March 6, 2025

Pope Francis hockey heads to Final Four

REGIONAL
Staff report

(IObserve photo/Courtesy of Cristin Dolan)

SPRINGFIELD – The Pope Francis Boys Hockey team advanced to the Final 4 in the Divisional 1 state semifinals. Pope Francis, ranked No. 1, beat Xaverian, No. 8, Wednesday night, March 5, at Loring Arena in Framingham, with a final score of 4-1. It was 0-0 through the first period, but then the Cardinals changed the momentum with a goal scored by sophomore Quinn Woytowicz in the second period. They opened up the third period with the second goal scored by junior Matt Regan.

 “We knew this road was going to be tough, and we haven’t taken anything for granted. We had to come together and play as one to get to the next round,” said senior captain, Michael McGrath who scored the third goal on an empty net in the third period. 

Matt Regan, scored the fourth goal on an empty net. Senior goalie Nick Ritchie saved 20 of 21 shots on goal.

“Last night’s game was unforgettable and certainly will be one of my top memories from playing hockey at Pope,” said Ritchie, who was also part of the 2023 State Championship team, with McGrath and Matteo Cuccovia.                     

The Cardinals will play the winner of tonight’s match-up between Catholic Memorial and Archbishop Williams.

“I knew tonight was going to be a battle and it certainly was. Whoever we play against will be another battle,” Coach Brian Foley told MassLive. “We’ve kept improving in the postseason and peaking at the right time. I looked at our depth chart during pregame and didn’t see a weakness, so I think that’s what’s unique about or team.”

As they prepare for the Final Four, McGrath, a member of St. Cecilia’s Parish in Wilbraham, said prayer has been an integral part of their climb.

“We have been praying as a team before and after the games on the ice, and last weekend a few of us went to Adoration at the Dominican Nuns Monastery in West Springfield,” said McGrath, who also led a team Rosary before the Elite 8 matchup. “My faith in Christ has always been central in my life, and I think this has been a special part of the season to pray together.”

Ritchie, a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in West Springfield, agreed.

“Hockey is more than a game and that was evident last night as the whole community rallied behind us during ups and downs. During this playoff run, I feel my faith has grown and I’ve been provided even more chances to connect with God, whether that be attending Adoration or praying the Rosary on our walk after stepping off the bus,” said Ritchie.

The date and location of the next round has yet to be announced.