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@CTHSHockey Division I All State Teams & Awards

Division I Year End Awards
Skater of the Year: Jack Pardue (Darien)
Goalie of the Year: Kyle Thibodeaux (Glastonbury)
Freshman of the Year: Brooks Gammill (New Canaan)
Offensive Defenseman of the Year: Sam Carignan (Hamden)
Defensive Defenseman of the Year: Colin O'Connor (NDWH)
Coach of the Year: Bob Russel (Greenwich)
Twitter Fan Vote Player of the Year: Mike Savino (West Haven)

@CTHSHockey Division I First Team
G Kyle Thibodeaux, Sr. (Glastonbury)
F Jack Pardue, Sr. (Darien)
F Jeremy Routh, So. (Hamden)
F Liam Smith, Sr. (Ridgefield)
D Sam Carignan, Sr. (Hamden)
D Colin O'Connor, Jr. (NDWH)

@CTHSHockey Division I Second Team
G Mike Savino, Sr. (West Haven)
F Alec Andreucci, So. (NDWH)
F David Piekut, Sr. (Xavier)
F Tyler MacLean, Sr. (Glastonbury)
D Kevin Piotrzkowski, Sr. (Greenwich)
D Vinny D'Amore, Sr. (Fairfield Prep)

@CTHSHockey Division I Third Team
G Will Massie, Sr. (Darien)
F Ryan Deering, Sr. (Fairfield Prep)
F Patrick Hompe, Sr. (New Canaan)
F Christian Ugolik, Jr. (Hamden)
D Logan Underwood, Sr. (Glastonbury)
D Nick Tuzinkiewicz, Sr. (Darien)

@CTHSHockey Division I Honorable Mention
Jake Kirby, Jr. (Darien)
Craig Miller, Sr. (Darien)
Sam Knowlton, Jr. (Darien)
Jake McCarthy, Sr. (East Catholic)
Alex Manner, Sr. (East Catholic)
Justin Blanchette, Jr. (Fairfield Prep)
Jack Taubl, Sr. (Fairfield Prep)
Adam Yeager, Jr. (Glastonbury)
Matt Holdaway, Sr. (Glastonbury)
Bryan Archino, Sr. (Greenwich)
Matt Lodato, Sr. (Greenwich)
Kristian Cunningham, Jr. (Greenwich)
Brian Silard, Sr. (Greenwich)
Jake Blackwell, So. (Hamden)
Stephen Richetelli, So. (Hamden)
Eric Perez, Sr. (Hamden)
Max Begoon, Sr. (New Canaan)
Parker Lewis, Sr. (New Canaan)
Ted O'Rourke, Sr. (New Canaan)
Anthony Ceolin, So. (Northwest Catholic)
Mike Camasso, Jr. (Northwest Catholic)
Tucker Alissi, So. (Northwest Catholic)
Connor McCutcheon, Sr. (ND Fairfield)
Jon Suporn, Sr. (ND Fairfield)
Billy Scovill, So. (ND Fairfield)
Ryan Gawricki, Sr. (ND Fairfield)
Tyler Henchcliff, Jr. (ND Fairfield)
Landon Gabriele, Sr. (ND Fairfield)
Seamus O'Rourke, Jr. (ND Fairfield)
Joe Ansaldo, Jr. (NDWH)
Doug Caliendo, Jr. (NDWH)
Brad Alexander, Sr. (Ridgefield)
Jimmy Wilkinson, Jr. (Ridgefield)
Paul Garlick, Sr. (Ridgefield)
Wil Rooney, So. (Simsbury)
Drew Marquis, So. (Simsbury)
Scott Skenyon, Jr. (South Windsor)
Scott Swan, Jr. (South Windsor)
Filippo Petrini, Sr. (St. Joseph)
Adam Usinger, So. (St. Joseph)
Tyler Paine, Jr. (West Haven)
Jeremy Borelli, Jr. (West Haven)
Ben Guidobono, Sr. (Xavier)
Cam Pollack, Jr. (Xavier)
Adam Aresco, Sr. (Xavier)
Hunter Wilcox, Sr. (Xavier)
John Ford, Sr. (Xavier)

