OAK FOREST - The Chicago Cougars Premier squad came into their two-game series against the Decatur Blaze with something to prove, and by the time the final horn sounded at Parkway Bank Park on Wednesday night, they had made their statement loud and clear.
Over the course of 48 hours, the Cougars outscored their division rivals 12-1, showcasing a lethal combination of offensive depth, defensive discipline, and goaltending excellence. It was a statement series that reminded the league why the Cougars are a team to watch as the season progresses.
Game 1: A Blowout at The Edge Ice Arena
The series opener at The Edge Ice Arena in Bensenville was less of a hockey game and more of a clinic. The Cougars came out flying, putting up an 8-0 shutout that left the Blaze searching for answers.
From the drop of the puck, it was clear that Chicago was in control. Peter Christofidis opened the scoring just 1:37 into the game, and Brett Tumbrink added another before the first period was over. The floodgates opened in the second period, with the Cougars pouring in five goals, including a shorthanded tally from Zachary Halling and a highlight-reel snipe from Nikolay Ouriashev. By the time Rocco Romita buried one early in the third, the game was well out of reach.
Cameron Boville was a brick wall in net, stopping all 24 shots he faced for his first shutout of the season. The Cougars’ offense, meanwhile, was a well-oiled machine, with 11 different players recording at least one point. Leo Riani was a playmaking wizard, dishing out three assists, while Alexander Musyakevych and Brett Tumbrink each contributed two helpers. It was a complete team effort, and the Blaze had no answer.
Game 2: Chicago Cougars Frozen Win Under the Lights
If Game 1 was a statement, Game 2 was a reminder that the Cougars can win in any environment. Shifting to the outdoor rink at Parkway Bank Park in Rosemont, the Cougars faced a more determined Blaze squad but still came away with a 4-1 victory. The atmosphere was electric, with the crisp winter air and the glow of the stadium lights adding a playoff-like intensity to the game.
Peter Christofidis got the Cougars on the board late in the first period, and after Kieran Prichett briefly tied it for the Blaze in the second, Rocco Romita responded with the eventual game-winner. Romita was a force all night, adding two more goals to his weekend stats—one in the second frame and another into an empty net to ice the game. Nikolay Ouriashev also chipped in with a power-play goal, continuing his strong play in the series.
Once again, Cameron Boville was stellar, turning aside 16 of 17 shots. The Cougars’ penalty kill was also a key factor, shutting down all four of Decatur’s power-play opportunities. The Blaze’s frustration boiled over in the third period, as they racked up 18 penalty minutes, including a pair of misconducts. The Cougars, meanwhile, stayed disciplined and capitalized on their chances.
Key Takeaways
Rocco Romita’s Coming-Out Party: Romita was the star of the series, tallying 3 goals and three assists over the two games. His ability to step up in big moments was on full display, and he’s quickly becoming one of the most dangerous players in the league.
Depth Scoring: The Cougars’ offense was firing on all cylinders, with contributions from up and down the lineup. From Christofidis’ early goals to Halling’s shorthanded effort, this team proved it doesn’t rely on just one or two players to get the job done.
Boville’s Brilliance: Cameron Boville was a wall in net, stopping 40 of 41 shots in the series. His calm demeanor and ability to make timely saves gave the Cougars the confidence to play their game.
Special Teams Dominance: The Cougars’ power play went 1-for-6 in Game 2, but it was their penalty kill that stood out, shutting down all six of Decatur’s opportunities over the two games.
Coach Dallmann’s Take
After the series, Cougars Head Coach Josh Dallmann had this to say:
"I’m proud of the way our guys came out and executed this week. We talked about playing a full 60 minutes, and that’s exactly what we did. Rocco [Romita] was a beast out there, and Boville gave us the stability we needed in net. But it’s not just about one or two guys—this was a team effort, and it speaks to the culture we’re building here. We’ve got plenty more work to do."
Looking Ahead
With the sweep, the Cougars improved to 14-14-0-0 on the season, while the Blaze fell to 7-18-2-1. The Cougars will look to carry this momentum into their next series, as they continue their push for a playoff spot. If this series was any indication, they’re hitting their stride at just the right time.
In the end, this series was a reminder of what makes hockey so special: the speed, the physicality, and the sheer unpredictability of it all. And for the Chicago Cougars, it was a chance to show the league that they’re a force to be reckoned with.
Catch all the Chicago Cougars action live on FloHockey.tv!