In-depth analysis will be in the results:
Conard @ Hall-Southington @ 12:45pm
-Home game for both and cross-town rivalry.
#5 Xavier @ #9 West Haven @ 1
Notre Dame-Fairfield @ #3 Hamden @ 230
-You can't sleep on the Lancers.
#4 Notre Dame-West Haven @ Amity @ 330
-Home ice for both actually.
Tri-Town @ #7 South Windsor @ 5
-Good opponent for SW and Tri-Town could pick up a big win.
Staples-Weston-Shelton @ Darien @ 6
-Another good FCIAC Quarterfinal!
Greenwich @ #6 Ridgefield @ 850
-Decent opponent for Ridgefield, should be a real good game...it's also a FCIAC Quarterfinal!
DII game to watch: Cheshire @ Lyman Hall @ 715
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Boys' Basketball: Conference Tournaments
PLEASE NOTE: I will continually update this post with more information as I get it so please check back often!!!!!
SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT CONFERENCE
straight from http://southernconnecticutconference.org/winter-sports/boys-basketball/news/477-2011-scc-boys-basketball-playoff-schedule.html:
straight from http://www.fciac.net/news/basketball/1504-fciac-boys-basketball-quarterfinal-pairings-set.html:
• FCIAC Boys Basketball Quarterfinals, Sat., Feb. 26
All Games Played at Fairfield-Ludlowe HS
Note: Tickets are $7 per session and two games will be held per session
Session 1
No. 3 Westhill (15-3 FCIAC) vs. No. 6 Brien McMahon (14-4 FCIAC), Noon
No. 2 Ridgefield (16-2 FCIAC) vs. No. 7 Stamford (12-6 FCIAC), 2 p.m.
Session 2
No. 4 Bassick (14-4 FCIAC) vs. No. 5 Staples (14-4 FCIAC), 5 p.m.
No. 1 St. Joseph (17-1 FCIAC) vs. No. 8 Trinity Catholic (11-7 FCIAC), 7 p.m.
• FCIAC Semifinals, at the Arena at Harbor Yard, Bridgeport, Mon., Feb. 28 6 and 7:30 p.m. — Highest remaining seed will play in the later game
• FCIAC Final, at the Arena at Harbor Yard, Bridgeport, Tues., Mar. 1, 7:30 p.m.
-again, I will keep you updated
CENTRAL CONNECTICUT CONFERENCE
First Round Thursday, February 24th
ALL GAMES 7:00 p.m.
#16 Farmington at #1 Northwest Catholic
#9 Glastonbury at #8 EO Smith
#13 Newington at #4 Windsor
#12 Bristol Eastern at #5 Berlin
#15 East Hartford at #2 Maloney
#10 Hall at #7 Weaver
#14 Bloomfield at #3 Hartford Public
#11 Manchester at #6 Southington
Quarterfinals Saturday, February 26th
Snow Date – Monday, February 28th
Game 1: #9 Glastonbury @ #1 Northwest Catholic @ 1:00 p.m.
Game 2: #5 Berlin @ #4 Windsor @ 7:00 p.m.
Game 3: #7 Weaver @ #2 Maloney @ 7:00 p.m.
Game 4: #6 Southington @ #3 Hartford Public @ 5:00 p.m.
Semifinals @ Bulkeley HS Tuesday, March 1st
Snow Date – Wednesday, March 2nd
Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 (6:00 p.m.)
Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 (8:00 p.m.)
Finals @ Bulkeley HS – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 3rd
Snow Date – Friday, March 4th
SHORELINE CONFERENCE
Quarterfinals - Saturday, 7 p.m.
No. 8 Haddam-Killingworth at No. 1 Valley Regional
No. 7Westbrook at No. 2 Cromwell
No. 6 Old Lyme at No. 3 Hyde
No. 5 Hale-Ray at No. 4 Coginchaug
Semifinals - Tuesday, 7 p.m. at site of higher seed
HK/Valley winner vs. Hale-Ray/Coginchaug winner
Cromwell/Westbrook winner vs. Hyde/Old Lyme winner
Final - March 4, at Old Saybrook, 7 p.m.
CONSTITUTION STATE CONFERENCE
Quarterfinals Friday 2/25
#8 Vinal Tech at #1 Capital Prep, 5:30 p.m.
#7 University at #2 Classical Magnet, 7
#6 Cheney Tech at #3 Goodwin Tech, 6:30
#5 Kaynor Tech at #4 Prince Tech, 7
Semifinals: March 1 at New Haven Athletic Center
5 and 6:30
Final: March 3 at New Haven Athletic Center @ 6
EASTERN CONNECTICUT CONFERENCE
Quarterfinals Saturday at St. Bernard
noon, 2, 4 and 6
Semifinals March 2 at New London
6 and 7:30
Championship March 4 at New London @ 7
NORTH CENTRAL CONNECTICUT CONFERENCE
Quarterfinals Saturday 2/26
Semifinals Tuesday TBA
Championship Thursday, TBA
NAUGATUCK VALLEY LEAGUEQuarterfinals Saturday at Wilby, TBA
SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT CONFERENCE
straight from http://southernconnecticutconference.org/winter-sports/boys-basketball/news/477-2011-scc-boys-basketball-playoff-schedule.html:
FIRST ROUND - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24
#3 Wilbur Cross 60, #14 Sheehan 51
#4 Lyman Hall 77, #13 Notre Dame 63
#5 Fairfield Prep 61, #13 Hamden 40
#6 Xavier 72, #11 Hand 70 (2 OT)
#10 Cheshire 60, #7 Branford 47
#8 Amity 57, #9 Foran 45
QUARTERFINALS
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26 @EAST HAVEN HS - Tickets just $5 (Children under 10 free)
Game 1 – #8 Amity (13-8) vs. #1 Career (19-1) – 12 noon
Game 2 – #5 Fairfield Prep (16-5) vs. #4 Lyman Hall (17-4) – 1:45 p.m.
Game 3 – #10 Cheshire (13-8) vs. #2 Hillhouse (17-2) – 3:30 p.m.
Game 4 – #6 Xavier (14-7) vs. #3 Wilbur Cross (16-5) – 5:15 p.m.
Fourteen teams have qualified for the 2011 SCC Boys Basketball Playoffs. Teams that won eight games qualified for the tournament. The tournament seeds were based on the teams’ winning percentage in the 18 games (divisional, crossover and interdivisional) scheduled by the league. Career (19-1) is the tournament's top seed for the first time. The top two seeds (Career and Hillhouse) will receive first-round byes. North Haven is the defending SCC champion. The third-seeded Indians defeated top-seeded Hillhouse, 41-34, in the 2010 championship game at Quinnipiac’s TD Bank Sports Center. North Haven did not qualify for the 2011 tournament.
Past Champions: Wilbur Cross (1998, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004 and 2008) has won a league-best six titles. Hillhouse (1996, 2006, 2007 and 2009) and Xavier (1995, 1997, 2001 and 2005) each have won four SCC titles, while Career (2002) has won one.
2011 SCC PLAYOFF FIELD
- Career (19-1, 7-1 Oronoque Division co-champions)
- Hillhouse (17-2, 8-0 Hammonasset Division champions)
- Wilbur Cross (15-5, Oronoque Division co-champions)
- Lyman Hall (16-4, 7-1 Housatonic Division champions)
- Fairfield Prep (15-5, 5-3 in Quinnipiac Division)
- Xavier (13-7, 6-2 Quinnipiac Division champions)
- Branford (11-9, 4-4 in Oronoque Division)
- Amity (12-8, 4-4 in Housatonic Division)
- Foran (13-7, 5-3 in Hammonasset Division)
- Cheshire (12-8, 5-3 in Housatonic Division
- Hand (10-10, 5-3 in Hammonasset Division)
- Hamden (10-10, 4-4 in Quinnipiac Division)
- Notre Dame (10-10, 2-6 in Quinnipiac Division)
- Sheehan (8-12, 4-4 in Housatonic Division)
SEMIFINALS*
TUESDAY, MARCH 1@TD BANK SPORTS CENTER – QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY
6 p.m. – Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4
7:45 p.m. – Winner of Game 1 vs. winner of Game 2
CHAMPIONSHIP GAME*
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2 @TD BANK SPORTS CENTER – QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY – 7 p.m.
