The first weekend of last March was epic.

Six of the eight Div. 1 boys hockey second-round matchups were one-goal barnburners. Two ended in overtime, two more were gutted out in double overtime, one was a triple overtime heart-stopper, and three were upset wins with unpredictable heroics.

Don’t be surprised if that parity shows up again in this year’s Div. 1 field. And as talks of a Super Eight return heat up, don’t be surprised either if it’s the Catholic powers — who have won each of the last four state titles — that emerge above the rest.

Catholic Memorial defends its state title by featuring arguably the state’s best defense — headlined by stars James Baker and Liam McKinney — as it works on finding an identity early on. Jaxson Fleming is back in net after an impressive eighth-grade season, while juniors Christian Hinckle, Dan Antonellis and Jack McCourt look to fill big roles on the attack.

St. John’s Prep reloaded nicely for its hunt for a third state title in five years. Leading scorer Brandon Ward and top defenseman JR Goldstein are back. Forwards Anthony Petruccelli, Logan Daigle, Andrew Macaulay and Chase Brown are a few of the many contributors to a hot start, and the Eagles look to Brennan Waters and Sefton Paradis to fill key roles on the blue line.

Reigning state finalist St. John’s of Shrewsbury has already beaten both, once again proving tough. Conor Secrist, Kevin Bisson, Ashton Smith and Ryder Bisson lead a stalwart defense in front of returning standout goalie Colin McCarthy. Senior Brady Chenevert and junior Jayden Wrzosek bring experience to a new-look attack.

Xaverian has erupted early on and is proving to be a premier contender, showcasing a high-powered attack led by Joe Von Handorf, Daniel Gentile, Ryan Bello and a host of seasoned upperclassmen. BC High has a blend of standout youth and upperclassmen in new roles looking to make some noise. Seniors Nolan O’Sullivan and Max Ryan have stood out with sophomore Sean Keenan early, while a senior-laden defense helps senior Domenci Conte in net.

Pope Francis will again contend after last year’s state semifinal trip. George Ramsey has impressed in net early on, while forwards Matty Regan, Liam Dolan and Wolfgang Zinger are excelling.

Arlington is chief among the publics looking to supplant the privates, coming off a trip to the Final Four. All-Scholastic senior forward Nolan Russell pairs with Cam Petrillo, Sean Patterson and Drew Beck to anchor the attack as part of a large group of returners, including goalie John Snider. Upperclassmen-rich Hingham is a premier contender as well, with a deep and balanced attack that’s among the most potent in the state. Cam McKenna, Walter Dzavik, Nick Bigelow and Brian Murray lead it, while seniors Sean Carroll, Colman Donahue, Ryan LaRonde and Nick Smith return on the blue line.

The Middlesex League Liberty is again dynamic. Reading looks ready to threaten. Forwards Aidan Shaughnessy and Jack Melly are key returners, while Kam Greatorex is one of several players ready for big roles. Nate Vitarisi returns as one of the state’s top defensemen. Winchester looks to make it further than last year’s quarterfinal trip, bolstered by electric netminder Graham Emerick, veteran defenseman Axel Osborn, and returning offensive stars Caiden Brady and Max Vozzella.

Belmont lost many of its key players, but looks to John Connolly and Mikey Rowan as experienced defensemen to help lead the Marauders.

Arlington Catholic looks like a potential threat for a deep run again out of the Catholic Central League. Stephen Constantine, Alex Frost and Tyler Heldenbergh anchor the attack, while a crew of goalies step up in place of graduated All-Scholastic Patrick Clair. The league title race will be tight with Archbishop Williams and St. Mary’s of Lynn. The Archies have a litany of returning scorers and Austin Gaylord has impressed in net. JJ Avery and Caleb Racki anchor the blue line for St. Mary’s, while Stephen Nason, Colton Carpenter and Finnegan Racki return at forward.

Ben Berian, Brendan McLaughlin and Caden Altobello bring experience to the attack for Marshfield. Weymouth is experienced and has the potential for a run, bolstered by senior captains Ryan Ferguson (forward), Mike Curry (forward), Colin Browning (defense) and Billy Lennon (goalie). Waltham is off to an excellent start under new head coach Chris Maguire and will be a tough out.

Needham, Wachusett, Chelmsford, Natick and Framingham are teams that could cause some trouble, too, as is a much-improved Lincoln-Sudbury.

As parity-ridden as Div. 1 is, Div. 2 could have one of the most exciting finishes.

The powers at the top are stacked, headlined by reigning state finalist Canton with the tools to finish the job this time. Teddy Shuman is a top defenseman who anchors a strong defense, while Joey Ryan, Ryan Elrick and Andrew Gillis are key playmakers in a prolific attack. A rematch of the 2022 state final is highly possible, with hungry Tewksbury standing as an early favorite. All-Scholastic senior forward Tyler Bourgea is a walking highlight reel complemented by Kevin Andriolo and Jason Shreenan, and Jake Cunha anchors a deep blue line with Michael Macauda.

Reigning state champion Billerica graduated many key players, but is firmly in the mix again to make noise. Timmy Murphy and Shawn Tierney return from a high-powered attack to lead it, while John Taft and Cam Amenkowicz provide veteran presence on defense.

Realignment brings in former Div. 1 threats that contend. Barnstable had Xaverian on the ropes last year, largely due to returning goalie Bob Doherty. Seniors Brody Nighan and Braden McCarthy pace the attack. The Middlesex League will have Burlington battle-tested for a potential deep run, fueled by Logan Nestor, Aiden Scalia and Jake Robitaille on the blue line, and a deep group of veteran forwards.

Senior captains John Sullivan (forward) and Aidan Rowley (defense), along with Dan Sullivan (forward) and Peter Buckley (defense), give a talented Milton group a veteran presence to build off last year’s quarterfinal run. Falmouth is dangerous with Finn Oberacker and Will Hostetter leading a strong defense, and with Gavin Powderly and Kody Pokraka igniting the attack.

Woburn lost firepower from last year’s semifinal run, but should be in the mix with Matt Hughes, Jared Barreto and Matt DeFeo returning on the blue line in front of standout goalie Adam Gerry.

Whitman-Hanson has high expectations to make some noise. King Philip and Westwood have shown potential as well.