Cougars Steal Come-From-Behind Win in Season Opener

It was a night for celebrations.

Just prior to dropping the puck on their 2010-2011 season, the boys' hockey team took a moment to remember their state championship winning team from a year ago and raise their latest banner to the rafters at Ed Burns Arena. Despite Archbishop Williams best efforts, they weren't able to spoil the night, as the Cougars came from behind and scored a late goal to come away with a 3-2 win.

It was clear both teams were excited to get their seasons underway as the first period started off at a rapid pace. The game was up-tempo and very physical, with both squads making sure to finish their checks every chance they got.

The Cougars controlled possession for the most part, keeping play in the Bishops' zone for a good portion of the first period. They also had three powerplay chances, but were unable to find the back of the net. The Archies struck first on the powerplay, at 8:29 in the first.

"We obviously had some trouble putting the puck in the back of the net, and that's something we'll keep working on, but aside from that I thought we played a very good game," said AC head coach Dan Shine. "I thought, especially on the powerplays we had early in the game, that we moved the puck really well, the only thing we didn't do is finish."

It wasn't until the third period that AC was finally able to figure out Williams goalie Brian Nazzaro. Just over two minutes into the final stanza, senior Chris Sadler finished off a pretty 2-on-1 play set up by sophomore Brendon O'Connell to knot the game up at one.

This was just the beginning of a see-saw third period; just three minutes later Archies reclaimed the lead with their second powerplay goal of the night. The Cougars kept pushing, and less than two minutes later struck back with a powerplay goal of their own. Junior Jon Byrne redirected a point-shot from senior Brian McGoff to tie the game back up at two.

The rest of the period saw some furious action as both sides pushed for the tie-breaking goal. Catholic got some steady play from senior goalie John Busa, who had 18 saves in the winning effort.

The Cougars strong forechecking finally paid off as senior captain Daniel Graham picked the a loose puck up off the side board. He walked into the high slot and ripped a snap shot that beat Nazzaro high to the glove side with just over two minutes left to play. The Cougars would hang on to claim their first win of the season, in what was a banner night all around.

"Dan (Graham) really had a strong game for us, and he saw a lot of ice time, so it was nice to see him get rewarded like that," said AC Head Coach Shine. "This is huge for us. With basically a brand new roster to come out being down a goal, coming back and scoring late to win. It's just a huge confidence builder for us. So we'll enjoy this for a little bit, and then get back to work Monday and get ready for St. Mary's."

The Cougars will travel to Lynn for their second straight Catholic Central League game when they take on St. Mary's Wednesday night.

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