@CTHSHockey Division II End of Year Awards & Teams

Division II Year End Awards
Skater of the Year: Tyler Criscuolo (Branford)
Goalie of the Year: Andrew Graziano (North Haven)
Freshman of the Year: Nate Capriglione (New Milford)
Offensive Defenseman of the Year: Jeff Rider (Daniel Hand)
Defensive Defenseman of the Year: Jameson Steinhardt (New Milford)
Coach of the Year: Nick Boorman (Suffield-Granby-Windsor Locks)
Twitter Fan Vote Player of the Year: Mark Ehnot (Conard)

@CTHSHockey Division II First Team
G Andrew Graziano, Sr. (North Haven)
F Tyler Criscuolo, Sr. (Branford)
F Jake Fuss, Jr. (Fairfield)
F Jake King, Sr. (Suffield-Granby-Windsor Locks)
D Jameson Steinhardt, Sr. (New Milford)
D Jeff Rider, Jr. (Daniel Hand)

@CTHSHockey Division II Second Team
G AJ Brink, Sr. (Branford)
F Luca DiPaola, Jr. (Newington-Berlin)
F Mark Ehnot, Sr. (Conard)
F Alec Martone, Sr. (North Branford)
D Mitch Pitkin, Sr. (Newington-Berlin)
D Zach Weinstein, Sr. (Fairfield)

@CTHSHockey Division II Third Team
G Shane Kertanis, Sr. (Suffield-Granby-Windsor Locks)
F Jordon Fongemie, Sr. (Conard)
F Zach Polo, So. (Conard)
F Cooper Bunton, Sr. (Branford)
D Aaron Lassen, Jr. (Newington-Berlin)
D Jonathan DePascale, Sr. (Milford)

@CTHSHockey Division II Honorable Mention
Kevin Ryan, Sr. (Amity)
Paul Bates, Jr. (BCR)
Zach Withington, So. (Branford)
Jack Murray, Sr. (Branford)
Pat Cunningham, Sr. (Branford)
Aiden Deane, Sr. (Branford)
Ben Klanica, Sr. (Cheshire)
Matt Jordan, Sr. (Cheshire)
Kyle Frederick, Sr. (Cheshire)
PJ Melly, Sr. (Conard)
Zander Khan, So. (Conard)
Grayson Lacroix, Jr. (Conard)
Matt Rice, So. (Daniel Hand)
Luke Brown, Jr. (Daniel Hand)
Paul Gagliardi, Fr. (Daniel Hand)
Pete Capone, So. (East Haven)
Trevor Demilt, Sr. (Fairfield)
Sam Roy, Jr. (Fermi-Enfield)
Ryan Gothers, Sr. (Fermi-Enfield)
Brian Riley, Sr. (Fermi-Enfield)
Matt Votta, Jr. (Fermi-Enfield)
Ryan Brand, Sr. (Guilford)
Jack Petrick, Sr. (Guilford)
Chris Cafiero, Jr. (Guilford)
Brandon Argyros, Jr. (Milford)
Sean Rowland, Sr. (Milford)
Tommy Nisco, Sr. (New Milford)
Logan Doud, Sr. (New Milford)
Alex Fortuna, Jr. (New Milford)
Marco DiPaola, Sr. (Newington-Berlin)
Dante Gugliotti, Sr. (Newington-Berlin)
Adam Burkle, Jr. (North Branford)
Will McEwen, So. (North Branford)
Brian McKee, So. (North Branford)
Matt Chamberlain, Jr. (North Branford)
Tyler Luedee, Sr. (North Haven)
Cam Owens, Sr. (North Haven)
Brendan Looney, So. (Suffield-Granby-Windsor Locks)
Jake Bourdeau, So. (Suffield-Granby-Windsor Locks)
Colin MacDougald, Jr. (Suffield-Granby-Windsor Locks)
Austin Rupp, So. (Suffield-Granby-Windsor Locks)
Griffin Northrop, Sr. (Trinity Catholic)
Brady Jensen, So. (Trumbull)
Sam Watson, Sr. (Trumbull)
Jake Crowe, Sr. (Trumbull)
Carl LaRosa, Sr. (Watertown-Pomperaug)
Brian Manzer, Jr. (Watertown-Pomperaug)
Kyle Jonas, Sr. (Wilton)
Jameson Hill, Sr. (Wilton)
Ned Zawislak, Sr. (Wilton)

