LEWISTON —The unsung hero of Thornton Academy’s hockey dominance in 2011-12 was the defense, so TA coach Jamie Gagnon couldn’t wait to sing the unit’s praises after Saturday night’s 5-1 victory over St. Dom’s in the Class A championship game.

“I think they absolutely have been overlooked,” Gagnon said. “It takes that type of effort on the defensive end, from the goaltender out. All year we’ve stressed defense, defense, defense, and then we’ll get out in transition. And there were a couple of examples out here tonight where we were able to get out and run.”

While Thornton’s prolific offense grabbed most of the headlines this season, the defense worked in the background but was no less impressive, yielding just 30 goals in 21 games.

And again on Saturday night, while C.J. Maksut and the offense were putting St. Dom’s in an early hole, it was the defense that made some of the most critical plays.

The Saints put the Trojans back on their heels immediately with a flurry in front of the net moments after the opening faceoff.

Goalie Joe Ferrante turned aside at least two shots — whether a third hit the post was in dispute.

“It was rough start, but I think it opened our eyes a little bit,” Ferrante said.

“St. Dom’s came hard and they came early,” Gagnon said. “We knew they had that kind of team. Breaking out to an early lead was certainly helpful.”

Not only were the Trojans making sure the Saints were one-and-done, they were clearing rebounds to their quick forwards and kick-starting the vaunted offense that scored three goals in its first five shots.

“My ‘D’ did a great job of getting the puck out of the zone,” Ferrante said. “”They blocked the shots and I just had to sit there and get the pucks that got to me.”

“Just keep it simple, like we’ve been doing all year,” senior defenseman Tyler Danley said when asked about his team’s defensive approach.

The Trojans did add one twist to their game plan, making the slot a point of emphasis.

“The slot was big tonight,” Danley said. “Cover up everyone in the slot, pick up sticks, keep your head on a swivel and keep anyone in the slot away from Joey.”

“They’re a big team, an experienced team and strong,” St. Dom’s coach Steve Ouellette said. “We didn’t get many second chances.”

Troy Haefele’s power-play goal with 6:14 left came on a rebound and spoiled the shutout. But by then, the senior-laden back line of Ferrante, Danley, Brandon Veilleux and Brett Levasseur had left its imprint on the game and given Thornton another state title.

“We played six strong defensemen who all contributed,” Gagnon said. “Having a large senior class helps. When you have guys that have been here before, they understand the commitment involved and what it’s going to take to accomplish that goal.”