Mayor Domenic J. Sarno visited Pope Francis Preparatory School on Wednesday afternoon to recognize and congratulate the Boys Hockey team for winning the 2026 MIAA Boys Ice Hockey State Championship earlier this month. The championship took place at the TD Garden in Boston on March 15th and Pope Francis defeated St. John’s 2-1 to secure Pope’s second state championship title.
Mayor Sarno states, “Congratulations to the Pope Francis Boys Hockey team for winning another state championship! Your hard work both in and out of the classroom has paid off and on behalf of the city of Springfield we want to acknowledge and recognize their accomplishments. The city of Springfield, along with your family, friends, coaches, teachers and faculty at Pope Francis are all very proud of you! Keep up the good work!”
Mayor Sarno presented each player with a special proclamation recognizing them for winning the state championship. Senior Matteo Cuccovia spoke to the news on behalf of the team. Mayor Sarno previously presented the Pope Francis Hockey team with the key to the city following their first state championship win in 2023.
School President Dr. Paul Harrington, Head Coach Brian Foley, and Chief Advancement Officer Daniel Fenton joined the players to celebrate with Mayor Sarno today. Mayor Sarno recognized them, along with Assistant Coaches Steven Ashe, Tim Kenney, Steve Moore, Bill Christofori, and Jason Alejandro, and the 2026 D1 Hockey State Champions:
Caleb Mclear
Matteo Cuccoiva
Mason Thayer
Joe Chianciola
Luke Latulippe
Tanner Kmetz
Wolfgang Zinger
Cole Hrapchak
Wes Asselin
Gabe Kolodjay
Dante Scherban
Matt Regan
Liam Dolan
Cameron Dunaj
Thomas Connery
Whitaker Zinger
Mason Gautreau
Quinn Woytowicz
Sully Regan
George Ramsey
Jovan Eck
Jack Goggin
John Goggin
Desmond Conz
Garrett Piemonte
