; Newport, sr.
OL - Justin Beauchaine; Newport, sr.

First Team defense
DT - Logan Merritt; Newport, sr.
DT - Zebulon Swenson; Newport, sr.
DE - Chris Gagne; Franklin, sr.
DE - Bernie Hutchinson; Epping-Newmarket, sr.
DE - Richard Sheperdson; Farmington, sr.
DL - Nick Maynard; Raymond, sr.
LB - Jacob Valinski; Epping-Newmarket, so.
LB - Robert McGloughlin Jr.; Epping-Newmarket, sr.
LB - Brian Pickowicz; Franklin, sr.
LB - Eli Stockwell; Gilford, sr.
LB - Conor Donovan; Inter-Lakes-Moultonborough, sr.
DB - Justin Marsh; Mascoma, so.
DB - Shannon Tucker; Newfound, sr.
DB - Patrick Sanborn; Winnisquam, jr.

Second Team offense
QB - Connor Smith; Franklin, sr.
RB - Korey Parent; Franklin, so.
RB - Brandon Carleton; Epping-Newmarket, jr.
RB - Jamen Gunnison; Farmington, fr.
RB - Kyle Kosoriek; Mascoma, so.
FB - Ethan Gardner; Newport, sr.
TE/SE - Greg Beaulieu; Newport, sr.
E - Nick Sindorf; Inter-Lakes-Moultonborough, sr.
WB/FL - Devin Burnham; Newport, sr.
OL - Alex Osgood; Epping-Newmarket, sr.
OL - Zach Bass; Franklin, sr.
OL - Ben Morris; Gilford, sr.
OL - Vinnie Bounopane; Gilford, sr.
OL - Austin McGuingan; Inter-Lakes-Moultonborough, sr.

Second Team defense
NT - Joe McKee; Epping-Newmarket, sr.
DE - Fisher Bourbeau; Newfound, sr.
DE - Jacob Fuller; Winnisquam, jr.
LB - Kody Benwell; Franklin, jr.
OLB - Willie True; Inter-Lakes-Moultonborough, jr.
OLB - Doug Payne; Newfound, jr.
OLB - Dalton Campbell; Newport, sr.
DB - Sixto Garcia; Franklin, sr.
DB - Tyler Costa; Gilford, sr.
DB - Brandon Krueger; Inter-Lakes-Moultonborough, jr.
DB - Alex Gray; Newport, jr.

Point-rating system still in effect

2011-12-08T23:41:00.001-05:00

Many coaches weren't thrilled about its use last winter, and multiple mentors this preseason have already said their position hasn't changed.

Regardless, the point-rating system used to set playoff seeding is again in place.

NHIAA ice hockey committee member and Concord boys' hockey coach Dunc Walsh today confirmed the system will be used this season, the second in this current two-year classification cycle. Future use of the system will be discussed after the 2011-12 campaign's conclusion.

The system, of course, assigns a point value per league win, and trumps division record when determining standings.

A road win is worth five points. A home win is worth four points.

A tie earns half the points awarded in victory (2.5 for the road team, 2 for the home team).

To calculate each team's point rating, divide point total by division games played.

Of course, the home rink for certain teams is the same.

For example, Manchester Central and Manchester Memorial play at JFK Coliseum. Bishop Brady and Concord skate at Everett Arena.

But the schedule -- rather than the contest's location -- designates the home team. So, for example, Central earns an extra point with a season-opening win Dec. 14 at Memorial.

And who knows? An extra point could prove critcal in the fight for playoff positioning.

Here's another noteworthy item:

Marc Thaler (marc_thaler) on Twitter via kwout

Division V coaches' all-state football team (2011)

2011-12-08T12:32:00.001-05:00

Division V coaches met recently to select their all-state football team for the 2011 season.

Twenty-two players were chosen for first team offense and 15 players were named to the first team defense. The team also includes honorable mention selections on offense and defense.

First Team offense
QB - Drew Francouer; Somersworth, jr.
QB - Scott Munroe; St. Thomas, sr.
QB - Joe Lorenz; Windham, jr.
RB - Casey Fessenden; Bow, sr.
RB - Kyle Moore; Bow, sr.
RB - John Houston; Campbell, sr.
RB - Oliver Gallo; Kearsarge, jr.
RB - Josh Ream; Somersworth, jr.
RB - Ryan Monette; St. Thomas, jr.
RB - Cameron Blewitt; Stevens, sr.
RB - Scott Priestley, Jr.; Windham, sr.
FB - Kevin Cooney; Windham, jr.
ZB - Jon Conley; Bishop Brady, sr.
WR - Jesiah Wade; Campbell, so.
WR - Parker Hansen; Kearsarge, sr.
WR - Tylor Buckley; St. Thomas, sr.
OC - Pat Stap; Windham, jr.
OG - Ricky Bailey; Bow, sr.
OG - Ben Gambino; Kearsarge, jr.
OT - Ryan Bentley; Fall Mountain, sr.
OT - Mike Estes; Somersworth, sr.
OT - Jared Dickie; St. Thomas, sr.

