Boys Hockey: 25 players to watch

Sr. F Tiernan Curley, Fairfield Prep: A standout for a couple of seasons, he had two hat tricks and a six-point game last year for the No. 1 Jesuits.

Sr. D Grant Curtis, Notre Dame-West Haven: Captain will anchor the blue line for the No. 2 Green Knights.

Sr. D Brendan Frost, Greenwich: A name that came up from some opposing coaches talking about the Cardinals, a highly regarded team in some circles.

Jr. F Tommy Guidone, North Haven: He was a key piece to North Haven's SCC Division II champions last year. The team has a few of those back.

Sr. D Brenden Hilinski, Sheehan: Has been a key piece for the Titans for four seasons, a big, physical defenseman with a big shot.

Sr. F Finn Hoey, Fairfield: A standout for the surprising Mustangs last year, he's back for a team that opponents aren't expecting to fall back.

Sr. D Braeden Humphrey, Newington co-op: A standout skater who chips in offensively.

Sr. D Zach Jager, Trumbull: A name that came up a few times from FCIAC coaches, a second-team all-state selection last season.

Jr. G Beau Johnson, New Canaan: He has come up big in big games for the Rams a few times over the past couple of years.

Jr. F Johnny Karafa, St. Joseph: Also a standout on the Cadets' perennially strong lacrosse team.

Jr. D Peter Lewis, Greenwich: Playing his third season as a junior, another key to a solid Cardinals defense.

Sr. F Nick Megdanis, New Canaan: After a fine sophomore year for the Rams, he went off to Taft, but he has returned this season (while defenseman Shane Mettler departed for Taft this year).

Sr. D Luke Noonan, Fairfield Prep: A two-way defenseman and captain for the Jesuits, an all-stater last year.

Sr. G Markus Paltauf, Newtown/New Fairfield: "I stop pucks for a living," says his Twitter bio, and he has stopped a lot of them for the Nighthawks over the past three years.

Sr. F Eric Pereira, Ridgefield: The No. 7 Tigers are coming off a tough season, but Pereira can help them bounce back.

Fr. F Gennaro Pompano, East Haven: The talented rookie has caught eyes around the league (and around the prep schools). Also a potential lacrosse standout.

Sr. D Austin Pszczolkowski, Southington co-op: Southington/Coginchaug/Westbrook is new this year, with the hosts split off from Hall. Pszczolkowski is also a standout on the Blue Knights' football team.

Sr. F Dylan Reynolds, Xavier: He'll be one of several key players on what's expected to be a deep Falcons team.

Sr. F Jack Roberts, Lyman Hall: Over 100 points into a fine high school career, he'll lead a team with some potential.

Sr. C Aksel Sather, Fairfield Prep: Strong in both ends of the ice, and he has scored big goals in big games.

Sr. G Chris Schofield, Darien: When he's on, he has been as good as any goalie around over the past few years.

Sr. D Ryan Spengler, Darien: A big, physical defender who'll play the big minutes for the Blue Wave.

Jr. F Charlie Swanson, Fairfield: Scored a goal last year in the Mustangs' comeback win against New Canaan that woke them up to the idea they had something going.

Soph. F Niko Tournas, JBWA: Highly regarded forward transferred from Amity. "A game-changer," says an opposing coach.

Sr. F Damon Zurolo, Cheshire: A shifty forward with a good shot on a team looking to fill in some offense.