Three-peat in the Books for Malden Catholic Boys Hockey

The third time was just as charming.

Despite a slow start to the season, Malden Catholic High School bounced back to make the Super 8 once again this season. And for the third straight year, it was the Lancers who ended the year as Division 1A champions.

Malden Catholic withstood a goal 14 seconds into the game, bouncing back to take a 3-1 edge and hold on for a 3-2 win against upstart Austin Prep.

Tyler Sifferlen knotted things up at 1-1 in the first period after Nolan Vesy put Austin Prep on top in the opening seconds of the game at TD Garden on Sunday. Austin Goldstein put Malden Catholic on top not long after, and Ara Nazarian scored a critical third goal given the Cougars' tally with 26.5 seconds remaining.

"I think (we feel) a little shocked, and tired, but very excited," said head coach John McLean. "There were a lot of doubters, and a lot of pressure on these kids. They feel real good right now."