-I will keep you updated
FAIRFIELD INTERSCHOLATIC CONFERENCE
FAIRFIELD INTERSCHOLATIC CONFERENCE
straight from http://www.fciac.net/news/basketball/1504-fciac-boys-basketball-quarterfinal-pairings-set.html:
• FCIAC Boys Basketball Quarterfinals, Sat., Feb. 26
All Games Played at Fairfield-Ludlowe HS
Note: Tickets are $7 per session and two games will be held per session
Session 1
No. 3 Westhill (15-3 FCIAC) vs. No. 6 Brien McMahon (14-4 FCIAC), Noon
No. 2 Ridgefield (16-2 FCIAC) vs. No. 7 Stamford (12-6 FCIAC), 2 p.m.
Session 2
No. 4 Bassick (14-4 FCIAC) vs. No. 5 Staples (14-4 FCIAC), 5 p.m.
No. 1 St. Joseph (17-1 FCIAC) vs. No. 8 Trinity Catholic (11-7 FCIAC), 7 p.m.
• FCIAC Semifinals, at the Arena at Harbor Yard, Bridgeport, Mon., Feb. 28 6 and 7:30 p.m. — Highest remaining seed will play in the later game
• FCIAC Final, at the Arena at Harbor Yard, Bridgeport, Tues., Mar. 1, 7:30 p.m.
-again, I will keep you updated
CENTRAL CONNECTICUT CONFERENCE
First Round Thursday, February 24th
ALL GAMES 7:00 p.m.
#16 Farmington at #1 Northwest Catholic
#9 Glastonbury at #8 EO Smith
#13 Newington at #4 Windsor
#12 Bristol Eastern at #5 Berlin
#15 East Hartford at #2 Maloney
#10 Hall at #7 Weaver
#14 Bloomfield at #3 Hartford Public
#11 Manchester at #6 Southington
Quarterfinals Saturday, February 26th
Snow Date – Monday, February 28th
Game 1: #9 Glastonbury @ #1 Northwest Catholic @ 1:00 p.m.
Game 2: #5 Berlin @ #4 Windsor @ 7:00 p.m.
Game 3: #7 Weaver @ #2 Maloney @ 7:00 p.m.
Game 4: #6 Southington @ #3 Hartford Public @ 5:00 p.m.
Semifinals @ Bulkeley HS Tuesday, March 1st
Snow Date – Wednesday, March 2nd
Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 (6:00 p.m.)
Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 (8:00 p.m.)
Finals @ Bulkeley HS – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 3rd
Snow Date – Friday, March 4th
SHORELINE CONFERENCE
Quarterfinals - Saturday, 7 p.m.
No. 8 Haddam-Killingworth at No. 1 Valley Regional
No. 7Westbrook at No. 2 Cromwell
No. 6 Old Lyme at No. 3 Hyde
No. 5 Hale-Ray at No. 4 Coginchaug
Semifinals - Tuesday, 7 p.m. at site of higher seed
HK/Valley winner vs. Hale-Ray/Coginchaug winner
Cromwell/Westbrook winner vs. Hyde/Old Lyme winner
Final - March 4, at Old Saybrook, 7 p.m.
CONSTITUTION STATE CONFERENCE
Quarterfinals Friday 2/25
#8 Vinal Tech at #1 Capital Prep, 5:30 p.m.
#7 University at #2 Classical Magnet, 7
#6 Cheney Tech at #3 Goodwin Tech, 6:30
#5 Kaynor Tech at #4 Prince Tech, 7
Semifinals: March 1 at New Haven Athletic Center
5 and 6:30
Final: March 3 at New Haven Athletic Center @ 6
EASTERN CONNECTICUT CONFERENCE
Quarterfinals Saturday at St. Bernard
noon, 2, 4 and 6
Semifinals March 2 at New London
6 and 7:30
Championship March 4 at New London @ 7
NORTH CENTRAL CONNECTICUT CONFERENCE
Quarterfinals Saturday 2/26
At Windsor Locks
5:30
#5 East Granby vs. #4 Avon @ 5:30
#8 Suffield vs #1 Windsor Locks @ 7:30
At Enfield
#6 Somers vs. #3 Granby @ 5:30
#7 Ellington vs #2 Enfield @ 7:30
5:30
#5 East Granby vs. #4 Avon @ 5:30
#8 Suffield vs #1 Windsor Locks @ 7:30
At Enfield
#6 Somers vs. #3 Granby @ 5:30
#7 Ellington vs #2 Enfield @ 7:30
Semifinals Tuesday TBA
Championship Thursday, TBA
NAUGATUCK VALLEY LEAGUEQuarterfinals Saturday at Wilby, TBA
Boys' Hockey: Thursday and Friday's Top Games (2/24 and 2/25)
Thursday
Staples-Weston-Shelton @ Fairfield Warde/Ludlowe @ 345pm
-S-W-S, my top pick in DIII, faces another mid-level DII team and I think that yet again yet will come away with a win.
#4 Notre Dame-West Haven @ East Haven @ 430
-ND-WH is flying high right now but you really can't look past East Haven, especially at home. Both teams have already made the tournament and 9 points for a win here would help make their respective first round match-ups a lot more enjoyable.
Friday
-would have been nothing if not for the FCIAC tournament. In fact, the two tournament are the two top games of the day.
Wilton @ #9 St. Joseph @ 330
-St. Joseph's got one day off this week on Thursday but is back in action on Friday (4 games in 5 days)! They may have beaten Wilton 7-1 last time the two faced but that was about a month ago and both teams are riding a lot of momentum right now, not to mention this is a post-season game so you just never know!
Trumbull @ #2 New Canaan @ 6
-NC will be back in action against a quality opponent, but still DII, Trumbull. Trumbull can pull the upset, and although I don't see it happening even with "anything being possible," this should still be a good game. New Canaan still finished the regular season a perfect 20-0 and none of these FCIAC tournament games affect seeding for the teams in their respective state tournaments. For those interest, NC beat Trumbull back on 2/5...7-0.
Staples-Weston-Shelton @ Fairfield Warde/Ludlowe @ 345pm
-S-W-S, my top pick in DIII, faces another mid-level DII team and I think that yet again yet will come away with a win.
#4 Notre Dame-West Haven @ East Haven @ 430
-ND-WH is flying high right now but you really can't look past East Haven, especially at home. Both teams have already made the tournament and 9 points for a win here would help make their respective first round match-ups a lot more enjoyable.
Friday
-would have been nothing if not for the FCIAC tournament. In fact, the two tournament are the two top games of the day.
Wilton @ #9 St. Joseph @ 330
-St. Joseph's got one day off this week on Thursday but is back in action on Friday (4 games in 5 days)! They may have beaten Wilton 7-1 last time the two faced but that was about a month ago and both teams are riding a lot of momentum right now, not to mention this is a post-season game so you just never know!
Trumbull @ #2 New Canaan @ 6
-NC will be back in action against a quality opponent, but still DII, Trumbull. Trumbull can pull the upset, and although I don't see it happening even with "anything being possible," this should still be a good game. New Canaan still finished the regular season a perfect 20-0 and none of these FCIAC tournament games affect seeding for the teams in their respective state tournaments. For those interest, NC beat Trumbull back on 2/5...7-0.
Boys' Hockey: Wednesday's (2/23) Win and Losses
Upsets, overtime, MA teams, what an exciting Wednesday!!!!!
Catholic Memorial (MA) 1 @ #1 Fairfield Prep 2
-The best team in the state beats yet another quality out of state opponent...Catholic Memorial is ranked #6 in Massachusetts!
#8 West Haven 3 @ Tri-Town 2 OT
-Mike Hanna and Justin Locke scored for Tri-Town but it wasn't enough as WH, in their third OT game of the season, pulled out the W with 1:50 left in overtime. Kyle Leyerzapf scored once and Mike Troiano scored twice, including in overtime, to give #8 WH the big win. The Blue Devils get #5 Xavier next, at home on Saturday; Tri-Town will be at #7 South Windsor.
Winshester (MA) 5 @ #3 Hamden 3
-Hamden didn't get the 9 points I'm sure they wanted but they got some really good experience against a team much better than most CT teams...experience that may prove invaluable in the tournament!