First Team defense
DT - Andrew St. Louis; Kearsarge, sr.
DE - Nick Lulka; Bow, sr.
DE - Artem Aristov; Windham, jr.
DE - Tyler Kretschmar; Somersworth, jr.
ILB - Mark Piroso; Bow, sr.
ILB - Tom Cifrino; St. Thomas, sr.
OLB - Danny Cannone; Windham, jr.
LB - Dylan Andrews; Campbell, sr.
LB - Jacob Jones; Kearsarge, jr.
LB - C.J. Gosselin; Stevens, jr.
CB - Andrew Kahr; St. Thomas, sr.
CB - David Rogers; St. Thomas, sr.
PK - Hayden Middleton; St. Thomas, so.
S - Dylan Spence; Sanborn, sr.
Long-snapper - Jon Merritt; Fall Mountain, sr.

Honorable Mention offense
BOW - Anders Hanson (RB, jr.)

CAMPBELL - Garrett Sahlin (OG, sr.); Aaron Ripole (OG, sr.)

FALL MT. - Kurtis Madden (OG, sr.); Kaian Wilkes (QB, sr.)

KEARSARGE - Ben Greenbaum (OT, sr.)

SANBORN - Ryan Morris (QB, sr.); Mike Rich (SE, so.); Nick Carson (OT, sr.); Pat Rose (OT, sr.)

ST. THOMAS - Sam Routhier (OC, sr.); John Cifrino (OT, jr.)

STEVENS - Cullen Eaton (OC, jr.)

WINDHAM - CJay DiPrima (RB, sr.); Kennie Padin (RB, sr.)

Honorable Mention defense
BOW - Jim Anderson (DE, jr.); Matt Bemis (OLB, sr.); Jacy Parker (OLB, jr.)

CAMPBELL - Sean Gray (CB, sr.); Chuck Neild (DE, sr.)

FALL MT. - Drey Palmer (NT, jr.)

KEARSARGE - Jordan Barthol (LB, jr.); Erick Hauck (DB, jr.); Justin Lamphear (LB, jr.)

SOMERSWORTH - Casey Soucie (LB/PK/P, sr.); Josh Gamble (NG, sr.); Brenden Lennon (S, sr.); Kurtis Michaud (LB, jr.)

ST. THOMAS - Joe Polychronis (ILB, sr.); Sam Quirk (DE, sr.)

STEVENS - Joe Tarr (LB, sr.); Donald Pellerin (DB, so.)

WINDHAM - Corey Alberico (LB, jr.); David Crichton (DT, so.)

Manchester Christmas Hockey Classic schedule released

2011-12-06T22:41:00.001-05:00

For high school hockey heads staying in-state over the holidays, stop by JFK Coliseum from Dec. 26 to 29.

You'll find eight teams skating in the annual Manchester High Schools Christmas Hockey Classic Tournament.

The group includes Queen City clubs Central, Memorial and defending Division I champion Trinity. Bedford, Goffstown, reigning Division I runner-up Hanover, reigning Division II runner-up Merrimack and Spaulding round out the field.

Here's the day-by-day lineup (home team is listed second):

Monday, Dec. 26
Hanover vs. Goffstown (2 p.m.)
Trinity vs. Merrimack (4)
Central vs. Spaulding (6)
Memorial vs. Bedford (8)

Tuesday, Dec. 27
Bedford vs. Central (2)
Merrimack vs. Hanover (4)
Spaulding vs. Memorial (6)
Goffstown vs. Trinity (8)

Wednesday, Dec. 28
Spaulding vs. Bedford (2)
Goffstown vs. Merrimack (4)
Trinity vs. Hanover (6)
Central vs. Memorial (8)

Thursday, Dec. 29
Consolation Game (5)
Championship Game (7)

Hockey jamboree to benefit New Horizons

2011-12-06T22:01:00.001-05:00

What better way to make the transition from football to hockey than catching a two-day, six-team jamboree that will benefit a good cause?

The place to be Friday night and Saturday is St. Anselm College.

