As the 2025-26 season winds down, MassLive is taking a position-by-position look at some of the season’s top high school boys ice hockey players in the state.
Our first list focuses on the best forwards.
We contacted MIAA schools across the state and asked them to have their boys ice hockey coach fill out a survey requesting information about their team. These lists were compiled based on the information provided by the coaches who chose to respond.
Think you belong on this list? Encourage your coach to fill out our survey! If you are an MIAA high school boys ice hockey coach who believes you did not receive a survey, email jhumburg@advancelocal.com. We will continue to add to these lists as appropriate.
Check back soon for the poll in which we’ll ask fans to vote for which of these forwards is the best of the best!
BEST FORWARDS IN MASSACHUSETTS BOYS ICE HOCKEY
Brayden Allaire, sr., Wachusett Regional
Allaire will play baseball for Roger Williams University. He’s also a key contributor in hockey with seven goals and four assists as of midseason (12-9-21 high school totals). “Brayden has improved tremendously this year and has asserted himself as a top forward that plays all 200 feet,” Wachusett Regional coach Matt Lane said. “He’s fast, tough and has a great shot. It’s good to see him earning the success he deserves this year.”
Brody Bassett, sr., Nauset
Nauset coach Connor Brickley said Bassett has had a breakthrough season, really finding his game when classmate and fellow forward Jake Eldredge was injured. “Brody has carried the load offensively very consistently,” Brickley said. “He has found his big power forward game to complement his extremely heavy shot he possesses.” He has 15 goals and 19 assists for a team-high 34 points. “He has made himself an offensive threat every time he steps on the ice this season, which has allowed our team to be a state championship team once again,” Brickley said.
Toby Beaulac, jr., St. Bernard’s
Beaulac plays center and serves as a captain. After tallying 22 points last season, he was at 27 midway through this season. “He and Pheonix (Fortier) have found their rhythm and are making the plays and scoring the goals when we need them to,” St. Bernard’s coach Stephen Sylvia said.
Ben Berian, sr., Marshfield
Berian is a senior captain with 35 points through 20 games. “He is a power forward,” Marshfield coach Dan Connolly said. “He leads by example, always the hardest worker, and is a very good player in all three zones.”
Logan Bowen, sr., Beverly
In 17 games this season, Bowen has 17 goals and 18 assists for 35 points. “Total team guy,” Beverly coach Andy Scott said. “Explosive skater, shoots the puck well, high skill.”
Aiden Boyce, sr., Wachusett Regional
Boyce transferred as a junior after playing for St. Paul. “He is an excellent defensive forward that does all the little things that make him a complete player,” Wachusett Regional coach Matt Lane said. “Aiden has great hockey awareness and plays with an edge.”
Caiden Brady, sr., Winchester
In his fourth season as a starter, Brady is a team captain with 16 goals and five assists. “Caiden is a player who has overcome adversity,” Winchester coach Gino Khachadourian said. “He is a leader on and off the ice. He always makes sure to give his teammates positive feedback.”
Sam Brand, jr., Lunenburg
By the time he’s finished, Brand will be a five-year varsity player — he started playing on the varsity team in the eighth grade. “Talented player who controls the game and has great hockey IQ,” Lunenburg coach Eric Short said. Brand, a Central Mass all-star, has eight goals and 14 assists this season.
Matt Brousseau, sr., Wachusett Regional
Brousseau, a team captain, was at 6-10-16 as of midseason for high school totals of 15-21-36. “He’s a gritty, hardworking forward that wills himself to success,” Wachusett Regional coach Matt Lane said. “Matt simply never stops grinding. He outworks his opponents consistently, and this has led to creating turnovers and offensive opportunities for his line.”
Jonas Carpenter, jr., Groton-Dunstable Regional
Carpenter has 10 goals and 11 assists for 21 points, second on the team in all three categories behind senior Rob Flynn. “Jonas is an exceptional skater,” Groton-Dunstable Regional coach Brendan McCann said. “He puts opposing defensemen on their heels and is a dynamic offensive threat with his speed and shot.”
