MassLive unveiled the Western Massachusetts boys ice hockey Super 7 for this season on Thursday, featuring players from five different schools. Greenfield and Ludlow spearhead the list with multiple honorees, while several other programs are also well represented. Here is the complete roster:
Alexander Hensch, Longmeadow
Fresh off a personal-best eight goals and five assists last season for 13 points, Hensch earned a spot on the All-Western Mass. Second Team. His athletic footprint isn’t limited to the rink; during the fall, he starred in soccer with 18 goals and 13 assists, helping Longmeadow clinch both the Smith Conference title and the WMass Class A crown. In recognition of his multi-sport excellence, the Western Mass. Soccer Coaches Association named him an All-American last month, making him just the second Longmeadow player to receive the honor, following former pro soccer star Jay Heaps (class of 1994). With senior leadership in focus, Hensch now adds Super 7 distinction to an already impressive resume. Longmeadow is entering a transition year, bidding farewell to nine seniors from the previous class, including Nick DeAngelis-Gray, Doug Healey, and Kyle O’Connor."
If Hensch repeats his standout play and maintains his leadership, Longmeadow could chase its first regional title since 2023. The Lancers, coached by Chad McGillicuddy, will kick off the season against West Springfield on Saturday, December 13, at Olympia Rink, 2:30 p.m.
Sean Kefalas, Ludlow
Ludlow coach Paul Rivest notes that those who knew Kefalas expected him to become a star at the high school level, and the junior has delivered. Over three seasons, Kefalas has established himself as one of the region’s premier players and defensemen. Entering his senior year, he sits at 51 career points and is coming off a season that earned him Super 7 honors, All-Western Mass. First Team, and Berry Division All-League recognition. His teammates voted him captain for a second straight year. Ludlow opens its winter slate against Agawam on Saturday, December 13, at 12:30 p.m. at Olympia Rink.
Jack Laurie, Greenfield
Laurie’s track record speaks for itself. After being named Rookie of the Year at the 57th Amo ‘Betts’ Bessone Committee Awards following the 2022-23 season, the senior has continued to prove his value as a top-tier offensive and defensive talent in the region and within Division IV. Greenfield moved up to the Berry Division last season, facing new challengers like Westfield, Longmeadow, East Longmeadow, and West Springfield, and still captured the division title before bowing out to the Bombers in the Western Mass. final. Greenfield posted a 12-9-0-21 record and pushed Sandwich to overtime in the D-IV Round of 32. Laurie tallied one of his six goals in that loss. This season won’t be easy, as Greenfield said goodbye to seven seniors, including former Super-7 pick Jake Jurek, Matt Garvin, and William Petrin. With two defensemen departing, Laurie has the opportunity to showcase his two-way game even more, health permitting after an injury-limited stretch last season.
Joseph Maffia, Westfield
Maffia captured the Most Valuable Player honor by unleashing a career-best 30 goals and 39 assists, guiding Westfield to a second consecutive WMass Class A title over Greenfield. He led the region with 69 total points and averaged 3.45 points per game, delivering multi-point performances in 17 of 20 appearances. Known for elite speed, sharp vision, and confident puck handling, he remains a major challenge for defenses, especially on breakaways. His impressive play earned him co-MVP honors alongside Michael McGrath of Pope Francis at the Amo ‘Betts’ Bessone ceremony. Westfield starts the season against Longmeadow on Thursday, December 18, at Amelia Park, 7 p.m.
Jack Reed, West Springfield
With Owen Hall and Gavin Hall graduated, West Springfield needed a new leader, and Reed fits that role perfectly. Coach Rick Williams raves about Reed as one of the most complete and deserving Western Mass players in recent years. Since his freshman season, Reed has contributed on the power play, penalty kill, 6-on-5 situations, and in overtime. Across two seasons, he’s totaled eight goals and 13 assists for 21 points, with a pivotal playoff tally against Lynnfield that propelled West Springfield into the D-
