Pope John forward Matt Hughes celebrates a goal being scored against Chatham in their 3-2 win.

The first round in the non-public school tournament for boys hockey is here, and at big state sports we have our predictions for the first round predictions. 

#16 St. Peter’s Prep @ #1 Don Bosco Prep

Don Bosco Prep does not have a large number of forwards with overwhelming goal numbers but they have so much depth and play makers. Dean Tsokos scored 33 points and leads the team in scoring with a very deep team. The Marauders have gotten some clutch games but I will go with the top seed. 

Peter’s Pick- Don Bosco Prep 9-1

#9 St.Joseph Montvale @ #8 Pope John

Pope John has had the feeling of being on top of the state with their great players but are looking to build on their consistency. Johan Bars, a Wagner Commit has bolstered their blue line and Robbie Myshkoff and Matt Hughes fill the net routinely. Saint Joseph Montvale have been up and down, and they’ve had some really good games, but I just really favor the talent level of the Lions. 

Peter’s Pick- Pope John 6-3

#12 St. Joseph Metuchen @ #5 Bergen Catholic 

Matt Maglio has really been an offensive star for the Crusaders. Bergen Catholic has also had some great battles and outstanding performances this season. Brandon Adams leads a Falcons team that once again continues the trend of being up and down, although they have a very proud calling card this season, which is being the one team that played Randolph and did not lose to the Rams, and were able to come back in the third period and tie it. Still, I like Bergen Catholic as a team that can really build their offense.

Peter’s Pick- Bergen Catholic 5-1

#13 St. John Vianney @ #4 Christian Brothers Acadamey

Nicholas Desiderio has been an offensive line with over 40 points for the CBA Colts. This is my favorite team to watch in the private school playoffs. They have speed, their east west game is as good as anybody in the state St. John Vianney is also coming off of a cup championship but I do not believe that they will have the speed to deal with CBA.

#14 Notre Dame @ #3 St. Augustine

Notre Dame is continuing their physical plate and it has put them in a good position in a Paul playoff game. However, St. Augustine really showed up in the Gordon cup. They are a title favorite and for good reason with their goals scoring, I will also oblige and I’m picking St. Augustine.

Peter’s Pick- St. Augustine 7-2

#11 Morristown-Beard @ #6 Princeton Day

The Crimson have an electric goaltender in Mason Hriczov and as a freshman he has backstopped them many wins. Hudson Salvador whose father, Bryce played for 15 years in the NHL with the Blues and the Devils, has made his own name as a young goal scorer.  I believe the youth movement for Morristown-Beard will be too much for a solid, but slower defense for Princeton Day.

Peter’s Pick- Morristown-Beard 2-1

#10 Pingry @ #7 Seton Hall Prep

Pingry bosts a wall of a defense. They have really liked the way that they have played recently and I have as well. However I’ve been a real fan of the speed game that the Pirates play. It was also seen in their matchups with Bergen Catholic. They can also be physical and lay the hits,this Seton Hall Prep team is finding a complete game at the wrong time for other teams.

Peter’s Pick-Seton Hall Prep 4-3

#15 Paul VI @ #2 Delbarton

The two way forwards that Delbarton has put into their system like Max Pendy and Dante Rodriguez, who posted over 30 points and only his third year with the Green Wave, have put Delbarton on top of the state. I’ve been more than impressed with Paul VI’s physical play but there is way too much going for Delbarton.