Nate Carter, sr., Nashoba Regional
Carter plays left wing and is a team captain. He has six penalty kill goals and 19 total goals this season, plus 14 assists. “Leads by example — hardest-working player on the ice,” Nashoba Regional coach Justin Bowman said.
Stephen Constantine, sr., Arlington Catholic
Arlington Catholic coach Curt Colarullo has a great way to describe Constantine: “He has the skill of a first liner with the grit of a fourth liner.” Constantine has 12 goals and 15 assists this season. “Has a motor that runs for 45 minutes,” Colarullo said. “He is excellent on the PK. He is a solid skater, and it is very difficult to knock him off the puck with his wide frame.” The coach said Constantine will be the MVP of the CCL this season. “Stephen is a player who can change the outcome of a game by himself,” Colarullo said. Constantine committed to play lacrosse for Saint Anselm College.
Michael Cortis, sr., Medway
Cortis is a four-year varsity player. “He has found a scoring touch this year,” Medway coach Jeff Drake said. Cortis had 13 goals and 10 assists as of Jan. 28. According to the coach, Cortis is interested in environmental science and has been accepted to numerous colleges.
Finn Cronin, sr., Silver Lake Regional
The senior captain had 11 points (three goals, eight assists) through 13 games. “Finn has been an unbelievable senior leader — he leads by actions and through his voice,” Silver Lake Regional coach Colin Foley said. “Finn has been exactly what this program needed with such a young team after graduating 16 seniors last year. I can’t say enough positive things about Finn’s leadership and accountability he has taken on. Finn outworks his opponents and never stops his relentless forechecking.”
Mike Curry, sr., Weymouth
Curry, a senior captain, led the team in points through 12 games with 22 — nine goals and 13 assists. “Mike plays center on our top line and brings immeasurable hockey IQ to our team,” Weymouth coach Pat Kennedy said. “With great anticipation and an ability to read plays, Mike plays all situations. He also has quick skill, sneaky speed, and plays a tough game.”
Jason Drake, sr., Medway
Drake is a captain and a four-year varsity player. He had 17 goals and 12 assists as of late January. “He has a great competitive spirit and high level of skill and speed,” Medway coach Jeff Drake said. “He was the leading scorer on Medway last year as a junior and voted a league and TVL all-star.” As for his future? “He has been accepted to numerous schools and hopes to study business or agriculture.”
Jake Eldredge, sr., Nauset
Injuries have limited Eldredge to 13 games this season, but he’s a difference-maker when he’s on the ice. “He still has shown who he was going to be this year for us with his 17 goals in that time,” Nauset coach Connor Brickley said. “He has played injured all season but still finds a way to be an impactful player and leader each game.”
Ryan Ferguson, sr., Weymouth
Ferguson is a senior captain in his fourth season on the varsity team. Through 12 games, he had 16 goals and three assists. “Ryan is a big, fast, powerful forward with dynamic skill and a quick shot,” Weymouth coach Pat Kennedy said. Ferguson had back-to-back hat tricks to end 2025 and start 2026.
Ryan Flaherty, sr., Wachusett Regional
As of midseason, Flaherty was second on the team in points with 8-10-18. His high school totals were 29-24-53. “Ryan is a strong, physical forward with a great shot,” Wachusett Regional coach Matt Lane said. “He’s an unselfish player that creates a lot of offense for his linemates.”
Rob Flynn, sr., Groton-Dunstable Regional
Flynn leads the team in goals (14), assists (15) and points (29). “He is someone we can count on in all situations,” Groton-Dunstable Regional coach Brendan McCann said. “He sees the ice extremely well and produces at critical times.”
Pheonix Fortier, jr., St. Bernard’s
The junior wing had 30 points at midseason after totaling 14 last season. “Pheonix had a slow start to the season, but he’s really come around and found his place,” St. Bernard’s coach Stephen Sylvia said. “He’s more than doubled his points from last season, and I’m expecting big things the rest of the way from him.”
