Ice hockey rankings: St. John’s boys, Visitation girls lead the charge

With yet another sweep of the boys’ and girls’ Washington Catholic Athletic Conference hockey titles by St. John’s last year, the Cadets remain on top going into this season. Although an early 8-5 loss to Gonzaga puts a dent in the boys’ untouchable status, it’s not enough to upend the hierarchy yet.

After losing first-team All-Met goaltender Chase Hornbecker, the Cadets are relying on forward Carter Johnson to drive their dominant offense. But in light of what could be a return to form for Gonzaga and Georgetown Prep, the Mid-Atlantic Prep Hockey League is up for grabs, particularly after DeMatha’s shaky performance leading up to last year’s title win .

Langley remains the team to beat in the Northern Virginia School Hockey League, although Briar Woods and Colgan are already putting up wins in an effort to emerge as the primary threats to the back-to-back champion Saxons .

The Maryland Student Hockey League could be the opposite story: After Walter Johnson dethroned Churchill in last year’s title match, the teams are firmly established as rivals — and in their first matchup this season, they tied.

St. John’s (22-6-1) Return to menu The Cadets spent last year atop the rankings, and coming off a WCAC title and a dominant MAPHL season, there’s no reason to doubt them now.

Langley (14-0-0) Return to menu Even after losing All-Met Player of the Year Kameron Khazai to graduation, the Saxons already have demonstrated a wealth of talent to maintain their status as kings of the NVSHL. They have started the season with two wins.

Landon (7-2-3) Return to menu Perennial Interstate Athletic Conference contenders, the Bears displayed focus under pressure to win last season’s title game against Bullis in overtime . Under second-year coach Alex Parker’s leadership, that mentality looks to be building something special again this year.

Gonzaga (16-7-4) Return to menu The Eagles started the season with wins against DeMatha and St. John’s, signaling that a squad that came up short in the WCAC and MAPHL last year could be on its way to shaking up both leagues.

Georgetown Prep (8-1-3) Return to menu The MAPHL runner-up notched a win against a strong Bullis team in the season opener and will be leaning on returning stars to match the heights of last year.

Walter Johnson (17-3-1) Return to menu The Wildcats made some magic last season when they won their first MSHL title in 18 years. They’ve already built on that momentum with several wins, including against Montgomery County rivals Sherwood and Bethesda-Chevy Chase.

Briar Woods (10-2-1) Return to menu The Falcons look ready to revive the rock-solid defense that brought them to last year’s NVSHL title game, balanced by an offense led by Grant Leeds and Zachary Posusney.

Churchill (12-7-1) Return to menu In usual fashion, the Bulldogs have asserted themselves as a top contender for the MSHL title after last year’s loss in the championship game.

Wootton (8-9-0) Return to menu Although they have yet to be tested by the best of the MSHL, the Patriots have been busy. They’re already on a six-game winning streak and seem set to threaten the likes of Walter Johnson as the season continues.

DeMatha (7-15-3) Return to menu The Stags have a long road ahead of them after losing 11 seniors following their MAPHL title win last season, but there’s no underestimating their potential to build a championship squad out of untested talent.

On the bubble: Archbishop Spalding, Bishop Ireton, Colgan, Glenelg, Yorktown

Girls’ Top 3

Georgetown Visitation seems unstoppable after last year’s perfect season and Mid-Atlantic Girls Hockey League title , with Archbishop Spalding posing the most credible threat. The WCAC is still Cadets territory as St. John’s positions itself for what could be its third title in a row.

Even with the loss of seven graduating seniors, the Cubs, led by 2022-23 All-Met Player of the Year Lucy Thiessen , are in position to build on last year’s undefeated season that culminated in a MAGHL title .

The Cavaliers will attempt to take the next step after losing in last year’s MAGHL championship game.

The Cadets are looking to win a third consecutive WCAC championship but have a much younger core than in previous seasons.