When Andover's Cooper Hosmer took to the ice at TD Garden with St. John's Prep in the Division 1 state championship game, he knew it was going to be magic.
“I think it's going to be like a movie,” Hosmer said last week. “With the bright lights and energetic fans in Boston, he gets to see what a Bruin is like. And playing for a state title is even better.”
As it turned out, it was even more special than he had imagined.
Hosmer and fellow Andover resident Mason Lomasny are both key players on the top-seeded St. John's Prep (22-3-0) hockey team and No. 11 Winchester (16-9-1). We defeated them in a thrilling 3-2 match. Win the Division 1 state title on Sunday night.
“It was a wonderful and exciting experience,” Lomasny said. “It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
The Eagles won their second state title in three seasons. He also won in 2022.
“I've been waiting for this moment since I started watching St. John's Prep when I was 10 years old,” Hosmer said. “While climbing the ladder at St. John’s Prep, the idea of going to the Garden and experiencing the energy of playing for a state title was always a dream.”
Lomasny, a senior defenseman, has four assists this winter, including one in the semifinal win over Xaverian. Hosmer, a sophomore forward, has five goals and 11 assists this season, including two points in a second-round win over Wellesley.
“They're both very consistent players,” prep coach Christian Hanson said. “Nothing fancy. Their stats don't jump out at you. We've got dependable, hard-working kids that have helped us a lot.”
For Lomasney, attending Prep and playing hockey was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.
“I knew from a young age that I wanted to attend St. John’s University,” he says. “My dad graduated from here in 1983, actually with one of our coaches. I started to realize that I really wanted to make my dream a reality. I didn't choose St. John's University specifically because of the hockey program because I never thought I would be able to play hockey at the varsity level here.
“I'm a second-year college defenseman. I've stepped into an even bigger role this year. I missed about half the year last season. I'm a top-six defensive player. So I played most of the minutes. I may not get it, but I always try to make a positive impact on the ice, in the locker room, on the bench. We're a good team in transition, so we move the ice quickly with the puck up and we get the offense going. Work in the zone.
Hosmer similarly dreamed of playing at Prep.
“When I was considering which high school to attend, St. John's Prep caught my eye because it has a history of helping each student achieve great success,” he said. “I was particularly inspired by my brother's remarkable accomplishments after graduating from St. John's University, which made me and my family fall in love with the school and its hockey program. The hockey program at St. John's has consistently enjoyed success. The school has produced many talented players over the years. My decision to apply to St. John's Prep was easy.”
And they made their dream of winning a state title come true on Sunday on the Bruins' home ice.
“(Championships) give us a sense of pride, accomplishment and validation for all the hard work ourselves and our team put into the program,” Hosmer said. “Winning the state championship is also a memory I will cherish forever. This experience strengthened the bond between me and my teammates, a bond that will last long after my career at St. John's Prep ends. It will last a long time.”
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