Max Furcillo, jr., Nashoba Regional
Furcillo plays right wing and is an alternate captain. He has 15 goals and 16 assists this season and plans to play college hockey. “A true rising star with a bright future ahead of him,” Nashoba Regional coach Justin Bowman said.
Wyatt Goyette, sr., Middleborough
Goyette is a two-year captain. “Two-way forward with speed, strength, physicality and on the ice for all key situations,” Middleborough coach Steven Chamberlain said. “Wyatt is the guy who paces our team and has the ability to change the game with his speed.” Goyette has 20 goals and 19 assists in 17 games this season, putting him at 62-87-149 in high school. He plays center and right wing and is a dangerous penalty killer, according to his coach. “Wyatt has been a strong team leader since his sophomore year, and this year along with Levon (Mulready) they’ve had the team believing they can accomplish anything if they play together as a team and believe in themselves,” Chamberlain said. “Wyatt is a true competitor, he has a great personality that’s contagious with his teammates, and he hates losing, which motivates him to give his 100 percent each and every time he’s on the ice.” Goyette plans to play football for Massachusetts Maritime Academy.
Brody Hollister, sr., Westfield
Hollister had 16 points — eight goals and eight assists — as a junior. “He works extremely hard and is an excellent teammate,” Westfield coach Dominic Puntillo said. Hollister plans to start a career as an electrician after graduation.
Owen Hurley, jr., Lunenburg
As a junior, Hurley is already a three-time Central Mass all-star and a four-year varsity player — he played varsity as an eighth-grader. “Speedy forward that is always an offensive threat,” Lunenburg coach Eric Short said. Hurley has 15 goals and nine assists this season.
Canton Jenkinson, sr., Nantucket
Jenkinson is the team’s leading scorer this season. “He is always in the fight,” Nantucket coach Jack Moran said. “He pushes himself beyond the norm and will stay on the ice without complaint if needed.”
Jeremy Jenkinson, sr., Nantucket
Jenkinson is described as a leader and a strong all-around player. “Leading by example and always pushing his teammates to be their best,” Nantucket coach Jack Moran said. “Most physical when it’s needed and shows finesse when it warrants it.”
Adam Kornbau, sr., Framingham
According to Framingham coach Adam Aguilar, Kornbau is the team’s captain in every sense of the word. “He is not only our best player, but he’s the anchor for our team — he’s emotionally invested, understands and fuels the culture, and always brings up the team compete level,” Aguilar said. “‘Earned, not given,’ is a phrase we started using at the beginning of the season, and Adam has earned being the captain, the respect of the locker room, his coaches’ trust and opponents’ respect.” Kornbau has 21 goals and 31 assists for 52 points in 18 games. He was accepted to Boston University in the fall. “He has worked countless hours to be the player he is, and that work ethic carries over into the classroom as well,” Aguilar said.
Travis Laidlaw, sr., Wachusett Regional
Laidlaw ranked third on the team in points at midseason with 3-13-16, giving him high school totals of 28-33-61. “Travis is a fast, creative forward with great hands and an excellent shot,” Wachusett Regional coach Matt Lane said.
Caden Lane, sr., Wachusett Regional
Wachusett Regional coach Matt Lane describes the senior captain as a hardworking forward who leads by example. As of midseason, he had six goals and seven assists, giving him 18 and 26, respectively, in high school. “Last year he was awarded the MIAA Boston Bruins Sportsmanship Award and continues to be that consistent presence in our locker room,” Matt Lane said. “On the ice, Caden will do whatever is asked of him and continues to be a solid player in all facets of the game.”
Oli Lareau, sr., Holliston/Ashland
Lareau had 16 goals and 11 assists through 14 games. The team captain has signed with the Worcester Junior Railers and plans to play juniors next season. “He is a great leader and leads by example on the ice,” Holliston/Ashland coach Derek Bedard said. “Gifted skater and a natural goal-scorer.”
