WH Xmas Tourney UPDATE

Games have been moved to Monday, Dec. 31 at the following times:

9 a.m. Cheshire vs. South Windsor

11 a.m. West Haven vs. Glastonbury

1 p.m. CHAMPIONSHIP Notre Dame-West Haven vs. Xavier

Ridgefield/St. Joseph game- CANCELLED due to scheduling conflict.

All games at Bennett Rink, West Haven.

WH Xmas Tourney Recap & Predictions

By: Luke Devoe

St. Joseph 5, Cheshire 4

St. Joseph's CK Keator netted a hat trick Thursday

Just when Cheshire thought they'd at least have a shot in overtime, St. Joseph stud forward CK Keator struck for the third time to top the Rams.  In the day's best game (the only one I missed), Cadet forward Keator would score the game winner with just about 40 seconds left, potting his hat trick goal.  Cheshire drops to (0-5-0) with the loss.  Ram forward Luke Vendetto would do his part netting two goals in a losing effort.  The Cadets, in an attempt to get their season back on track would improve to (2-2-0) on the season.  Both teams opted for their backup netminders in this one with Cheshire's Jack Naramore finishing with 23 saves and St. Joseph's Wade Conlan finishing with 27.

#5 Ridgefield 7, South Windsor 1

In the second loser's bracket game, the Tigers would score seven unanswered in topping the struggling South Windsor Bobcats.  The Tigers would get four goals in the first and carry a lofty 4-1 lead into the first intermission.  After the Bobcats' Connor Minguy opened the scoring, the Tigers' Brendan Winne, Ian Ball, Chris Morrow, and Cal McCormick would all add goals.  The Tigers would then get a quick second period goal from Liam Smith and a late second period score from Jack Tregurtha.  Liking the feeling of scoring his first career goal in the first, the Tigers' Winne would add a second late.  The Tigers ability to get scoring from all over their roster will be huge for them going forward.  Senior goalie Dusty Rausa was big when he needed to be, but he wasn't really challenged in this one.  Ridgefield has shown the ability to show up and if it wasn't for the egg they laid against Prep they'd be in consideration for one of the state's best.  If this tournament was scheduled in a way that didn't blatantly give West Haven a ticket to the top four, Ridgefield would be playing in one of the later games today.  My suggestion if this tourney was seeded according to ability: 1. NDWH, 2. Xavier, 3. Ridgefield, 4. Glastonbury, 5. St. Joseph, 6. West Haven, 7. Cheshire, 8. South Windsor.  Oh well, maybe they'll ask for my input next year.

#3 Xavier 6, #10 West Haven 0

Baldwin's 25 saves were good for his 1st SHO of the year

If you only watched the first period of this bruising affair you would never believe the final score.  Both teams came out flying and the Blue Devils matched the Falcons stride for stride.  If it wasn't for a redirected puck getting past West Haven netminder Mike Savino the two teams would've went into the first intermission knotted at zip.  Whatever the reason the game certainly tilted in the favor of the Falcons in the second as they would score four goals including two off the stick of junior Colin Beaudoin.  A Jack Gethings third period tally would do it and the Falcons would cruise to a 6-0 victory.  Xavier looked fast and neutralized West Haven's top players.  Austin Hansen, my Player of the Week from last week, Jimmy Morrissey and Jaeson Puleo were keyed, double teamed and roughed up all game.  Xavier has the ability to cycle lines that are almost duplicates of each other with players' abilities and compete levels very similar.  For instance, I featured senior Will Stanton on the blog this week and he was kept off the scoresheet in a six goal game.  The leadership of junior Gethings, the stalwart defense of senior Dan Dupont, the emergence of Beaudoin and the steady play of guys like Ryan McLellan and Kade McCartin will carry Xavier far.  But, the most impressive thing to come out of this one was the cool, calm play of goalie Shane Baldwin.  Baldwin finished with 25 saves and a shutout and in a 6-0 game one may not think he factored in.  They'd be wrong.  Baldwin was never flustered, squashed any thoughts of a comeback when the game was in reach and squelched any stat padders late for the Westies.  If Xavier is to be successful this year, and I've predicted from day one that they will, they will rely on the continual steady play of Baldwin.  Look at the numbers, Baldwin has allowed 6 goals through 5 games and that's with 3 coming in the season opening loss to St. John's-Shrewsbury.  Through the last four he's allowed only 3 goals as the Falcons have outscored those opponents 17-3.

