March 9, 2023

Pope Francis Prep. boys hockey team advances to MIAA Final Four

REGIONAL
Staff report

(iObserve photo/courtesy of Kim O’Leary)

WEST SPRINGFIELD – With a final score of 3-2, the Pope Francis Preparatory School’s boys hockey team, the No. 4 seed, advanced to the MIAA Division 1 state semi-finals after beating No. 5 seed Marshfield, last night at Olympia Ice Center in West Springfield.

 “It was a great atmosphere at a packed Olympia last night for the Final 8 playoff game,” said Brian Foley, head coach of the Pope Francis Cardinals. “All year we talked as a team about the importance of a Top 4 seed to ensure a Final 8 third round home game.”

“It was a great experience for our players to compete at home in such an important game,” Foley said.

The Cardinals set the tone early, scoring in the first period with C.J. Watroba, Nick Petkovich and Ryan O’Leary all putting up goals.

Marshfield made it close, scoring their second goal with just 6:24 minutes on the clock in the third period. Pope Francis sophomore Nick Ritchie was in net and held off the Rams, stopping 21 of 23 shots.

Before each game, the Cardinals typically huddle up on the ice and say a Hail Mary, and shout “Our Lady of Victory, pray for us.” Last night, they said an extra prayer with Springfield Bishop William D. Byrne.

“We also had a very important guest in the locker room pre-game. Thanks to Bishop Byrne for visiting and blessing the team before the game,” said Foley.

Some players took a knee after the game, praying in thanksgiving.

The Cardinals will now advance to the MIAA Final Four where they will face St. John’s Prep, the defending state champion. The game is scheduled for this weekend. A time and location has not yet been released.