(WJAR) — Chick-fil-A is opening a new location in the Ocean State
The beloved chicken restaurant has confirmed that it will open its next Rhode Island location in Warwick
“We look forward to joining the community and to serving all our guests delicious food in an environment of genuine hospitality,” the company said in a statement
EAST GREENWICH — This beautiful Wednesday afternoon reminded us how much a Division II softball game can change over the course of seven innings
Portsmouth came out smoking and batted around in the top of the first inning
The Patriots swung freely against Kayleigh Chaiyabhat and looked poised for a big offensive day
East Greenwich turned the tables from there
using its own relentless offensive attack and some defensive mistakes from the visitors to stage a rally
The Avengers did all their scoring from the bottom of the third on to record an 11-4 victory
Maura Taylor’s single through the right side in the bottom of the fourth ultimately produced the winning RBI
Run-scoring singles from Sarah Levy and Sophia Gariglio helped spark another four-run outburst in the bottom of the fifth
Chaiyabhat stranded nine after the early wobble and struck out 10 while tossing a complete game
“The best game is when you can come back,” Taylor said
The Avengers converted three errors and Chaiyabhat’s RBI grounder to third into the tying rally in the bottom of the third
and East Greenwich pounded out all nine of its hits during its final three trips to the plate
Levy added a second RBI single to left in the bottom of the sixth and put Chaiyabhat just three outs away from victory
“Usually we kind of drift into it,” Brooke Fairbanks said
a lot of people had confidence because they were making contact with the ball.”
The Patriots (5-4) were sharp at the outset
with Barbara Rainey lining an RBI single to left and Tatum Brennan shooting a two-run double up the gap in right-center
Portsmouth plated another run on an error and left a pair on base with a chance to extend the inning
Fairbanks had a quick word with Chaiyabhat before the Avengers took the field again in the top of the second and had the sophomore mixing in a few extra changeups from there
“She was a little rattled,” Fairbanks said
She kind of just had to look in the mirror and think
The Patriots won four of their first five against Rhode Island opponents and flashed some of the form that brought them within a couple of bounces of a league title last season
Their playoff losses came against Ponaganset and Westerly
the two teams that met for the championship at Rhode Island College
Portsmouth remains the type of test that can teach East Greenwich a thing or two entering the second full month of the season
“These are the games we really love,” Taylor said
“Or even losing — obviously losing is never fun
but it’s about being able to build from that and learn from it.”
Fairbanks is a University of Rhode Island commit
one of the few veterans remaining from a league championship in 2023 and a group that made a deep run in the Division I playoffs in 2024
is currently pitching at Roger Williams and another set of sisters
twins Margaret Neville and Catherine Neville
Newcomers like Taylor and Gariglio will need to contribute immediately for the Avengers (5-4) to make another trip downtown in June
“I think we really got a confidence boost after coach pulled us in and told us we had to be super determined,” Fairbanks said
“Kind of look at ourselves in the mirror and see how much we really want this
“Put your body on the line for the ball — people started diving for balls instead of running past them
A lot of improvements were made just in the switch of an inning.”
bkoch@providencejournal.com
(WJAR) — Demolition began Wednesday at a funeral home in East Greenwich that was badly damaged in a fire earlier this year
Heavy equipment was being used to tear down the Hill-Skeffington Funeral Home on Main Street
The demolition should be done within five days
"Sad to see a building that's been here 220 years get torn down," said owner John Skeffington
The historic building is being demolished this week
more than two months after a devastating fire
started in a fireplace and spread to the roof
Witness video from that cold February morning shows flames shooting into the sky
Skeffington remembers watching the destruction
"I didn't even know where my life was going to go," he said
I never imagined the degree of damage and fire that we had here," Ucci said
The building itself couldn't be salvaged
Skeffington said they've been able to continue hosting services at other funeral homes
He said they plan to stay open throughout the rebuild
"It's going to be a blessing in the end
being able to build a funeral home from scratch," Skeffington said
"The building's going to be bigger."