#1 Notre Dame-West Haven 5, #7 Glastonbury 0
It was deja vu all over again for the Tomahawks as NDWH exerted some strength and showed up in force in this semifinal.  Glastonbury needed this one to stay close or scoreless for a while in order to gain some footing but that was the opposite of what happened senior speedy Jesse Ruocco would open the scoring not even three minutes in and senior captain Kyle Thibault would tack on another barely three minutes after that deflating the Tomahawks and goalie Chase Gabor.  Gabor would settle in and actually make some pretty impressive saves giving the Tomahawks a fighting chance but with just under a minute left in the frame, sophomore Kyle Lynch would score on a nice feed from Ryan Lynch. The beatdown would continue early on in the second as Kyle Lynch would again score.  Junior Eric Austin would send a beautiful saucer through the paint and Lynch would deflect it past Gabor.  This was about the time when things started to get ugly.  Glastonbury, frustrated with the score and their lack of chances started to parade to the penalty box with stupid penalty after stupid penalty.  Both teams started to go at it and play elevated to a fever pitch.  The dagger was finally put in Glastonbury's coffin when with about five to play in the second Ruocco would clean up a dirty puck outside of Gabor's crease and make it 5-0.  A lot of pushing and shoving, swearing and facewashing would ensue for the remainder of the second and third but the final was never in doubt.  Like Baldwin in the game prior, senior goalie Luc Amatruda was excellent with 22 saves and a shutout.  In blowouts like this a lot of the time the goalie is forgotten, this should not be the case here.  The interesting decision NDWH coach Bill Gerosa has now is who to start tonight.  I believe he'll go with fellow senior Paul Sliwinski as they've worked a strict platoon so far this year but Amatruda was their guy that guided them to a state championship last year.  Regardless, they are both fine netminders.  Sliwinski was excellent in their 3-1 quarterfinal win over Ridgefield.  Lost in the shuffle in this game and left off the scoresheet quite often this season is the talented duo of junior Billy Vizzo and senior Greg Zullo.  This is a tribute to the depth that NDWH has.  Simply reading the box score in the paper you would never have known the impact these two had out there.  When things start to get ugly on the ice a lot of time star players bow to the grinders to take care of the action.  To the final whistle on Thursday both of these boys finished their checks, won puck battles and left it all on the ice.  Not always going to find the box score but this is why NDWH keeps winning.

All that said it's time for predictions.  We'll start in the 7/8 game.  A wise man recently told me that Cheshire is the best (0-5) team in the state and I'd agree.  I think they get win number one today over a hapless South Windsor squad.  In the second game I have to go with Ridgefield.  I'm excited as the rest of the state should be that St. Joseph senior CK Keator got off his shnide and netted a hatty but Ridgefield is getting scoring from too many places and are far too talented to be in the loser's bracket.  In the third place game I'm going to take Glastonbury over the home dwelling Westies.  I am still a believer in Chase Gabor and a (2-1) showing in a tournament like this should be considered a victory for the rebuilding Tomahawks.  Finally, I'm so tempted to pick Xavier in an upset, but in true Lee Corso fashion, "Not So Fast Sweetheart!"  Until NDWH is dethroned, I have to stick with them.  This is a matchup of two of the deepest teams in the state.  The Falcons are one of the only teams that can match ND's speed so that is something to watch as well as the crease battle between Baldwin and presumably Sliwinski.  I am 8-0 in my predictions for this tournament so far so you better believe it!

Cheshire over South Windsor 4-3
Ridgefield over St. Joseph 5-2
Glastonbury over West Haven 5-3
Notre Dame-West Haven over Xavier 4-2

CTHSHockey Top 10: Week 3

December 26, 2012 

By: Luke Devoe
Prep is probably the best team in the state but I can't justify dropping the Knights until they warrant doing so.  After that it's pretty even.  As of right now it's probably a two horse race.  Easties are undefeated but the quality of opponent raises big questions.  This week some D2 teams have a chance to step up and try to peek in the back end of the rankings.  Ridgefield is probably the best .500 team in the state.  No rationale this week.  Enjoy.

1. Notre Dame-West Haven (4-0-0)   LW- #1

LAST WEEK: Simsbury W 5-2. Ridgefield W 3-1 (WH Xmas Tourney)

THIS WEEK: 12/27 vs.Glastonbury (WH Xmas Tourney), 12/29 TBA (WH Xmas Tourney)

2. Fairfield Prep Jesuits (3-0-0)   LW- #2

LAST WEEK: Notre Dame-Fairfield W 7-2

THIS WEEK: 12/27 vs. St, Joseph Institute (Mt. St. Charles Tourney), 12/28 & 12/29 vs. TBA (Mt. St. Charles Tourney)

3.  Xavier Falcons (3-1-0)   LW- #4

LAST WEEK: Cheshire W 3-1, St. Joseph W 4-1 (WH Xmas Tourney)

THIS WEEK: 12/27 vs. West Haven (WH Xmas Tourney), 12/29 TBA (WH Xmas Tourney)

4.   Darien Blue Wave (3-0-1)   LW- #3

LAST WEEK: New Canaan T 0-0, Notre Dame-Fairfield W 5-4 OT

THIS WEEK: OFF

5. Ridgefield Tigers (2-2-0)   LW- #6

LAST WEEK: Hamden W 5-1, Notre Dame-West Haven L 3-1 (WH Xmas Tourney)

THIS WEEK: 12/27 vs. South Windsor (WH Xmas Tourney), 12/29 vs. TBA (WH Xmas Tourney)

