Boston, MA – Here we go MIAA hockey fans, it is Championship Sunday and we are coming to you LIVE from the 9th Floor at TD Garden in Boston! Today, we will be live blogging all four MIAA Boys Championship matchups and we have a packed schedule ahead:
9am D4 FINAL: 5-seed Winthrop Vikings vs 6-seed Dedham Marauders
1pm D1 FINAL: 4-seed Catholic Memorial Knights vs 14-seed St. John’s Shrewsbury Pioneers
3pm D2 FINAL: 1-seed Billerica Indians vs 3-seed Canton Bulldogs
5:30pm D3 FINAL: 1-seed Nauset Warriors vs 2-seed Medfield Warriors
Continue hitting refresh all day and we will have intermission-based updates and following each game you’ll see our soon-to-be-patented Three Shamrocks of the Game. It seems only right with St. Patrick’s Day coming up tomorrow. Game 1 of the day is just about to get underway…stay tuned for more…
D4 Final: Winthrop vs Dedham
We got started early this morning with a strong D4 matchup as the Winthrop Vikings opposed the Dedham Marauders. There was an early buzz in the building as both fan sections filed into the TD Garden. The Winthrop faithful packed the far side of the ice, taking up nearly five full sections, all clad in white, with a group of shirtless students with painted chests emblazoned “FOR THE TOWN”. On the other side was Dedham who was dressed in all green in very festive St. Patrick’s Day garb and they occupied near four fan sections in the loge as well. After a rousing national anthem, sung by the Dedham student section, we were ready for hockey.
In the first period, you could tell that both teams were wide-eyed and excited with the prospect of playing in the Championship Game. As a result, they were also being overly cautious with the puck, not wanting to cough it up or create odd-man situations heading into their defensive zone. There were some nerves for sure as passes missed sticks and there were plenty of missed reads as well. This is all to be expected given the moment. As the period wore on, Dedham started to string together more quality possessions and created a couple of Grade A looks and Winthrop was able to create transition opportunities from the resulting saves. A couple of active sticks in the neutral zone led to quality rushes, but each defense found ways to shut them down. Both goaltenders were strong in this opening 15 minutes, not letting anything in and hopping on loose pucks aggressively. Despite a few close calls, there was no score after one.
In the second period, the action picked up in a big way. Both teams looked more intent on capturing the first goal and it would not take long. With just 1:09 elapsed, it looked like we might have our ice breaker as Dedham senior defender Brian Dunne walked to the net and fired one off the right post, followed the rebound and pushed it home. The Marauders went crazy, skated down the ice and jumped into the student section to celebrate, but the referee had not signaled for a goal. Shortly after, the referees held the first-ever instant replay review to confirm whether or not it was a goal. After a matter of seconds, the call was confirmed: no goal and on we went. That gave Winthrop the momentum they needed as 19 seconds later they would break the ice. Once again the two offensive Viking studs went to work as senior Phil Boncore slid the puck cross-crease over to senior Michael Holgersen who flipped it home far side and the Vikings took the 1-0 lead. Following that first goal, the Marauders made a strong push and created a bevy of chances but every one was kicked out by senior Winthrop goalie Michael Donahue. The rest of the period continued as a give and take with offensive chances on both sides, but we would advance to the third period with Winthrop up 1-0.
The third period started out with Winthrop owning the majority of the possession but the momentum moved to Dedham as they worked to engage their feet and push the pace. They were looking for the equalizer and created a number of strong rushes into the zone, but to Winthrop’s credit they were strong inside the house and refused to surrender. As the period wore on, Winthrop’s strong defense became more of a factor. As hard as Dedham was pressing the Vikings continued to play a physical, stingy game and time was running short for the Marauders. The game hung in the balance with 4:06 remaining as Dedham was called for an infraction and that gave the Vikings a power play which they would use to clinch the title. Following a timeout, a point shot by sophomore defender Paul Ferrera deflected on the rebound out to sophomore Joe Pumphret at the top of the crease and he saw Holgersen wide open in the slot who fired it home to make it 2-0 Winthrop with 2:45 to go. At that point it felt like a fait accompli but Dedham continued to fight back. They had a couple of good looks in the offensive zone but were not able to get the puck through all that defensive traffic. The Marauders called timeout with 2:34 to go and pulled their goalie. That’s when Winthrop inserted the dagger as Holgersen completed the hat trick with an empty netter from the opposing blue line. He was engulfed by his teammates on the bench and white towels rained down from the stands, as did a handful of actual hats. It took the TD Garden ice crew a few moments to clean up the debris and on we went. The remainder of the period was largely academic and this one went final with Winthrop being crowned D4 MIAA Champions for the first time since 1976.