@CTHSHockey Division III Year End Awards & Teams

Division III Year End Awards
Skater of the Year: Andrew Loya (Shepaug-Litchfield-Nonnewaug)
Goalie of the Year: Matt Schoen (EO Smith-Tolland)
Freshman of the Year: Sam New (Staples-Weston-Shelton)
Offensive Defenseman of the Year: Connor Bunovsky (Masuk)
Defensive Defenseman of the Year: Sean Benjamin (EO Smith-Tolland)
Coach of the Year: John Santagata (Westhill)
Twitter Fan Vote Player of the Year: Peter Mayer (EO Smith-Tolland)

@CTHSHockey Division III First Team
G Matt Schoen, Sr. (EO Smith-Tolland)
F Andrew Loya, Sr. (Shepaug-Litchfield-Nonnewaug)
F Peter Mayer, Sr. (EO Smith-Tolland)
F Shane Dushay, Sr. (Masuk)
D Connor Bunovksy, Sr. (Masuk)
D Sean Benjamin, Sr. (EO Smith-Tolland)

@CTHSHockey Division III Second Team
G Christian Compolattaro, So. (Westhill)
F Brian Denham, Jr. (Masuk)
F Josh Barnes, Sr. (EO Smith-Tolland)
F Mike Cerrotti, Sr. (Sheehan)
D Peter Masi, Jr. (NFI)
D Zach Rood, Sr. (Stamford)

@CTHSHockey Division III Third Team
G Phil Nicolescu, Sr. (Tri-Town)
F Parker Evans, Sr. (NFI)
F Ryan Black, So. (Woodstock Academy)
F Kyle Converse, So. (Joel Barlow)
D Nick Ganio, Sr. (Shepaug-Litchfield-Nonnewaug)
D Gunner Eriksen, Jr. (Westhill)

@CTHSHockey Division III Honorable Mention
Will Lawrence, Sr. (BBD)
Eric Stoeckle, Sr. (BBD)
Nick Mayer, So. (EO Smith-Tolland)
Tyler Luke, Sr. (Eastern CT Eagles)
Jarod Florian, Jr. (Hall-Southington)
Jackson Maxwell, Sr. (Hall-Southington)
Erich Bender, Sr. (Hall-Southington)
Jason Diamond, Jr. (Housatonic-NW-Wamogo)
James Huften, Sr. (Housatonic-NW-Wamogo)
Finn Bamberry, So. (Housatonic-NW-Wamogo)
Eric Chin, Sr. (Housatonic-NW-Wamogo)
Charlie Berry, Sr. (Joel Barlow)
Billy Berry, So. (Joel Barlow)
Vincent Marsili, Fr. (Joel Barlow)
Justin Blair, Sr. (Lyman Hall-HK-Cog)
Chris Blanchard, So. (Lyman Hall-HK-Cog)
Charlie Christo, Sr. (Masuk)
Elijah Begin, Jr. (Masuk)
Adam Montague, So. (Masuk)
George Andros, Sr. (Masuk)
Christian Benzing, Jr. (NFI)
Andrew Rosenblum, Sr. (NFI)
Marchello Carlucci, Sr. (NFI)
Dominic Cartelli, So. (Newtown)
Sean Ferris, So. (Newtown)
Andrew Gagnon, Sr. (Redhawks)
Tyler Faulkner, Sr. (Redhawks)
Maren Lancaster, Fr. (Redhawks)
Will Haskell, So. (Norwalk-McMahon)
Sal Gozzo, Jr. (Sheehan)
Paul Gozzo, Jr. (Sheehan)
Dylan Beaudoin, Sr. (Sheehan)
Christian Stuart, Sr. (Shepaug-Litchfield-Nonnewaug)
Owen Killian, So. (Stamford)
Sam Cooke, Sr. (Stamford)
Ryan Johnson, Jr. (Staples-Weston-Shelton)
Jesse Greenspun, Jr. (Staples-Weston-Shelton)
Ryan Sherba, So. (Tri-Town)
Ryan Gaidos, Sr. (Tri-Town)
Matt Abt, Sr. (Westhill)
Dan Rotkewicz, Sr. (Westhill)
Nick Rich So. (Westhill)
Anthony Portonova, Sr. (WMR)
Nick Hock, Sr. (WMR)
Nathan Deluca, So. (Woodstock Academy)

