With traditional rival Xaverian waiting for a dance partner in the Division 1 boys hockey semifinals, top-seeded St. John’s Prep faced a tough task in No. 8 Hingham, which sported a 15-7-2 record heading into Thursday night.

But three periods later, zero goals just won’t suffice. The Prep won the game, 3-0, and lives to see a few more days. Or, at least until Sunday against No. 4 Xaverian (TBD).

The Prep’s Mason Luciano wasted little time in this one, tucking a goal on his team’s first shot of the game (1-0). 

Truth be told, it was a defensive thriller, as Prep’s next tally was late in the third period on an empty-netter, courtesy of Johnny Tighe (2-0). Jake Vana scored shortly after past Hingham goalie Mike Karo (3-0).

AJ Faroese played well between the pipes for the Eagles, who now face a tough test in Xaverian, which defeated Franklin, 4-1, in its Elite 8 matchup.