He said it would also offer a pet cremation business
"We are going to be able to continue serving everyone
Today's a new day moving forward."
Skeffington said they're working to finalize plans for the new funeral home and will have more details in the near future
by FRANK CARPANO
(WJAR) — East Greenwich's Bruce Mastracchio has spent his entire professional life helping kids
Sports Team 10's Frank Carpano has his story
(WJAR) — The East Greenwich Education Association
the union representing the school district's teachers
is sounding the alarm and urging the East Greenwich Town Council to better fund the school district
we’re being asked to do more with less," said Vice President of the EGEA Terri Garno
The town claims it has been adequately funding schools for years
more than most municipalities in Rhode Island
The EGEA claims long-term underfunding from the town is hurting schools
and it is asking the Town Council to increase the money it allocates to the public school district
“Teachers in the Town of East Greenwich have sort of been the collateral damage for a long time and so we want to make sure that students get what they need
and we believe now is the time to come together and make that happen," said EGEA President Donna McPhee
that the town council ask the General Assembly to exceed the 4% property tax increase cap
And two: that the Council use a percentage of its roughly $10 million dollar fund balance to help make up for the possible loss of more than 800,000 dollars of state funding
“I do want to say that we appreciate what the town has done in terms of being better than their predecessors
but it’s just not enough," said McPhee
Town Manager Andrew Nota told NBC 10 he would not dip into the Town’s fund balance
is for non-recurring one-time expenses it’s not to be used for recurring operating expenses and that’s what they’re requesting," said Nota
Nota said he has requested a waiver to exceed the 4% tax cap
but that's targeted to new school building projects
“I think what the teachers union is referring to is they want an additional request made to somehow fund things within the district they find to be important
and ultimately this is about the teachers contract and compensation," said Nota
Nota claimed over the last eight years the council has not underfunded the district
he's worked with four different superintendents
a lot of the issues the teachers should be dealing with their employer which is not me and the town council
but it’s really the school administration and the school committee," said Nota
“If you get the right people at the table having a professional conversation
but I think this approach does more damage than it does help."
The state budget proposal calling for a slash to East Greenwich School's state funding has not been approved yet
There is a bill in the General Assembly to restore some of the money it could lose
The teachers union is urging concerned residents to attend the East Greenwich Town Council meeting on Monday
The Town Manager said he will be making his budget recommendations this Thursday May 1st
with the budget deadline set for June 10th
would directly neighbor the Faith Hill Farm
The farm owner tells NBC 10 that construction could frighten her horses and potentially shut her business down
“I would be proven negligent if I allowed riding during loud construction,” said owner Pam Steere Maloof
summer camp and equestrian assisted therapy
she estimate’s she will only be able to operate at 15 to 20%
the developer and farm have discussed a series of conditions that were not agreed upon ahead of Wednesday night’s meeting
the size of a fence dividing the properties and a potential limit on construction hours
The farm said they wanted construction to end at 2:00 p.m
clients and having safe working hours is essential,” said Rachel Walshe
Both parties have agreed that there will be no rock blasting on Friday
A representative with the developer declined to comment after the meeting
The planning director also declined to comment
but did say situation such as this one are rare
The owner of Faith Hill Farm said she plans to appeal
(WJAR) — The East Greenwich School Committee held a special meeting on Tuesday to discuss the “Employee Job Performance” of the superintendent and assistant superintendent
The discussion occurred in executive session and comes after the East Greenwich Education Association voted no confidence in Superintendent Brian Ricca and Assistant Superintendent Sarah Courtemanche-O'Brien
Teachers claim the administrators discount teacher input
and are absent from schools in times of need
NBC 10 spoke with the superintendent after the meeting
not answering multiple questions from our reporter including whether he feels he should resign
Superintendent Ricca released the following statement to NBC 10:
The East Greenwich School Committee has another meeting next Tuesday
The School Committee Chair declined to comment on the matter
EAST GREENWICH − The owners of Finn's Harborside restaurant, which was damaged in a fire nearly one year ago
offered an update Wednesday on their rebuilding efforts
"Since the fire, we have been working tirelessly to navigate the extensive process of reopening," they said in a statement released to the media and posted on the Finn's Harborside website
"From rebuilding logistics to permitting and everything in between
this journey has come with unforeseen challenges
but we remain committed to bringing Finn’s back as soon as possible."