Championship Preview

Saturday, March 20, 2015

Ingalls Rink, New Haven

DIVISION III Championship
10:00 a.m. (2) Masuk vs. (1) EO Smith-Tolland

HOW MASUK GOT HERE: defeated (15) Eastern CT Eagles 7-1, defeated (7) Sheehan 6-0, defeated (3) Westhill 4-3 OT

HOW EO SMITH-TOLLAND GOT HERE: defeated (16) Newtown 10-0, defeated (8) Staples 5-0, defeated (12) Shepaug 8-1

X FACTOR: Matchups. The Bucks top line is fun to watch. The Mayers, Pete and Nick and Josh Barnes are capable of scoring from almost anywhere and their entry carrying the puck is tough to top. Masuk boasts some of the top D in the whole state not just the D3 level in players like Connor Bunovsky, Dan D'Angelo and George Andros. If those aforementioned Bucks can produce against Masuk's extremely solid D core, then EO could have their first banner hanging. If Masuk's depth at forward takes over with players like Dushay, Christo, Denham, Montague, Begin, and so on.. they could be the banner hangers.
GOALIE MATCHUP: Senior Christian Furce has seemed to take over the reigns for the Panthers the second half of the year after sitting out his mandatory transfer games. He's posted a 1.80 GAA in his 8 games. The Bucks have leaned on senior goalie Matt Schoen for what seems like forever and he is a pure difference maker and regardless of outcome will go down as a program defining goalie for the Bucks.
THE SCOOP: This is the matchup everyone wanted and most called for. These two didn't meet this regular season but held down the top two spots in the D3 rankings all year. They ooze senior leadership and this one will most definitely come down to the wire. Bucks senior goalie Matt Schoen has been a rock for the Bucks for the last two seasons. The Panthers have relied on transfer senior goalie Christian Furce of late and he has been fantastic. Before that senior Connor Muller saw action in 15 games for the Panthers. Masuk seemed to play a more challenging schedule this year going 4-0 against D3 #3 and #4 seeds Westhill and NFI. They also went a decent 2-2-1 against D2's North Haven, New Milford, Branford, East Haven and Hand but lost a head scratcher to the Redhawks 5-4 in OT to end the regular season. The Bucks were able to beat local D2 talent Newington-Berlin twice but lost two of three against Fermi and lost in overtime against D2 power SGWL. The Bucks have been lighting teams up so far in the tourney, winning all three by a combined 23-1 score. Masuk needed to overcome a last second Westhill goal, which forced overtime, eventually beating the scrappy Vikings 4-3 in OT. I picked Masuk at the beginning of the tournament and that'll be my pick. Their depth at forward is imposing and the near death experience against Westhill could have them a little more battle tested than the Bucks, who've rolled over all their competition. PICK- Masuk 3-2

