The Elite 8 race heats up

New England Hockey Journal’s RinkWise · Feb 18, 2026 · 1h 2m

Evan Marinofsky and Patrick Donnelly open with reactions to the shooting at Dennis Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, R.I., offering condolences and noting reported heroes. They then preview late-season prep hockey: boys teams slipping (Avon Old Farms, Belmont Hill) and rising (Cushing, Kimball Union), and girls hockey shakeups with Phillips Andover taking No. 1, Nobles surging, plus Williston Northampton, Groton, St. Paul’s and Cushing bubble scenarios. MIAA notes include Canton’s Ed Burns win, Reading’s defensive run, Catholic Memorial over Pope, Algonquin’s perfect season, Hingham, KP, St. Mary’s…