A 60-point season and more: Cape High School Boys Hockey All-Stars Team
High school boys hockey was well represented on Cape Cod.
For the third straight year, a Cape team made it to TD Garden for a state championship game. Sandwich went to the state title game in 2022 and 2023, but this year was Nauset's turn. Although they did not raise a trophy in the end, there was still a lot of success on Cape.
Seven teams made it to the postseason, with five of those teams reaching the Sweet 16. Here are the players that had an impact on the boys hockey success on Cape, and in the state.
Presenting the boys hockey All-Stars 2023-24 team.
*Teams not listed did not send in any nominations.
First Team
Chase Field, Barnstable
The sophomore forward finished with 37 points (18 goals, 19 assists) for the Red Hawks this season. His career total now stands at 85 points (43 goals, 42 assists).
"Chase has helped lead the Hawks offense the last three seasons, but really came out of his shell this season," Barnstable head coach Tim Grace said. "Chase played in all scenarios and would always face the opposing team's top defensive units. Chase still found a way to shine."
Field's favorite moment of the season was when him and his teammates "dyed our hair and got frosted tips." He is also a part of DECA.
Dominic 'Dom' Bonito, Bourne
The senior right wing had 31 points (16 goals, 15 assists) for the Canalmen, and now has 65 points (34 goals, 31 assists) for his high school career.
"Dom’s ability with the puck not only created opportunities for himself, but for his linemates," Bourne head coach Frank Carpenito said. "Playing in all situations, Dom was a threat to make something happen whenever he touched the ice, and always seemed to score in our biggest games and when we needed it the most."
His favorite moment was winning the Canal Cup during the regular season. When not on the ice, Bonito is working out or playing golf. He plans to attend Bentley University.
James Crowell, Bourne
As a sophomore left wing, Crowell ended the season with 29 points (nine goals, 20 assists), bringing his career total to 53 points (20 goals, 33 assists).
"This season James played on our top lines, producing with whomever he played with," Carpenito said. "His ability to read the play and to get open, allowed him to be a huge factor in our success this season. Playing in all situations and excelling in the biggest moments proved how valuable he was to us."
His most memorable moment was when the Canalmen won the Canal Cup for the first time. Crowell is a three sport athlete and also plays baseball and football, and likes to workout.
Ty Kelley, Bourne
Kelley was the center for his senior season, and led the Canalmen scoring with 41 points (17 goals, 24 assists). Kelley gained 100-point status this season, with 114 career points (42 goals, 72 assists), which is 10th all-time in Bourne history.
"Ty is a two year captain for us who excels at both ends of the ice," Carpenito said. "Ty’s abilities on the ice, coupled with his competitiveness, made him a player other teams needed to key on, but they had little success."
Kelley's favorite moment, like his teammates, was winning the Canal Cup. He is a three sport athlete and plays football and baseball, and likes working out. Kelley will be attending Framingham State University to major in business marketing and continue his football career.
Chris Shanahan, Falmouth
The senior did not have the stats on paper with 10 points (four goals, six assists), but did his damage on the defensive end. He is a two-time Cape and Islands League All-Star, and was the captain of last year's team.
"I would put him as the top defenseman on Cape Cod," Falmouth head coach Paul Moore said. "No one plays more minutes and plays against every team's top line. He's a very hard defender and plays a physical game."
His highlight of the season was the charity game for Tommy’s Place against Barnstable. Shanahan is a three-sport athlete and also plays lacrosse and golf. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, and Latin Honor Society.
Shanahan will go on to Massachusetts Maritime Academy to study energy systems engineering after graduation.
Nate Averill, Martha’s Vineyard
As a left wing captain, Averill capped off his junior season with 32 points (20 goals, 12 assists). He now has 88 points (40 goals, 48 assists). Martha's Vineyard head coach said, "he's a true power forward with a high compete level."
His favorite moment was the University of New Hampshire Tournament. When he is not scoring or assisting on the ice, he plays golf.
Zach Coelho, Nauset
The junior goalie finished with a 1.57 goals against average (GAA), and had four shutouts.
"Zach is one of the premier goalies in the state," Nauset head coach Connor Brickley said. "His consistent effort and calm demeanor makes him a great asset between the pipes. He is extremely hard to beat."
Logan Poulin, Nauset
Poulin was equally good at scoring goals and dishing out assists, literally. The junior center had 50 points (25 goals, 25 assists) for the Warriors.
"Logan was a great leader for us," Brickley said. "He molded his game this season, not just producing on the offensive side of the puck, but being reliable in every situation on the ice."
Colin Ward, Nauset
Ward was a junior center for the Warriors and contributed 28 points (13 goals, 15 assists).
"Colin showed his work ethic and consistent energy and motor since day one," Brickley said. "Colin makes an impact every shift. He led by example and molded our team identity perfectly."