6. Glastonbury Tomahawks (3-1-0)   LW- NR

LAST WEEK: St. Joseph W 5-3, South Windsor W 7-1 (WH Xmas Tourney)

THIS WEEK: 12/27 vs. Notre Dame-West Haven (WH Xmas Tourney), 12/29 vs. TBA (WH Xmas Tourney)

7. Hamden Green Dragons (2-2-0)   LW- #5

LAST WEEK: Ridgefield L 5-1, St. John's-Shrewsbury (MA) W 4-1

THIS WEEK: 12/29 @ Winchester (MA)

8. East Haven Yellow Jackets (4-0-0)   LW- #9

LAST WEEK: Trumbull W 5-3, Westhill W 6-0

THIS WEEK: 12/29 @ Wilton

9.Simsbury Trojans (2-1-0)   LW- #8

LAST WEEK: Notre Dame-West Haven L 5-3

THIS WEEK: 12/27 vs. Northwest Catholic, 12/29 vs. Westfield (MA)

10.West Haven Blue Devils (2-2-0)   LW- NR

LAST WEEK: Trinity Catholic W 4-2, Cheshire W 3-2 (WH Xmas Tourney)

THIS WEEK: 12/27 vs. Xavier (WH Xmas Tourney), 12/29 vs. TBA (WH Xmas Tourney)

ON THE BUBBLE: St. Joseph (D1), Northwest Catholic (D2), Brookfield-Bethel-Danbury (D2), Newington-Berlin (D3)

DROPPED OUT: St. Joseph (7), Notre Dame-Fairfield (10)

D1 Player of the Week

CTHSHockey's D1 Week One Player of the Week

Austin Hansen, Sr. Forward (West Haven)

The Westies have had a tough start to the year but would be nowhere without Hansen who had another big week notching 3 goals and 2 assists in wins over Trinity Catholic and Cheshire.

West Haven's Hansen is keeping a rebuilding Westie group afloat.

Honorable Mention

Kyle Thibault, Sr. Forward (ND-West Haven)

Thibault continued to impress this week adding 3 more goals in wins over Simsbury and Ridgefield.  Captain Thibault is as solid as they come and has eased the loss of Colby Cretella well.

Glastonbur's Clair does it with size and finesse. 

Chris Koenneke, Sr. Goalie (New Canaan)

New Canaan had a (1-0-1) week thanks to the heroics of Koenneke in net who's been one of the best this season.  He recorded a 39 save shutout against Darien and 22 saves in a 4-2 win over Greenwich.

Christian La Croix, Jr. Forward (ND-Fairfield)

La Croix is doing all he can for the young Lancers tallying 2 goals and 2 assists in losses to Fairfield Prep and Darien.

Will Stanton, Sr. Forward (Xavier)

Xavier gets scoring from all over so a 3 goal week is a rarity, but senior leader Stanton is a big reason the Falcons are (3-1-0) and off to a great start.

Avery Clair, Sr. Forward (Glastonbury)

Clair's heroics are needed this year after the Tomahawks lost their top two scorers.  Well, the Tomahawks are off to a (3-1-0) start, Clair notched a hat trick in a win over St. Joseph this week and finished with 3 goals and 2 assists for the week.

Darien's Hathaway has had a lot to smile about this year.

Brendan Hathaway, Sr. Forward (Darien)

As advertised Hathaway has been a leader, a scorer and hell to all opponents.  He added a hat trick in Darien's 5-4 OT win over ND-Fairfield as well as assisting on another.  With the loss of a lot of grit guys, Hathaway's offensive exploits will carry the Wave far this year.

EAST HAVEN TRIFECTA

Matt Longobardi, Jr. Forward (East Haven)

After a nine point first week, Longobardi returned with 4 goals and 3 assists in wins over Trumbull and Westhill.  Had the opponents been stronger, a Yellow Jacket would've been our P.O.T.W.

Tristan Goodwin, Jr. Forward (East Haven)

Another reason the Yellow Jackets are (4-0-0), dropped 4 goals and 3 assists this week.

Mike Falanga, So. Forward (East Haven)

The bulldog Falanga had the biggest week for the Easties notching 3 goals and 5 assists in wins over Trumbull and Westhill.  Now that they will be playing some stiffer competition it'll be interesting to see how these three do.

Eight Elite Predictions 12/26-1/1

By: Luke Devoe

For those of you new to CTHSHockey Blog, every week I select eight intriguing matchups and predict the winner as well as providing a reasoning.  Because of the West Haven Christmas Tournament being a separate entity, some teams who don't normally get highlighted on here are picked this week.  WH Tourney predictions are at the end.  Here are my week three selections.
 