Andrew Lavin, sr., Nantucket
Lavin changed positions and has become a key player for the team. “Andrew has seen the most shift time in his high school career this year,” Nantucket coach Jack Moran said. “Andrew has risen above his own expectations and has become a solid forward this year, transitioning from defenseman from the past few years. He has figured out how to capitalize on split-second decision-making and been a huge force on the ice.”
Treygan Lemanski, jr., Westfield
Lemanski has emerged as a key player after not playing last season. “Handles the puck well,” Westfield coach Dominic Puntillo said. “Endeavors to play hockey at a higher level in the future.”
Peter Luscko, sr., Duxbury
Luscko has 11 goals and nine assists. “He’s been one of our top players all season,” Duxbury coach Mike Flaherty said. “Plays all key situations; has been a guy we have counted on in big situations and comes through. Has been a solid leader for us as well.”
Ryan MacDonald, so., Weymouth
As a sophomore, MacDonald was tied for second on the team with 19 points (seven goals, 12 assists) through 12 games. “Ryan is a big forward who can possess and protect the puck well with his body,” Weymouth coach Pat Kennedy said. “He has a high hockey IQ and keeps his game simple and effective. Ryan has a strong, quick shot and is a threat to score from anywhere.”
Luke MacIsaac, jr., Newburyport
A team captain as a junior, MacIsaac has 36 points this season — 14 goals and 22 assists. “Luke is a classic example of a solid power forward,” Newburyport coach Paul Yameen said. “He is a big, strong, lanky kid that can adapt to any style.”
Joe Maffia, sr., Westfield
Maffia had 69 points (30 goals, 39 assists) last season. “One of the top point producers in the state at any level,” Westfield coach Dominic Puntillo said. “Serves as the assistant captain. Will be playing junior hockey next season and plans to play college hockey in the future.”
Silas Mandeville, fr., Medway
Medway coach Jeff Drake calls Mandeville “a fantastic freshman.” The phenom had seven goals and 13 assists midway through the season. “You would never know that this is his first year,” Drake said. “He is tenacious in the corners and is not afraid of contact.”
Cole Martin, sr., Duxbury
Martin is a captain with five goals and 17 assists this season. “Big, strong winger, wins battles, gets pucks on net and plays a heavy game for us,” Duxbury coach Mike Flaherty said. Martin will play lacrosse in college.
Tom Massalski, sr., Marlborough
Marlborough coach Mike O’Brien said Massalski is an “outstanding” two-year captain for the team. “Tom’s work ethic is second to none,” O’Brien said. “He is a student/athlete role model for our underclassmen.” Massalski has 11 goals and 25 assists this season. He is considering attending RIT for college.
Christian Matranga, sr., Nashoba Regional
Matranga, a center and captain, is averaging two points per game — he has 20 goals and 16 assists. “A true leader, both on and off the ice,” Nashoba Regional coach Justin Bowman said. Matranga plans to attend UMass Amherst and play club hockey.
Brendan McLaughlin, sr., Marshfield
The senior captain has 32 points through 20 games. “Very fast skater, good offensive player with good vision,” Marshfield coach Dan Connolly said.
Andrew Nicosia, sr., Lunenburg
Nicosia is a senior captain, a four-year varsity player and a Central Mass all-star. “Outstanding leader and physical player who is effective in all three zones,” Lunenburg coach Eric Short said. Nicosia has 10 goals and 15 assists this season.
Daniel O’Connell, sr., Duxbury
O’Connell, a captain, has 10 goals and 10 assists this season. “Has been a good leader for us, has scored some very important goals,” Duxbury coach Mike Flaherty said. “We use him in every key moment. He has been great offensively and very strong defensively.”
Timmy O’Malley, jr., Hudson
The junior center has 27 goals and 13 assists — that’s 40 points in just 18 games. “He is a clutch performer who also plays defense for us at times in certain situations,” Hudson coach George N. Piandes said. “He is the hardest-working player whose motor never stops.”