Brady Meyer, St. John Paul II
The senior right wing/defenseman had 35 points (11 goals, 24 assists), and led the Lions in scoring, assists, and blocked shots (43).
"There was no limit to Brady’s impact this season," JPII head coach Brian Eastman said. "In addition to his regular shift, he quarterbacked our power play and saw significant time on the penalty kill. He did everything but play goal(ie), but he would have done that too if that’s what we needed."
His most memorable moment was scoring on Senior Night. Meyer also plays baseball, and is a part of the Investment Club, and NHS. Meyer plans to major in finance and accounting at either Bentley or FSU.
Christopher Cardillo, Sandwich
The senior right wing scored the most points on the Cape with 64 points (37 goals, 27 assists) for the Blue Knights. He finished his high school career with 160 points 94 goals, 66 assists). He was selected as the South Shore League Player of the Year.
"He's a gifted goal scorer that plays the game on both sides of the puck, with a relentless enthusiasm and motor," Sandwich head coach Jordan Mohre said. "One of the best players in the state."
His favorite moment was when the Blue Knights won the Jim Gormley Cup during the regular season. Cardillo plans on attending a four-year college.
Jack Connolly, Sandwich
The senior left wing had a 52 point season with 31 goals and 21 assists, which earned him a spot on the South Shore League All-Star team. He finished his high school season with 114 points (62 goals, 54 assists). He was a four year varsity player, and the captain.
"He was the offensive spark plug and threat to score every time he touched the puck," Mohre said.
His most memorable moment was when he notched his 100th career point against Bourne in the Canal Cup game. Connolly also plays varsity lacrosse for Sandwich. He plans on attending Wentworth and hopes to play for the club hockey team.
Second Team
Ian DeVito, Barnstable
The senior forward had 18 points (two goals, 16 assists) this season, and finished his high school career with 31 points (six goals, 25 assists) over two seasons. He won the team's Best Defensive Forward Award this season.
"He is a smart player that would frequently turn defense into offense," Grace said. "A great playmaker on the season."
His highlight of the season was being able to give a dog to a veteran as a gift on Barnstable's Military Support Night. DeVito is a three sport athlete and also plays golf and lacrosse. He is also a part of Best Buddies, DECA, and the National Honor Society.
Devito is undecided on a college, but know he will study business management.
Brody Nighan, Barnstable
In his sophomore season as a forward, Nighan scored 18 points (eight goals, 10 assists), and finished second on the team in goals and points. He has 25 points (11 goals, 14 assists) for his high school career over his first two seasons.
"Brody is a shifty forward and is a strong centerman that would play in all situations," Grace said. "I'm looking forward to seeing Brody continue his rise next season."
His most memorable moment was scoring against Falmouth. Nighan also plays golf and like skiing, and is a part of Best Buddies and the Guitar Club.
Caleb Kean, Bourne
The junior played on defense for the Canalmen and had 20 points (four goals, 16 assists). He has 31 points (six goals, 25 assists) for his high school career.
"Caleb spent this winter playing against all of our opponent's top players," Carpenito said. "His ability to shut down opponents, while being a major factor offensively, changed everything for us. Caleb’s competitive nature makes him a natural on the penalty kill, but his skill opened up opportunities on the power play. He is truly a two way defenseman."
His favorite moment was when the Canalmen won the Canal Cup. When he is not playing defense on the ice, he spends his time fishing, landscaping, helping younger kids learn how to skate and play hockey, and going to the gym and hanging out with his friends.
Jackson Palmborg, Bourne
The freshman goalie had a 2.68 GAA, a 89.2 save percentage, 14 wins, and two shutouts. He has a career 3.01 GAA, 88.2 SV percentage, 17 wins, and three shutouts.
"Jackson was the last line of defense this season," Carpenito said. "His ability to come up with the big save when we needed it allowed everything else to click. His performance in the Canal Cup vs Sandwich helped us win our first cup since 2019, taking home MVP honors. Jackson’s ability to raise his game when the pressure rises makes him one of the best goalies around."
Palmborg's MVP performance in the Canal Cup was his favorite moment of the season. He is a three sport athlete with golf and tennis.
Andrew Popovich, D-Y/CCT/CCA
The senior co-captain defenseman was selected as a Cape and Island League All-Star (Atlantic Division), and was a five year player (four year starter). He won the Hobey Baker Character, and Sportsmanship Awards.
"Andrew was a player who displayed commitment, dedication, and sacrifice to the game of hockey," D-Y head coach Lewis Alberti said.
Eddie Leary, Falmouth
The senior goalie finished his final high school season with a 10-9 record, a 2.85 GAA, and played 28 games in his high school career. He was selected as a Cape and Islands League All-Star.
