October 25, 2008
The Cougars opened the regular season with another complete team effort over the weekend against the Fresno Falcons, coming out on top 6 goals to 1. It was another physical game versus the Falcons, but the Cougars showed good discipline in controlling the puck and prevented the Falcons from any real attack on goal throughout the game. This can be credited to the defense of Ryan, Paul, Sebastian, and Tristan. Not only did they prevent scoring, but they had good success at bringing the puck up the ice. Kyle played his typical shutdown goalkeeping as the Falcons had trouble converting with his relentless attack on the loose pucks. Kyle stopped 20 of 21 shots on goal for the day. Vinny started off the scoring with a behind the net backhand dish to Justin for the goal. Following a 3 on 5 penalty kill, Jackson scored on an assist from Aaron. Scoring at the end of the first period was 2-0 Cougars. Fresno responded quickly to make it 2-1, but Will came back with two quick goals for the Cougars. Scoring concluded in the second period with a pass from Will to John for the goal. Relentless pursuits at the goal by Jack and Kurt along with a strong defensive push up the ice, kept the Falcons in chase mode throughout the period. The second period ended with a commanding 5-1 lead by the Cougars. Our great defensive effort shut out the Falcons the rest of the way, while the offense put up one more goal. It was a nice win for the Cougars as they will be home next Saturday at Vallco to host the Blue Devils from Tri-Valley.