MASUK STATE CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCES: none

EO SMITH-TOLLAND STATE CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCES: (2014- loss)

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Saturday, March 20, 2015

Ingalls Rink, New Haven

DIVISION I Championship
2:00 p.m. (2) Darien vs. (1) Greenwich

HOW DARIEN GOT HERE: defeated (15) St. Joseph 7-1, defeated (7) Ridgefield 3-1, defeated (3) Xavier 3-1

HOW GREENWICH GOT HERE: defeated (16) South Windsor 4-1, defeated (9) Fairfield Prep 5-2, defeated (4) Glastonbury 5-4 OT

X FACTOR: Depth. Both teams have plenty of capable scorers and contributors. Whichever team will be able to allow for their top guns to get breathers will have more success in this one.
GOALIE MATCHUP: Bryan Archino and Will Massie are both seniors. They've both had great final years but Massie has certainly gotten more publicity, and rightly deserved. Archino, hidden in the far southwest corner or Connecticut doesn't get much local love or recognition up north simply because people haven't seen him. He's been excellent both times I've seen Greenwich play. These two both do everything needed to be champions.
THE SCOOP: We haven't had an FCIAC state champion at the D1 level since 1998 when Trinity Catholic won the title. Darien was oh so close last year losing to Prep in the final. Greenwich hasn't had an opportunity like this in quite some time. But they have won a state title more recently than the Wave, who go all the way back to 1969 the last time they won. Darien and Greenwich tied 3-3 during the regular season but the Wave were able to crash hard on Archino in the FCIAC Championship, winning 5-3. That game was a perfect microcosm of the Wave this season, five different goal scorers, a solid effort from Massie and the ability to come back when needed. Darien gets contributions from all over but are certainly lead by the on ice exploits of senior Jack Pardue but look for fellow seniors Nic Tuzinkiewicz, Carter Joyce and Craig Miller to get the most out of their last opportunity playing together. There are plenty of talented underclassmen on this roster as well, but this is the seniors time, especially after losing in last year's final. Greenwich counters with a skater who is among the state's best defenseman. Senior Kevin Piotrzkowski's puck moving ability is hard to replicate and his leadership is top notch. Fellow seniors Matt Lodato and Brian Silard have what it takes to alter an outcome as well as the Larson's, Montana and Mackenzie and junior Kristian Cunningham. It would be a fantastic story if Greenwich was to come from relative obscurity to winning a state title and leading the state from nearly tape to tape but, to me, an even more important story if Darien is able win their first title since Richard Nixon was newly in office. I think Darien gets it done. PICK- Darien 4-2

DARIEN STATE CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCES: (2014- loss, 1987- loss, 1985- loss, 1984- loss, 1969- win, 1968- loss)

GREENWICH STATE CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCES: (2000- loss, 1992- win, 1990- loss)

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Saturday, March 20, 2015

Ingalls Rink, New Haven

DIVISION II Championship
6:30 p.m. (4) North Branford vs. (2) SGWL

HOW NORTH BRANFORD GOT HERE: defeated (13) Wilton 6-2, defeated (5) Newington-Berlin 3-0, defeated (1) Conard 4-3 2 OT

HOW SGWL GOT HERE: defeated (15) East Haven 4-2, defeated (7) New Milford 4-3, defeated (3) Branford 5-3