the statement promised additional updates as the process continues
whom they hope to welcome back when they reopen
as well as the entire community of East Greenwich
"We’re doing everything we can to bring it back − not just for us
but for the employees who rely on it and the customers who have made it what it is
We’re eager to welcome everyone back through our doors as soon as we can,” the Finn family said in the statement
and firefighters encountered heavy flames when they arrived at the Water Street restaurant
The blaze also drew fire crews from Warwick and North Kingstown
Finn's Harborside used to be known as Harbourside Lobstermania until the Finn family purchased it in 2013
the Finn family has been working on the East Greenwich waterfront since the early 1900s in the shellfish industry
The restaurant is owned by Mark and Carole Finn and managed by Connor Finn
After renovating and redesigning the establishment
EAST GREENWICH — The East Greenwich boys tennis team hasn’t wasted any time letting its Division I opponents know it means business
Chasing trophies is something the Avengers have gotten used to and after getting bumped from D-II to D-I
it looks like they’re going to be after another one this spring
EG used its experience to build a lead and the No
3 doubles team of Arya Gaind and Kevin Hayes made sure the Rams’ comeback attempt fell short in a 4-3 statement win on Wednesday
The Avengers were D-II finalists in 2023 and won the title last spring before realignment pushed them to D-I this season
Teams in other sports that have made a similar jump can find ways to contend but rarely push their way to the forefront of title talk the way East Greenwich has two matches into the season
EG opened the season against two title contenders
but had little trouble dispatching Hendricken
but La Salle was another test the Avengers had to pass
Wednesday's featured match was the battle at No
1 between La Salle’s Andrew Smith — a two-time All-Stater and singles semifinalist — and EG freshman Tate Coker-Dodman
But while two of Rhode Island’s best exchanged huge shot after huge shot
the Avengers were quietly showing off their biggest strength
The Rams won the first point with Joe Cavanagh’s 6-1
3 Aristo Liu evened the match with his 7-5
1 doubles team of Duncan Kling and Ravi Vishnu beating Callum Bixby and Gavin Britt
David Levy — the hero of last year’s D-II title match — came through with the third point
closing out Yash Choudhary in a marathon of a 6-1
2 doubles team of Aanand Arora and Aaron Garrian up a set on Ryan Gallogly and Noah Gauthier
and Coker-Dodman evening his match with Smith to force a third set
as Gauthier and Gallogly came back to pull out a 4-6
6-4 win and Smith evened the score with a 6-4
6-4 win over the freshman in what could be a state singles semifinal (or finals) preview later this season
Gaind and Hayes made sure the drama stopped there
and gave East Greenwich what's believed to be its first victory over La Salle in over 40 years
following its season-opening loss to defending state champ Barrington on Monday
La Salle was looking for its first win of the season on Friday when it traveled to play Hendricken
After two matches in two days — as well as a bump near the top of the list of state title favorites — East Greenwich will have a week to practice before playing again
The Avengers next match is scheduled for April 9 when they host Lincoln
PROVIDENCE — Jack Kiernan had no interest in overtime
The East Greenwich/Toll Gate forward had a championship to celebrate, and a full extra period would only delay that party. The senior carved out space in the crease and his opportunity to play hero wasn’t missed.
Kiernan poked in the game-winner just 35 seconds into overtime against Portsmouth in the Rhode Island Interscholastic League Division II boys hockey championship. The co-op toppled Portsmouth, the league’s defending champion, 4-3, in overtime, on Sunday afternoon at Providence College’s Schneider Arena.