Three Shamrocks
- F Michael Holgersen, Winthrop
- G Michael Donahue, Winthrop
- G Noel Adams, Dedham
####
D1 Final: Catholic Memorial vs St. John’s Shrewsbury
After the D1 Girls Final wrapped up as a 5-2 win for Hingham, we were moving on to the main event: the D1 Championship matchup between Catholic Memorial and St. John’s Shrewsbury, rivals from the Catholic Conference. As the Zambonis cleaned the ice pregame, the fans began to file in and both fan sections were clad in red and vocal well before the start of the game. The Pioneers fans took up five FULL fan sections, easily the strongest crowd we have seen all day. The CM fans took up one full section and scattered across three other sections on the opposite side. With warmups complete and the anthem belted out, we were ready for more hockey.
In the first period, right off the bat we had an indication of what kind of game this was going to be. Both teams were looking to flip the puck deep and go and chase it down with strength and tenacity. Each team was able to work well below the dots to create strong possession and cycle the puck around for the right look. The game took on the identity of a rock fight: there were hard hits at both ends by both teams and each player was strong on the puck. Both teams made smart decisions which led to more consistent possession and neither team really grabbed the momentum over the first 10 minutes. Both goalies, 8th grader Jaxson Fleming and sophomore Colin McCarthy were playing well and kicking out everything they saw. As we got into the final five minutes, Catholic Memorial began to take hold of the momentum and it peaked with 1:50 to go as sophomore Christian Hinckle flung a puck on net from the half wall and it squeaked through McCarthy to give the Knights the 1-0 lead. The final two minutes were largely academic and we ended the period with CM up 1-0.
In the second period, this game really took off offensively. From the opening minute, both teams were looking to jump out and take control of this game and that next tally would be critical for momentum. The next tally would go to St. John’s Shrewsbury as senior forward Derek Mulligan found junior Tyler Bergman on the rush and he beat his defender to the net to tie this game up at 1-1. Undaunted, Catholic Memorial came right back just a minute later. This time it was sophomore forward Mike Melvin who fired the puck from the top of the circle and senior Cam Reed was quick to capitalize at the net to make it 2-1 CM. The Pioneers went right to work shortly after that and would draw us back even again as sophomore defender Ryder Bisson fired a point shot on net through a series of bodies (it may have been tipped by Caleb Keyes) but regardless, it found the back of the net to tie us back up at 2-2. After that quick sprint of goal scoring, things began to settle down and both goalies got back into a rhythm. Neither team was able to truly seize the momentum and were trading chances for the remaining 10 minutes. We would advance on to the third period with the score 2-2.
In the third period, this game was hanging in the balance and the next goal was crucial. There was a tension in the air that was palpable, even from the ninth floor at TD Garden. The teams were trading chances going back and forth: the Pioneers used their length and quickness on the counterattack and CM used their inside ice strength to limit chances around the net. The action continued at a feverish pace and both teams looked like they were playing their game, but only one would secure the trophy. The first half of the period was largely academic as both squads battled for position and then the Pioneers would take the lead with 8:11 to go. It was that dude again, Daniel Menyalkin, Bowdoin commit, who fired a shot from the top of the circle and it was converted in front by forward Caleb Keyes to make it 3-2 Pioneers. That would not be the last word however, the Pioneers looked to prevent chances over the next few minutes but CM would draw even with 4:15 to go as a shot by assistant captain Luke Long ticked off McCarthy’s glove and into the back of the net: 3-3 was our score. The game winner would also belong to CM as a shot by junior James Baker was tipped by sophomore Christian Hinckle and the resulting rebound was fired home at the back post by Tommy Hurst with just 21 seconds remaining. That effectively clinched the title for the Knights. The Pioneers took a timeout to strategize but there just wasn’t enough time remaining. Catholic Memorial captures its first title since 2009.
