Hopkinton High School junior Carter Moore carries the puck up the ice during a recent game. PHOTO/WILLIAM DURFEE

The Hopkinton High School boys hockey team has taken a practice-by-practice, game-by-game approach this season after fielding a roster with eight freshmen who see significant ice time. But the youth has not slowed the Hillers, who earned a spot in the state tournament with an eye toward making some noise once they get there.

“We have been in a lot of close games, and we knew coming in that it was going to take an investment this year by the players,” coach Scott Hayes said. “The big question was: How quickly could we mature? And how quickly could the team play like they had been doing it for a few years?”

The Hillers made a significant addition near the end of the regular season by getting junior captain James Hayward back from injury. The veteran came out swinging in a Saturday night showdown against Dedham, netting a hat trick in an 8-6 Hopkinton win.

Freshman Matt Pedroli is one of the top newcomers on the roster, and Hayes praised his ability to stand out on both ends of the ice.

“He is good offensively, and he also plays a strong 200-foot game,” Hayes said. “We are excited about him.”

Another exciting freshman for the Hillers is forward Parker Rivera, who Hayes said has played well both in five-on-five situations and as part of the Hopkinton penalty kill. His classmate, Will Iantosca, is among Hopkinton’s top scorers.

“He certainly came in as a freshman like he has been playing here for a couple of years,” Hayes said.

Hayes also was quick to praise the leadership of co-captain Jack Resnick, who has been strong at showing his teammates the way on and off the ice. He is part of a camaraderie that Hayes said was quick to form.

“It’s not just in the locker room, but also in the town,” the coach said. “A lot of the kids have played together, and they know each other. There seems to be a bond even before they come into our room.”

The talent and teamwork have the Hillers feeling good about where they are with the tournament on deck.

“It sounds cliche, but it comes down to the fact that anybody can win any game,” Hayes said. “It’s about getting your team confident enough to believe that every night.”

The Hillers figured to go into the postseason seeded somewhere in the double digits, but Hayes said he will make sure that his team is ready to go for any opponents.

“We are excited for the tournament,” Hayes said, “and the chance to make a little bit of noise.”