PROVIDENCE — Despite a determination to fight hard to the finish in search of their fifth consecutive state title, the Mount St. Charles hockey team fell Monday night to rival Bishop Hendricken by a score of 5-2.
The win tipped the balance of the three-game Cox Sports Championship series 2-1 in favor of Hendricken, putting an end to Mount St. Charles’ streak of dominance on the tourney’s ice. The Mounties have carried the mantle of state champion for the last four years.
Hendricken’s Hawks kept the pressure on the Mounties throughout the game, which was played in front of a packed house of 3,000 at Providence College’s Schneider Arena, where few seats remained empty.
Hendricken’s win over Mount St. Charles came two days after the Mounties tied the series at one game apiece Saturday with an exciting 3-2 finish.
“I’m thrilled, they’re efforts were outstanding. We got contributions from everyone, it’s their championship,” Hendricken Coach Jim Creamer said after the Hawks clinched the title, their first in the last five years, and the third overall in the tournament.
“This is the best feeling in the world. This is what we live for,” said junior David Mitchell, who scored one of the team’s fives goals.
“It’s great to be able to bring this home to the fans.”
Other scores came from junior Paul Filippone, who netted two goals, senior Justin Finan and freshman Matt Creamer.
Following the game, Hendricken goaltender Bill Palmer was named tournament MVP. He was still in awe of what his team had achieved and readily credited his teammates for playing strong all season.
“This is probably the hardest working team I’ve ever played on,” said Palmer, a junior.
“I?knew they would come back at us all night, so we had to just keep matching them,” Palmer added, recognizing the strength of his opponents.
