The Newburyport hockey team is currently one of 19 teams being considered for the Super Eight Tournament. There seems to be several opinions regarding this news.
Some say the Clippers (12-2-3) are not worthy for consideration. They’re not currently in first place in the Cape Ann League. No Division 2 team has ever accepted an invitation, and teams with better records have certainly been ignored.
Others say the Clippers are worthy if they win their remaining games. Strength of schedule would be a huge plus for the Clippers if they win out. They will have beaten Division 1 representatives Malden Catholic and St. Mary’s. They will have beaten Franklin and Gloucester, teams that have combined for four Division 2 state titles. And they will have beaten Division 2 North state title contenders Wilmington and Lincoln-Sudbury.
Another school of thought says the Clippers should turn down an invitation to the Super Eight. They have a chance to play for a Division 2 state title, and the Super Eight could eliminate that possibility. This point is not entirely true. If the Clippers lose a play-in game for the Super Eight, they can return to the Super Eight Tournament. If they win the play-in game, they are assured of three more Super Eight games.
Plus, you have to consider that a Division 2 state title is not a guarantee. Five other Division 2 teams – Peabody, Lincoln-Sudbury, Revere, Wilmington and Winthrop – have at least 12 wins. The top six seeds in Division 2 are all capable of winning state titles. At the most, four of those teams will advance to the D2 North semifinal.
What are your thoughts on Newburyport’s chances?