X FACTOR: Alec Martone of North Branford had a fantastic senior campaign notching 50 points and dominating play. His play is always impactful for the T-Birds but was quieter than normal against Conard. Other guys stepped up. He will need to shine and do what he does best in this one against SGWL's talented top six forwards.
GOALIE MATCHUP: A fine Division II goalie battle in this one pits sophomore Will McEwen against senior Shane Kertanis. Kertanis play all but 81 minutes for the Wildcats this season posting 3 shutouts and a 2.00 GAA. McEwen shared a little of the action this year with senior Will Burke and fellow sophomore Tyler Odice but was still able to see action in nearly 75% of the T-Birds games posting a 2.59 GAA and a .901 save percentage as well as posting 3 shutouts.
THE SCOOP: D2 had a little more predictability this year than in year's past. There are no 13 seeds taking down top dogs and with the 1-4 seeds claiming semifinal spots, there wasn't many surprises. However, once we got to the final four, all bets were off. North Branford, behind a double overtime goal from Brian McKee were able to get past top seed Conard 4-3. SGWL, the two seed, eeked by Branford 5-3 on a late empty net goal. The Wildcats jumped out to a 4-0 lead under five minutes into the game and Branford seemed poised to continue punching back until it was even but the co-op stood tall and didn't allow this to happen. Much of the credit should be attributed to senior goalie Shane Kertanis who was fantastic late. In all reality, any of the four semifinalists would've been deserving finalists after great regular seasons and solid post season runs. But here we are, a co-op from the north and a newbie from the SCC making their first championship game appearance. For North Branford coach Ralph Shaw this pinnacle of sports has to feel surreal. After all the T-Birds have only been a .500 team over the last five seasons (49-49-2), reaching one other D2 semifinal but rather irrelevance other than that. We've talked at great length about the talent both of these teams possess. Players like Alec Martone, Adam Burkle and the aforementioned McKee jump off the page for North Branford. SGWL counters with leading scorer Jake King, and a strong cast of supporting characters like Austin Rupp, Brendan Looney, Jake Bourdeau, Austin Adams and the very underrated Colin MacDougald. Will McEwen, the T-Bird netminder, and Kertanis are sure to battle in this one but it may come down to who makes the least mistakes. North Branford played the better game in the semis, consistent from beginning to end. SGWL lived on their early goals and missed Branford opportunities. That said, the SGWL start to the semifinal game was one of the most furious and exciting starts to a hockey game I've ever seen. This one will be close and I think SGWL has more potential game changers on their side but North Branford's team game was on full display against Conard and even though this is a toss up, I'll go with a battle tested North Branford squad. NB 4-3

NORTH BRANFORD STATE CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCES: none

SGWL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCES: (As Suffield 2000- won D2, 1992- lost D2, 1979 won D2)

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Division I Semifinal Preview

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Ingalls Rink, New Haven

5:30 p.m. (4) Glastonbury vs. (1) Greenwich

HOW GLASTONBURY GOT HERE: defeated (13) NW Catholic 2-1 OT, defeated (5) ND Fairfield 3-2 2OT

HOW GREENWICH GOT HERE: defeated (16) South Windsor 4-1, defeated (9) Fairfield Prep 5-2

THE SCOOP: This one is stained no matter how you look at it. Glastonbury earned their way into this final with a hard fought win over ND Fairfield, a game that either team could've won at any time. But it will forever be looked at, especially on the NDF side as one that should've, could've went the other way. It didn't and while that will never be easy to swallow for Lancer fans it has to be what it is at this point. Referees lose sight of pucks and blow early whistles on a nightly basis, most don't signal, albeit hesitantly, for goals after blowing said whistle but that's what happened. A bad correct call. Anyway, on to this one. Glastonbury wouldn't have even been in that situation had it not been for the stalwartness in net of senior goalie Kyle Thibodeaux. He's elite, proven and two wins away from Glastonbury's first state title at the Division I level. Glastonbury skated right with NDF in the quarters, a Lancers team who on paper seem to have the more potent offense. Senior Tyler MacLean is the one game changer for the Tomahawks but guys like junior Adam Yeager and the very offensive (in a good way) defenseman Logan Underwood will be looked upon to lead as well. Greenwich comes back with one of the best defensemen in the state in senior Kevin Piotrzkowski. Seniors Matt Lodato, Montana and Mackenzie Larson, Brian Silard and junior Kristian Cunningham give the Cardinals plenty of scoring potential. People have slept on Greenwich all year, even with the FCIAC power standing tall as the top seed. This could be attributed to past performance, a soft FCIAC schedule and any other reason people will throw at Greenwich, but I think they've done more than enough to prove they belong. I also think they're favored in this game. Senior goalie Bryan Arching has been a calming influence in net for Greenwich all year and will be vital for Bob Russel's boys. 