Season: 10-5-1, Last Week: 4-3-1

8 Elite Predictions: Mark these on the calendar

12/27 East Catholic @ Fermi-Enfield 1:30 @ Enfield Twin Rinks

In my first matchup of the week two D2 powers have at it.  Fermi-Enfield in their first year dropping down to D2 comes in at (2-1-1) and East Catholic comes in at (3-0-0) after an impressing road drubbing of North Branford 7-1 last week.  Senior Vin Genovesi broke out in that game with his first hat trick of the season.  Where East Catholic thrives offensively, Fermi-Enfield boasts an excellent defensive unit lead by senior goalie Aaron Lickwar, one of the only holdover pieces that could probably still compete at a D1 level.  Remember, Fermi-Enfield is just four years removed from a 14-5-1 Division 1 record but obviously the hockey culture has changed there.  I think East Catholic's offense keeps the unbeaten streak going and wins this one.  East Catholic 5, Fermi-Enfield 4

12/27 Fairfield Prep vs. St. Joseph Institute (NY) 4:00 @ Mt. St. Charles Holiday Tourney

Prep heads to arguably the one of the best holiday tournaments in New England with the potential to take on such teams as LaSalle Academy, Mt. St. Charles, Bishop Hendricken, Delbarton and more.  They will start with St. Joseph Institute (NY).  Prep has shown how offensive they can be.  21 goals through three games and they've done it against three average to above average squads.  Right now, with NDWH struggling a bit, they appear to be the state's best.  The question is, can they keep it up against the best of the best.  We will find out this week.  I think they at least win their opener.  Fairfield Prep 4, St. Joseph Institute (NY) 2

12/27 Northwest Catholic @ Simsbury 7:30 @ ISCC

Simsbury is better than the 5-2 loss they took at the hands of the Green Knights.  Ryan Carpenter is a legit talent and should lead the Trojans to big things this season  Northwest Catholic will be one of D2's top teams this year after falling in the D3 final last year to Newington-Berlin.  They are (2-0-0) but outscored their opponents 14-1 in those two games.  This one is very interesting as I could see Catholic winning it but I'll go with the D1 team who is looking to re-legitimize themselves after a tough loss.  Simsbury 4, Northwest Catholic 3

12/28 Yarmouth (ME) @ Guilford 3:00 @ Ingalls Rink

Guilford gets a holiday game at the Whale.  That's pretty cool.  After an 11-7-2 season last year and a number one seed in the D2 state tournament, the Indians are off to a tough start going (1-2-1).  The elixer that could fix that is taking on Yarmouth who's struggled in years past coming to CT.  I'm interested by this one and having nothing to do on my Friday afternoon, so I'll be onsite for this one.  I'll take Guilford.  Guilford 5, Yarmouth 2

12/29 New Canaan @ ND-Fairfield 5:00 @ Milford Ice Pavilion

Both of these teams have shown glimpses of brilliance.  Ironically, both of their glimpses have come in games against Darien.  New Canaan tied Darien in one of the state's best games, a 0-0 tie where goalies Chris Koenneke and Michael Collins were both excellent.  ND-Fairfield recently lost a more offensive tilt against the Wave 5-4 devastatingly in overtime.  The Lancers will be without goalie Stone Denbok for the next two as he is heading back to Canada for the holidays.  This will be the second of the games so expect to see Scott Kline in goal.  I think the Rams are better than their record indicates and this one is a toss up, but I'll go with New Canaan.  New Canaan 4, ND-Fairfield 3  

12/29 Daniel Hand @ Newington-Berlin 8:30 @ Newington Ice Arena

I've been quite outspoken about Newington-Berlin not advancing to D3 after last year's championship.  They boast one of the state's best all around players regardless of division in Brendan Richard and are as steady as you get in net with senior Drew O'Leary.  They've jumped out to a (3-0-0) mark and now have a legit test in D2's Daniel Hand (2-1-0).  Hand is coming off a big 3-1 win over Fairfield Warde-Ludlowe and are closer to a D1 opponent than most D2 squads.  This one will really prove Newington-Berlin's worth, but I like the Tigers to hand them their first loss of the year.  Hand 3, Newington-Berlin 1

12/29 Hamden @ Winchester (MA) 4:30 @ Ned O'Brien Rink

Hamen redeemed themselves in a major way with a near shutout of a talented St. John's Shrewsbury (MA) squad.  They continue their out of state tour when they head to Mass to take on Winchester.  Winchester is currently ranked #11 in the vaunted Division I Massachusetts High School Hockey rankings coming into action at (2-0-2).  Hamden will need to bring everything they've got in this one, and could very well legitimize themselves with a win.  But after a decent layoff, this seems like a toughie.  Winchester 3, Hamden 2

12/31 ND-Fairfield @ St. Joseph 12:00 @ The Arena at Harbor Yard

The Lancers are in the midst of a three game D1 stretch in which all three games are winnable (North Haven, New Canaan, St. Joseph).  I was very high on St. Joe's coming into this season and while the production hasn't been there from preseason all state CK Keator, it hasn't really been there from anyone.  The Cadets are (1-2-0) with their only win coming against a struggling Guilford squad.  This game is dire for both teams.  I made the prediction banking on Denbok being back from his Canadian holiday adventure.  Turns out, he won't be but I still think ND takes this one at Harbor Yard.  ND-Fairfield 4, St. Joseph 2 

2012 West Haven Holiday Tournament

The quarters saw West Haven, Xavier, NDWH and Glastonbury advance and Cheshire, St. Joseph, Ridgefield and South Windsor relegated to the loser's bracket.  I went 4-0 on my first round picks.  Here's how I see the two definite consolation games as well as the semi's panning out.  I will post my picks for Saturday once Thursday's games are final and Saturday's match ups are set.