Cody Penniman, sr., Wachusett Regional
Penniman is a captain and the only four-year varsity letterman on the team. He eclipsed the 100-point milestone this season; as of late January, he was at 51-59-110 in high school (13-11-24 this season). “He’s an excellent skater and plays an intense physical game,” Wachusett Regional coach Matt Lane said. “Cody is going to play junior hockey next season and hopes to eventually play at the collegiate level.”
Kody Pokraka, sr., Falmouth
Pokraka has 34 points this season (16 goals, 18 assists), putting him eight points from 100 in high school. “Cape and Island league all-star last year, amazing compete level, heavy forechecker with a great second gear,” Falmouth coach Paul Moore said.
Gavin Powderly, jr., Falmouth
Four more points will give Powderly 100 in high school. He’s at 21-12-33 this season. “Two-time Cape and Island league all-star, pure goal-scorer with a high-end skill set,” Falmouth coach Paul Moore said. “Great vision on ice allowing him to make plays.”
Ryan Russo, jr., Silver Lake Regional
Russo is an alternate captain as a junior. “Ryan missed the first few games due to injury, and we really missed him,” Silver Lake Regional coach Colin Foley said. “Ryan is taking on a leadership role as a junior and has done well. He has a strong shot and generates offense when we need it most.” Russo had three goals and four assists through 11 games.
Jordan Sousa, jr., Hudson
In only 18 games, Sousa has 49 points — 20 goals and 29 assists. “He is a smooth-skating forward with elite stickhandling skills and shot,” Hudson coach George N. Piandes said. “He is a leader and a clutch performer.”
Grady Stickney, so., Amesbury
Stickney has 31 goals and 11 assists in 18 games, with eight shorthanded goals. “Grady has a knack for scoring and loves to shoot, quickness and good hands,” Amesbury coach Steve Costa said.
Jack Sullivan, so., Newburyport
With 24 goals and 14 assists, the sophomore is tied for the team lead in points with 38. “Jack is an outstanding skater with tremendous speed,” Newburyport coach Paul Yameen said. “He possesses a really good skill set with hands and vision to go along with his skating ability.”
Matthew Sylvia, jr., St. Bernard’s
Sylvia is a center and team captain. As of late January, he led the team with 52 points (25 goals, 27 assists) after totaling 41 points (21 goals, 20 assists) last season. He reached 100 high school points Jan. 12. “He’s a playmaker you can always count on,” St. Bernard’s coach Stephen Sylvia said. “The younger players look up to him and learn from him. He’s a great leader, and I’m excited to see what the rest of the season holds for him.”
Anthony Tramontozzi, sr., Marlborough
Tramontozzi is a two-year captain for the team. “Anthony is a great example of a student/athlete who has worked for everything he has accomplished,” Marlborough coach Mike O’Brien said. “He worked his way from being on JV as a sophomore to our leading goal-scorer in two years. When we talk to our younger players about making the most of their opportunities, we always point to Anthony.” Tramontozzi has 14 goals and 15 assists this season. He plans to major in finance in college.
Xavier Valcorba, jr., Middleborough
Valcorba is a junior center, a first-year alternate captain and a “game-changing two-way forward,” in the words of Middleborough coach Steven Chamberlain. “Xavier is an extremely skilled skater who has high-level puck skills, vision and a deep understanding of the game,” Chamberlain said. Valcorba has eight goals and 13 assists for 21 points in 17 games. “Xavier is our most-skilled forward, but most of his success doesn’t appear on the scoresheet but is what I call third assists as his actions lead to the assists/goals or create the opportunities that result in goals,” Chamberlain said. “Xavier is dynamite at the faceoff dot and rarely is on the ice when the other team scores. Xavier plays on both the penalty kill and the power play, and he shares his knowledge of the game with his teammates to make those around him better.”
Henry Waddell, jr., Newburyport
Waddell, a captain as a junior, has 17 goals and 21 assists for 38 points. “Henry possesses a combination of speed and power with a heavy shot,” Newburyport coach Paul Yameen said. “His work ethic both on and off the ice is outstanding.”