LAST SEMIFINAL APPEARANCE: Glastonbury (2012), Greenwich (2002)

GLASTONBURY STATE CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCES: (2012- loss, 2009- loss, 2003 D2 win, 1999 D2 win)

GREENWICH STATE CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCES: (2000- loss, 1992- win, 1990- loss)

WHO WINS? I don't know. I had NDF coming out of this side of the bracket with a 3-2 win over Glastonbury might I add... Anyway, this is as tough to call as any. Glastonbury does not have the same fire power that Greenwich had but they seem to rise to the occasion time and time again. I've seen Greenwich twice this year and they won both times. I am as firm a believer in Piotrzkowski as any player in the state, but I'm leaning on a game changing goalie over a shift altering defenseman. Tomahawks to the final. PICK- Glastonbury 3, Greenwich 2

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Wednesday, March 18, 2014

Ingalls Rink, New Haven

7:30 p.m. (3) Xavier vs. (2) Darien

HOW XAVIER GOT HERE: defeated (14) West Haven 2-1 OT, defeated (6) Hamden 10-3

HOW DARIEN GOT HERE: defeated (15) St. Joseph 7-1, defeated (7) Ridgefield 3-1

THE SCOOP: This for all intensive is being considered by some to be the best game of all semifinals. Xavier is coming off a 10-3 thrashing of Hamden while Darien edged out rival Ridgefield in the quarters. The Falcons haven't lost in 14 games (11-0-3) while Darien hasn't lost in 17 (16-0-1). That's wild. Both of these teams boast deep rosters, two of the deepest in the whole state. This ability to cycle competent lines over and over while many teams rely on their top guys is partially why these two have been so successful. Xavier has a different star step up every night as guys like seniors David Piekut, Hunter Wilcox and Adam Aresco and junior Cam Pollack have all taken the reins more than once. Senior goalie Ben Guidobono and Darien senior goalie Will Massie are two of the best in the state and will be fun to watch in this semifinal. Darien is run very similarly to Xavier in terms of personnel but senior Jack Pardue may be in a class unto himself. Jake Kirby and Craig Miller have been good anchors for Pardue all year but there are many other Wave skaters that deserve accolades. The depth of these two teams and how their respective, talented coaches choose to use them will be a main storyline in this one. Darien lost in last year's final to Fairfield Prep. That experience is huge and could be a deciding factor for them. Xavier hasn't been to a semifinal since 2005 when they were in Division 2. This is big for a team that for years people expected to be better than they ended up being under former coach Scott Gainey. It took a little while, a 3-5 start, but DeConti's boys are believing in him and his system. Darien comes in having already won the FCIAC. This will be a war.

LAST SEMIFINAL APPEARANCES: Xavier (2005-D2), Darien (2014)

XAVIER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCES: none

DARIEN STATE CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCES: (2014- loss, 1987- loss, 1985- loss, 1984- loss, 1969 win, 1968- loss)

WHO WINS: Picked Xavier prior to the tourney so I'll stick with them though I think the winner of this game eventually wins the state title. PICK- Xavier 4, Darien 3

Division III Semifinal Preview

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Ingalls Rink, New Haven

5:30 p.m. (12) Shepaug-Litch-Nonn vs. (1) EO Smith-Tolland

HOW SHEPAUG GOT HERE: defeated (5) BBD 4-2, defeated (13) Woodstock Academy 7-5

HOW EO SMITH-TOLLAND GOT HERE: defeated (16) Newtown 10-0, defeated (8) Staples 5-0