Three Shamrocks:
- F Tommy Hurst, Catholic Memorial
- F Daniel Menyalkin, St. John’s Shrewsbury
- F Christian Hinckle, Catholic Memorial
####
D2 Final: Billerica vs Canton
Our third Championship game of the day featured two of the best teams all season in D2: Billerica and Canton. Two of the most ardent fanbases in the state were opposing each other on each side of the arena, both with teams steeped in green and white uniforms. The Bulldog fans were wearing all white and the Billerica fans wore all green. Canton took up most of the near side loge sections whereas Billerica’s support stretched from behind both nets all the way across the ice. It was unlike anything we have seen at this event in the years we have been operating MassNZ, 10+ sections of Billerica fans: remarkable turnout. Both fan sections were boisterous early and the anthem singer from Billerica was equally as enthused. After all the early pomp and circumstance, we were ready to go.
In the first period, both teams were looking to set the pace and own the possession early. These are both teams that excel when they are playing with pace and from the jump they both came out flying from the opening puck drop. Both teams play hard and stepped up their physicality as they got deeper into the action. No team really had a territorial advantage as each team traded chances and looked to create off the rush. We got deep into the frame, not thinking we would see a goal, but Canton changed that thinking with 2:38 remaining. On a power play, Canton junior forward Joey Ryan set up behind the net and went to work, finding senior sniper Travis Thomas in front for a quick wrister past the Billerica goalie for the 1-0 lead. Thomas crashed into the glass to celebrate with the student section and that would be the highlight of the opening 15 as the Bulldogs would carry a 1-0 lead into the second.
In the second period, the game once again felt like firewagon hockey. Both teams were throwing haymakers at either end of the ice. There were exciting steals, odd-man rushes, sprawling saves and no shortage of chances for both teams. There was no team that dominated for stretches, each team was level-headed and owned their ice effectively. They each relied on their quick transition to create chances up and ice and the goalies had to be on it, and they both were. Seniors Steve MacIntosh and Connor Geoghan were both great at limiting rebounds in the crease and pouncing on loose pucks. With all that said it only took three minutes in for Billerica to tie this thing up. After a penalty on Canton, Billerica senior defender Nolan Dawson would dish it off to senior Dan Viscione who wired one home to make it 1-1. The teams would play out the remainder of the period with Grade A looks for both squads but no additional goals to show for it. We went to the third period all tied up at 1-1.
In the third period, it was an all-our effort on both sides as each team was flying around, looking to un-tie this game. Both teams played fast and furious and there were chances galore. Both goalies were seeing chances coming from all angles and as the period wore on, both MacIntosh and Geoghan dug in, making save after save on tough shots. We got deep into the period, still tied 1-1 but that would change with 2:45 remaining as Thomas fed Elrick to give the Bulldogs a 2-1 lead. That felt like a momentum shift as it appeared Canton was riding the wave, but they were brought back to earth by Viscione. Just 17 seconds later he would re-tie the game with a twisted wrister off a deflection by Ryan Johnson and that would bring us to 4-on-4 OT.
In the overtime period, Billerica would carry over a power play, but Canton was able to thwart all their opportunities and we would return to 4-on-4 play. It was a see-saw affair for all eight minutes of the overtime as both teams flew up and down the sheet with chance after chance getting to the net. Both goalies: MacIntosh and Geoghan were standing on their heads for the entirety of the period. They flashed the glove leather, dove to stop pucks, and made desperation save, heightening the anticipation. It turns out we would need another overtime to settle this one.
In the double overtime period, both teams had some time to recuperate and refuel and it definitely aided the pace of play as both teams were completely gassed after the first overtime. Now that we were playing 3-on-3, this game felt like it would end quickly and we were right. That open space and neutral zone turnovers led to a sparkling chance for Billerica as Viscione and Dawson broke in together in a 2-on-1 rush. Viscione drew the defense to him and dished it to a wide open Dawson who fired it top cheese and that was the ballgame. The Billerica faithful went absolutely bonkers and the Indians claimed their first championship since 1977.