#5 Xavier 2 @ Conard 4
-It is a sad day in hockey when a team can score a goal without putting the puck in the net, the very definition of a goal. I am, of course, referring to Conard's first "goal" of this game: a shot that hit off the top of the top bar and deflected off it, into the boards and was still going to be played by both teams until the referee decided to blow his whistle and literally hand the Cheiftans a goal. Xavier played relatively well in this one, had plenty of chances to score more than just two, but struggled a little bit with finishing; an obstacle only made worse by the numerous interfernece penalties on Conard that the refs decided to swallow their whistles on...things were getting out of control and the zebras were making a mockery of the profession. Conard used their size advantage to, for the most part, control the neutral zone and give themselves opportunities to score. Xavier's mere two goals came on nice stick work in front of the net by Charlie Dupont off a pass from Dan Walsh and then later a strike by Trevor Buchas made things 2-1. Two nice goals on Austin Essery allowed Coanrd to be up 3-2 in the third and then they grabbed an empty netter for the 4-2 final in a game that should have been 2-2 in the 3rd. It would have been nice for Conard to get a clean win but 9 points is nine points and they can make a serious jump in the seeding with a win over Hall-Southington Saturday and then Tri-Town next Tuesday. Now, Xavier really needs to make a statement at #8 West Haven on Saturday and then next Wednesday at Notre Dame-Fairfield.
Interesting games:
Trumbull 4 @ Staples-Weston-Shelton 6
-Yeah I'll stick with S-W-S as my pick to win DIII and Trumbull will still make it far in DII but I wouldn't take them to win it all.
Westhill 2 @ Wilton 4
-Is Wilton my pick to win DII? Just maybe after this win over another good DII playoff team, Westhill. Guilford should do alright in the tournament and you can't sleep on Cheshire but outside these four (fourth is Trumbull not Westhill) there shouldn't be many surprises (but you do never know).
#6 Ridgefield 4 @ #9 St. Joseph 1
-What a sweet victory for the Ridgefield Tigers in their last game of the season after tying #10 Glastonbury 3-3 on Monday. St. Joseph may have lost their final game but look for them to rebound well in their first round game of states. If Ridgefield lost, how high would South Windsor have raised in the rankings? I probably would have moved them above Ridgefield simply because SW would have been playing a little better right now and then would SW have jumped X as the New Haven Register seems to think should be the case? I say no, even after Xavier's putrid loss to Conard tonight, because, aside from the fact that Conard's referees beat Xavier more than the hockey team did, Conard beat Glastonbury, just like SW did, and SW only beat Conard 1-0 the last time they played in 3-4 in OT the time before. Xavier would still light the lamp all over SW's goalie, while Austin Essery and the defense could hold the offense way done if SW's 12 shots against North Haven is any indication. Just fun to play/discuss possible situations. Another funny thing, Xavier may end up playing Conard again in the first round, a game I'm sure the Falcons would love to get! Oh, and on a final note, Ridgefield against South Windsor would be a GREAT game that I look forward to seeing circa the quarterfinals!
Othe notes on the night:
Hall-Southington beat Northwest Catholic 3-2 (another upset for a West Hardford team)
Cheshire beat East Catholic 4-3 in OT
New Canaan officially finished 20-0 with a 8-0 win over Stamford...Conrats!
Amity beat Hand 4-1
Trnity Catholic, the only DI team that cannot mathematically make the playoffs at this point (and hasn't been able to for a little while) beat Fairfield Warde/Ludlowe, a team that has made the DII tournament and will probably grab a seed around the middle of the pack, 5-4
On a final personal note, I cannot thank you the readers enough for your continued support as I have reached over 3,000 hits in the short month since I launched this blog (I have been following HS sports for much longer). A special thanks to my "loyal readers"...they know who they are.
Catholic Memorial (MA) 1 @ #1 Fairfield Prep 2
-The best team in the state beats yet another quality out of state opponent...Catholic Memorial is ranked #6 in Massachusetts!
#8 West Haven 3 @ Tri-Town 2 OT
-Mike Hanna and Justin Locke scored for Tri-Town but it wasn't enough as WH, in their third OT game of the season, pulled out the W with 1:50 left in overtime. Kyle Leyerzapf scored once and Mike Troiano scored twice, including in overtime, to give #8 WH the big win. The Blue Devils get #5 Xavier next, at home on Saturday; Tri-Town will be at #7 South Windsor.
Winshester (MA) 5 @ #3 Hamden 3
-Hamden didn't get the 9 points I'm sure they wanted but they got some really good experience against a team much better than most CT teams...experience that may prove invaluable in the tournament!
#5 Xavier 2 @ Conard 4
-It is a sad day in hockey when a team can score a goal without putting the puck in the net, the very definition of a goal. I am, of course, referring to Conard's first "goal" of this game: a shot that hit off the top of the top bar and deflected off it, into the boards and was still going to be played by both teams until the referee decided to blow his whistle and literally hand the Cheiftans a goal. Xavier played relatively well in this one, had plenty of chances to score more than just two, but struggled a little bit with finishing; an obstacle only made worse by the numerous interfernece penalties on Conard that the refs decided to swallow their whistles on...things were getting out of control and the zebras were making a mockery of the profession. Conard used their size advantage to, for the most part, control the neutral zone and give themselves opportunities to score. Xavier's mere two goals came on nice stick work in front of the net by Charlie Dupont off a pass from Dan Walsh and then later a strike by Trevor Buchas made things 2-1. Two nice goals on Austin Essery allowed Coanrd to be up 3-2 in the third and then they grabbed an empty netter for the 4-2 final in a game that should have been 2-2 in the 3rd. It would have been nice for Conard to get a clean win but 9 points is nine points and they can make a serious jump in the seeding with a win over Hall-Southington Saturday and then Tri-Town next Tuesday. Now, Xavier really needs to make a statement at #8 West Haven on Saturday and then next Wednesday at Notre Dame-Fairfield.
Interesting games:
Trumbull 4 @ Staples-Weston-Shelton 6
-Yeah I'll stick with S-W-S as my pick to win DIII and Trumbull will still make it far in DII but I wouldn't take them to win it all.
Westhill 2 @ Wilton 4
-Is Wilton my pick to win DII? Just maybe after this win over another good DII playoff team, Westhill. Guilford should do alright in the tournament and you can't sleep on Cheshire but outside these four (fourth is Trumbull not Westhill) there shouldn't be many surprises (but you do never know).
#6 Ridgefield 4 @ #9 St. Joseph 1
-What a sweet victory for the Ridgefield Tigers in their last game of the season after tying #10 Glastonbury 3-3 on Monday. St. Joseph may have lost their final game but look for them to rebound well in their first round game of states. If Ridgefield lost, how high would South Windsor have raised in the rankings? I probably would have moved them above Ridgefield simply because SW would have been playing a little better right now and then would SW have jumped X as the New Haven Register seems to think should be the case? I say no, even after Xavier's putrid loss to Conard tonight, because, aside from the fact that Conard's referees beat Xavier more than the hockey team did, Conard beat Glastonbury, just like SW did, and SW only beat Conard 1-0 the last time they played in 3-4 in OT the time before. Xavier would still light the lamp all over SW's goalie, while Austin Essery and the defense could hold the offense way done if SW's 12 shots against North Haven is any indication. Just fun to play/discuss possible situations. Another funny thing, Xavier may end up playing Conard again in the first round, a game I'm sure the Falcons would love to get! Oh, and on a final note, Ridgefield against South Windsor would be a GREAT game that I look forward to seeing circa the quarterfinals!
Othe notes on the night:
Hall-Southington beat Northwest Catholic 3-2 (another upset for a West Hardford team)
Cheshire beat East Catholic 4-3 in OT
New Canaan officially finished 20-0 with a 8-0 win over Stamford...Conrats!
Amity beat Hand 4-1
Trnity Catholic, the only DI team that cannot mathematically make the playoffs at this point (and hasn't been able to for a little while) beat Fairfield Warde/Ludlowe, a team that has made the DII tournament and will probably grab a seed around the middle of the pack, 5-4
On a final personal note, I cannot thank you the readers enough for your continued support as I have reached over 3,000 hits in the short month since I launched this blog (I have been following HS sports for much longer). A special thanks to my "loyal readers"...they know who they are.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Boys' Hockey: Wednesday's Top Games (2/23)
I apologize if it seems like I have been lacking a bit on my hockey posts lately. With the basketball post-season upon us, I have been spending a lot more time on that and things will get crazy these next few weeks as girls states, then boys conferences and then boys states and then boys hockey are all going on! Keep reading and I'll keep giving you everything you need all in one place; now back to the ice:
Catholic Memorial (MA) @ #1 Fairfield Prep @ 1pm
-Don't flip out if Prep loses this one; MA schools are such great competition in preparation for what we got down here in CT. If you want to see some HOCKEY, stop in at the Wonderland of Ice in Bridgeport for this at one p.m.
