Beat Burlington, Tewksbury Awaits, Canton 2026

Key Points

• Top-seeded Canton boys’ hockey team defeated No. 4 Burlington 6-2 in the MIAA Division 2 semifinals at Conte Forum on Sunday, March 8, 2026.​
• Canton (23-1-0) overcame an early 2-0 deficit, marking their first goal conceded in the state tournament.​
• The Bulldogs advance to the championship game at TD Garden against No. 2 Tewksbury (22-1-1) next Sunday, their sixth title game appearance in seven years.​
• James Gordon scored first for Burlington on a two-on-one early in the first period.​
• Canton coach Brian Shuman praised the team’s calm bench and senior leadership after the early setback.​
• Sophomore Brayden Dickie scored the go-ahead goal at 14:24 of the second period off a drive from sophomore Kellen Labanara.​
• Senior goaltender Matt Wright made 16 saves for Canton, while Burlington’s Colin MacLeod stopped 32.​
• Third line seniors James Howard, Cullen O’Brien, and Shane Kelleher forced a turnover leading to O’Brien’s goal with 2:49 left, sealing the win.​
• Senior captains Joey Ryan and Andrew Gillis scored Canton’s first two goals; Gillis and senior captain Teddy Shuman added empty-netters.​
• Canton adjusted forecheck to press outlets high, generating offence in the third period, as noted by coach Shuman.​
• Burlington (17-6-1) had goals from Gordon and sophomore Nick Tulipano.​
• Teddy Shuman highlighted the team’s depth: “We’ve got so many guys that can put the puck in the back of the net”.​

Canton (Cardiff Daily) March 09, 2026 – In a thrilling MIAA Division 2 boys’ hockey semifinal at Conte Forum, the top-seeded Canton Bulldogs staged a remarkable comeback to defeat No. 4 Burlington 6-2, earning a spot in the state championship against Tewksbury.​

What Led to Canton’s Early Struggle Against Burlington?

Canton, who entered the match having outscored opponents 129-16 this season, faced a rare deficit when James Gordon netted a two-on-one strike early in the first period for Burlington. This marked the Bulldogs’ first goal allowed in the state tournament, putting them on the back foot momentarily. As reported by Cam Kerry of The Boston Globe, the team did not panic, drawing on big-game experience to stay composed .​

How Did Canton Seize the Lead in the Second Period?

Canton did not grab the lead until 14:24 into the second period, when sophomore Brayden Dickie banged home sophomore Kellen Labanara’s net-front drive, shifting momentum decisively. With a 3-2 advantage entering the third, the Bulldogs played intelligently, keeping pucks to the outside and blocking shots to protect senior goaltender Matt Wright, who finished with 16 saves. Coach Brian Shuman credited the bench’s calmness: “The bench was still really calm. It’s a testament to the guys that have been around, the leadership of the seniors”.​

What Tactical Change Secured Canton’s Victory?

An adjustment to the forecheck proved pivotal, as Canton pressed outlets high near the blue line instead of going below the goal line, generating offence up top. This led to the fourth goal with 2:49 remaining, when Canton’s third line—seniors James Howard, Cullen O’Brien, and Shane Kelleher—forces a turnover high in the zone; Kelleher passed to O’Brien, who scored over Burlington senior goaltender Colin MacLeod’s shoulder (32 saves). Shuman explained: “It looked like it was a defensive move, but it was actually to generate more offense up high, which is what we were able to do in the third period”.​

Who Were the Key Scorers for Canton in the Semifinal?

Canton’s first line shone, with senior captains Joey Ryan and Andrew Gillis netting the first two goals to spark the rally. Gillis added an empty-netter later, joined by senior captain Teddy Shuman in sealing the 6-2 final. After Burlington’s sophomore Nick Tulipano made it 2-0, Canton’s depth shone through, as Shuman noted post-game: “We just had a lot of guys that were due. It starts with our depth”.​

What Does Canton’s Record and Path Say About Their Dominance?

The Bulldogs improved to 23-1-0, advancing to their sixth state title game in seven years at TD Garden against No. 2 Tewksbury (22-1-1), with time to be announced. Canton’s season-long dominance—rarely trailing—underlined their resilience, even as they relied on all lines for consistent minutes. This semifinal win builds on their top seeding and tournament pedigree.​

How Did Burlington Respond to Canton’s Comeback?

Burlington struck first through Gordon’s early tally and added a second via Tulipano, leading 2-0 briefly. Despite MacLeod’s 32 saves, the Red Devils (17-6-1) could not hold the lead against Canton’s adjustments and depth. No further details on Burlington statements emerged from coverage, but their effort tested Canton significantly.​

What Awaits Canton in the Division 2 Championship?

Canton now prepares for No. 2 Tewksbury in the title clash next Sunday at TD Garden, a matchup of near-perfect records. The Bulldogs’ experience in finals—six in seven years—positions them strongly. Coach Shuman’s leadership and senior core will be crucial against Tewksbury’s 22-1-1 mark.​

Why Is This Win Significant for Canton Hockey?

This victory highlights Canton’s ability to overcome adversity, rare for a team with such offensive firepower (129 goals scored). It extends their dominance in Division 2 and sets up a potential sixth title game run. As Kerry reported from Conte Forum, the Bulldogs’ depth and poise make them favourites heading to the Garden .​

In the broader MIAA tournament context, Canton’s path mirrors other semifinals: Pope Francis edged Hingham 5-4 in Division 1 with Gabe Kolodjay’s hat trick, while Medfield shut out Nauset 5-0 in Division 3 behind Louie Slesar’s 38 saves. Rich Maclone and Trevor Hass contributed reporting from Gallo Arena and Conte Forum for The Boston Globe . Canton’s rally stands out as a testament to resilience in high-stakes play.​