No. 1 East Greenwich/Toll Gate (22-2), in its second year as a dual program, was the best team in the league all season and Kiernan starred for the co-op. The senior also scored the game-winner against Cumberland in the semifinals and was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
“It tops [the semifinals] by a million,” Kiernan said. “I couldn't imagine a better feeling. It’s a storybook ending. I’m so proud of this team, so proud of everybody.
“I tipped [the winner] and it just trickled in. That was the coolest moment of my life.”
The third-seeded Patriots (17-7) sent the game to overtime on Shane Temple’s rocket from the slot with 5:14 left. Portsmouth had the chance to win in regulation, but EG/TG goalie Wyatt Gelzhiser kept the contest even with an outstretched save at the two-minute mark.
Gelzhiser and the defense also killed off a five-minute major for boarding midway through the second period that kept the game tied at 2-all. That disciplined penalty kill led to the co-op’s advantage before the end of the frame. On its own power play, Markus Rowe tipped in Austen Dufresne’s shot from the left side.
The score put the co-op ahead, 3-2, with 1:21 left in the second period. Gelzhiser finished with 33 saves and withstood a 36-28 shots on goal margin that favored Portsmouth.
“We worked on the penalty kill all year,” Kiernan said. “We have some of our penalty killers going against our top power play, so they get great looks. I think we just came mentally and physically prepared, and that's the reason we’re holding the trophy right now.”
Said Gelzhiser: “I felt really nervous, to be honest. But after I got the first shot, I settled down a bit. I’m just happy that we got out of it. It was a risky situation.”
Austen Dufresne answered Portsmouth’s early score when the junior, on the rush, deked left and finished top right at the 11:13 mark of the first period. The goal was on the heels of Temple, last year’s tournament MVP, handing the Patriots a lead just two minutes into the contest.
“It feels amazing,”Dufresne said of the championship. “We’ve been working all season for this and we said it from the beginning that this is what we wanted.”
East Greenwich/Toll Gate won just four games in Division I last season. The co-op dropped to the state’s second league and immediately became a contender. The team averaged 5.7 goals per game and managed four shutouts, including the 2-0 win over Cumberland in the Frozen Four.
“It's unbelievable — we went from winning four games to 22,” Kiernan said. “I couldn't think of a better way to end my high school hockey career.”
“We had a really good group of boys,” Gelzhiser said. “After the rough season in D-I last year, that was terrible, and then coming back, it feels great to be a champion.”
Joseph Andreozzi, who had the assist on the game-winner, opened the second period with a shot that sliced across EG/TG’s offensive zone. Andreozzi, against the boards, found an opening between the pipes on the left side. Despite the challenging angle, Andreozzi gave the co-op a 2-1 lead. But Portsmouth answered quickly as Connor Rogers leveled the match 58 seconds into the period.
“I just tried to get a stick on it and it gets to him,” Andreozzi said. “I just see it, like a movie, slowly go in the net. I knew from the start that we had the game, and maybe it wasn't our best, but we came out as champions.”
Portsmouth goalie Jonathan Cabral finished with 24 saves. The Patriots’ four seniors graduate after reaching the Division II championship in three straight seasons.
President Donald Trump holds a cabinet meeting at the White House.