Thursday 12/27 Bennett Rink, West Haven

1:00 St. Joseph vs. Cheshire LUKE- St. Joseph 4-3

3:00 Ridgefield vs. South Windsor LUKE- Ridgefield 6-2

5:15 (SEMI #1) Xavier vs. West Haven LUKE- Xavier 3-0

7:15 (SEMI #2) NDWH vs. Glastonbury  LUKE- NDWH 5-3

- CTHSHockey will be in the building!

CTHSHockey All-Holiday Name Team

By: Luke Devoe

Here is my CTHSHockey All-Holiday Name Team.  Happy holidays everyone, see you back at the rinks Thursday!

Coach: Bill DeRosa (Notre Dame-West Haven)-  Grow out the goatee, slap on a few, exchange the ball cap for a santa hat and we all know he's already jolly!

Matt "A Christmas Carroll", Sr. (Hamden)
Alden "12 Piper's piping", So. (Windsor-Farmington-Avon)
Aiden "Candy Cain", Jr. (South Windsor)
David "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas", Sr. (Fairfield Prep)
Cole "in your stocking" Sarna, Fr. (Hand)
"St. Nicholas Laurito", Sr. (Wethersfield)
Noelle Capriglione, So. (New Milford)
David "Help to make the season Bright", Jr. (Norwalk-McMahon)
Krystian Kruzel (alliteration awfully like Kris Kringle), Sr. (Tri-Town)
Ryan "Rein-Deering", So. (Fairfield Prep)
Connor "Jingle Bells", So. (Hand)
Charles "Oh Holy Knights", So. (Milford Co-op)
Griffin NorthPOLErop, So. (Trinity Catholic)

Saturday's Recap

By: Luke Devoe

PLAYERS WHO STOOD OUT 12/12: Christian La Croix, F, ND-Fairfield (2 G, 1 A in ND-Fairfield's overtime loss to Darien; Vinny Genoreli, F, East Catholic (Hat trick in East Catholic's 7-1 win over North Branford); Austin Hansen, F, West Haven (WH's rock, Hansen  had 2 G, 1 A in the Westies WH Holiday quarterfinal 3-2 win over Cheshire); Luiz Dibble, G, Brookfield-Bethel-Danbury (26 saves, 1 GA in BBD's 2-1 OT win over Amity); Brendan Hathaway, F, Darien (Hat trick, 1 A in Darien's 5-4 OT win over NDF); Tyler Carangelo, F, Hamden (2 G, 1 A in Hamden's 4-1 victory over St. John's-Shrewsbury); Matt Longobardi, F, East Haven (Another monster game, Hat trick, 2 A in East Haven's 6-0 win over Westhill); Kyle Thibault, F, ND-West Haven (Quickly emerging as a MVP for the Knights, 2 G in NDWH's 3-1 win over Ridgefield); Karl Anderson, F, North Haven (2 G, 1 A in North Haven's 5-2 win over Guilford); Zach White, F, Milford Co-op (Factored in on all five Milford goals in 5-0 win over Wilton, 2 G 3 A); Eddie Bates, F, Bolton-Coventry-Rockville (2 G, 2 A in BCR's 6-1 win over Rocky Hill-RHAM-Middletown); Zac Bouve, G, East Haven (19 saves in 3rd career SHO in Easties 6-0 win over Westhill).

NDWH's Kyle Thibault against Westies last year at Bennett.
Could we see an all-West Haven final in this year's tourney?

