In recent years, the MIAA has opted to shake things up through realignment. Particularly effected has been Div. 3 boys hockey.

For the first time in a while, things have remained in-place for this upcoming winter, and we likely will see most of the usual suspects in the hunt for a state championship.

The 2024 final ultimately came down to a pair of favorites, with No. 6 Marblehead toppling top-ranked Nauset in a 1-0 nail-biter. The Headers lost quite a few pieces from their championship squad, but brought back arguably the biggest chip of all: Kyle Hart, who emerged as one of the state’s top scorers last year (18 goals, 30 assists). To this point, the standout has 90 career points.

“We have similar expectations every year regardless of the previous year’s outcome,” said Marblehead coach Mark Marfione. “We want to get better each game. Draw on experiences throughout the season to learn from and be ready come tournament time.”

Nauset enters the winter looking to exorcise its title game demons. The Warriors will have a substantial shot to succeed, as they return three of their primary offensive threats with Logan Poulin (25 goals, 25 assists) pacing the charge. Colin Ward and Jake Eldredge (13 goals, 15 assists apiece) will provide additional firepower, while Zach Coelho (1.57 GAA, four shutouts) remains in net.

Joining Nauset among the top teams in the South will be Scituate, which will look to continue its domination of the Patriot League’s Fisher Division. The Sailors hope to build upon last year’s Elite Eight trip, with captains Luke Ryan and Nate Sannella playing vital roles.

After making a Cinderella run to the Div. 3 semifinals as the No. 12 seed, Somerset Berkley expanded its depth by forming a co-op with Dighton-Rehoboth/Seekonk. Expect contributors like Adam Bastis, Nate Melo and Mason Sullivan to propel the Raiders.

Shawsheen blazed through its Commonwealth Athletic Conference slate en route to a Div. 3 semifinals appearance, and will look to carry that momentum into 2025.

Other teams to watch include Medfield, which enters a new era under first-year coach Jon Jepson. Ben Lusby and Joey Nee are the Warriors’ senior captains.

Triton could also be a threat out of the Cape Ann League, as is Lynnfield.

Dover-Sherborn/Weston knocked off a series of heavyweights during the Div. 4 tournament last March, watching its journey culminate with a 5-1 victory over Hanover in the final at TD Garden. The relatively new, but intimidating co-op will have to overcome heavy roster turnover if it hopes to repeat. However, it remains a possibility with star Sam Hinckley set to make his comeback.

Meanwhile, it’s all systems go for the aforementioned Hanover. For about 15 years now, the Hawks have won at just about every level they have played at, be it as high as Div. 2 or here in their current setting. The team’s nucleus is intact. After his heroic postseason performance, junior captain Cam Melone is expected to lead the charge up front, alongside classmate Henry Phillips. The school will rely on senior goaltender Thomas Perkins between the pipes, still hungry to claim the ultimate prize.

“We left off with a big game,” said Hanover coach Jonny Abban. “Obviously, we’d like to get back there. The kids, they got a taste of it. I think that’s something, that’s certainly a goal that we’d like to attain.”

Hanover’s local rival to the east could pose problems, as Norwell is expected to return with force this winter. It would not be surprising to see the Clippers cruise to another South Shore League title before embarking on a deep postseason run, especially with contributors such as Matt Cerrutti and Joe Perniola. Sandwich could be one team that gives Norwell a run for its money in the SSL. Watch out for Blue Knights junior Ty Creighton.

Winthrop had an incredible campaign before faltering in the Final Four. Players like Phil Boncore and Mike Holgerson are expected to step up.

One other team to watch out of the Middlesex League is Paul Sacco’s group at Stoneham. Nantucket is a program that could make noise out of the Cape and Islands League this winter.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Adam Bastis (Somerset Berkley)

Phil Boncore (Winthrop)

Matt Cerrutti (Norwell)

Zach Coelho (Nauset)

Owen Considine (Lynnfield)

Ty Creighton (Sandwich)

Mike Donahue (Winthrop)

Jake Eldredge (Nauset)

Aiden Fortunato (Shawsheen)

Kyle Hart (Marblehead)

Sam Hinckley (Dover-Sherborn)

Mike Holgerson (Winthrop)

Jeremy Jenkinson (Nantucket)

Ben Lusby (Medfield)

Sam McDonald (Abington)

Nate Melo (Somerset Berkley)

Cam Melone (Hanover)

Jacob Minsk (Stoneham)

Joey Nee (Medfield)

Thomas Perkins (Hanover)

Joe Perniola (Norwell)

Henry Phillips (Hanover)

Logan Poulin (Nauset)

Luke Ryan (Scituate)

Nate Sannella (Scituate)

Cam Scott (Hanover)

Mason Sullivan (Somerset Berkley)

Mike Taranto (Stoneham)

Colin Ward (Nauset)