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BOSTON CITY LEAGUE HOCKEY FINAL | LATIN ACADEMY 10, O’BRYANT 1

Latin Academy skates to fourth straight Boston City League title

From left, Latin Academy captains Ryan Prendergast, Andrew Sahatjian, Joe Loewen, and Kevin Bruen pose with the Boston City League championship plaque after their 10-1 win over O’Bryant Wednesday morning at Matthews Arena.Alex Bensley for the Boston Globe

Four years, four championships.

Latin Academy cruised to its fourth straight Boston City League hockey title Wednesday morning with a 10-1 victory over O’Bryant at Matthews Arena.

Senior captain Joe Loewen, who has been on the ice for all four title victories, was named the game’s Most Outstanding Player. He had two goals and an assist.

“To go out like this — with a win like that — I don’t even know,” said an emotional Loewen.

His first goal, in the second period, handed the Division 3 North tourney-bound Dragons (8-8-4) a 3-0 lead. Loewen then set up the next score by sophomore Brendan Butler, who piled up four goals and three assists.

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The key, said Loewen, was playing with pace from start to finish.

“Coming out here when you know you won the last three, you have to come out here strong,” Loewen said.

Puck movement was a point of emphasis for Patrick Mudie’s squad .

“We wanted to get back to moving the puck and let the puck do the work,” said the Latin Academy coach.

And he left no doubt how much Loewen means to his program.

“He’s come a long way,” Mudie said. “His work ethic — that’s what sets him apart. He leads by example on the ice.”

Butler has made an impression with his talent, as well as his leadership.

“He’s an even better kid off the ice,” Mudie said.

The jersey of former Snowden hockey player Paul Haugh was hung behind the O’Bryant bench during Wednesday’s Boston City League championship game at Matthews Arena.ALEX BENSLEY/FOR THE GLOBE

In defeat, O’Bryant (3-15) played with purpose.

Paul Haugh, who skated for O’Bryant coach Joe Natola when Natola was at the helm of the Snowden program, died last week in a car accident. He was 28.

Even though the majority of Natola’s current players did not have a connection with Haugh, his No. 17 Snowden jersey was hung behind the O’Bryant bench.

“This game is for [Haugh],” said a choked-up Natola before the game.

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The Tigers did not leave the ice with a win, but Natola was proud of their season.

“The kids were hoping to put on a better performance,” Natola said. “They earned it this year — hopefully they can build on it.”

The Dragons will now focus on the postseason.

“[This win] gives us momentum going into the state tournament,” Mudie said.

The MIAA tourney pairings will be released on Saturday.


Alex Bensley can be reached at alex.bensley@globe.com.