Catholics aren't nearly as strong as they were just a few years ago. They are losing kids to prep way earlier than previously as well as to the u16 & u18 teams. Even though the Catholics are stronger and deeper than the high end Div 1 Public teams, the publics still have a shot. Will be really difficult for them to win 2 of 3 if they get past a play in game. Advantage Catholics for sure, but not as much as previous years. Preps are actually feeling it a little too.
Preps are pricing themselves out of the hockey equation. If hockey is the goal, it's not worth $30k a year. And you go to the summer tournaments and camps you see the players are no better, there are just more of them.