Whiz Kids: J-NP Cougars Varsity Hockey Team

Names: (In order of their playing numbers) Christopher M. Casto, Goalie; Tyler J. Delicio, Defense: Nicodemus G. Manzotti, Defense; Captain Andrew P. Delicio, Defense; Stephen Morrison, Forward; John Sarah, Forward; Captain Damon V. Ascenzi, Forward; David Delgizzo, Forward; John Varone, Forward; Matthew S. Charello, Forward; John Rappa, Forward; Captain Ryan V. Rotondi, Defense; Mackenzie O. Olink, Forward; Daniel Evans, Forward; Robert P. Tonucci, Forward; Antonio Manzotti, Defense; Nicholas J. Fournier, Forward; Michael A. Brown, Forward; Brendon J. Marshall, Forward; Matthew Domaingue, Goalie — members of the Johnston-North Providence Cougars, the varsity hockey team representing the two high schools.

Accomplishment: The Cougars won the Division III state hockey title on March 19 with a 4-0 victory over number-2 seed and defending champion Mt. Hope High School.

Key To Awesomness: Teamwork and tenacity. In just their second year as a co-op team representing once-rival schools, the Cougars jelled as a squad and fought together for every point.

Probably the best example of the selflessness of the team was Ascenzi's statement after earning MVP honors in the finals — "I didn’t think I was going to get it, personally. I think [Domaingue] deserved it more."

The Cougars coaches, too, credited their players with a dedication to each other that's rare in high school sports.

Said coach Fred Morrison: "They honestly win for each other — you don’t find that in high school. That means so much, to see the kids that support each other like that. It’s unbelievable."