It took a huge hit and a poke check, but Shrewsbury delivered a go-ahead goal in the third period to bring home its second straight state championship.
Sophomore James Tepper scored the game-winner with 6:16 left in regulation to lift the Colonials to a 2-1 victory over previously unbeaten Hanover at TD Garden Sunday afternoon.
“It is unbelievable,” said Shrewsbury head coach Stephen Turnblom. “Back-to-back is just so hard to do. Just getting here and against an undefeated team, we knew we had our hands full.”
It is the third state title in five seasons for the Colonials and their second over Hanover. They also defeated the Indians 7-1 in 2014.
A huge hit for senior captain Jack Tepper freed up the puck in the Shrewsbury defensive zone. A poke check for senior captain Conall Persichino in the neutral zone followed by a brilliant pass to James Tepper allowed him to finish off the attempt with a great move in front of the net.
“There’s no better feeling than scoring a goal in front of that many people and just bringing the lead back in front of the town,” the sophomore said.
After a scoreless first, Shrewsbury (20-2-2) struck first at the 4:40 mark of the second period as junior forward Tyler Borys sniped one home off passes from senior captains Anthony Quinlivan and Liam Quinlivan. The tally came less than a minute after goalie Patrick Shaughnessey made two stops to keep Hanover (24-1-1) off the board.
“I thought I did pretty well,” Shaughnessey said. “Right before that first goal, I had a good save and we had momentum going forward. Then Anthony, Liam and Tyler just do what they do and put it in the back of the net."
Shaugnessey notched 20 saves, including eight in the final 15 minutes for the Colonials.
Hanover got its tally at the 5:26 mark of the third as senior captain Zach Taylor scored off an assist from junior Lucas Lanagan.