WATCH LIVEEast Greenwich schools part ways with Superintendent Brian Riccaby LEANNA FAULK
The East Greenwich School Committee has officially cut ties with Superintendent Dr
approving a separation agreement that places him on paid leave until June 30
with his contract officially ending on Aug
prevents Ricca and the district from making disparaging comments about one another and states that any employment inquiries must go through the school committee chair
Ricca will continue receiving his salary and benefits through the end of August
who had just signed a contract extension in December through 2027
Interim Superintendent Alexis Meyer is stepping in to lead the district
who previously served as superintendent from 2020 to 2022
assured the community she is committed to the transition
"I commit myself to them as I did my prior time here with what they need and how best I can support the entire district," Meyer said in an interview with NBC10 following Tuesday's school committee meeting
many teachers and parents remain focused on concerns surrounding Courtemanche-O'Brien’s leadership and her changes to the district’s English Language Arts curriculum
"The ELA curriculum does not meet the diverse needs of all students in our classrooms," one teacher said
Some educators call the new curriculum ineffective
and inappropriate to the diverse needs of our students," said one longtime ELA teacher
Union President Donna McPhee said the changes in leadership were necessary but that work still remains
"We want leadership that we can respect
When asked whether Courtemanche-O'Brien’s future in the district would be evaluated
Meyer said it was not the time to discuss the matter
nor is it the time to discuss that," she said
the school committee voted to reject the resignation of East Greenwich High School Principal Patricia Page
Ricca multiple times for comment but did not hear back
NBC 10's Brian Crandall contributed to this report
The East Greenwich Education Association voted no confidence in Superintendent Brian Ricca and Assistant Superintendent Sarah Courtemanche-O'Brien
Educators said they were frustrated over the lack of leadership and support from administrators
“Educators in East Greenwich took this vote because
our concerns about what is best for our schools
our students have been ignored,” said EGEA Vice President Terri Garno
“The lack of collaboration and communication shows us that district leadership is either uninterested or unaware of the realities in our schools.”
but we feel ignored and dismissed,” said EGEA President Donna McPhee
“It is demoralizing to receive policies and directives from an absent leadership team that disregards our professional input – leaders who don’t know our names
or the history of our schools...With a per-pupil spending ranked in the bottom ten in Rhode Island and teacher pay in the bottom third
we are here because we love our work – not because we feel valued...We want district leadership’s actions to reflect a real investment in a positive school environment and a commitment to excellence – something our students and community deserve.”
The East Greenwich School Committee is scheduled to meet on Feb
I couldn't believe it," David Ucci said
"The flames were probably shooting 50 feet into the air
and determining it was safe to access the areas where the deceased individuals were located
"I just kind of ran ahead because I knew where I was going," Ucci said
maybe 15 to 20 feet were a set of double doors
Behind those doors was the crematory and the embalming prep room
That's where these individuals were."
He said he brought the remains to the garage
"They're entrusting a loved one to our care
that's our responsibility until the funeral or designated services are completely done
I'm responsible for those people," Ucci said
The deceased individuals were taken to the Skeffington Funeral Home and Cremations location in Providence
President John Skeffington is still digesting what happened
"We sat across the street for four hours just watching the place burn to the ground," Skeffington said
Skeffington said he's grateful for those who've reached out to offer support
including dozens of funeral home directors
he's working with other funeral homes to continue offering services
"We're still 100% open for business," Skeffington said
Police said 57-year-old Wilfredo Alarcon was arrested on Wednesday
East Greenwich police said a Massachusetts man is facing several charges in connection with a bank robbery
Stonington police said they responded to reports of a robbery in Mystic
a man entered the bank and ordered everyone to the floor while robbing the teller at gunpoint
He was then taken into custody hours later in East Greenwich
Police said Alarcon was extradited to Connecticut
unlawful restraint and possession of a firearm
(WJAR) — The East Greenwich Police Department responded to an abandoned car in a wooded area on Thursday morning
Police gathered on Hamilton Drive for the incident
An NBC 10 news crew observed a car stuck in a ditch
Officers were investigating the area around the vehicle
Police later told NBC 10 that it responded to a vehicle was taken from this driveway without consent
It was found in the woods near the victim's driveway
The person who reported the missing car says he say a man running from the vehicle
This story will be updated when more information is known
(WJAR) — The owner of Faith Hill Farm in East Greenwich has filed an appeal after the town’s planning board approved a housing development on the property next to the farm
After the Ridgeline Estates and Condos development project was approved in March
crews have started cutting down trees on the property
"It's been horrible," Pam Maloof
"It's like a warzone around here."
