Cranston captures PSW Hockey Fights Hunger tournament crown

By Matt Metcalf
Posted 1/4/17

The Cranston Co-op boys' hockey team gained some confidence last Tuesday and Wednesday, as it compiled a 4-1 record over the two-day stretch en route to capturing the PSW Hockey Fights Hunger tournament at Lynch Arena in

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Cranston captures PSW Hockey Fights Hunger tournament crown

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The Cranston Co-op boys’ hockey team gained some confidence last Tuesday and Wednesday, as it compiled a 4-1 record over the two-day stretch en route to capturing the PSW Hockey Fights Hunger tournament at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket.

The Falcons powered their way to a strong start on day one, edging division rival Prout, 2-1, before routing Division III Narragansett/Chariho Co-op, 5-1, in a pair of 25-minute contests. Freshman forward Noah Amaral netted the team’s first goal against Prout, and senior center Sam Eacueo potted the game-winner. Junior forward Justin Neary paced the attack in Cranston’s win over the Mariners, burying a hat trick. Anthony DiSano and defenseman Marco Palombo also found the back of the net against Narragansett.

Cranston was upset by Lincoln, 2-0, to start the second day of play, but worked itself into the title game after shutting out host PCD/St. Ray’s/Wheeler Co-op by a score of 3-0.

Cranston met Prout in the championship tilt and outlasted the Crusaders once again. Neary found twine twice more and freshman Cam Koretsky added the other goal in a title-clinching 3-2 victory.

Neary was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, while Eacueo, Colby Alfred and goaltender D.J. DeAngelis found spots on the All-Tournament Team.

All-in-all, it was a confidence-boosting weekend for Cranston (0-5-2 in Division I).

“It was a weekend of the kids playing together, gaining confidence and learning how to win,” Cranston head coach Matt Brannon said.

The Falcons and Crusaders were scheduled to play a league game on Wednesday evening at the University of Rhode Island’s Brad Boss Arena, but results were unavailable at press time. They will then host Burrillville at Cranston Ice Rink at 8 p.m. on Saturday night.

Although Cranston hasn’t encountered much success in Division I thus far this season, grabbing a pair of wins against a league opponent in Prout at the holiday tournament should instill some self-assurance in the team as it enters a five-game January slate.

“This is a close-knit group,” Brannon said. “They’re determined to win and they’re staying positive.”

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