My Reaction: Due to a rather serious family issue, I was unable to be at any rinks yesterday.  My plan was to head to Bennett, but I will be there on Thursday and Saturday.  It does appear, at least right now, that Fairfield Prep is those most imposing team in the state.  Notre Dame-West Haven keeps winning games and until they are unseated they will stay atop our rankings.  In a battle of probably the weakest two teams in the WH Holiday tourney, the Westies turned back a late Cheshire comeback.  Xavier dominated St. Joseph and showed that they may have some staying power this year.  In the day's best matchup Notre Dame-West Haven, again, found a way to win, topping a pesky Ridgefield squad 3-1 and Glastonbury showed that they're still viable dismantling rival South Windsor 7-1.  While many are claiming that NDWH is not as good as their (4-0-0) would indicate, they just keep winning.  Kyle Thibault has emerged as a legitimate high end talent taking some pressure off the Vizzo-Zullo duo.  Xavier doesn't seem to have any standout, all staters on their squad but they certainly can turn over their lines without much trouble.  Thursday's semifinals feature a matchup of two teams who on paper are far apart.  West Haven is just getting by while Xavier is finally looking like the type of team everyone expects them to be every year.  In the other semi we see a rematch of last year's D1 title game with Notre Dame-West Haven taking on a Glastonbury squad trying to still find an identity without the stud power of Mozzer and Holdaway.  They are realizing this is going to be a group effort this year.  Chase Gabor is fine in net and is not a problem area and it appears forward Avery Clair will not be relied on to provide all the offense.  Saturday was a good example of this.  Six different Tomahawks scored including Tommy Caporal, Pat Conley (2) and Will Lindlauf scoring their first career goals.  This is a good sign moving forward for them.  Outside of Bennett rink on the D1 slate, Hamden shrugged off a beat down at the hands of Ridgefield and laid a beat down of their own on Mass power St. John's Shrewsbury, beating them 4-1.  Senior goalie Matt Hoff was one second away from a shutout in that one.  In the day's best game the Darien Blue Wave allowed three third period Notre Dame-Fairfield goals and ended up needing Brendan Hathaway's hat trick goal in the extra period to avoid the upset and defeat the Lancers 5-4.  ND-Fairfield were a five minute major away from playing quite competitively with Prep and were assessed another five minuter in this one.  If they could limit those mistakes they have plenty of fun players to watch including junior Christian La Croix and sophomore Jon Suporn.  The goaltending matchup in this one was way more entertaining than a 5-4 score would indicate.  In the loss Stone Denbok turned aside 35 for the Lancers continuing his stellar play and in victory Blue Wave netminder Mike Collins turned away 39.  East Haven moved to (4-0-0) as well after a 6-0 victory over Westhill.  Yes, their schedule is soft to start but they aren't exactly winning these games close.  Matt Longobardi is on fire with another huge game (five points).  Brookfield-Bethel-Danbury moved to (3-0-0) on the D2 front in their first year at that level with a 2-1 overtime win over Amity, a team many had penciled into the D2 final.  BBD, a tough out at the D3 level last year are as good as you can get at the D2 level.  East Catholic also moved to (3-0-0) but after two one goal wins, finally shellacked an opponent beating North Branford 7-1.  A surprising final out of D2 has to be Branford losing 7-3 to Fairfield Warde-Ludlowe.  Taking nothing away from the co-op as they will have a fine year, but I expected a lot out of Branford this year, even a trampoline year to give them a shot at D1.  That said, they are still (2-1-0) and should be in it to win it.  Newington-Berlin moved to (3-0-0), we know they're good.  The D3 team that interests me is Bolton-Coventry-Rockville who's moved to (3-0-0) and is outscoring their opponents 13-2 through the three games and boasts senior netminder Cam Earle, one of state's little known talents.  As of right now nine winless teams (min 2 games).  Cheshire is (0-4-0) at the D1 level.  Trumbull (0-3-0), Tri-Town (0-4-0), Stamford (0-4-0), Trinity Catholic (0-4-0), Westhill (0-2-1) are winless at the D2 level with Fitch-East Lyme-Ledyard (0-4-0), Joel Barlow (0-2-0) and Rocky Hill-RHAM-Middletown (0-3-0) winless at the D3 level.  On the positive side there are 11 undefeated teams (min 2 games).  At the D1 level they are NDWH (4-0-0), Darien (3-0-1), East Haven (4-0-0), and Fairfield Prep (3-0-0).  In the D2 ranks they are East Catholic (3-0-0), Brookfield-Bethel-Danbury (3-0-0), Northwest Catholic (2-0-0), and Watertown-Pomperaug (2-0-0).  Finally D3 has three undefeateds, Newington-Berlin (3-0-0), Hall-Southington (3-0-0) and the aforementioned Bolton-Coventry-Rockville (3-0-0).  This week I will be at Bennett Thursday for the continuation of the West Haven Holiday Tournament where in the consolation round, Cheshire will take on St. Joseph and Ridgefield will face South Windsor.  In semifinal number one West Haven takes on Xavier and in the other semi NDWH faces Glastonbury.  On Friday, I will be heading to Ingalls Rink in New Haven to see Guilford host Yarmouth (ME) and on Saturday, I'll be back at Bennett for the final day of the WH Tourney!  Check back on Monday for our Elite 8 Predictions, Tuesday for our D1 Player of the Week and Wednesday for our Top 10!