Evan Walker, jr., St. Bernard’s
The junior wing had 38 points this season as of late January after totaling 23 last season. “Evan has had a big year this year,” St. Bernard’s coach Stephen Sylvia said. “I anticipate he’ll double his points from last year, and he should reach his 100 career points early into his senior year.”
Jack Walkus, jr., Silver Lake Regional
The right wing had a team-high 12 points (six goals, six assists) through 13 games. “Jack has taken on a huge role this year,” Silver Lake Regional coach Colin Foley said. “Jack has a good shot, and he has great speed and takes players on 1-on-1 a lot with a high success rate.”
Colin Walsh, so., Framingham
After putting up 32 points as a freshman, Walsh has 47 (28 goals, 19 assists) through 18 games as a sophomore. “Colin is a rare, young talent that can change games at a moment’s notice,” Framingham coach Adam Aguilar said. “Walshy possesses great size, tremendous on-ice vision, offensive creativity and the ability to bury opportunities. He has scored very big goals for the team this season in critical, when-it-matters-most moments. Playing alongside Adam Kornbau, the two players have emerged as elite talents in the Bay State League.”
Ryan Elrick, jr.; Andrew Gillis, sr.; Joey Ryan, sr., Canton
“Our top line has emerged as one of the most effective units in the state,” Canton coach Brian Shuman said. Elrick, a winger, leads the way with 26 goals and 10 assists, “production driven by strong chemistry with his linemates,” Shuman said. Gillis has six goals and 15 assists; Ryan has nine and 19. “Together, the trio has formed a consistently dangerous line and one of the most effective groups I’ve coached,” Shuman said. “Joey’s passing and playmaking are exceptional, while Andrew does the hard work along the boards, winning pucks that directly lead to scoring chances.”
Braydon Connors, fr.; Ryan Wilson, so.; Brian Delisio, sr., Essex Tech
Connors has 12 goals and 12 assists as a freshman center. “Hard-nosed with high compete level,” Essex Tech coach Ryan Sheehan said. Wilson is a sophomore with 10 goals and 14 assists. “Crafty around the net with a scoring touch,” Sheehan said. Delisio is the veteran who has missed most of the season. “But he is back and our best offensive weapon,” Sheehan said.
Alex Hensch, sr.; Matt Desrosiers, jr.; Alex DiNapoli, so.; Brayden Sullivan, so., Longmeadow
Longmeadow coach Chad McGillicuddy calls the captain Hensch a “great leader both on and off the ice.” Desrosiers is an alternate captain, and McGillicuddy said he’s great at “driving points and a team winning culture.” DiNapoli and Sullivan have broken through this season as sophomores. McGillicuddy said DiNapoli “brings a hardworking and positive attitude” and “helps puts points on the board.” The coach called Sullivan the leader of the offensive effort.
Jack Reed, Mikey Spaulding and Jason Piacentini, srs., West Springfield
West Springfield coach Rick Williams can’t say enough good things about this trio. “These three players exemplify leadership both on and off the ice, excelling in all situations, including 5v5 play, power play, penalty kill and even 6v5 scenarios in both directions,” Williams said. “As reliable two-way players, they consistently step up in crucial moments while serving as positive influences in the locker room and beyond, mentoring younger teammates through the challenges of transitioning to high school hockey, offering encouragement and fostering team unity.” Reed is a senior center and captain who has led the team with strong point production. He’s exploring options to continue playing hockey in college. Spaulding is a right wing and fellow captain who, according to Williams, “brings consistent scoring and effort, making him a dependable force in big games.” Piacentini is another center who adds versatility as a recent Western Mass soccer champion — he plans to play soccer for Assumption College. “All three have been a true pleasure to coach, prioritizing team success and embodying the values of sportsmanship, mentorship and resilience that make high school hockey special in Western Massachusetts,” Williams said.
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