Three Shamrocks:
- D Nolan Dawson, Billerica
- F Dan Viscione, Billerica
- F Travis Thomas, Canton
####
D4 Final: Nauset vs Medfield
After a quick reset following the late double overtime game, we were ready for our final game of the day: the top two seeds in D3, Nauset and Medfield. There is a lot of recent history between these two opponents: Nauset has been the top seed all season and has not lost a game. Medfield has only lost 1 game all year…to Nauset. Nauset is back in the D3 Championship game a year after a heartbreaking loss to Marblehead (who they dispatched in the Elite 8). These teams played just a month ago and it was a close 3-0 game which included an empty net goal. Today’s result is very much up for grabs as both teams mowed down the competition to get to this rematch. The vibes pregame were immaculate as Nauset bussed in hundreds of students for this game and lots of local town support was on hand taking up an entire side of the rink. The Medfield faithful were strong on the near side of the rink, filling every seat and dressed almost entirely in green. This was the first of two Medfield games taking place on this Championship Sunday as the boys played first followed by the Medfield girls dropping the puck shortly after. With the player intros done and the anthem a wrap – we dove in to the final Final.
In the first period, both teams came out fast and strong looking to take control early. Both teams were familiar with each other so there was no feeling out period, just pure aggression. From the drop of the puck it was back and forth trading chances but as we moved deeper into the frame the ice began to tilt Medfield’s way. Their team speed and quick transitions were catching Nauset off balance. They created a couple of sparkling Grade A looks but were unable to convert because of senior Zach Coelho‘s slick work in the net. At the other end, senior Charlie Duggan did not have a lot of work to do as most of the play was at the other end of the sheet. Both offenses were at their best when they had room to operate and both defenses were great at closing gaps and getting their sticks on pucks to deflect them out of play. The pucks that were shot on net were smothered quickly and did not become second-chance issues for either team. We would wrap the first period with both teams still tied at 0-0.
In the second period once again it was end-to-end action with both teams playing with pace and poise. There was more than a little physicality spread around as well with both teams clearly looking to send messages that they weren’t about to get pushed around. Nauset led in the hits column in this period but the shots column was relatively even. Nauset stepped up offensively and was throwing more pucks on net and getting to the crease looking for rebounds: of which there were not many. As we got deeper into the period this game was as tightly contested as any of the games we’ve seen all day and it is also the game that had gone the longest without a goal. That would change with 7:34 left as Medfield senior and Bentley golf commit Joey Nee created a turnover and fired a rocket top shelf over Coelho’s shoulder to make it 1-0 Medfield. Nauset turned up the pressure from there and went hard to the net but were unable to solve Duggan. We would head to the third with Medfield up 1-0.
In the third period, 49 seconds in we had a key moment as it appeared Nauset’s Logan Poulin had scored on a rebound, but the no goal washout signal was immediate from the referee and on we went. After that chance, Nauset doubled down and threw everything they had at Medfield, resulting in multiple icings and offensive zone faceoffs. It seemed like only a matter of time as Nauset would even the score early in the period. With 11:17 remaining in the frame junior Oscar Escher fired a puck at the net that was redirected by senior forward Colin Ward and the resulting rebound found Poulin who roofed a backhander to make it a 1-1 game. The onslaught continued but Medfield did fight back with two slick chances at the netfront including two shots that hit the post. Still, the Cape-based Warriors would feed off their momentum with 6:48 remaining as junior forward Jake Eldredge made a slick move around two defenders, cleared his lane and fired a wrist shot past the glove of Duggan to make it 2-1 Nauset. The championship was clinched with just over two minutes remaining as Medfield would pull their goalie and Colin Ward would make them pay with an empty netter in a 2-on-1 rush. With just over one minute to go, Medfield would pull their goalie again and then take a timeout exactly at the one minute mark. Just 16 seconds later Nauset would add another empty netter from Poulin to make it 4-1. That would be our final score as Nauset avenges last year’s title game loss.
Three Shamrocks
- F Logan Poulin, Nauset
- G Zach Coelho, Nauset
- F Joey Nee, Medfield