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NJ.com Releases New High School Hockey Rankings

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. om-releases-new-high-school-hockey-rankings.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, February 16th 2026 at 16:18 GMT by NJ.com
      Locale: UNITED STATES

February 16, 2026 - As the New Jersey high school hockey season continues to heat up, NJ.com has released its latest rankings, painting a clear picture of the state's dominant programs. The rankings, updated as of today, February 16th, 2026, showcase consistent performers and rising contenders across all four groups, as well as a dedicated ranking for teams vying for the coveted MCT (Malamed Cup Tournament) title.

Group 1: Northern Burlington/Florence Leading the Charge

The Group 1 landscape is currently topped by Northern Burlington/Florence, boasting an impressive 16-2-1 record. Their success indicates a strong team dynamic and potentially a system that's effectively leveraging player strengths. Morris Knolls and West Morris follow closely behind, with records of 13-5-2 and 12-6-2 respectively, suggesting a competitive fight for the top spot as the playoffs approach. Seneca and Verona/Glen Ridge round out the top five, demonstrating a solid level of play across the smaller school division.

Group 2: Summit Maintaining a Consistent Presence

In Group 2, Summit continues to be a perennial powerhouse, currently holding the number one position with a record of 15-3-1. This consistent success often points to a well-established hockey program with strong coaching and a pipeline of talented players. Montclair Kimberley Academy (14-4-2) provides a strong challenge, while Mahwah (12-6-2) and Ridge (11-7-2) are also firmly in contention. Paulsboro, at 10-8-2, completes the top five and remains a team to watch. The competition in Group 2 appears particularly fierce, suggesting potentially close playoff matchups.

Group 3: Don Bosco Prep Asserting Dominance

Don Bosco Prep currently reigns supreme in Group 3 with an outstanding record of 17-1-2. This impressive record isn't just reflected in the Group 3 rankings, but also in the MCT rankings where they hold the top spot. Christian Brothers Academy (14-3-3) is a strong contender, showcasing a consistent ability to compete at a high level. Brick Memorial (13-4-3), Westfield (11-6-3), and Marlboro (10-7-3) are all battling for playoff positioning, highlighting the depth of talent within Group 3.

Group 4: Bergen Catholic and St. Augustine Prep in a Tight Race

The largest school division, Group 4, sees Bergen Catholic (16-2-2) and St. Augustine Prep (14-3-3) locked in a tight battle for the top spot. Both teams have demonstrated a consistent ability to win, suggesting a potential showdown in the later stages of the playoffs. Seton Hall Prep (12-5-3), Washington Township (10-7-3), and Eastern (9-8-3) complete the top five, indicating a competitive and balanced Group 4.

Malamed Cup Tournament (MCT) Outlook: The Elite Contenders

The MCT rankings, which combine teams from all groups, further solidify Don Bosco Prep's position as the team to beat. Their 17-1-2 record demonstrates a level of play that surpasses most of their competition. Bergen Catholic and Christian Brothers Academy follow closely, both boasting strong overall records. Summit and St. Augustine Prep also earn top-five spots, showcasing their ability to compete against the best teams in the state regardless of group affiliation. The MCT tournament promises to be a thrilling culmination of the high school hockey season, with these five teams likely to be the frontrunners for the championship.

Looking Ahead: Playoff Implications

These rankings offer a snapshot of the current state of New Jersey high school hockey. However, the landscape is constantly evolving, and the playoffs are sure to bring unexpected twists and turns. Teams will be looking to peak at the right time, and injuries or unforeseen circumstances could dramatically alter the playoff picture. The key to success will be consistent performance, strong goaltending, and the ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. For teams lower in the rankings, a strong playoff run could still be possible, as the tournament format often allows for upsets and Cinderella stories. Fans can expect a highly competitive and exciting finish to the 2026 New Jersey high school hockey season.