The NewEngland Freezers 2003 Elite team Competed in the Boston Challenge cup over the 7/21-7/23 weekend and came up just short, finishing second overall.
It was a well played weekend by the Freezer team who seemed to dominate all but one game, outshooting opponents overall by more than 2 to 1 ratio. Only to be thwarted by hot goaltenders. It is true that goalies can steal games!!!!
It was frustrating to say the very least as this Freezer team took the play to every opponent they faced.
The Championship was a battle from the drop of the puck as the Freezer team took the play to the Vipers Elite, shot after shot only to be denied by an awesome display from the Viper goalie. The Vipers struck first late in the first. Then again early in the second while the Freezers couldn't get one through. Finally the Freezers Guerin Favreau struck with a nice shot cutting the lead in half. The vipers struck again on a powerplay and the Freezers answered as CJ Laqurre sniped a shot bar down to end the period down 3-2 with momentum coming the Freezers ways.
The Freezers continued to pound on the Viper goalie but couldn't get anything by in the third. They even had a two man advantage that they couldn't get one in on. The injury bug hit them hard in the third losing 4 players for various ailments drastically altering the game. Two defensive mistakes late in the third turned to instant goals for the vipers, and as such the Freezers took many chances in the final minutes only to have the Vipers capitalize on 2 of them. The vipers scored 2 unanswered goals in the final 3 minutes to take the Championship.
The injury bug took its toll in this game, quickly changing the course. Regardless, the Vipers played some good hockey too.
The Freezers were led by top point earner Peter Kourkoutas 1/4/5 points, with Guerin Favreau leading the goals scored at 3/0/3 points, Brayden Naumann coming in second with 2/2/4points, CJ Laquerre 2/1/3points, Lance Anderson 1/2/3 points and Guerin tied for third at 3 points each. Top defenseman point earners go to James Kourkoutas 1/1/2 points, Ray Magliozzi 1/1/2 points, Peter Dres 0/2/2 points. Top plus minus earner went to James Kourkoutas, just edging twin Peter Kourkoutas to earn the honor.
Shea Clark, Axel Keller played very physical defense. While Markus Keller, Thomas Huard, Bryan Lori, and Aidan Bayne had numerous opportunities all weekend, cashing in on a few as well with Thomas Huard sniping one in the second round of the tournament.
Nick Santangelo and Cameron Lahue shared duties between the pipes and made key saves throughout the tournament.
