Boys hockey: Easthampton’s Ryan O’Leary tallies as Pope Francis edges Marshfield, advances to Div. 1 semis (PHOTOS)

WEST SPRINGFIELD – Easthampton’s Ryan O’Leary tallied a goal that wound up as the game winner, helping the No. 4 Pope Francis boys hockey team edge No. 5 Marshfield, 3-2, in an MIAA Division 1 quarterfinal round contest played Wednesday night at the Olympia Ice Center.

O’Leary’s goal with 7 minutes, 47 seconds remaining in the opening period gave the Cardinals (19-2-3) a commanding 3-0 lead. The tally was assisted by Nick Petkovich and Jake Petrin.

Petrovich and CJ Watroba also tallied for Pope Francis, which will meet No. 1 St. John’s Prep of Danvers (18-2-1) in the state semifinals at a date and location to be determined. 

Marshfield rallied late in the first period, getting on the board with a Tommy Carroll goal to make it a 3-1 game.

It stayed that way until late in the third period, when the visitors got within 3-2 on a power play goal from Cam McGettrick with 6:42 to play in regulation.

The Cardinals held on from there, punching a semifinal ticket and a meeting with the No. 1 seed.

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