#8 West Haven @ Tri-Town @ 4
-Tri-Town is good and with the way WH has been playing lately, an upset is definitely a possibility at the Enfield Twin Rinks in this one. The WH Blue Devils would love to get back on track with getting quality wins, especially going into their match-up with #5 Xavier on Saturday but Tri-Town has other ideas as they finish the season with two quality opponents of their own after this: at #7 South Windsor Saturday and then at Conard next Tuesday!
Winchester (MA) @ #3 Hamden @ 6
-I am literally going to copy and paste what I said for Prep: Don't flip out if Hamden loses this one; MA schools are such great competition in preparation for what we got down here in CT. If you want to see some HOCKEY, stop in at the Lou Astorino Rink in Hamden for this at six p.m. You can catch both games!
#5 Xaveir @ Conard @ 730
-This one is featured for a lot of reasons. To start, you never know exactly what level of gameplay you are going to get from either of these teams this year. The potential for an upset should be reason enough to get out to Veteran's Memorial Rink in West Hartford for this. In addition, both team would love the 9 points they get for beating the other to get a better seed in the state tournament. Finally, this is a huge game for both schools as four-year Xavier Coach Scott Gainey returns to face the team he was coaching just four years ago. Although none of the Conard players would have ever had him as a head coach, youth hockey is a definite possibility. It should be a special night for Coach Gainey!
Two interesting lower-level games: Trumbull, a top DII team, at Staples-Weston-Shelton, my favorite to win DIII, @ 8pm; Westhill @ Wilton @ 830 (both DII contenders, would be huge for Westhill to get a win while a win for Wilton shows they're ready to win the DII title in March).
#6 Ridgefield @ #9 St. Joseph @ 9
-Certainly the best game of the day and night that features only CT teams. The winner is officially #2 in the FCIAC and St. Joseph, with their weaker out of conference schedule, would love to show they are better than the team accordingly ranked ahead of them, Ridgefield. It may be a late start but once the puck drops, you will have no problem staying awake for this FCIAC battle at the Shelton Rinks!
Catholic Memorial (MA) @ #1 Fairfield Prep @ 1pm
-Don't flip out if Prep loses this one; MA schools are such great competition in preparation for what we got down here in CT. If you want to see some HOCKEY, stop in at the Wonderland of Ice in Bridgeport for this at one p.m.
#8 West Haven @ Tri-Town @ 4
-Tri-Town is good and with the way WH has been playing lately, an upset is definitely a possibility at the Enfield Twin Rinks in this one. The WH Blue Devils would love to get back on track with getting quality wins, especially going into their match-up with #5 Xavier on Saturday but Tri-Town has other ideas as they finish the season with two quality opponents of their own after this: at #7 South Windsor Saturday and then at Conard next Tuesday!
Winchester (MA) @ #3 Hamden @ 6
-I am literally going to copy and paste what I said for Prep: Don't flip out if Hamden loses this one; MA schools are such great competition in preparation for what we got down here in CT. If you want to see some HOCKEY, stop in at the Lou Astorino Rink in Hamden for this at six p.m. You can catch both games!
#5 Xaveir @ Conard @ 730
-This one is featured for a lot of reasons. To start, you never know exactly what level of gameplay you are going to get from either of these teams this year. The potential for an upset should be reason enough to get out to Veteran's Memorial Rink in West Hartford for this. In addition, both team would love the 9 points they get for beating the other to get a better seed in the state tournament. Finally, this is a huge game for both schools as four-year Xavier Coach Scott Gainey returns to face the team he was coaching just four years ago. Although none of the Conard players would have ever had him as a head coach, youth hockey is a definite possibility. It should be a special night for Coach Gainey!
Two interesting lower-level games: Trumbull, a top DII team, at Staples-Weston-Shelton, my favorite to win DIII, @ 8pm; Westhill @ Wilton @ 830 (both DII contenders, would be huge for Westhill to get a win while a win for Wilton shows they're ready to win the DII title in March).
#6 Ridgefield @ #9 St. Joseph @ 9
-Certainly the best game of the day and night that features only CT teams. The winner is officially #2 in the FCIAC and St. Joseph, with their weaker out of conference schedule, would love to show they are better than the team accordingly ranked ahead of them, Ridgefield. It may be a late start but once the puck drops, you will have no problem staying awake for this FCIAC battle at the Shelton Rinks!
Boys' Hockey: Monday and Tuesday's (2/21 and 2/22) Results
I apologize if it seems like I have been lacking a bit on my hockey posts lately. With the basketball post-season upon us, I have been spending a lot more time on that and things will get crazy these next few weeks as girls states, then boys conferences and then boys states and then boys hockey are all going on! Keep reading and I'll keep giving you everything you need all in one place; now back to the ice:
Monday
#10 Glastonbury 3 @ #6 Ridgefield 3
-Yeah, G-bury can flat out play. Their first round opponent won't be happy to see this score as the Tomahawks and Sam Scannell are playing great hockey to end the season, with Fermi and Simsbury left on Wed and Sat respectively. The Ridegfield Tigers are still playing well and finish the season on Wednesday at #9 St. Joseph.
#1 Fairfield Prep 7 @ North Haven 2
-Exactly what Prep needed to say that they are still the best team in the state but it should not be overlooked that North Haven did put up two goals, and although that is in part because such a large lead allows a team to play more loose but its still more Trinity Catholic, #7 South Windsor, #8 West Haven, East Haven and ND-Fairfield got in their shut-out losses. Xavier only put up one but in a 1-3 loss that's better than 2-7. Prep has an out of state opponent in Bridgeport tomorrow and then Amity next Wednesday. North Haven plays DII Branford on Saturday, then East Haven (Mon) and #8 West Haven (Tues) next week. Assuming they beat Branford, the East Haven game will be key for their state tournament chances as they must win 2 of those 3 games to qualify.
Conard 1 @ Notre Dame-Fairfield 4
-"Why do you build me up, build me up, buttercup, darling, just to let me down?" The Conard Cheiftans are on such a roller coaster ride of a season that it is impossible to tell what will happen in their next three games: #5 Xavier on Wednesday, DIII Hall-Southing (cross-town rival) on Saturday and Tri-Town next Tues and also what they will do in the state tournament! ND-Fairfield can now still make the playoffs by winning out or winning 2 or 3 and tying their other game. Those opponents? Fermi on Thursday, at #3 Hamden on Saturday and #5 Xavier next Wednesday.
#5 Xavier 3 @ St. John's (Shrewsbury, MA) 4
-The Falcons couldn't get it done against a bigger and more physical opponent in St. John's. Last time they lost to St. John's this season they went on to beat New Canaan (basically but not technically) and then Hamden so hopefully this was another good wake-up call after how Xavier has been playing lately. X goes to Veteran's Memorial Rink in West Hartford on Wednesday to take on Conard then down to Bennett Rink for #8 West Haven and finishes out the season next Wednesday at Notre Dame-Fairfield.
Cheshire 1 @ #9 St. Joseph 4
-Great way for the Cadets to start out thier three games in three days to close the season, the last of which is vs #6 Ridgefield this Wednesday @ 9pm. For those interested, I will not be going anymore but I still recommend it!
Tuesday - St. Joseph won again, 5-1 over DII Stamford; the Cadets improve to 16-3.
Monday
#10 Glastonbury 3 @ #6 Ridgefield 3
-Yeah, G-bury can flat out play. Their first round opponent won't be happy to see this score as the Tomahawks and Sam Scannell are playing great hockey to end the season, with Fermi and Simsbury left on Wed and Sat respectively. The Ridegfield Tigers are still playing well and finish the season on Wednesday at #9 St. Joseph.
#1 Fairfield Prep 7 @ North Haven 2
-Exactly what Prep needed to say that they are still the best team in the state but it should not be overlooked that North Haven did put up two goals, and although that is in part because such a large lead allows a team to play more loose but its still more Trinity Catholic, #7 South Windsor, #8 West Haven, East Haven and ND-Fairfield got in their shut-out losses. Xavier only put up one but in a 1-3 loss that's better than 2-7. Prep has an out of state opponent in Bridgeport tomorrow and then Amity next Wednesday. North Haven plays DII Branford on Saturday, then East Haven (Mon) and #8 West Haven (Tues) next week. Assuming they beat Branford, the East Haven game will be key for their state tournament chances as they must win 2 of those 3 games to qualify.