Saturday's Scores

D1

West Haven Holiday Tournament

West Haven 3, Cheshire 2
#4 Xavier 4, #7 St. Joseph 1
#1 ND-West Haven 3, #6 Ridgefield 1
Glastonbury 7, South Windsor 1
--------
New Canaan 4, Greenwich 2
East Haven 6, Westhill 0
Hamden 4, St. John's-Shrewsbury (MA) 1
North Haven 5, Guilford 2
Darien 5, ND-Fairfield 4 OT

D2 & D3

Conard 2, Trinity Catholic 1 OT
Milford Co-op 5, Wilton 0
Brookfield-Bethel-Danbury 2, Amity 1 OT
E.O. Smith-Tolland-Windham 4, Immaculate-New Fairfield 2
Northwest Catholic 4, Windsor-Farmington-Avon 1
Housatonic-Northwestern-Wamogo 6, Norwalk-McMahon 1
Fermi-Enfield 6, Tri-Town 5 OT
Lyman Hall-HK 5, Joel Barlow 1
Newington-Berlin 3, St. Bernard-Bacon-NFA 2
Newtown 4, Trumbull 2
Fairfield Warde-Ludlowe 7, Branford 3
Suffield-Granby-Windsor Locks 2, Stamford 0
East Catholic 7, North Branford 1
Staples-Weston-Shelton 10, Fitch-East Lyme-Ledyard 2
Bolton-Coventry-Rockville 6, Rocky Hill-RHAM-Middletown 1
Hall-Southington 3, Wethersfield 2

Wednesday's On-Site Recap

By: Luke Devoe

#6 Ridgefield 5, #5 Hamden 1

Captain Vin Rella added a goal of his own Wed.

Hamden continued their strand of FCIAC opponents with last year's league champion on Wednesday at the Lou.  Ridgefield came calling and when the final whistle blew, left the, at times, loud arena silent.  The Tigers capitalized on some spotty Hamden defense and a goalie off his game.  The Tigers would head into the first intermission with a 2-0 lead and the confidence that they thoroughly outplayed Hamden in the first.  Andrew DeLalla would score his first goal of the season on a rebound to give the Tigers their first lead and eventual game winner and sophomore Alexander Rowella would score the second on a semi-breakaway, five holing Hamden net minder Matt Hoff.  Rowella would impress throughout the game and really stood out for the Tigers.  Hamden was the beneficiary of eight power plays in this one, converting on none.  The Tigers would capitalize on their power play chances and early in the second they did just that when Hoff left a big, ole fat rebound that senior Chris Morrow would dispose of easily giving the Tigers a 3-0 lead early in the second.  Hamden would then get their lone goal just over a minute later when sophomore defenseman Stephen Pantera would release a blast from the point just under the crossbar beating Ridgefield goalie Dusty Rausa.  It would be Hamden's only goal.  Tigers' captain Vin Rella would score on a nice feed from defenseman Ian Ball and Rowella would add his second with an empty netter late.  The game would slow to a halt in the final three minutes as frustration penalties were abundant.  Plain and simple Hamden got beat down in their own barn.  This one was never really close and while I haven't been high on Ridgefield early this year, they've certainly elevated themselves from the Hamdens of the high school hockey world.  The Green Dragons have a lot of solid hockey players, kids that play hard and get fans out of their seats because of their unexpected production.  Hamden needs a few guys to step up and have it not be as unexpected when they produce.  Ridgefield doesn't have a kid like Sean Wilkinson like they did during their miraculous run last year but they have a collective, players that seem to mix well and while at times faceless and interchangeable, they do their job.  These two teams should be way more even than a 5-1 final.  Rausa outplayed Hoff last night, but it's hard to put it all on Hoff where on at least three shorthanded occasions his defensemen failed to get back into the Hamden zone resulting in one on nones that Hoff dealt with on his own.  The Green Dragons have talent.  Obviously sophomore Tyler Carangelo has big expectations placed on him and while I question his play at times, it's unfair to put the hopes of a big hockey town on one kid.  There has to be some other guys stepping up in order for Hamden to be successful.  As for Ridgefield, they just need to keep doing what they do.  Win games ugly, win games with grit and rely on a surprisingly stout senior goaltender who was excellent last evening.  Everyone knew this season wouldn't be as much of a cakewalk as last year, well, for at least one night, they made it look like it was.

PLAYERS WHO STOOD OUT 12/19: Dusty Rausa, G, Ridgefield (31 saves, 1 GA, dependable and big when he needed to be in rout of Hamden); Alexander Rowella, F, Ridgefield (2 G, 1 A, Tigers best skater and all around player on Wednesday); Chase Briggs, G, Hand (39 saves in Hand's 3-1 win over Fairfield Co-op); Billy Vizzo, F, NDWH (2 G, 1 A in 5-2 win over Simsbury); Dylan Podbielski, F, North Branford (5 G, including a first period hat trick, quickly become one of D2's best); Mike Falanga, F, East Haven (2 G, 1 A in East Haven's 5-3 win over Trumbull); Avery Clair, F, Glastonbury (Hat trick, 1 A, dominant on the biggest of stages in win over St. Joe's); Ryan Garwicki, F, Staples-Weston-Shelton (5 G in SWS 6-0 win over Masuk); Chris Koenneke, G, New Canaan 39 saves, SHO in New Canaan's 0-0 tie with Darien); Chris Gionfriddo, F, South Windsor (2 G 43 seconds apart led Bobcats to 5-1 win over Fermi-Enfield)

