The Pilgrim boys hockey team rebounded after a tough loss against West Warwick/EWG to top visiting Narragansett/Chariho 4-1 last week at the Thayer Arena.

James Cook would get the Pats on the board midway through the first period to give Pilgrim the 1-0 advantage. The two clubs battled throughout the rest of the frame, with Narragansett/Chariho goalie Phillip Brodeur shutting down the Pilgrim attack.

However, Pilgrim would break things open on goals by Daniel DeRobbio and Sean Noel in the second to take control and coast the rest of the way.

“You need to get him moving, he’s a solid goalie that that will come out of net and challenge you. We told the guys that they needed to get moving and to get guys in front of the net to get the rebounds,” said Pilgrim coach Mike Boyajian Sr. of Brodeur. “With good goaltenders, you need to get guys to the net and to have them go hard. Those are the types of things, that’s hockey and that’s what they’re taught.

Narragansett/Chariho would score a power-play goal in the third to cut into the Pilgrim lead, but Collin Driscoll would score late in the period to help secure the win.

Boyajian was happy with teams response after its first league loss of the season the game prior.

“It’s tough any time you lose, but we’ve played so well in league and non league games. You’re going to lose one here and there, the kids handled it well,” said Boyajian, who expects to see West Warwick/EWG again down the stretch. “West Warwick is a great team, we’ve played them in the state finals the past two years, they’re not going to go away.”

Although the Pilgrim offense has been grabbing headlines as of late, Boyajian Sr. also credits his defense, as well as first-year goalie Dylan Cunetta, who stopped 19 shots on Friday.

“You can’t forget our defense, all four of those guys back their, our defensive core is strong. Our goalie has played well for us, we’re proud of him. Dylan being the athlete that he is, he’s done a great job. We’ve got to keep going, we have three games and we don’t want to give up first place. We need to keep the intensity going,” said Boyajian Sr.

The Pats improved to 7-1-1 on the year and remained in control of first place in the division.

“That team has improved tremendously. They have a lot of numbers, they’re goalie played really well, that’s good hockey,” said Boyajian Sr.,” “I’m glad to get the win in the division, now we just to keep things going, take care of business and get ready for the playoffs.”