Conard 1 @ Notre Dame-Fairfield 4
-"Why do you build me up, build me up, buttercup, darling, just to let me down?" The Conard Cheiftans are on such a roller coaster ride of a season that it is impossible to tell what will happen in their next three games: #5 Xavier on Wednesday, DIII Hall-Southing (cross-town rival) on Saturday and Tri-Town next Tues and also what they will do in the state tournament! ND-Fairfield can now still make the playoffs by winning out or winning 2 or 3 and tying their other game. Those opponents? Fermi on Thursday, at #3 Hamden on Saturday and #5 Xavier next Wednesday.
#5 Xavier 3 @ St. John's (Shrewsbury, MA) 4
-The Falcons couldn't get it done against a bigger and more physical opponent in St. John's. Last time they lost to St. John's this season they went on to beat New Canaan (basically but not technically) and then Hamden so hopefully this was another good wake-up call after how Xavier has been playing lately. X goes to Veteran's Memorial Rink in West Hartford on Wednesday to take on Conard then down to Bennett Rink for #8 West Haven and finishes out the season next Wednesday at Notre Dame-Fairfield.
Cheshire 1 @ #9 St. Joseph 4
-Great way for the Cadets to start out thier three games in three days to close the season, the last of which is vs #6 Ridgefield this Wednesday @ 9pm. For those interested, I will not be going anymore but I still recommend it!
Tuesday - St. Joseph won again, 5-1 over DII Stamford; the Cadets improve to 16-3.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Girls' Basketball: Conference Tournaments Semifinals Results and Championship RESULTS
Will be updated as scores come in...
SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT CONFERENCE
#2 Hillhouse 51 vs #3 Career 50
#1 Mercy 65 vs #4 Shelton 38
CHAMPIONSHIP:
Tuesday 2/22 at 7pm @ TD Bank Sports Center (Quinnipiac University)
#1 Mercy 43 vs #2 Hillhouse 50 (Also the #1 and #2 teams in the state respectively!!!!!)
CENTRAL CONNECTICUT CONFERENCE
#1 Manchester 63 vs. #4 Hall 57
#7 East Catholic 54 vs. #3 Glastonbury 74
CHAMPIONSHIP:
Wednesday 2/23 at 7pm @ Farmington High School
#1 Manchester 53 vs #3 Glastonbury 67
FAIRFIELD INTERSCHOLASTIC CONFERENCE
Tuesday 2/22 @ The Arena at Harbor Yard
No. 2 Ridgefield 51 vs No. 3 New Canaan 33
No. 1 Trumbull 57 vs No. 5 St. Joseph 46
CHAMPIONSHIP:
Thursday 2/24 at 7pm @ The Arena at Harbor Yard
#1 Trumbull 48 s #2 Ridgefield 38
NAUGATUCK VALLEY LEAGUE
#2 Torrington 72 vs #3 Woodland 48
#1 Holy Cross 45 vs #4 St. Paul 37
CHAMPIONSHIP:
Wednesday 2/23 at 7pm @ Kennedy High School
#1 Holy Cross 65 vs #2 Torrington 48
CONSTITUTION STATE CONFERENCE
Wednesday 2/23 @ New Haven Athletic Center
#3 Putnam vs #7 Cheney Tech, 5 p.m.
#1 Capital Prep vs #5 Kaynor Tech, 6:30 p.m.
CHAMPIONSHIP:
Saturday 2/26 at 4pm @ St. Joesph's College
#1 Capital Prep 49 vs #3 Putnam 22
EASTERN CONNECTICUT CONFERENCE
Wednesday 2/23 @ Norwhich Free Academy
#3 Plainfield vs #2 Windham, 6 p.m.
#1 Bacon Academy vs #5 East Lyme, 7:30 p.m.
CHAMPIONSHIP:
Friday 2/25 at 7pm @ Norwich Free Academy
#1 Bacon Academy 57 vs #2 Windham 46
SHORELINE CONFERENCE
Tuesday 2/22 @ Coginchaug High School
#1 Coginchaug vs #3 Cromwell, 6 p.m.
#2 Portland vs #4 East Hampton, 7:30 p.m.
CHAMPIONSHIP:
Friday 2/25 at 7pm @ Coginchaug High School
#1 Coginchaug 42 vs #2 Portland 41
-Coginchaug's leading scorer on the seasonAudrey Biestak broker her thumb and will miss the state tournament.
NORTH CENTRAL CONNECTICUT CONFERENCE
Wednesday 2/23 @ TBA
#3 Suffield vs #2 Ellington, 5:30 p.m.
#1 Avon vs #4 East Granby, 7 p.m.
CHAMPIONSHIP:
Friday 2/25 at 7pm @ TBA
#2 Ellington 60 vs #4 East Granby 45
SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE
Tuesday 2/22 at Bunnell High School (6 and 8pm)
#1 Lauralton Hall 53 vs #4 Pomperaug 47
#2 Newton vs
CHAMPIONSHIP:
Thursday 2/24 at 7:30pm @ Pomperaug High School
#1 Lauralton Hall 32 vs #2 Newton 41
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE CHAMPIONS AND THE STATE TOURNAMENT IS UP NEXT!
SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT CONFERENCE
#2 Hillhouse 51 vs #3 Career 50
#1 Mercy 65 vs #4 Shelton 38
CHAMPIONSHIP:
Tuesday 2/22 at 7pm @ TD Bank Sports Center (Quinnipiac University)
#1 Mercy 43 vs #2 Hillhouse 50 (Also the #1 and #2 teams in the state respectively!!!!!)
CENTRAL CONNECTICUT CONFERENCE
#1 Manchester 63 vs. #4 Hall 57
#7 East Catholic 54 vs. #3 Glastonbury 74
CHAMPIONSHIP:
Wednesday 2/23 at 7pm @ Farmington High School
#1 Manchester 53 vs #3 Glastonbury 67
FAIRFIELD INTERSCHOLASTIC CONFERENCE
Tuesday 2/22 @ The Arena at Harbor Yard
No. 2 Ridgefield 51 vs No. 3 New Canaan 33
No. 1 Trumbull 57 vs No. 5 St. Joseph 46
CHAMPIONSHIP:
Thursday 2/24 at 7pm @ The Arena at Harbor Yard
#1 Trumbull 48 s #2 Ridgefield 38
NAUGATUCK VALLEY LEAGUE
#2 Torrington 72 vs #3 Woodland 48
#1 Holy Cross 45 vs #4 St. Paul 37
CHAMPIONSHIP:
Wednesday 2/23 at 7pm @ Kennedy High School
#1 Holy Cross 65 vs #2 Torrington 48
CONSTITUTION STATE CONFERENCE
Wednesday 2/23 @ New Haven Athletic Center
#3 Putnam vs #7 Cheney Tech, 5 p.m.
#1 Capital Prep vs #5 Kaynor Tech, 6:30 p.m.
CHAMPIONSHIP:
Saturday 2/26 at 4pm @ St. Joesph's College
#1 Capital Prep 49 vs #3 Putnam 22
EASTERN CONNECTICUT CONFERENCE
Wednesday 2/23 @ Norwhich Free Academy
#3 Plainfield vs #2 Windham, 6 p.m.
#1 Bacon Academy vs #5 East Lyme, 7:30 p.m.
CHAMPIONSHIP:
Friday 2/25 at 7pm @ Norwich Free Academy
#1 Bacon Academy 57 vs #2 Windham 46
SHORELINE CONFERENCE
Tuesday 2/22 @ Coginchaug High School
#1 Coginchaug vs #3 Cromwell, 6 p.m.
#2 Portland vs #4 East Hampton, 7:30 p.m.
CHAMPIONSHIP:
Friday 2/25 at 7pm @ Coginchaug High School
#1 Coginchaug 42 vs #2 Portland 41
-Coginchaug's leading scorer on the seasonAudrey Biestak broker her thumb and will miss the state tournament.
NORTH CENTRAL CONNECTICUT CONFERENCE
Wednesday 2/23 @ TBA
#3 Suffield vs #2 Ellington, 5:30 p.m.
#1 Avon vs #4 East Granby, 7 p.m.
