March 19, 2005
The Cougars had a full weekend of hockey facing Tri-Valley on Saturday and San Jose on Sunday. They were pursuing a much-needed win to assure them a spot in the NORCAL playoffs. It would all come down to the wire.
The Tri-Valley Blue Devils traveled to Cupertino to face the Cougars on Saturday. The two teams have built a fierce rivalry over the course of the season, which has led to some exciting games. This game would be no different.
The contest was as hard-hitting as the previous games and just as intense. The Cougars took a 3-1 lead into the 3rd period thanks in part to exceptional teamwork from Patrick Gillis, Anthony Arbulu and Chris Benoit. Justin Blythe, Neilsen Ramos and Alex Mayorkis played some of their best hockey of the season frustrating the bigger Blue Devils with their in-your-face style of play.
The Cougars defense led by goalie (Mikey Velasquez), Brandon Omaleki, Evan Radkey and Eric Chaney put up solid performances shutting down the Blue Devil's offense for the first two periods.
The Blue Devils came back in the 3rd to tie the game 3-3. The Cougars had several scoring opportunities including a shot at an empty net but came up short. Tie game and a point for both teams.