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St. John's Prep midseason grade: B+

Thursday, January, 24 By Phil Stacey
Sports editor

First half analysis: The goaltending tandem of Kyle Pettoruto and Eric Clifford has been terrific, allowing just two goals a game. The top line of Dan Haugh, Christian Cowles and Colin Prior has also stepped it up for new head coach Kristian Hanson, and defenseman Nick Riccio is taking the mantle of being the team leader of a young defense. Inability to start out of the gate strong in certain games has hurt.

Team MVP thus far: Christian Cowles, C (10-7-17). Team's heart and soul player can score the big goals as well as forecheck, clog passing lanes and sees the ice brilliantly.

Second half outlook: It's probably going to take at least six (more likely seven) wins in their last nine games to earn a Super 8 tournament berth. Otherwise, the Eagles will likely in the Division 1 North tournament | not a bad second option, considering they could win the whole thing. Improved play by the second and third lines, the continued maturation of the defense and playing hard for 45 minutes will only help improve an already talented club.