CHAMPIONSHIP:
Friday 2/25 at 7pm @ TBA
#2 Ellington 60 vs #4 East Granby 45
SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE
Tuesday 2/22 at Bunnell High School (6 and 8pm)
#1 Lauralton Hall 53 vs #4 Pomperaug 47
#2 Newton vs
CHAMPIONSHIP:
Thursday 2/24 at 7:30pm @ Pomperaug High School
#1 Lauralton Hall 32 vs #2 Newton 41
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE CHAMPIONS AND THE STATE TOURNAMENT IS UP NEXT!
Girls' Basketball: Conference Tournaments Saturday Results
SHORELINE CONFERENCE
No. 8 Old Lyme 39 vs No. 1 Portland 64
No. 7 Old Saybrook 42 vs No. 2 Coginchaug 59
No. 6 Haddam-Killingworth 34 vs No. 3 Cromwell 65
No. 5 Morgan 28 vs No. 4 East Hampton 30
SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE
No. 4 Pomperaug vs No. 5 Masuk
No. 1 Lauralton Hall 69 vs No. 8 Weston 30
No. 3 Kolbe Cathedral vs No. 6 Brookfield
No. 2 Newtown vs No. 7 Joel Barlow
EASTERN CONNECTICUT CONFERENCE
No. 5 East Lyme 62 vs No. 4 Norwich Free Academy 46
No. 1 Bacon Academy 62 vs No. 9 St. Bernard 20
No. 3 Plainfield 63 vs No. 6 Montville 60
No. 2 Windham 64 vs No. 7 Waterford 46
NAUGATUCK VALLEY CONFERENCE
No. 3 Woodland 54 vs No. 6 Seymour 52
No. 2 Torrington 65 vs No. 7 Ansonia 38
No. 4 Saint Paul 39 vs No. 5 Sacred Heart 35
No. 1 Holy Cross 56 vs No. 8 Watertown 31
NORTH CENTRAL CONNECTICUT CONFERENCE
QUARTERFINALS ON MONDAY:
No. 5 Coventry vs No. 4 East Granby
No. 8 Granby vs No. 1 Avon
No. 6 Canton vs No. 3 Suffield
No. 7 Windsor Locks vs No. 2 Ellington
CONSTITUTION STATE CONFERENCE
#8 Windham Tech 33 vs #1 Capital Prep 63
#7 Cheney Tech 54 vs #2 Platt Tech 42
#6 Prince Tech 30 vs #3 Putnam 37
#5 Kaynot Tech 62 vs #4 Wilcox Tech 46
CENTRAL CONNECTICUT CONFERENCE
#1 Manchester 40 vs #8 Farmington 38
#4 Hall 56 vs #5 Berlin 31
#7 East Catholic 54 vs #2 E.O. Smith 46
#3 Glastonbury 74 vs #6 Bristol Eastern 54
FAIRFIELD INTERSCHOLATIC CONFERENCE
No. 7 Norwalk 37 vs No. 2 Ridgefield 52
No. 8 Darien 41 vs No. 1 Trumbull 54
No. 6 Danbury 46 vs No. 3 New Canaan 51
No. 5 St. Joseph 44 vs No. 4 Trinity Catholic 41
SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT CONFERENCE
No. 8 Old Lyme 39 vs No. 1 Portland 64
No. 7 Old Saybrook 42 vs No. 2 Coginchaug 59
No. 6 Haddam-Killingworth 34 vs No. 3 Cromwell 65
No. 5 Morgan 28 vs No. 4 East Hampton 30
SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE
No. 4 Pomperaug vs No. 5 Masuk
No. 1 Lauralton Hall 69 vs No. 8 Weston 30
No. 3 Kolbe Cathedral vs No. 6 Brookfield
No. 2 Newtown vs No. 7 Joel Barlow
EASTERN CONNECTICUT CONFERENCE
No. 5 East Lyme 62 vs No. 4 Norwich Free Academy 46
No. 1 Bacon Academy 62 vs No. 9 St. Bernard 20
No. 3 Plainfield 63 vs No. 6 Montville 60
No. 2 Windham 64 vs No. 7 Waterford 46
NAUGATUCK VALLEY CONFERENCE
No. 3 Woodland 54 vs No. 6 Seymour 52
No. 2 Torrington 65 vs No. 7 Ansonia 38
No. 4 Saint Paul 39 vs No. 5 Sacred Heart 35
No. 1 Holy Cross 56 vs No. 8 Watertown 31
NORTH CENTRAL CONNECTICUT CONFERENCE
QUARTERFINALS ON MONDAY:
No. 5 Coventry vs No. 4 East Granby
No. 8 Granby vs No. 1 Avon
No. 6 Canton vs No. 3 Suffield
No. 7 Windsor Locks vs No. 2 Ellington
CONSTITUTION STATE CONFERENCE
#8 Windham Tech 33 vs #1 Capital Prep 63
#7 Cheney Tech 54 vs #2 Platt Tech 42
#6 Prince Tech 30 vs #3 Putnam 37
#5 Kaynot Tech 62 vs #4 Wilcox Tech 46
CENTRAL CONNECTICUT CONFERENCE
#1 Manchester 40 vs #8 Farmington 38
#4 Hall 56 vs #5 Berlin 31
#7 East Catholic 54 vs #2 E.O. Smith 46
#3 Glastonbury 74 vs #6 Bristol Eastern 54
FAIRFIELD INTERSCHOLATIC CONFERENCE
No. 7 Norwalk 37 vs No. 2 Ridgefield 52
No. 8 Darien 41 vs No. 1 Trumbull 54
No. 6 Danbury 46 vs No. 3 New Canaan 51
No. 5 St. Joseph 44 vs No. 4 Trinity Catholic 41
SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT CONFERENCE
#1 Mercy 39 vs #8 Cheshire 27
#5 Shelton 59 vs #4 Sacred Heart Academy 57
#2 Hillhouse 72 vs #10 Foran 30
#3 Career 48 vs #6 Wilbur Cross 38
Boys' Hockey: Monday and Tuesday's Top Games (2/21 and 2/22)
Monday - day is full of soemthing like 7 rescheduled games
LaSalle Academy (RI) @ #4 Notre Dame-West Haven @ 12pm
-Would have been an awesome game if they didn't cancel it due to the road conditions. One other game was also postponed due to driving conditions but honestly the roads (91 and 9 at least) seemed fine at around noon. I understand this one though since the other team is coming from RI and would have left a lot earlier in the day...they probably could have got it in but whatever. LaSalle must be bad luck since their game with Hamden got rescheduled then snowed out again so both sides agreed to cancel it.
#10 Glastonbury @ #6 Ridgefield @ 2
-This would be a great game even if it wasn't on an "off" day. Glastonbury can pull off the W here, they are certainly talented enough and it would a good win for them mentally going into the state tournament. Meanwhile, Ridgefield could use another marquee win to add to their resume and to affirm that they are better than the team sitting right below them, Sotuh Windsor, who lost to G-bury early the season and then beat them back in January.
#1 Fairfield Prep @ North Haven @ 6
-Prep needs a really good win coming off their loss to ND-WH but North Haven will be playing desperate hockey as they are trying get enough wins to make the state tournament. North Haven is already talented to start with and this is Prep's first road game in over a month so although I wouldn't expect an upset, you never know.
Conard @ Notre Dame-Fairfield @ 6
-This game means a lot more for Conard as a win will get them some more points for seeding in the tournament and it would also help them get some serious momentum for when #5 Xavier comes to West Hartford for them on Wednesday. A loss for ND would officially eliminate them from making the state tournament.
#5 Xavier vs St. Johns (Shrewsbury, MA) @ 730 @ Holy Cross College
-Much like the LaSalle game, this out of state opponent not only represents very good competition to get ready for CT teams but a win also means 9 points for seeding in the state tournament. Xavier lost 3-6 to St John's at Wesleyan back on 1/6 but this game is pivotal for them to get back in a rhythm as they have Conard on Wednesday and West Haven on Saturday too.
Cheshire @ #9 St. Jospeh @ 830
-The Cheshire Rams tied Conard 1-1, lost 1-3 to North Haven and lost 2-6 to Amity in their three DI games this year. They are a serious contender for the DII title this year and should be good competition for St. Joseph in the Cadets first of three games in three days to close out the season. IF you're looking for something to do tonight, stop in at the Shelton Rinks.
Tuesday - 1 and only game, St. Joseph at Stamford, is also a make-up but should be an easy win for St. Joseph
Have a good President's Day everyone!