Bedford, Goffstown, Londonderry, Manchester Central, Manchester Memorial and Trinity will skate at Sullivan Arena. The jamboree will benefit New Horizons of Manchester, an adult homeless shelter, soup kitchen and food pantry.

Friday's schedule features a half-dozen 20-minute scrimmages. The lineup:

Scrimmage 1 - Trinity vs. Bedford (5 p.m. to 5:40 p.m.)

Scrimmage 2 - Londonderry vs. Bedford (5:50 to 6:30)

Scrimmage 3 - Trinity vs. Goffstown (6:40 to 7:20)

Scrimmage 4 - Londonderry vs. Central (7:30 to 8:10)

Scrimmage 5 - Goffstown vs. Memorial (8:20 to 9)

Scrimmage 6 - Memorial vs. Central (9:10 to 9:50)

Saturday's slate features three full games. The lineup:

Game 1 - Bedford vs. Memorial (11:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.)

Game 2 - Goffstown vs. Central (1:55 to 3:55)

Game 3 - Londonderry vs. Trinity (4:05 to 6:05)

Update Friday, Dec. 9, at 1:19 p.m. (from today's New Hampshire Union Leader): "Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for students. Donate a canned good, gloves, mittens, socks or hat at the door and receive $1 off admission."

"N.H. High School Sports Show" hits the road

2011-12-06T13:11:00.001-05:00

This Saturday's 7 to 9 a.m. "New Hampshire High School Sports Show" will broadcast live from Toys R Us in Manchester across from the Mall of New Hampshire.

Pete Tarrier and I are on location as part of the 11th annual "Stuff A Bus" toy drive, which helps fulfill the holiday dreams for many Granite State children.

On-air and staff members from Clear Channel's eight New Hampshire radio stations will be joined by the Pease Greeters and the U.S. Marines throughout the weekend. Their "Toys For Tots" program seeks donations in the forms of unwrapped toys or store gift cards.

There is also a New Hampshire Seacoast "Stuff A Bus" collection point inside the Fox Run Mall in Newington.

We hope our listeners will stop by and help in any way possible.

And don't forget to catch us on WGIR-AM 610 and 96.7 "The Wave," or listen on iHeartRadio.

Attention: Divisions V and VI coaches

2011-12-05T22:39:00.001-05:00

Divisions V and VI coaches:

When your all-state teams for the 2011 season are finalized, please send them along.

(The all-state teams from the top four divisions have already been posted in their entirety.)

Mass. vs. N.H. football: What's the difference?

2011-12-04T21:04:00.001-05:00

Duxbury and Tewksbury in pre-game warm-ups before the Eastern Mass. Division 2 Super Bowl.
Duxbury dominated, 35-0, Saturday at Gillette Stadium.

There's a perception that high school football in New Hampshire is inferior -- and perhaps in some circles far inferior -- to that of neighboring Massachusetts.

As the New Hampshire Union Leader's high school football beat writer for some time, I have always found the assertion difficult to believe.

How can crossing the state line, in some cases a stone's throw away, create such a gap in top-to-bottom roster talent between teams from each side of the border?

My belief -- that it's a myth -- didn't change Saturday in Foxborough, Mass.

As a correspondent for ESPNBoston.com High Schools, I helped cover multiple MIAA Super Bowl games played at Gillette Stadium. Six champions, in total, were crowned.

I wrote the game recap for the Western Mass. Division 1 Super Bowl between Longmeadow and Springfield Central. I also contributed to coverage of perhaps the most-anticipated matchup, the Eastern Mass. Division 1 Super Bowl featuring BC High and Needham.

Admittedly, my opinion is based on a single day's games. But the 12 teams that played were all finalists (I watched the last 10 teams go at it). Therefore, many of those teams, if not all of them, should be the best of the bunch.

No?

There was talent, for sure, competing throughout the day. But aside from one team, the best New Hampshire has to offer could have at least held its own against Mass. opponents of like skill and enrollment.

The exception: Eastern Mass. Division 1 champion BC High.

The Eagles (10-3) had it all. They had size. They had speed. They had strength. They could pass. They could run. They could defend.

And as I wrote Saturday, they could create tremendous push in the trenches with a physical offensive line.

In other words, the Eagles had balance that I didn't see this season in New Hampshire.

But, on the whole, Saturday's Super Bowl games left me wondering why the myth exists that Mass. football, compared to New Hampshire, is played at another level.

Maybe it's because Massachusetts has more football-playing schools. Maybe that leads people to believe "more is better."

There is, however, one undeniable difference. It favors Mass. football.

Far more media attention is paid to the MIAA's championship games -- the ones at Gillette, anyway -- than NHIAA title contests.

