Monsignor Donovan Beats Toms River South in Mayor's Cup Consolation Game

Monsignor Donovan withstood a barrage from Toms River South, but its defense never gave in, as the Griffins took a 2-1 victory in the consolation game of the Mayor's Cup at Winding River Arena on Wednesday night.

Donovan scored the first goal with less than a minute left in the first period and added what proved to be the game-winner at 10:14 of the second period.

Toms River South responded 8 seconds later, scoring to make the game 2-1. But the Donovan defense went to work.

Toms River South fired in shot after shot, only to be turned away by the Griffins. The Indians outshot Donovan 35-22, but Donovan's defense prevented the shots from reaching the goal.

The consolation game is a big win not just for the Donovan players, but for first-year head coach Brian Klimakowski as well. 

“The support from the Toms River community has been great for all the hockey programs,” Klimakowski said. “I'm proud of our team, but this has definitely been a bit of a new start. We expect this team to progress going into next season.”

South head coach Bill McKinnon echoed Klimakowski's sentiment. “For sure, it's been a rebuilding year,” McKinnon said. “We haven't had as many students sign up for the hockey program this year. We lost a lot of our senior players last year to [high school] graduation. We won a state championship just a couple of seasons ago and can get back there, but it takes time.”

No matter the outcome of the consolation game, both coaches agreed that the positive environment the hockey programs bring is good for student athletes and the Toms River community.

“Hockey is a tough sport, but it teaches young athletes how to handle adversity,” McKinnon said. “All I ask of my players is to work hard, give it their all, and have fun."