2003-04 Bantam B - Preseason Game 11 Details vs. Santa Clara A

10/26/03 - Cougars vs. Santa Clara Blackhawks A team; 11-3 loss

1st period:
Cougars took on the Santa Clara Blackhawks A team Sunday morning. The period started out quite intense, as the Blackhawks peppered Cougar goalie #20 Eric Berner. The Blackhawks were relentless in their attack, but Eric was able to hold them….. temporarily. Cougars took a penalty, which resulted in the Blackhawks first goal. The Cougars settled into the speed and intensity of the game, and had several scoring chances of their own. #14 Josh Bautista scored the first Cougar goal followed shortly by #81 Zefan Hurley. The remainder of the period was highlighted by the great goaltending from Eric, who saw 18 shots in the first period alone. Period ended with Cougars up 2-1.

2nd period:
Cougars seemed to find their game and started playing smart, defensive hockey. They were more physical this period and created many scoring opportunities. Cougars got great defensive work from #88 Derek Green, who prevented a breakaway attempt, #16 Denis van de Goor, and #64 Shoshana Levine. The Blackhawks were persistent and gave Eric quite a workout in net. They scored three more goals in the period to take the lead. Cougars were able to score one more goal off an interesting play from #47 Jordan Fragoza to #9 Jeff Adams in front of the net. Shots on net were 33-16; score: 4-3.

3rd period:
Down by a goal, the Cougars produced several strong scoring chances from #7 Max DeLance, #27 Brett DeLorenzi, #9 Jeff Adams, and #14 Josh Bautista, who were stopped cold by the Blackhawk's goalie. After playing a very strong physical game for two periods, the Cougars seemed to lose steam as the Blackhawks went on to score 7 more goals. Cougar's goaltenders faced a total of 49 shots in the game.

Summary:
There are a couple players I'd like to recognize as having an outstanding game: #27 Brett DeLorenzi played intense, smart and physical for all three periods and #20 Eric Berner, who practically stood on his head to keep the game close. I saw many positive things from the team: the ability to play at a higher level, the willingness to step up the intensity, improved teamwork, and positioning. If the Cougars continue to play at this level, watch out NORCAL Bantam B teams! Go Cougars!