(1) Newington-Berlin needed only a late second period goal from sophomore Marco DiPaolo to defeat (3) Bolton-Coventry-Rockville in the CIAC Division III State Championship Saturday afternoon at Ingalls Rink in New Haven. The game was a defensive struggle throughout. Both teams did an excellent job of limiting chances with clogged shooting lanes and neutral zone dominance. Regardless of the shot total it's easy to say that both teams would've had double if it wasn't for the all out effort both teams exhibited in zone. Even the game winner and lone goal wasn't necessarily a thing of beauty. From the right circle, DiPaolo was able to fit the puck into a key hole sized gap short side on BCR senior goalie Cam Earle. BCR simply couldn't generate enough quality scoring chances on Newington-Berlin senior goalie Drew O'Leary who finished with a 16 save shutout. With the win, Newington-Berlin have now won back to back state championships at the D3 level. Many people, myself included, believed they should've moved up to D2 after last year's championship, but that's a moot argument at this point. This one could've easily have gone the other way and the Indians found a way to get it done. BCR finished an impressive season with a valiant effort and should most definitely hold their heads high. Congratulations to Coach Harackiewicz and the entire Newington-Berlin-Manchester squad.
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| Tough shot from my vantage point, but the exaltation certainly can be felt. |
Not enough shots on goal for BCR and the penalties in the 2nd period really hurt as they were forced to defend most of that period.
ReplyDeleteA change in coaching philosophy hurt in my opinion. A team who's offense was driven by good transition play from the Defense changed to a tactic of just chipping pucks and shooting pucks off the glass to clear the zone rather than making good transition/breakout passes. This hampered the BCR offensive flow and cost them in the end.
Solid win by Newington though - they showed good poise and control - their experience from last year certainly paid off on Saturday.