LaSalle Academy (RI) @ #4 Notre Dame-West Haven @ 12pm
-Would have been an awesome game if they didn't cancel it due to the road conditions. One other game was also postponed due to driving conditions but honestly the roads (91 and 9 at least) seemed fine at around noon. I understand this one though since the other team is coming from RI and would have left a lot earlier in the day...they probably could have got it in but whatever. LaSalle must be bad luck since their game with Hamden got rescheduled then snowed out again so both sides agreed to cancel it.
#10 Glastonbury @ #6 Ridgefield @ 2
-This would be a great game even if it wasn't on an "off" day. Glastonbury can pull off the W here, they are certainly talented enough and it would a good win for them mentally going into the state tournament. Meanwhile, Ridgefield could use another marquee win to add to their resume and to affirm that they are better than the team sitting right below them, Sotuh Windsor, who lost to G-bury early the season and then beat them back in January.
#1 Fairfield Prep @ North Haven @ 6
-Prep needs a really good win coming off their loss to ND-WH but North Haven will be playing desperate hockey as they are trying get enough wins to make the state tournament. North Haven is already talented to start with and this is Prep's first road game in over a month so although I wouldn't expect an upset, you never know.
Conard @ Notre Dame-Fairfield @ 6
-This game means a lot more for Conard as a win will get them some more points for seeding in the tournament and it would also help them get some serious momentum for when #5 Xavier comes to West Hartford for them on Wednesday. A loss for ND would officially eliminate them from making the state tournament.
#5 Xavier vs St. Johns (Shrewsbury, MA) @ 730 @ Holy Cross College
-Much like the LaSalle game, this out of state opponent not only represents very good competition to get ready for CT teams but a win also means 9 points for seeding in the state tournament. Xavier lost 3-6 to St John's at Wesleyan back on 1/6 but this game is pivotal for them to get back in a rhythm as they have Conard on Wednesday and West Haven on Saturday too.
Cheshire @ #9 St. Jospeh @ 830
-The Cheshire Rams tied Conard 1-1, lost 1-3 to North Haven and lost 2-6 to Amity in their three DI games this year. They are a serious contender for the DII title this year and should be good competition for St. Joseph in the Cadets first of three games in three days to close out the season. IF you're looking for something to do tonight, stop in at the Shelton Rinks.
Tuesday - 1 and only game, St. Joseph at Stamford, is also a make-up but should be an easy win for St. Joseph
Have a good President's Day everyone!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Wrestling: Class Championships Results
CLASS S
1-Griswold 175
2-Old Saybrook/Westbrook 167
3-Nonnewaug 152.5
103-Dylan Martel (Griswold) def. Nate Fair (Haddam-Killingworth) 6-3
112-Josh Hoxie (Gilbert) def. James Hicks (Classical/Capital Prep) pin 1:53
119-Dom Ghi (Housatonic) def. Dustin Falco (Griswold) 6-2
125-Tyler Tilbe (Nonnewaug) def. Matt White (Canton) 10-0
130-Nate Getler (Canton) def. Austin Hodges (Nonnewaug) pin 2:33
135-Brandon Walsh (Griswold) def. Michael Avena (Old Saybrook/Westbrook) 14-0
140-Dalton Ahern (Old Saybrook/Westbrook) def. Seth Miller (East Windsor) 5-1
145-Scott Lamarre (Terryville) def. Zachary Cooke (Killingly) pin 1:34
152-Alan Sanford (Thomaston) def. Brandon Mcneil (Griswold) 5-2
160-Dillon Carter (Hale Ray) def. Stephen German (Coventry) 3-1
171-Dane Pallotto (Old Saybrook/Westbrook) def. Aaron Wing (Griswold) 7-3
189-Mark Dilley (Thomaston) def. Carmine Magnoli (Weston) pin 0:29
215-Kenneth Vollaro (Somers) def. Joseph Carbonaro (Oxford) pin 2:44
285-Justin Waltzer (Immaculate) def. Tim Zeitler (Northwestern) pin 1:38
CLASS M
-Bacon Academy wins for the second year in a row and got a lot of help from other teams doing well since Ledyard had two individual champions and three second place finishes but only came in second overall. Windham, who finished third overall, had FOUR individual champions but no second place finishes. Congratulations to the Bacon Academy Bobcats!
1-Bacon Academy 229
2-Ledyard 216.5
3-Windham 180.5
103-Mike Ruffino (Windham) def. Ethan Greider (Berlin) 4-3
112-Matt Jones (Ledyard) def. Carl Luth (Foran) 8-3
119-Taylor Grauer (Windham) def. Kevin Murat (Stratford) 3-0
125-Nick Dodge (Bacon Academy) def. Colin O'brien (Waterford) 7-3
130-Miguel Calixto (Windham) def. Sean Mcallister (Bacon Academy) 11-1
135-Forest Dolby (Cheney Tech) def. Mike Delvalle (Brookfield) 7-0
140-Jake Alderman (Lyman Memorial/Windham Tech) def. Jack Mckeever (Brookfield) 5-4
145-Dean Gilbert (Ledyard) def. Matthew Tanner (Plainville) 4-2
152-Mikey Amorando (New Fairfield) def. Brendan Sullivan (Ledyard) pin 3:05
160-Devin Covone (Bacon Academy) def. Alex Manwaring (Ledyard) 6-2
171-Mike Fiorillo (Berlin) def. Dakota Kelly (Ledyard) 9-3
189-Brandon Koch (Windham) def. Jakob Pietrowicz (Plainville) pin 2:27
215-Mason Powers (Berlin) def. Ted Kostopoulos (Jonathan Law) 3-2
285-Chris Valenti (Bethel) def. Dylan Kniska (Bacon Academy) pin 4:32
CLASS L
-Tough overall loss by 1.5 points for Hand as they had three individual winners and a second place finish. Fairfield Warde had a winner and four second place finishes but came in fourth as a team (175). New Milfrod had two individual winners, two second place finishes and two third place finishes (Hand and Bristol Eastern also had two third place finishes each). New Milford used a whole team effort, everybody just doing their best, to take home the title.
1-New Milford 216
2-Daniel Hand 214.5
3-Bristol Eastern 191
103-Conor Kirkegard (New Milford) def. William Crisco (Daniel Hand) 6-2
112-Andrew Chase (Bristol Eastern) def. Alex Thalassinos (New Milford) 7-5
119-Chris Catanzaro (RHAM) def. Josh Dess (Bristol Eastern) 3-1
125-Nick Amorando (New Milford) def. Pharoah Eaton (Fairfield Warde) pin 2:39
130-Edward Carroll (Daniel Hand) def. Evan Fraser (Fairfield Warde) pin 5:39
135-Jake Savoca (Daniel Hand) def. James Neamontis (Fairfield Warde) 9-1
140-Lars Remole (Darien) def. Kyle Schilling (RHAM) 7-6
145-Brian Khzouz (New Canaan) def. Anthony Terlizzi (New Milford) 11-8
152-Timothy Proctor (Guilford) def. Chris Chorzepa (Newington) 12-11
160-Mike Sullivan (Fairfield Warde) def. Ryan Pearson (Avon) pin 1:17
171-Devon Carillo (Middletown) def. Alex Delaney (Fairfield Warde) 8-1
189-Brandon Riggins (Norwalk) def. Dave St.Onge (Avon) 16-3
215-Dean Tsopanides (Torrington) def. Erick Tucker (Masuk) pin 4:42
285-Joseph Demichelle (Daniel Hand) def. D.J. Sanderson (Bristol Central) 8-3
CLASS LL
-Three first place finishes, three third places finishes, a fourth, a fifth and a sixth is how Xavier won their first ever state championship in wrestling and beat Danbury (a 1st, 3rd, 4th, four 5ths and two 6ths), the team that has won the Class LL meet every year since 1996 (literally a lifetime for some of these kids). South Windsor had a very nice showing as well with two first place winners and three second place winners but besides that only a sixth place finish; if they could put up some more even decent wrestlers this may have been their championship. Nonetheless, congratulations to the Xavier Falcons and Coach Mike Cunningham (Tyler is his son and one assistant coach is his father)!
