by Pam Gordon ·
Friday, March 20, 2026
The Division 4 state hockey champion Littleton/Bromfield team poses for a shot after their victory, played in the TD Garden, March 15. (Photos by Jen Manell)
In the storied history of Bromfield and Littleton ice hockey, few moments can ever rival the scene at the TD Garden on Sunday night, March 15. With a clinical 5-1 victory over St. Bernard’s, the Littleton/Bromfield Tigers captured the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association Division 4 State Championship, putting the finishing touches on a remarkable 24-1 campaign that redefined the ceiling for this Littleton, Bromfield, and Parker co-op program.
From the opening draw, it was clear the Tigers were not intimidated by the bright lights of Boston. While many teams struggle with the nerves of their first-ever final appearance, Coach Kevin Lizotte’s squad delivered a near-perfect opening period. Far from a tentative start, the Tigers opened with an offensive blitz, storming to a 3-0 lead before the Bernardians could find their footing.
Littleton sophomore Blake Hannon ignited the crowd with the opening tally, setting a tone of aggressive, high-tempo play. He was followed by a brilliant performance from Littleton senior captain Gavin Werling. Werling, who solidified his legacy as the program’s all-time leading scorer, found the back of the net twice in the opening frame. The goals were the work of the entire line. Bromfield senior captain Conor Glew, who surpassed 100 career points this season, was a relentless presence on the top line, his speed and tenacity in the offensive zone keeping the Bernardians pinned back throughout the first period.
Unbothered by a St. Bernard’s defender, Kelly Logan (left) advances the puck toward the St. Bernard’s net with Andrew Archer (#8) and the support of an engaged Tigers bench.
St. Bernard’s managed to cut the lead to 3-1 early in the second period, but the Tigers’ response was immediate and decisive. Just minutes later, Hannon buried his second goal of the evening to restore the three-goal cushion. The definitive blow came at the 12 minute, 37 second mark of the middle frame when Littleton senior captain Andrew Archer tipped home a shot from Littleton sophomore Austin Huber to make it 5-1.
The victory was equally a triumph of the defense. Bromfield junior Cael Piekos played a heavy, disciplined game on the blue line, supported by the reliable positioning of Littleton junior Ryan Pittorino, making life difficult for the Bernardians’ top scorers. Beside him, Bromfield senior captain Liam Glew, who also surpassed 100 points this season, used his exceptional vision to turn defensive stops into instant transitions. This two-way dominance was complemented by Kelly Logan’s relentless energy up front; the Bromfield sophomore has added a gritty edge to the Tigers’ forecheck that was evident in every shift.
In the crease, Jacob Dangel remained the calm at the center of the storm. The Bromfield senior captain turned away 20 shots, looking most comfortable when the pressure was at its peak. For Dangel and the Glew brothers, this victory cements a historic “double:” winning state championships in both soccer and hockey in a single school year.
Twins Liam and Conor (#6) Glew skate toward each other in celebration of their second state championship of their senior year. The Glews along with goalie Jacob Dangel celebrated a state championship win with the Bromfield soccer team in November.
Beyond the scoring leaders, this title stands as a 24-man achievement, with six Bromfield players among those who left their mark on an unprecedented season. The Tigers’ season-long dominance grew from a roster that set a relentless pace in practice, with the wider rotation providing the competitive spark that forced the starting lines to excel.
For Harvard resident and head coach Kevin Lizotte, the victory carries an extra layer of meaning: a St. Bernard’s graduate and their all-time leading scorer, he later coached the Bernardians for eight years before building this program. Sunday night, he beat them for a title.
Goalie Jacob Dangel rushes across the rink to greet thrilled fans moments after the 5-1 win over St. Bernard’s.
As the final horn sounded and a St. Patrick’s Day-themed sea of green erupted in the stands, the mission was complete. On the ice, the victory was defined by “celebrating and hugging every single teammate and coach with both relief and pure joy,” reflected Conor Glew. For the communities of Harvard and Littleton, it was a night that will not be forgotten anytime soon. The Garden awaits no longer; the Tigers have left it as champions.
Littleton is having a parade for the team Sunday, March 22, from 9 to 10 a.m. starting in the IBM parking lot, 550 King Street.
Pam Gordon is a Littleton/Bromfield ice hockey parent.