Cougars Claw Their Way Back For Win

The Johnston-North Providence cooperative (6-0-0-0, Division III) overcame a third-period deficit on Dec. 22 with a trio of goals during the final stanza to defeat the Titans of Toll Gate High School by a score of 4-2, at Thayer Ice Arena in Warwick.

The Cougars led, 1-0, throughout most of the first period, but the Titans (1-4-0-0, Division II Central) scored twice during the second, forcing the Cougars to rally.

"I think the kids didn't really understand how to respond," said Fred Morrison, head coach of the Cougars.

Prior to Wednesday's contest, the 2010-2011 Cougars had never trailed after intermission. Though inter-divisional results do not affect overall standings, before the conclusive, 15-minute third, Morrison and co-head coach David Accetturo reminded the players, "[The Titans] are taking something from us right now. It's a non-league game, but it's a 'W' or a loss in the column, and we want to keep the season rolling the way it's going."

The Cougars negated the margin at 9:09 of the last frame, as senior captain Damon Ascenzi moved toward the Titans' net from the left wing and flipped the puck past freshman goalie David Stachurski. Then, at 9:49, the Cougars regained the lead, when senior forward Daniel Evans flung the vulcanized rubber disc into the cage to nullify an initial rejection from Stachurski.

Junior goaltender Matthew Domaingue protected the Cougars' advantage, denying a backhanded bid by Toll Gate's Casey Correia at 10:40. Then, with 3:11 remaining, senior David Delgizzo scored the evening's sixth goal, his second, to double the Cougars' bulge.

The Cougars return to the ice December 31, when they skate with the Huskies of Mt. Hope (3-1-1-0, Division III) in Smithfield. The Cougars downed the defending champions, 5-1, on December 10.