In the last few weeks, St. John’s Prep senior Johnny Tighe has been talking about scoring a game-winning goal in the state championship in the hope that it would happen.
After 11th-seeded Winchester goalie Aiden Emerick made 48 saves in the Div. 1 state final on Sunday night at TD Garden, Tighe scored the winning goal for the top-seeded Eagles (22-3) in the final seconds of regulation. The officials discussed the controversial play and ruled it a good goal for Tighe’s second of the night.
Despite a great effort from 11th-seeded Winchester (16-10-1), St. John’s Prep managed to win their second state title in three years.
Eagles head coach Kristian Hanson said, “This week, we prepared like never before. We demonstrated our resilience and the never-give-up attitude of many players. These kids, especially the seniors, are special to me.”
Winchester’s players and Emerick did everything they could to keep the team in the game, holding St. John’s Prep to a 1-1 score for most of the second period after Chris McCarthy tied things up early. St. John’s Prep had a significant 51-16 shot advantage, including a goal at the end of the second period that was disallowed.
McCarthy extended Winchester’s lead to 2-1 early in the third period, but senior Christian Rosa's shot on goal, directed into the slot by Jake Vana, allowed Tighe to tie the game 2-2.
Hanson said, “Being down 2-1 in the third after their goal, we knew it would be tough, but champions like Jake Vana and Christian Rosa, among others, were able to pull off an incredible win tonight.”
Emerick defended against 22 shots in the third period, including a shot from Brady Plaza through a Vana screen, and Tighe scored the winning goal with no time left.
Tighe said, “Honestly, I don't remember much. I didn't have to do much, the puck was right there. It turned out even better than I could’ve imagined, and it was an unbelievable feeling.”
The goal's video instantly sparked controversy on social media, with screenshots showing the time-clock light on before the puck was shot. Winchester head coach Gino Khachadourian and the team were devastated by the decision but are accepting it gracefully.
Khachadourian said, “It's a hard way to lose. I feel bad for them. They gave everything and they’re all distraught in the locker room. They're a great group of kids and a class act, and they know we’ll leave here with our heads held high, and wish St. John’s Prep the best. They won the championship.”
St. John’s Prep scored first with a tip-in from Carson Irving off a shot from JR Goldstein with 2:49 left in the first period. Winchester successfully defended two penalties to keep the game tied in the second and third periods after McCarthy’s initial goal.
