The Warwick boys hockey co-op skated past Burrillville in two games to punch its ticket to the state Frozen Four this weekend. The Militia topped the Broncos by scores of 3-1 and 2-1 in Game 1 and Game 2, respectively.

Game 1 was played at Thayer Arena last Friday night and Burrillville came out hot, taking a 1-0 lead just 1:08 into the first period. Richie Cavanaugh would tie things up just three minutes later, then he and Ryan Barlow would score two more goals in the second period which would be enough to secure the win.

“We worked hard in practice to create more opportunities which was something that we felt we were lacking the past few games. Our line played great, the chemistry is through the roof, and we just got the job done,” said Cavanaugh.

Sean Mullaney and Barlow each recorded two assists in the win while Ethan Pezzullo added another. Goalie Braxton Bragg finished the night with 31 saves in net.

Brady Martin would put Warwick ahead early in the first period of Game 2, but Burrillville would knot the score less than two minutes later. Cooper Grossguth would score the game-winner in the second period. Lucas Hemond and Daniel Kennedy added assists while Bragg recorded 22 saves.

“We’re well-balanced, all three lines are playing well for us. That is the key for us and we trust them. It was nice to see our big guns come up, but we are well-balanced which has allowed us to pressure teams in the last few weeks of the season. That was our goal. In (Division I), you can’t just have one line. Our D also played well and Braxton did his job as usual,” said Warwick coach Mike Boyajian.

Burrillville had Warwick’s number leading up to the series, getting wins in last year’s regular season and early this year. The Militia was confident heading into the matchup, much thanks to the adversity that it had fought through at times during the season.

“We knew they were going to come out hard, Burrillville is a tough team. Hendricken got one against us first earlier this year and we battled back. That’s what a good group does. We knew that we could beat them,” said Cavanaugh.

After finishing last year with just one win, Boyajian is excited to see his club playing playoff hockey again.

“It’s been a solid year for us and we’re happy with the response from our leaders. We had one win last year and this year we had 14. We’re looking to build on (this playoff win), this is our first one as a group. Burrillville is a solid team, they beat us last year and beat us this year, but our guys played tough and responded,” said Boyajian.

Up next for Warwick is Hendricken, who they dealt a 5-2 loss to this season which was the Hawks’ lone defeat.

Although the defending champs will be the favorites in the matchup, Boyajian trusts that his team will be ready to roll this weekend.

“We played them tough, that was a good game for us. That was way back in the beginning of the year, though, it’s a whole new ballgame now. In this division, anybody can beat anybody. We feel that we will be able to compete, we just need to prepare,” Boyajian said.