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In February 1947 La Salle and Mount St. Charles squared off in a much-hyped game for first place. The two clubs played before the largest crowd ever to witness a hockey game in Rhode Island when 7259 customers jammed their way inside the R.I. Auditorium. They were literally hanging from the rafters as they sat in the aisles. The crowd arrived early and not only bettered the former high of 6400, that also witnessed both clubs in the thirties, but surpassed all marks recorded for professional games. An estimated 3000 were turned away. The teams put on a terrific battle which found La Salle gaining the number one birth in the playoffs and finishing the regular season unbeaten and untied by downing the Flying Frenchmen 4-1. Bobby Tiernan scored two goals as La Salle raced out to a 4-0 lead before Mount St. Charles center Gary Coyne's power play goal spoiled goalie Bob Lane's shutout bid with La Salle's Tommy Army and Al Curtin in the penalty box. However, the Flying Frenchmen would get redemption in the playoffs by beating Burrillville 3-1 and 2-1 in the finals to win the state championship.
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