come out of nowhere. Rather, Coach
Fuccillo acknowledges the hard work
and conscious effort that has gone into
the team ascent.
“We push our players to get as much
time on the ice as possible. We tell our
players, the few times a week that they
are on the ice for high school is simply
not enough,” said Coach Fuccillo. And
fortunately, the team has responded well,
doing their part to join travel teams and
increase their participation in clinics.
The increased effort has clearly paid
off over the past three seasons as the
Cougars have developed into a difficult
team to play against.
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past few seasons, there is still work to
be done. In the semi-finals last season,
SJB fell to Smithtown in the last
minute. They played a great game, but
unfortunately, were not able to keep the
playoff run alive.
This season, Coach Fuccillo wanted
to see his team display more discipline.
FORWARD
Despite the team’s success over the
KEY PLA
YERS
From one win in
2010-2011 to fifteen
wins in 2012-13, this
success
hasn’t
“If a player is not giving 100% it
is our job as a coaching staff to let the
player know that it is unacceptable.
It also important to recognize kids
that are doing an exceptional job and
make sure they know that their effort
is appreciated.” And the players have
responded well, showing excitement to
be there.
Matt O’Shaughnessy
(Senior) - 21 points through 8 games
“He was 3rd in the league in scoring
last year and I wouldn’t be surprised
if he finished first this year.”
DEFENSE
B
uilding a successful program is
not an easy task, especially in
high school athletics. However, Coach
Fuccillo and company have
done a great job with the
Cougars hockey program.
“We have a unique situation this
year in that we are carrying three
goalies. They have all had equal
playing time and have done an
excellent job. We are confident when
“The thing that hurt us the most last
season was that we took too many
penalties.”
And with that focus in mind, the
2013-2014 season outlook was bright. “I
think that after the loss in the playoffs
last season, the guys still remember how
bad that felt and their goals are to not
Matt Araujo
(Junior) - 23 points through 8 games
“Big power forward that can find
the back of the net.”
Chuckie Peck
(Junior) - 16 points in 6 games
“He is a quick forward with
great play making ability.”
Brett Rooney
(Senior) - 15 points in 8 games
“He has been arguably the best
defensemen in the league for the
past 2 seasons.”
GOAL
Story by Mike Repertorio
Photos by Kevin Sperandeo
However, another factor was also
pointed out as being crucial in turning
around the fate of the program. The
culture in the locker room has changed,
putting an onus on both the players and
coaches to make a difference.
anyone of them starts, that they will
give us a shot at winning.”
“Stephen Montgomery (Senior)
will be key for us down the stretch.”
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