St. Anne Wins WECSSAA AAA Boys Final in Thrilling 4OT Classic
- Powerplay Sports
- Feb 26
- 2 min read
The WECSSAA AAA Boys hockey final delivered an instant classic on Thursday in Lakeshore, as St. Anne outlasted Villanova 3–2 in a dramatic fourth overtime showdown.
After battling through three scoreless extra frames, the game went from 5-on-5, to 4-on 4 to
3-on-3 for two periods and it was St. Anne who finally ended the marathon.
Matthew Gomes took a pass in the slot and deposited the game-winning one-timer deep into the 4th overtime to secure the championship and punch St. Anne’s ticket to SWOSSAA.
Matteo Mosca had a big game finishing with one goal and two assists.
Leaning on Leadership
Head coach Steve Burke praised his group’s determination. “It feels great because you never know when you’ll get the chance to advance to the SWOSSAA,” Burke told Powerplay Sports.
The team faced adversity beyond the extended overtime. With roster limitations affecting line rotations, St. Anne had to rely heavily on a core group of players.
“The team was exhausted. We ultimately leaned on a few players because Windsor AAA U16 coach wouldn’t let his players play. It was difficult because we’re used to rolling four lines and then being short-handed, having to play three on three for two periods. They had to dig deep.”
Fatigue became a major factor as Villanova pushed the pace.
“It was hard to use all our players. Villanova was dominating us. We kept telling the players to keep them to the outside and that whoever made a mistake it would be over. We were just fortunate that the puck bounced our way.”
Eyes on the Next Goal
When the final puck crossed the line, relief poured over the St. Anne bench.
“It was such a relief to win,” Burke added. “These players worked so hard to have an opportunity to get to OFSAA — we have to refocus and be ready for Sarnia St. Pats.”
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