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It seemed like a recipe for disaster.

Newburyport at Central Catholic.

A Clipper squad that has been nothing if inconsistent this season vs. a Raider team that qualified for the Super 8 Tournament last winter.

WILMINGTON | Some considered last night's battle between the St. John's Prep and visiting Central Catholic hockey teams as a possible preview of a Super 8 match this spring.

If that proves to be true, Cenral Catholic will certainly remember Christian Cowles' name.

Mike Alesse made 26 saves, including a number of crucial stops late, to lead Central Catholic to a 3-0 victory over Austin Prep. Justin Kurek had a goal and two assists, Cam Fisichelli had a goal and one assist while Mark Brien had one goal and Tim Houston had two assists for the Raiders.

Central Catholic captured the Bishop Rice Memorial Tournament at the University of Vermont, defeating Notre Dame of Fairfield, Conn., in a shootout.

After a 2-2 stalemate in regulation and a scoreless overtime period, Mark Brien and Nick Leonard buried their chances in the shootout to seal the victory. Goalie Mike Alesse was huge in the shootout, saving four of the five shots he faced.

2006-07 record: 18-4-3, lost in round robin of the Super 8 Tournament

Returning lettermen: (18): Sean Bradley, Soph., defense; Steve Balsamo, Soph., forward; Bill Helinski, Sr., defense; Shane Leonard, Soph., forward; Mike Holland, Soph., defense; Matt Alesse, Jr., forward; Justin Kurek, Sr., forward; Brendan Slein, Sr., forward; Brendan McCarron, Jr., defense; Mark Brien, Sr., defense; Brandon Giblin, Sr., forward/defense; Cam Fisichelli, Jr., forward; Ross Sarmento, Sr., forward; Cody Jaskot, Soph., forward; Tim Houston, Sr., forward; Patrick Russell, Sr., defense; Evan Rurak, Sr., goalie; Mike Alesse, Sr., goalie

The Gloucester hockey team came into yesterday's scrimmage looking to accomplish two things.

First they wanted to see how their players did in their first game situation. Secondly they wanted to see how they would fair against Division 1 powerhouse and Super 8 qualifier Central Catholic.