Hockey: Hampshire County programs aiming for postseason berths

By HANNAH BEVIS

Staff Writer

Published: 02-02-2023 6:20 PM

With a handful of games remaining in the regular season, all four local high school hockey teams have their eyes fixed firmly on the postseason. It’s going to be a tight race for most teams, and here’s a look at how things look as February begins.

Orioles flying high

Belchertown is currently the highest ranked team in the most recent MIAA Power Rankings. The Orioles sit 29th in the Division 4 rankings, the only local team that would automatically qualify for the Round of 32 in the MIAA playoffs if the season ended today. They’re also the highest ranked team among the squads  competing in the Western Mass. tournament; the Orioles sit in the No. 1 spot in the Class B rankings.

Belchertown’s depth has been key throughout the season – the program has consistently been able to roll out four forward lines, led by the top two lines of Francis Henderson, Ryan Fernandes and Cody Samson, and Brady Moreau, James Delaney and Charlie Fijal. Paired with strong defensive pairings and three goaltenders who have all gotten minutes, every Belchertown skater is a reliable presence on the ice. 

Right now the Orioles are on a bit of a skid. After starting the season 5-0, they’ve dropped four of their last five games, though their schedule has been fierce — they’ve faced off against Wright foe Greenfield and titan West Springfield during that span.

Belchertown will look to get back to its winning ways with a three-game home stand, starting with a game against Wright Division opponent McCann Tech on Friday at 6 p.m.

Hurricanes, Eagles on playoff bubble

Easthampton and Amherst are right on the cusp of the MIAA playoff discussion. The top 32 teams in each division automatically qualify, and Amherst and Easthampton are No. 34 and No. 35, respectively, in Division 3. The two teams are also adjacent in the Western Mass. rankings, with Amherst in the No. 2 slot and Easthampton in the No. 3 slot in Class C. If the rankings stay as they are, the two teams would clash in the semifinals for a spot in the sectional championship game.

Though Amherst has the edge in the rankings, Easthampton won a dramatic last-second 3-2 OT contest during the two team’s first regular season game, and also has a 7-5-1 record. If that holds, the Eagles would earn a qualifying spot for the MIAA tournament with a .500 record even if they stay out of the top 32. Amherst needs a few more wins – right now, the Hurricanes’ 5-8 record isn’t enough to punch a playoff ticket.

There’s plenty of time for the Hurricanes to get their record back up to .500. Amherst has six games remaining before the Western Mass. tournament, including a rematch against Easthampton in two weeks. Both the Eagles and ‘Canes have shown depth that can match opponents. It will be close down the stretch, but both teams have the skill to qualify for the state tournament. 

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Amherst’s next game will be against South Hadley on Saturday at 2 p.m, while the Eagles will face Mount Everett on Friday at 7 p.m. 

Tigers aiming to reach .500 mark

The only team still a ways out of MIAA playoff contention is South Hadley, which was ranked No. 42 in Division 4 in the latest power rankings. However, the Tigers aren’t out of the hunt yet – a .500 record will buy them a play-in game to get to the Round of 32. They’re also currently in line to compete for the Western Mass. Class C title, sitting at the No. 3 spot.

Right now, the Tigers have a 5-6 record with four games to play before the Western Mass. tournament. They’ll rely heavily on the team’s backbone in net, goaltender Devin Carleton. Before their last two losses, the Tigers were on a four-game winning streak, thanks in large part to their chemistry and buy-in to the team’s systems. While they’re one of the smallest teams in terms of roster sizes, South Hadley always fights hard until the final buzzer. 

The Tigers will look for some redemption against Agawam on Friday at 8:30 p.m.

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