Fans flock to the games too. The full-day crowd for the six Super Bowl games Saturday at Gillette was 25,457.

It has everything to do, I believe, with playing in an NFL venue. There simply isn't a stage in New Hampshire that's similar.

Boston, of course, is a major media market. And the various television, radio, print and online outlets annually cover the Super Bowl games at Gillette, which adds to the energy of the event.

In that regard, high school football in the Granite State can't compete.

Podcast: Dec. 3 "N.H. High School Sports Show"

2011-12-03T12:01:00.001-05:00

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Greetings from Gillette Stadium. Quick turnaround on posting the podcast for today's program, with a tweak to the title.

Until next football season, the weekly 7-9 a.m. Saturday broadcast on Manchester's WGIR-AM 610 and the Seacoast's 96.7 FM is officially the "New Hampshire High School Sports Show."

The program figures to focus on boys' basketball and mix in some boys' hockey talk.

This morning, I was in studio with co-host Pete Tarrier for the 7 o'clock hour before leaving early to help ESPNBoston.com High Schools with its coverage of MIAA Super Bowl games.

In the first hour, we discussed my alma mater, Syracuse University, and the child sex-abuse allegations against former men's basketball assistant coach Bernie Fine.

We also discussed whether multiple NHIAA football championship games could ever take place at one location, similar to today's scene at Gillette.

Here are the four audio links from wgiram.com to the show's first hour:

Hour 1, Segment 1

Hour 1, Segment 2

Hour 1, Segment 3

Hour 1, Segment 4

Coaches named for East-West All-Star Game

2011-11-30T23:59:00.001-05:00

The Granite State's inaugural East-West High School Football All-Star Game kicks off June 23, 2012 at the University of New Hampshire's Cowell Stadium.

And now we know who will coach the teams.

Bill Raycraft of Division V runner-up Windham, will lead the East team. Keith Jones of perennial Division III contender Milford will guide the West squad.

Each head coach has until Dec. 15 to select their coaching staff. Player nominations are due the same day.

The game will benefit Children's Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD) and Kristen's Gift fund, a restricted fund for pediatric oncology at CHaD.

From the press release:

Jones has spent the last 12 years at the helm of Milford High School's football program, a Division III program within the NHIAA. In applying for the position as head coach, Jones said his "best coaching accomplishment" was leading the Spartans to the state title in 2003.

The former Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl coach also has a special connection to CHaD.

Nearly three years ago, the coach's son, Harris, was involved in a snowmobile accident, leaving the boy critically injured. Jones and his wife, Kelly, brought Harris to CHaD, where a team of Orthopedic Pediatric surgeons worked to save his leg.

"It is an honor to be part of such a great football event supporting a one-of-a-kind organization, CHaD," Jones said. "You wouldn't believe the support we received from CHaD, the football community and the entire state. CHaD went above and beyond to take care of us and make our stress a little more bearable."

Raycraft has led the Windham High School Jaguars since 2009, when the school opened. He previously spent one year coaching at Salem High School.

Prior to his stint at Salem, Raycraft coached at John Stark Regional High School where he also started the program.

"I'm excited for the opportunity," Raycraft said. "I'm sure I'll have lots of questions and ideas tomorrow morning."

More details about the game can be found at CHaDAllStarFootball.org.

To date, more than $75,000 has been committed in sponsorships. Nike Football has also agreed to provide uniforms and apparel for the game.

"New Hampshire football will be elevated by this platform, more families will be made aware of the great programs CHaD offers, and players should aspire to make the teams' (36-player) rosters in order to showcase their skills and participate in a tremendous philanthropic effort on behalf of CHaD," said Nick Vailas, founder and CEO of the Bedford Ambulatory Surgical Center and the driving force behind creating the East-West game.

Podcast: Nov. 26 "N.H. High School Football Show"

2011-11-30T23:03:00.001-05:00

Last Saturday's 7 to 9 a.m. "New Hampshire High School Football Show" is available via podcast at wgiram.com.

Guests on the show included fill-in co-host Roger Brown of the New Hampshire Football Report and Nick Vailas, event founder of this summer's inaugural East-West High School Football All-Star Game.

The podcast is separated into eight audio files.

(Hint, hint ... the fifth and sixth segments focused on high school football's hot offseason topic: Divisional realignment for the 2012 and 2013 seasons.)

Click on these links to access the various portions of the Nov. 26 program:

Hour 1, Segment 1

Hour 1, Segment 2

Hour 1, Segment 3

Hour 1, Segment 4

Hour 2, Segment 5

Hour 2, Segment 6

Hour 2, Segment 7

Hour 2, Segment 8