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Kyle Pettoruto, St. John's Prep: Senior goaltender shone in both of his starts last week, posting consecutive shutouts as the Eagles blanked Essex Junction of Vermont and St. John's of Shrewsbury. Pettoruto stopped 47 shots combined in the two wins.

This time, it's not just coach-speak.

It's true when you hear that the Northeastern Conference Large may be as balanced as it's ever been this season. That's right; the most balanced it's ever been.

1.Central Catholic (3-0-0): Raiders have picked up where they left off after last year's Super 8 season; won season-opening Rice Tourney at UVM.

2.St. John's Prep (0-1-0): Stumbled out of the gate with loss at Hingham; a sweep of two games in Vermont this season is the revenge Eagles will be looking for.

Matt Rodgers, Peabody Soph. LW: Sophomore had four goals in his first three games, including four in an opening night win over Salem.

Pat O'Kane, Danvers Sr. G: Stopped 30 shots, many of the acrobatic variety, to help Falcons preserve a 3-3 opening night tie with Swampscott.

Tryouts have been held. Varsity uniforms have been handed out.

Line combinations are being finalized, schedules are being scrutinized, and puck followers are gearing up for their favorite time of the year.

Schedules are now available for the majority of high school ice hockey and basketball teams for the 2007-2008 winter season. Over the next couple of weeks, stories previewing what the winter holds for each team, rosters, and team and individual player photographs will begin to appear on RallyNorth. If your team has a schedule or roster that we do not have yet, please e-mail it to rallynorth @eagletribune.com.

Who will be the top boys ice hockey teams this year?

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