Westfield’s Chris Gentile busts through a wall of Mountaineers during Thursday night’s Division 3 state hockey semifinal game at Fitchburg State University. The Bombers beat Wachusett 6-4 to advance to play Swampscott in Sunday’s finals at the TD Garden. (Photo by Fred Gore)
WESTFIELD – The Westfield High School hockey team is pretty good at making “state-ments,” having been well-versed in the sport at a young age, but the numbers truly speak for themselves.
On Sunday, Westfield will appear in its fourth state championship in seven seasons, and sixth with coach C.B. “Moose” Matthews, who has been with team some 20-plus years.
“It’s the greatest feeling,” said Westfield senior forward Sean Spohr, who has had a hot hand down the stretch. “I remember sophomore year, and I can’t wait to touch the ice again. This time I want to win it.”
The Whip City has made winning a habit with coach Matthews at the healm, qualifying for the postseason 17 times during that span, and capturing seven west sectional titles, the most recent – a 7-0 landslide victory over East Longmeadow.
Westfield (17-2-2) defeated Wachusett on Thursday 6-4 to earn a trip to Boston Sunday for the state Division 3 final. The Bombers will hit the ice against northern sectional champs Swampscott (19-5) at the TD Garden at 3:30 p.m.
Presale tickets are on sale online at Ticketmaster for $9.50 (plus a $1.45 surcharge) or $15 at the door the day of the event. Fans looking to purchase tickets are also encouraged to visit MIAA.net.
