LOWELL – In all of its might and glory as the state’s winningest boys hockey program, the small details that go into a state finals trip have eluded perennial power Catholic Memorial for well over a decade. Sunday night, it ended the drought.

Top-seeded Pope Francis boys hockey was tied with Catholic Memorial through two periods of play, but a late goal in the third ended the Cardinals' season.

A turnover at the blue line resulted in Knights sophomore Christian Hinckle springing sophomore Jack McCourt. With two opponents on his tail, McCourt roofed a backhanded attempt over the goaltender’s glove for a clinical finish.