Celebrating the 2025-26 All-Star Selections
The Daily News has unveiled its 2025‑26 All‑Star roster for boys hockey, a tribute to the athletes who turned the ice into a stage of brilliance this season. Each name on the list represents a player who not only posted eye‑catching statistics but also helped guide his squad deep into the state tournament picture.
Forwards such as Jason Drake and Christos Rogaris dominated the offensive charts. Drake finished his high school career with 108 total points after posting 31 goals and 20 assists, while Rogaris rewrote his program’s record books with 33 goals and 23 assists, cementing his status as the all‑time leading scorer.
Defensive standouts and goaltenders also earned well‑deserved recognition. James Dempsey’s first‑team Bay State Conference selection highlighted a Natick back line that helped the team reach the Division 1 state tournament, while Declan Buckler’s .900 save percentage kept the Cougars competitive in Division 4.
In net, Brandon Garzia yielded just 33 goals in 19 games with a 1.78 goals‑against average, and Finn Lozeau posted a 1.79 goals‑against average, allowing only 24 goals across 14 outings. Their consistency between the pipes gave their teams a reliable foundation throughout the season.
Mid‑season MVP Adam Kornbau tallied 24 goals and 35 assists for 59 points, earning Bay State Conference MVP honors, while Oliver Lareau’s 28 goals and 21 assists propelled the Holliston/Ashland co‑op to a Division 3 tournament berth. Players like Connor Merkle (15 goals, 14 assists) and Ricky Nashawaty (13 goals, 18 assists) added depth to offensive attacks that defined many of the year’s most competitive squads.
Leadership extended beyond statistics. Timmy O’Malley’s 29 goals and 13 assists earned him Russell Conference all‑star status, and Matthew Pedroli’s 16 goals and 24 assists secured co‑MVP honors for his side. Brian Pezzulich’s defensive prowess earned first‑team Bay State Conference honors for Wellesley, and Max Pilkington’s 19 goals helped Blackstone Valley Tech advance to the Division 3 state tournament.
As the season draws to a close, these All‑Stars look ahead to future opportunities, from college commitments to junior‑level ambitions. Their performances have set new standards for excellence across Massachusetts hockey, promising an exciting next chapter for each of them and for the programs they represent.