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NJ High School Hockey Rankings Released

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, February 9th 2026 at 13:07 GMT by NJ.com
      Locale: UNITED STATES

By [Your Name Here], Staff Writer

Monday, February 9th, 2026 - The ice is heating up in New Jersey high school hockey as teams battle for playoff positioning. NJ.com released its latest rankings today, providing a snapshot of the current landscape. These rankings, while fluid and subject to change, offer a valuable glimpse into which programs are performing at the highest level as the season progresses. This year, the competition appears particularly fierce across both the Public and Non-Public divisions, promising a thrilling postseason.

Group Public: Bergen Catholic Holds Firm at Number One

Bergen Catholic continues to dominate the Group Public rankings, maintaining its top spot for the second consecutive week. Their consistent performance, characterized by strong defensive play and a potent offensive attack, has cemented their position as the team to beat. Don Bosco Prep remains a close second, posing a significant challenge to Bergen Catholic's supremacy. The rivalry between these two powerhouses is always a highlight of the season, and fans can expect a potentially epic showdown if they meet in the playoffs.

Seton Hall Prep rounds out the top three, demonstrating a well-rounded team with contributions from players across all lines. St. Augustine and Brick Memorial follow closely behind, both proving to be consistent contenders. The performance of Brick Memorial, a southern New Jersey school, is particularly noteworthy, highlighting the growing strength of hockey programs outside the traditional northern strongholds.

The remainder of the top ten in the Public Group includes West Morris Mendham, Ridge, Millburn, Southern, and Mahwah - all programs with a history of success and capable of making a deep playoff run. The condensed nature of the rankings suggests that any given night, an upset is possible, and the margin for error is slim.

Group Non-Public: La Salle Leads the Way

In the Non-Public division, La Salle currently holds the number one ranking, showcasing a team built on skill and disciplined execution. Delbarton, a perennial powerhouse, is hot on their heels, eager to reclaim the top spot. Gloucester Catholic and Bishop Eustace Prep continue to establish themselves as consistent threats, demonstrating strong coaching and a pipeline of talented players.

The mid-tier of the Non-Public rankings includes Paul VI, Notre Dame, St. Joseph (Montvale), Immaculata, Holy Spirit, and Christian Brothers Academy. These teams represent a mix of established programs and up-and-coming contenders, all vying for a chance to make their mark in the postseason. St. Joseph (Montvale), known for its academic rigor and competitive athletics, is consistently a force to be reckoned with.

Divisional Breakdown: McSkimming and Gordon Conferences

The rankings are also broken down by conference, offering further insight into team performance within their respective leagues. The McSkimming Division mirrors the top of the Public Group rankings, with Bergen Catholic, Don Bosco Prep, and St. Augustine leading the way. This indicates that these teams are consistently performing well against their divisional opponents.

The Gordon Conference rankings echo the Non-Public Group standings, with La Salle and Delbarton at the forefront. However, interestingly, Bergen Catholic also appears in the top ten of the Gordon Conference, suggesting cross-conference competitiveness and potential for intriguing matchups should teams from different divisions meet in state tournaments.

Looking Ahead: Playoff Implications and Potential Upsets

With the regular season nearing its conclusion, these rankings carry significant weight as teams jockey for favorable playoff seeding. The top teams will be looking to maintain their momentum and fine-tune their strategies for the postseason, while those on the bubble will be fighting tooth and nail to secure a playoff berth.

It's important to remember that rankings are not definitive predictors of success. Injuries, unexpected performances, and the unpredictable nature of playoff hockey can all contribute to upsets. However, these NJ.com rankings provide a valuable benchmark for assessing the current state of New Jersey high school hockey and identifying the teams most likely to contend for the state championship.