Souhegan 3 Kennett 2 (OT)
- Souhegan forward, Paul Caso split the Eagles defense and willed home a wrist shot just 47 seconds into overtime as SHS claimed its third straight division 3 boys ice hockey championship Sunday in Manchester .
Photos
provided courtesy of Bill Dod.
In what has now become known as "Souhegan Sunday" at the Verizon Wireless Arena, the Sabers and Eagles felt each other out for the first 15 minute period, although Souhegan had the better of the chances with Caso and Adam Mendenhall both being denied on breakaways.
photos!
Photos
provided courtesy of Bill Dod.
In the 2nd stanza, Souhegan came out firing as Alex April blasted home a Caso pass to put the Sabers in front (1-0). Caso then scored off a faceoff to put SHS on top (2-0). But Kennett began to swarm the Saber net and blasted a slapper from the point that would deflect into the SHS goal to cut the margin to (2-1).
Kennett would start period three on the powerplay and tied the game (2-2) on a perfect pass from Mike Skelton. Despite numerous chances from both sides, this one was going to overtime.
In O.T., Souhegan would begin on the powerplay. Caso took a Mendenhall feed from his own end, had a head of steam attacking the Kennett blueline, slid the puck through the defensemans skates and put the game winner past Eagle goalie, Rick Gaudreault for the game winner. The Souhegan bench cleared as the
jubilant team celebrated on the ice and accepted their championship medals.
Coach Coughlin credited his team for "wanting to prove themselves and doing whatever it takes". He also acknowledged the fine play of Sabers goalie, Nate Downer who "stood on his head and stole us one" stopping 40 Eagle shots. "The boys played the game of their lives and I couldn't be any prouder" Coughlin said to reporters after the game.
photos!
Consider the 3-Peat complete.
