Shrewsbury Hockey tops Rival Algonquin to Defend D3 Central Crown

By Nick Beaudoin (@beaudoin91_)

Fitchburg, Mass. - The Shrewsbury Colonials (16-2-2) defeated the Algonquin Tomahawks (11-4-5) 4-1 at Fitchburg State University on Sunday night to capture their second straight Division 3 Central title.

Coming into today’s matchup, all eyes were on Shrewsbury, to see how the reigning Division 3 state champions would bounce back from a late season loss to rival Algonquin. How would the Colonials play when it mattered most?

They have faced their struggles against the Tomahawks in the last few years, losing in a shootout two years ago and dropping a tough regular season matchup this season.

But the star power from the Colonials' top line of Tyler Borys, and brothers Anthony and Liam Quinlivan provided the spark they have all season and propelled Shrewsbury to the victory.

That top line had all four goals for Shrewsbury, and each player on the line came away with a point or more. Tyler Borys opened the scoring on a highlight reel goal, going forehand to back hand, then one hand tucked the puck past Algonquin on the backhand. But leading the way was Anthony Quinlivan, who netted what turned out to be the game-winner and an empty net goal to cap off the sectional championship.

Liam Quinlivan assisted on two goals himself, and made a beautiful pass to his twin on a two-on-one for the second goal.

Shrewsbury needed this line to click, as well as a top performance from senior goalie Pat Shaughnessy. His stellar play, with ample traffic in front of him all night, was a difference maker all night.

Anthony Quinlivan said he and his teammates will enjoy the win, but know their work is far from done.

“This win feels good but our goal coming into this season was to get back to the Garden and win another state championship," Anthony Quinlivan said. "We have two more games to get back, and I think we are ready for that challenge.”

Shrewsbury plays Westfield (14-4-2) on Wednesday night at 5:30 pm at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield, as the Colonials look to get back to the D3 state championship game next Sunday at the TD Garden.