Austin Prep may be located in Reading. But the Cougars rely on help from all across the region as they skate forward in the Super 8 boys hockey tournament.

The Cougars completed a sweep of Reading in the Super 8 quarterfinal series earlier this week, and the Cougars roster includes players with a wide variety of hometowns.

According to MassHShockey.com, much of the team’s success is due to the efforts of North Reading residents. The website lists sophomore defensman Dan O’Toole, senior forward and captain Nolan Vesey, sophomore forward Bob Carpenter, and back up sophomore goalie Mike Paglucca as the North Reading players.

Vesey is listed as the leading scorer with 18 goals and 13 assists for 31 total points while Carpenter is second with 16 goals, 14 assists and 30 total points.

Following the 1-0 victory on Wednesday night that capped the 2-0 series sweep, Austin Prep advanced to face either St. John’s Prep of Central Catholic in the semifinal round.

There are six seniors on the Austin Prep roster, and 15 skaters who are either freshmen or sophomores, so the best may be yet to come for the Cougars.

Head coach Louis Finocchiaro told Patch following the win over Reading that his team may be considered young by many, but they are playing beyond their years.

"Everyone has been saying we're young all year, but not anymore. We've matured," said Finocchiaro. "Playing in a big game like this against a senior-led team like Reading, they answered the challenge. They played well. They won two games against a great hockey team."

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