the noisy work is taking a toll on her business
"There have been horses that have been sick because of the ongoing stress," Maloof told NBC 10
"Seven to ten boarders have already left."
a staff member was injured and needed to go to a walk-in clinic after the sound of a falling tree spooked a horse they were handling
resulting in a serious cut to their finger
the Faith Hill Farms team has had to adjust its schedule because they say it's unsafe to ride when loud construction or tree cutting noises could spook the horses
showed up around sunrise to train before workers next door arrived
The planned development consists of 39 condominium units and four single-family homes
Eleven condominium units would be considered affordable housing
"There are some reasons affordable homes can be denied," Maloof said
"One is if the health safety and well-being of an existing or future residence is put in harm's way."
a spokesperson for the town wrote Thursday
“The Town is aware that the developer of the proposed Ridgeline Estates project is presently clearing the lot of existing trees in accordance with the submitted plans
a spokesperson told NBC 10 he could not comment due to the pending litigation
The project's approval came with certain requirements
The developer will be required to put up fences and move the rock splitter farther away from the farm
Blasting is allowed for no more than two hours a day
Maloof said she asked for a set work schedule
which she said would have allowed her to continue operating her business to about 20 percent
The East Greenwich Education Association has voted no confidence in the school's superintendent and assistant superintendent
(WJAR) — The East Greenwich Education Association has voted no confidence in the school's superintendent and assistant superintendent
Terri Garno and Donna McPhee are teachers in East Greenwich and teachers' union leaders
NBC 10 asked them if they think administration is doing an adequate job
the union overwhelmingly voted no confidence in Superintendent Brian Ricca and Assistant Superintendent Sarah Courtemanche-O'Brien
“East Greenwich has incredibly dedicated teachers and professionals and staff
and we work really hard to make sure our students have the best experience possible
and prepare them for their futures," said McPhee
"What we want is leaders who support and understand what we need to do that job," said McPhee
“We want to do what’s best for our students
and we’re frustrated because we feel that there’s challenges in front of us that keep us from doing that job," said Garno
"A lot of times when there’s been times where they were needed
they were not available," said McPhee
Superintendent Ricca declined to comment in person Friday
but in a written statement said he’s committed to open communication and collaboration
Superintendent Ricca's full statement to NBC 10:
"The educators of East Greenwich are the backbone of our district
and I deeply respect and appreciate their dedication to our students
While the vote of no confidence is unfortunate
I am working to ensure that our teachers feel supported
I have always been committed to open communication and collaboration
We have made significant progress together—from the biggest pay increase our teachers have seen in more than a decade to advancing new state-of-the-art facility plans
and I will continue working closely with our teachers to address concerns in a productive and forward-thinking way
I am proud of what we have accomplished as a district
and I remain focused on our shared goal: providing the best possible education for our students
I look forward to continuing our work together with mutual respect and a focus on a path forward."
A funeral home fire in East Greenwich has been deemed an "accident."
Rhode Island Fire Marshal Tim McLaughlin told NBC 10 on Monday that the Hill-Skeffington Funeral Home and Cremations fire started in the fireplace
"It appears they had a fire going in the fireplace and it spread fire from [the] fireplace /chimney area [and] spread up to roof," said McLaughlin in an email
NBC 10 first reported on the fire on Sunday.
East Greenwich Fire Chief Bill Perry said they were alerted about the fire at 3:58 a.m.