THE SCOOP: EO Smith-Tolland has been a wrecking ball so far beating their opponents by a combined 15-0 score through their first two games. They shutout Staples' electric offense for the first time all season thanks to a 34 save shutout effort from senior goalie Matt Schoen, D3's best goalie. The Bucks, along with Masuk, are the seemingly easy picks to make it to the final Saturday morning. But Shepaug is proving they more than deserve to be hanging around as well. Senior Andrew Loya has been unreal for the co-op. Loyal factored in on all 7 goals in Shepaug's 7-5 win over fellow upstart Woodstock Academy. They will need Loya and fellow senior Christian Stuart to light the lamp early and often and try to force the Bucks to run and gun with them as I do not think Shepaug will be able to hang in a low scoring game. This could be a tall task. Beating the Bucks is no easy feat and trying to stop EO's stud forward Pete Mayer, a CTHSHockey D3 Player of the Year Candidate, is darn near impossible. The Bucks beat Shepaug 7-0 back on January 2nd in their only meeting this year. Looking at common opponents won't help with this comparison either as these teams both went undefeated against common opponents (EO 8-0 and Shepaug 6-0).

LAST SEMIFINAL APPEARANCE: EO Smith Tolland (2014), Shepaug (2003)

EO SMITH-TOLLAND STATE CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCES: (2014)- lost

SHEPAUG STATE CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCES: (As Shepaug Valley, 2003 (D2), 1988 (D2)- lost in both finals appearances

WHO WINS? The Bucks are just too loaded and too impenetrable even for a talent like Loya. A continued Cinderella run from Shepaug would be fun, I just can't possibly see it happening. Bucks 5, Shepaug 1

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Tuesday, March 17, 2014

Ingalls Rink, New Haven

7:30 p.m. (3) Westhill vs. (2) Masuk

HOW WESTHILL GOT HERE: defeated (14) Hall-Southington 6-0, defeated (11) Tri-Town 3-2 2OT

HOW MASUK GOT HERE: defeated (15) Eastern CT Eagles 7-1, defeated (7) Sheehan 6-0

THE SCOOP: This one should be tight, closely contested and fun to watch. Masuk has been dominant through two games potting 14 goals against the Eagles and Sheehan. Make no mistake, Sheehan isn't a bad team. Masuk beat them in all three meetings by a combined 18-3. They're deep to, possibly the deepest team at the D3 level. They boast a talented D group lead by Connor Bukovsky and have some of the most experienced and gifted forwards at the D3 level in players like Shane Dushay, Charlie Christo and Brian Denham. Your guess is as good as mine with who they go to in net but senior transfer Christian Furce pitched the shutout against Sheehan, though he wasn't really tested. Westhill is an interesting well coached team. They have a very short bench and, like Shepaug, don't dress many skaters. They land in this position after a Gunner Eriksen double OT game winner against Phil Nicolescu and Tri-Town. We know who will be in net for the Vikings and he could be one of the most underrated players in the state. Christian Compolattaro has been fantastic for Westhill this year. If John Santagata's boys are going to pull the upset in this one and beat Masuk, it'll have to be a low scoring game with very little mistakes, something Westhill does well. I'm feeling bold enough to say that if Masuk scores two goals, they win.

LAST SEMIFINAL APPEARANCE: Westhill (2006), Masuk (2014)

WESTHILL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCES: (2001 (D2), 1993 (D2), 1985 (D2), 1979 (D2)- lost in all four finals appearances 

MASUK STATE CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCES: none

WHO WINS: I picked Masuk to win all of D3 so that is clearly my pick here. This one will be close though. Westhill is a good, disciplined team with many different players who can pick up the slack. They won't score a ton but definitely won't give up much either. Masuk 3, Westhill 1