MPHL Kick-Off Recap
Nov. 12, 2018 | South Burlington, VT

Rice Memorial Prep was excited to host the 8th Annual MPHL Kick-Off Classic at C. Douglas Cairns Arena in South Burlington, VT. Similar to past events, this year’s Kick Off was fast paced, competitive hockey! Fifteen of the twenty games played were decided by 2 goals or less, with 3 games being decided in shootouts. Over 200 patrons came through the doors of the Cairns Ice Arena, and 30+ NCAA and/or Jr. A scouts were in attendance. A few notable teams in attendance were:

Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks (NHL), University of Vermont, St. Lawrence University, Boston University (NCAA Div. 1), St. Michael's College, SUNY Canton, Williams College, Castleton State (NCAA Div. 3), Ottawa Jr. Sens, Carleton Place Canadiens, Nepean Raiders, Kemptville 73's, Smith Falls Bears, Rockland Nationals, Hawkesbury Hawks (CCHL), Kingston Voyageurs (OJHL), Philadelphia Jr. Flyers, Vermont Lumberjacks (EHL), and finally the Neutral Zone Hockey Scouting services. 

Many of the coaches and scouts said they were very pleased with the game play, pace, skill, etc…many also mentioned that the league continues to be very evenly matched compared to previous seasons.

Lake Forest has set the tone early going 4-0-1 on the weekend. They continue to show a great mix of speed and skill.  Gilmour also had a strong showing going 3-1-1.  Gilmour's balance of tenacity and skill, helped them get off to a good start. Ridley and Stanstead are not far behind going 3-1. Stanstead has skill up and down the lineup, where as Ridley plays a solid team game in all areas of the ice.  Both teams seem to have a good mix of returners and solid goaltending.  Bishop's and RNS finished the weekend 2-1-1. Both of these teams seem to be younger than in the past, but have a good mix of youthful skill and energy.  Rice Memorial is still in the thick of things, defending the home turf with a 1-2-1 showing.  Shady Side and St. Francis finished with a win a piece going 1-4, but both played better than their record indicated.  Again, all teams are still very much in the race.  A couple bounces either way could have put any of these teams with a winning record on the weekend. This seems to be the most balanced the league has been in years. There are no easy games and no guaranteed wins. It looks to be another solid season in the MPHL!

Rice Memorial Prep Coach and Host

Dennis Vickers