Wednesday's Scores

D1

#1 Notre Dame-West Haven 5, #8 Simsbury 2

#3 Darien 0, New Canaan 0 OT

#4 Xavier 3, Cheshire 1

#6 Ridgefield 5, #5 Hamden 1

Glastonbury 5, #7 St. Joseph 3

#9 East Haven 5, Trumbull 3

South Windsor 5, Fermi-Enfield 1

West Haven 4, Trinity Catholic 2

D2 & D3

Daniel Hand 3, Fairfield Warde-Ludlowe 1

St. Bernard-Bacon-NFA 4, Suffield-Granby-Windsor Locks 3

Staples-Weston-Shelton 6, Masuk 0

Branford 8, Stamford 2

Sheehan 3, Joel Barlow 2

Shepaug-Litchfield-Nonnewaug 7, Fitch-East Lyme-Ledyard 1

Hall-Southington 5, E.O. Smith-Tolland-Windham 4 OT

North Branford 11, Lyman Hall-HK 4

Wethersfield 5, Rocky Hill-RHAM-Middletown 1

East Longmeadow (MA) 4, Windsor-Farmington-Avon 3

Newtown 4, Wilton 2

Watertown-Pomperaug 6, Immaculate-New Fairfield 1

ON TAP TONIGHT 12/20

D1

Amity @ North Haven 4:00

#2 Fairfield Prep @ #10 Notre Dame-Fairfield 6:00

D2 & D3

Bolton-Coventry-Rockville @ Tri-Town 4:20

Immaculate-New Fairfield @ Norwalk-McMahon 8:00

Conard @ Guilford 8:00

CTHSHockey Top 10: Week 2

December 26, 2012 

By: Luke Devoe
Prep is probably the best team in the state but I can't justify dropping the Knights until they warrant doing so.  After that it's pretty even.  As of right now it's probably a two horse race.  Easties are undefeated but the quality of opponent raises big questions.  This week some D2 teams have a chance to step up and try to peek in the back end of the rankings.  Ridgefield is probably the best .500 team in the state.  No rationale this week.  Enjoy.

1. Notre Dame-West Haven (4-0-0)   LW- #1

LAST WEEK: Simsbury W 5-2. Ridgefield W 3-1 (WH Xmas Tourney)

THIS WEEK: 12/27 vs.Glastonbury (WH Xmas Tourney), 12/29 TBA (WH Xmas Tourney)

2. Fairfield Prep Jesuits (3-0-0)   LW- #2

LAST WEEK: Notre Dame-Fairfield W 7-2

THIS WEEK: 12/27 vs. St, Joseph Institute (Mt. St. Charles Tourney), 12/28 & 12/29 vs. TBA (Mt. St. Charles Tourney)

3.  Xavier Falcons (3-1-0)   LW- #4

LAST WEEK: Cheshire W 3-1, St. Joseph W 4-1 (WH Xmas Tourney)

THIS WEEK: 12/27 vs. West Haven (WH Xmas Tourney), 12/29 TBA (WH Xmas Tourney)

4.   Darien Blue Wave (3-0-1)   LW- #3

LAST WEEK: New Canaan T 0-0, Notre Dame-Fairfield W 5-4 OT

THIS WEEK: OFF

5. Ridgefield Tigers (2-2-0)   LW- #6

LAST WEEK: Hamden W 5-1, Notre Dame-West Haven L 3-1 (WH Xmas Tourney)

THIS WEEK: 12/27 vs. South Windsor (WH Xmas Tourney), 12/29 vs. TBA (WH Xmas Tourney)

6. Glastonbury Tomahawks (3-1-0)   LW- NR

LAST WEEK: St. Joseph W 5-3, South Windsor W 7-1 (WH Xmas Tourney)

THIS WEEK: 12/27 vs. Notre Dame-West Haven (WH Xmas Tourney), 12/29 vs. TBA (WH Xmas Tourney)

7. Hamden Green Dragons (2-2-0)   LW- #5

LAST WEEK: Ridgefield L 5-1, St. John's-Shrewsbury (MA) W 4-1

THIS WEEK: 12/29 @ Winchester (MA)

8. East Haven Yellow Jackets (4-0-0)   LW- #9

LAST WEEK: Trumbull W 5-3, Westhill W 6-0

THIS WEEK: 12/29 @ Wilton

9.Simsbury Trojans (2-1-0)   LW- #8

LAST WEEK: Notre Dame-West Haven L 5-3

THIS WEEK: 12/27 vs. Northwest Catholic, 12/29 vs. Westfield (MA)

10.West Haven Blue Devils (2-2-0)   LW- NR

LAST WEEK: Trinity Catholic W 4-2, Cheshire W 3-2 (WH Xmas Tourney)

THIS WEEK: 12/27 vs. Xavier (WH Xmas Tourney), 12/29 vs. TBA (WH Xmas Tourney)

ON THE BUBBLE: St. Joseph (D1), Northwest Catholic (D2), Brookfield-Bethel-Danbury (D2), Newington-Berlin (D3)

DROPPED OUT: St. Joseph (7), Notre Dame-Fairfield (10)