The defending champion Bishop Hendricken hockey team edged La Salle in a 2-1 overtime thriller last week at Providence College in the Division I Semifinals.

Griffin Crain would get the Hawks on the board in the first minute of action to put Hendricken ahead. However, the Rams’ defense would clamp down and the offense would tie things up midway through the second period.

Hendricken wasted little time getting the win in the extra period, as Frank Tillinghast netted the game-winner less than a minute into action.

“It’s great, it’s relieving. To get it done (less than a minute) into overtime was great. The puck could have bounced either way. We just had to come together and get the win. They’re a good team, they’re big, strong and fast. We just had to keep going until we got it. We eventually got it,” said Crain after the victory.

The Hawks will now take on Burrillville this Sunday in the title game. Crain believes that the team’s championship experience, blended with the newcomers, will be key in the next round as the Hawks look to four-peat.

“It’s huge. We have a lot of young guys and they have been helping us throughout the year. To lead them throughout the year has been awesome. I trust them so much,” said Crain, who is also excited to play in his fourth straight title matchup. “It’s been great. I love this program, I love this team and to be back in the championship is awesome.”