Perry said his and neighboring fire departments got the fire under control in about two hours
remaining on scene till noon to fight hotspots
Perry said ensuring the bodies inside were untouched was their top priority
none of them touched by the heat of the flames
The medical examiner was at the scene at the time
but the spokesperson for his office said they did not need to be on site and the funeral home was able to complete transports without their help
The medical examiner's spokesperson did confirm that other funeral homes in the area were able to take the bodies that were inside
A charred and collapsed rooftop with visible damage to the outside and inside this building is what remains
historical building-- formerly known as the Hill Funeral home-- was established back in the 1800s
funeral home president and owner John Skeffington said the building will need to be demolished
The team asks that anyone with questions or concerns
Skeffington Funeral Home in Providence at 401-884-9222
PROVIDENCE — One Division II boys hockey finalist is searching for a repeat title
The other has been the best team in league play all winter
Something must give when No. 3 Portsmouth and top-ranked East Greenwich/Toll Gate meet on Sunday at Schneider Arena for the D-II crown
Portsmouth recovered from two one-goal deficits to oust Blackstone Valley
behind a shutout from Wyatt Gelzhiser on Wednesday night
East Greenwich/Toll Gate won the only matchup between the two this season
Portsmouth’s back-to-back midseason losses only sparked a four-game winning streak before the playoffs
Nobody in the league has more experience at Schneider than the Patriots
but EG/TG hasn’t lost in almost two months
“We know we have the best depth in the league,” EG’s Jack Kiernan said
“We know we have the best goal scorers in the league
puck drop this weekend will decide the fate for these two powerhouses
For more on how they booked their tickets to the finals
The Portsmouth forward unlocks another level of his game and the Patriots have reaped the benefits
Temple scored and had an assist en route to tournament MVP honors
The senior turned on the puck and blistered in the tying goal on instincts alone
I've been here for the championship and semifinals and almost came my freshman year
“It's just like it's another home rink for me the last three years.”
he just rises to the occasion,” Portsmouth forward Chase Pascoe said of Temple
Temple’s game-winning goal was all about seizing the moment
After Connor Rogers’ shot rang in from distance
Temple buried a pad-save rebound from right of the crease at the 11:06 mark of the second period
The one-goal lead held as Portsmouth controlled most of the third period in a rematch of last year’s championship
“In our [quarterfinal] series against Nariho
Coming from a few different games where we started slow
… I think our game plan was to just get shots tonight.”
goalie Jonathan Cabral turned back a pair of shots to seal the win with seven seconds left
Cabral tracked the open shot and ended the rally on his 21st save of the match
“He always locks in during the playoffs,” Pascoe said of Cabral
Playoffs is his thing and I feel 100% confident going in with him.”
Portsmouth rallied from two one-goal deficits to book its third straight championship spot
Pascoe knotted the game at the 9:11 mark of the first period
The sophomore sent in two shots from the crease before tying the game
Blackstone’s Jaxon Boyes opened the game with a score just 24 seconds into the match
And Caden Rudek handed the co-op a 2-1 lead with his redirection from the low slot
“We know what we need to do from last year and the year before that to repeat as champions,” Temple said
“And I think we’ve just got to come out strong and play as a team
Kiernan keep season aliveThe nightcap was a defensive battle between two goalies ready for center stage
East Greenwich/Toll Gate just had its second-period power play killed off without a true shot on goal
Anything that was close was sent back by Clippers goalie Patrick Bradley
But East Greenwich/Toll Gate stayed with the possession after the power play and caught Cumberland in a line shift
It led to Joe Andreozzi’s opportunity to find Kiernan for the winning goal with 1:17 left in the frame
and it was a drop pass that I just went top left with right under the bar,” Kiernan said
“I celebrated right away with the student section
I saw my little brother in the stands with tears in his eyes
It's a moment I'll never forget for the rest of my life
“I barely remember shooting the puck and I just remember looking in my 9-year-old brother's eyes.”
Gelzhiser took over from there as EG/TG kept a consistent offensive pressure against Cumberland
Anything that came into the defensive zone was thwarted away as the junior finished with 15 saves
“We came out a little slower than we planned,” Gelzhiser said
Timothy Madden finished off the night with an empty-net goal with 5.7 seconds left
Bradley had an outstanding night in net for Cumberland and finished with 27 saves.