It’s been 49 years since Winthrop boys hockey has lifted a state title but the drought is officially over. In front of a raucous TD Garden No. 5 Winthrop (16-6-2) earned their first state title since 1976, defeating No. 6 Dedham (15-9-0), 3-0.

The victory avenges a crushing semifinal loss to Dover-Sherborn in the Div. 4 state semifinals last year, something that weighed on the team and propelled them through this year’s tournament.

“It’s so emotional. 20 years chasing it. Couldn’t be more proud of these kids. You know, they weren’t given much of a chance. Last year’s team was supposed to be the team […] it’s just a tribute to all these kids. They listened, they sacrificed, they knew the agony we went through last year in that North final game, and to get here and to win it, my God,” said Winthrop coach Dale Dunbar. “I can tell you right now, when we come over this bridge, oh my God, it’s gonna be insane.”

Winthrop were led by seniors Mike Holgersen, who scored all three goals, and Mike Donahue in net who made 22 saves.

“I mean it’s just crazy,” said Holgersen. “I never thought that this would come. I never thought a hat trick at TD Garden would happen, so I mean, it’s not all me, it’s just my team around me that helped me get to this point, so I thank all them.”

The first period was an even contest, with both teams having strong stretches of play. Winthrop started the game on the front foot, peppering Dedham goalie Noel Adams with four shots in the first few minutes of play. Dedham’s offense, on the other hand, took more time to awaken but gained wind by mid-period and ended the first with an 8-7 lead in shots on goal.

In the second period, Brian Dunne looked to have opened the scoring for Dedham. The senior broke through Winthrop’s defense down the right wing and crashed into Donahue with the puck dribbling past the goalie into the net. Unfortunately for Dedham, an official review waved the goal off as the collision knocked the net off its mooring before the puck crossed the line.

Just seconds later, Winthrop doubled Dedham’s misfortune by scoring to go up 1-0. Taking a pass from Joe Pumphret, Phil Boncore went diving down Dedham’s left wing, holding off two defenders and nudging the puck to Holgersen on the other side of the goal where he buried the chance.

“It was unbelievable,” said Dunbar of his team’s quick response. “I knew it was no goal. I’m glad they have video. To respond like that right away, and get the lead, that was huge because, you know they’re upset, and you got to get after it right away. We told them hurry up, get after it, hurry up get after it, and they did.”

Winthrop’s offense continued to hum for the rest of the period but they could not find a way to double their lead. In the latter half of the period, Pumphret hit the post and Boncore followed up shortly after with a close miss in front of the net with both chances coming from behind the goal into the slot.

Dedham tried to break through the Winthrop defense in the third but struggled to create any quality looks. Their best chance to tie came with four minutes left as Tim Holton juked a couple defenders and fired a shot at Donahue, who made the save.

With just 2:45 left in the game, Holgersen rang the bell again, burying a pass across goal from Pumphret past an outstretched Adams. 37 seconds later, Holgersen completed the hat trick with an empty netter to clinch the game and the state title for Winthrop.

Said Dunbar, “I couldn’t be more happy for our kids, our student body, everybody involved. It’s the whole administration, it’s everybody. It’s a village, that’s what Winthrop is. It’s a village. We all support and care about each other, no matter what the sport is, and today these kids are the heroes.”