Wildcats Win North Crown, Are TD Garden Bound

Wilmington High School boys hockey coach Steve Scanlon said after his team's North Division 2 semifinal win that the Wildcats played just about as well as they could play. Then on Monday, the defending champions found another gear.

Thanks in part to a Brendan McDonough hat trick, Wilmington cruised past Danvers on Monday night in Lowell at the Tsongas Center, winning a second consecutive North Division 2 title.

As a result, the team will play on Sunday, March 17, at TD Garden in Boston for a state title.

"The goal way back at the beginning of the year was the kids wanted to be back at The Garden," said Scanlon, whose team's celebration was a bit more tame than last year's. "They're a little more experienced, so they know the ultimate prize is still out there."

Check back on Tuesday morning for complete coverage, and if you missed any of the action, you can look back at Patch's live chat from the game.

Are you a big fan of the Wildcats? You'll also want to see:

• State Title Berth on the Line Monday for Boys Hockey
• Redemption for WHS Student Section at Monday Game
• Highlights: Boys Hockey Throttles Lincoln-Sudbury
• Dominating Performance Returns Wilmington to North Final
• Highlights: Wilmington Skates to Quarterfinal Win
• Late Surge Moves Girls Basketball Into North Semifinal
• Wildcats Hockey Bounces Back to Earn Semifinal Berth
• Wilmington Boys Hockey Opens With Ugly Playoff Win