March 5, 2026

The Pope Francis Prep. boys hockey team heads back to Final Four

REGIONAL
Staff report

Pope Francis Preparatory School’s boys hockey team advances to the MIAA Final Four after a decisive victory Wednesday, March 4 at Loring Arena in Framingham. (IObserve photo/courtesy of Kerri Cuccovia)

SPRINGFIELD – The Pope Francis Preparatory School’s boys hockey team advanced to the Final 4 in the MIAA Divisional 1 state semi-finals. Pope Francis, ranked No. 7, beat Marshfield, No. 15, Wednesday night, March 4, at Loring Arena in Framingham, with a final score of 5-0. The Cardinals scored early in the first period with a goal by senior captain Matt Regan. They scored four more goals in the second period to secure the win.

“It feels great after last night’s game. It was a big win and we definitely came out and played great,” said captain Matteo Cuccovia. The senior was a freshman in 2023 when the Pope Francis Cardinals won the MIAA Division 1 State Tournament at the Boston Garden.

“My advice for the guys is to stay focused and not to let one game make us too eager. It only gets harder every game and we need to continue to play better day after day. Nothing is over until the final buzzer,” Cuccovia said.

In second period, Quinn Woytowicz, Wolfgang Zinger, Whitaker Zinger and Matt Regan each scored, getting the Cardinals ready to head back the Final Four for the third time in four years.

“I am really happy with this team. We are peaking at the right time,” Coach Brian Foley told Masslive.

The Cardinals will play the Hingham Harbormen, ranked No. 6. The game is scheduled for this weekend. A time and location has not yet been released.