Schomberg Cougars end Hornets’ historic streak

November 16, 2016 · 0 Comments

By Jake Courtepatte
Don’t look now, but the Schomberg Cougars are making waves in the Provincial Junior Hockey League after becoming the only team to best the Alliston Hornets through 19 games this season.
The Junior C club shocked the crowd at the always full New Tecumseth Rec Centre in Alliston on Friday, using a strong second period to overcome the odds and end Alliston’s 18-game unbeaten streak.
Brandon Cohen was the first to get the Cougars on the board just 37 seconds into the game, converting a pass from Connor May for his third goal in two games.
Alex Acosta doubled the lead in the opening minute of the second on the power play for his first as a Cougar, though two quick goals from Alliston veterans had the game tied midway through the second period.
It was two of Schomberg’s own veterans, Ryley Egerton and JP Crescenzi, that once again restored a two-goal lead for the road team before the second intermission.
It was Vince Michelizzi who eventually won the game for the Cougars in the third period, stopping all but one of a barrage of Alliston shots on the Schomberg net in an eventual 4-3 win.
The Hornets, who averaged giving up just over two goals per game while scoring close to six, came into the game with a record of 17-0-1.
Schomberg, meanwhile, has been on a hot streak since the beginning of November. Falling to the Hornets on Nov. 3, the club has since gone 3-1, winning three in a row before meeting up with a streaking Stayner Siskins squad on Saturday.

OT loss to Stayner

The teams traded goals back-and-forth throughout regulation, before Stayner’s Jordan Taylor beat Nicholas Nabuurs just over a minute into extra time. Schomberg goals were scored by Carter LeRoux, Jake Mooring, and Crescenzi.
The loss in overtime, however, extends Schomberg’s point streak to four games. After a slow start to the season, the Cougars are clawing their way up the Carruther’s division of the PJHL, now sitting pretty in fourth place out of eight teams.
They will put their 8-11-1 record on the line Thursday, hosting the Midland Flyers (8-12-0) who sit just one point back of the Cougars in league standings.
Puck drop is set for 8:30 p.m. at Trisan Centre in Schomberg.
The Cougars close out the week on Saturday with a visit to the Siskins (16-3-0).
For stats, schedules, and more information, visit www.schombergcougars.com.