"GAA average and record does not reflect the goalie Eddie is," Moore said. "We play the hardest schedule of any Cape team."
His favorite moment was on Senior Night, and he is learning how to play music in his free time. Leary will play junior hockey for the Hockey Club Rhode Island.
Hunter Johnson, Martha’s Vineyard
Johnson had 27 points (9 goals, 18 assists) in his junior season at center and team captain. He has 81 points (34 goals, 47 assists) for his high school career.
"His finesse and sportsmanship are consistently on display," Mincone said.
Kelin MacAleese, St. John Paul II
The sophomore goaltender had a 6-14-2, 3.36 GAA, 652 saves, and three shutouts (the most by a Lions goalie in five years) in his second year as the starter. He recorded his 1,000th save, and his 1100th in the same season. He started every single game for the Lions this season.
"Kelin worked hard in the off-season and it showed," Eastman said. "Kelin gave us a chance to win every game we played. That goes beyond his play in the crease. He’s an emerging leader in our locker room, and he inspires confidence in our players. He’s the whole package."
His most memorable moment was his first shutout of the season against South Shore Vocational. He also plays lacrosse, and is in a fellowship group for Christian athletes.
Liam Monaghan, St. John Paul II
The junior forward had 27 points (16 goals, 11 assists) for the Lions and was their leading goal scorer, second in points. He finished with double digits assists for the first time in his career, and was a plus-74 on face-offs.
"Liam climbed to second on our scoring list thanks to his assists, many of which came from face-offs. He’s a big, strong kid with quick hands," Eastman said.
His favorite moment of the season was attending the Boston University vs. Boston College hockey game with his teammates.
Jon Valiga, St. John Paul II
As a senior forward, Valiga had 18 points (four goals, 14 assists), with a plus/minus of plus 23 and 97 body checks for the Lions. He led the team in plus/minus, hits, and had a career year in goals, assists, points.
"Jon’s leadership emerged this season," Eastman said. "We are still a young team, and many of the younger kids looked up to him. They knew Jon had their back."
His highlight of the season was playing against Barnstable. Valiga plans to join the Marines after high school.
Shane Corcoran, Sandwich
The senior was the top defenseman for the Blue Knights, was an assistant captain, and was selected as an SSL All-Star. He had 15 points with six goals and nine assists. Mohre said, "he led the charge with his physical presence at our back end."
His most memorable moment was when Sandwich won the Gormely Cup. Corcoran is also on the lacrosse team, and will take his talents to Assumption University on a lacrosse scholarship.
Harrison Delman, Sandwich
The senior played in center and had 17 points (five goals, 12 assists) for Sandwich, and also was selected to the SSL All-Star team
"Gritty center that played in all three zones and commanded the face-off circle," Mohre said.
His most memorable moment was his last game with his senior teammates.
"I’ve been playing with these guys my whole life and it was a really special moment for us although it didn’t end the way we’d hoped for," Delman said.
Delman is a three sport athlete and also plays soccer and lacrosse, and is involved in the DECA Club as well. He will be attending the University of Denver to study accounting.
Dylan McCabe, Sandwich
The senior defenseman was selected to the SSL All-Star team with 13 points (two goals, 11 assists).
"Steady member of our D-Corps and the team's most improved player," Mohre said. "Played in all situations, even strength, power plays, and penalty kills.
His favorite moment was when Sandwich won the South Shore League Championship, and being awarded League All-Star in his last season with some of his best friends
He is a three sport athlete that plays golf and lacrosse. When he is not playing sports, he is very busy in the SMHS World of Difference Program, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Key Club, Student Council, Science National Honor Society, Social Studies National Honor Society, DECA, Latin Club, tutoring, community volunteering, and is a youth lacrosse coach.
He plans to attend a four-year college to major in biomedical science with a concentration in epidemiology
Avery Richardson, Sandwich
The senior left wing finished his final high school season with 22 points (15 goals, seven assists), and was selected to the SSL All-Star team.
"He provided an energetic spark to the lineup," Mohre said. "His fast, shifty, and relentless shifts set our tone."
Richardson's highlight of the season was, he said, "those last moments on the ice with my best friends. Taking in the fact that it was over, but being happy for all the memories I made."
Richardson is the captain of the varsity lacrosse team, and is a member of the Science National Honor Society and Computer Science National Honor Society. He is committed to play lacrosse at Washington and Lee University
Honorable Mentions
Andrew Crapo, St. John Paul II
Bobby Lawson, St. John Paul II
Finn Ballard, Upper Cape
Charlie Carroll, Upper Cape
Zephyn Johnson, Upper Cape
Contact Courtney Jacobs at cjacobs@capecodonline.com. Follow him on X/Twitter: @CJ_Journalist.
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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Cape Cod Times High School Boys Hockey All-Stars Team