1-Xavier 200
2-Danbury 181
3-South Windsor 158
103-Will Chowanek (Xavier) def. Pascal Medor (Westhill) 9-3
112-Tyler Keane (Glastonbury) def. Geovanni Medina (New Britian) 11-3
119-Dylan Bryant (Danbury) def. Sam Odell (South Windsor) 8-0
125-Ben Pierre Saint (Stamford) def. Brandon Lopez (South Windsor) 7-3
130-Tyler Bishop (Amity) def. Chris Chaparro (Westhill) 10-2
135-Benjamin Anderson (Trumbull) def. Scott Tomlinson (Cheshire) 9-5
140-Johnny Bello (Conard) def. Casey Mitchell (South Windsor) 3-1
145-Tyler Cunningham (Xavier) def. Lucas Muntz (Conard) 6-5
152-Jake Odell (South Windsor) def. Nick Cipriano (NFA) 2-0
160-Elliot Antler (Xavier) def. Ramiro Dasilvia (Platt Tech/West Haven) 6-0
171-Travis Tiger (Ridgefield) def. Nicholas Puchalsky (Glastonbury) 8-3
189-Ben Ceci (Greenwich) def. Duncan Cozens (Ridgefield) 3-1
215-Patrick Gillen (Shelton) def. Chris Giunta (Staples) pin 1:02
285-Paul Sullivan (South Windsor) def. Julian Gendels (Staples) 5-0
STATE OPEN
-From each class, the top four finishers in each weight class advance to the State Open.
New Haven Athletic Center
Friday 2/25 5pm start
Saturday 2/26 1030am start
Complete seeding: http://www.casciac.org/wrest11o.shtml
1-Griswold 175
2-Old Saybrook/Westbrook 167
3-Nonnewaug 152.5
103-Dylan Martel (Griswold) def. Nate Fair (Haddam-Killingworth) 6-3
112-Josh Hoxie (Gilbert) def. James Hicks (Classical/Capital Prep) pin 1:53
119-Dom Ghi (Housatonic) def. Dustin Falco (Griswold) 6-2
125-Tyler Tilbe (Nonnewaug) def. Matt White (Canton) 10-0
130-Nate Getler (Canton) def. Austin Hodges (Nonnewaug) pin 2:33
135-Brandon Walsh (Griswold) def. Michael Avena (Old Saybrook/Westbrook) 14-0
140-Dalton Ahern (Old Saybrook/Westbrook) def. Seth Miller (East Windsor) 5-1
145-Scott Lamarre (Terryville) def. Zachary Cooke (Killingly) pin 1:34
152-Alan Sanford (Thomaston) def. Brandon Mcneil (Griswold) 5-2
160-Dillon Carter (Hale Ray) def. Stephen German (Coventry) 3-1
171-Dane Pallotto (Old Saybrook/Westbrook) def. Aaron Wing (Griswold) 7-3
189-Mark Dilley (Thomaston) def. Carmine Magnoli (Weston) pin 0:29
215-Kenneth Vollaro (Somers) def. Joseph Carbonaro (Oxford) pin 2:44
285-Justin Waltzer (Immaculate) def. Tim Zeitler (Northwestern) pin 1:38
CLASS M
-Bacon Academy wins for the second year in a row and got a lot of help from other teams doing well since Ledyard had two individual champions and three second place finishes but only came in second overall. Windham, who finished third overall, had FOUR individual champions but no second place finishes. Congratulations to the Bacon Academy Bobcats!
1-Bacon Academy 229
2-Ledyard 216.5
3-Windham 180.5
103-Mike Ruffino (Windham) def. Ethan Greider (Berlin) 4-3
112-Matt Jones (Ledyard) def. Carl Luth (Foran) 8-3
119-Taylor Grauer (Windham) def. Kevin Murat (Stratford) 3-0
125-Nick Dodge (Bacon Academy) def. Colin O'brien (Waterford) 7-3
130-Miguel Calixto (Windham) def. Sean Mcallister (Bacon Academy) 11-1
135-Forest Dolby (Cheney Tech) def. Mike Delvalle (Brookfield) 7-0
140-Jake Alderman (Lyman Memorial/Windham Tech) def. Jack Mckeever (Brookfield) 5-4
145-Dean Gilbert (Ledyard) def. Matthew Tanner (Plainville) 4-2
152-Mikey Amorando (New Fairfield) def. Brendan Sullivan (Ledyard) pin 3:05
160-Devin Covone (Bacon Academy) def. Alex Manwaring (Ledyard) 6-2
171-Mike Fiorillo (Berlin) def. Dakota Kelly (Ledyard) 9-3
189-Brandon Koch (Windham) def. Jakob Pietrowicz (Plainville) pin 2:27
215-Mason Powers (Berlin) def. Ted Kostopoulos (Jonathan Law) 3-2
285-Chris Valenti (Bethel) def. Dylan Kniska (Bacon Academy) pin 4:32
CLASS L
-Tough overall loss by 1.5 points for Hand as they had three individual winners and a second place finish. Fairfield Warde had a winner and four second place finishes but came in fourth as a team (175). New Milfrod had two individual winners, two second place finishes and two third place finishes (Hand and Bristol Eastern also had two third place finishes each). New Milford used a whole team effort, everybody just doing their best, to take home the title.
1-New Milford 216
2-Daniel Hand 214.5
3-Bristol Eastern 191
103-Conor Kirkegard (New Milford) def. William Crisco (Daniel Hand) 6-2
112-Andrew Chase (Bristol Eastern) def. Alex Thalassinos (New Milford) 7-5
119-Chris Catanzaro (RHAM) def. Josh Dess (Bristol Eastern) 3-1
125-Nick Amorando (New Milford) def. Pharoah Eaton (Fairfield Warde) pin 2:39
130-Edward Carroll (Daniel Hand) def. Evan Fraser (Fairfield Warde) pin 5:39
135-Jake Savoca (Daniel Hand) def. James Neamontis (Fairfield Warde) 9-1
140-Lars Remole (Darien) def. Kyle Schilling (RHAM) 7-6
145-Brian Khzouz (New Canaan) def. Anthony Terlizzi (New Milford) 11-8
152-Timothy Proctor (Guilford) def. Chris Chorzepa (Newington) 12-11
160-Mike Sullivan (Fairfield Warde) def. Ryan Pearson (Avon) pin 1:17
171-Devon Carillo (Middletown) def. Alex Delaney (Fairfield Warde) 8-1
189-Brandon Riggins (Norwalk) def. Dave St.Onge (Avon) 16-3
215-Dean Tsopanides (Torrington) def. Erick Tucker (Masuk) pin 4:42
285-Joseph Demichelle (Daniel Hand) def. D.J. Sanderson (Bristol Central) 8-3
CLASS LL
-Three first place finishes, three third places finishes, a fourth, a fifth and a sixth is how Xavier won their first ever state championship in wrestling and beat Danbury (a 1st, 3rd, 4th, four 5ths and two 6ths), the team that has won the Class LL meet every year since 1996 (literally a lifetime for some of these kids). South Windsor had a very nice showing as well with two first place winners and three second place winners but besides that only a sixth place finish; if they could put up some more even decent wrestlers this may have been their championship. Nonetheless, congratulations to the Xavier Falcons and Coach Mike Cunningham (Tyler is his son and one assistant coach is his father)!
1-Xavier 200
2-Danbury 181
3-South Windsor 158
103-Will Chowanek (Xavier) def. Pascal Medor (Westhill) 9-3
112-Tyler Keane (Glastonbury) def. Geovanni Medina (New Britian) 11-3
119-Dylan Bryant (Danbury) def. Sam Odell (South Windsor) 8-0
125-Ben Pierre Saint (Stamford) def. Brandon Lopez (South Windsor) 7-3
130-Tyler Bishop (Amity) def. Chris Chaparro (Westhill) 10-2
135-Benjamin Anderson (Trumbull) def. Scott Tomlinson (Cheshire) 9-5
140-Johnny Bello (Conard) def. Casey Mitchell (South Windsor) 3-1
145-Tyler Cunningham (Xavier) def. Lucas Muntz (Conard) 6-5
152-Jake Odell (South Windsor) def. Nick Cipriano (NFA) 2-0
160-Elliot Antler (Xavier) def. Ramiro Dasilvia (Platt Tech/West Haven) 6-0
171-Travis Tiger (Ridgefield) def. Nicholas Puchalsky (Glastonbury) 8-3
189-Ben Ceci (Greenwich) def. Duncan Cozens (Ridgefield) 3-1
215-Patrick Gillen (Shelton) def. Chris Giunta (Staples) pin 1:02
285-Paul Sullivan (South Windsor) def. Julian Gendels (Staples) 5-0
STATE OPEN
-From each class, the top four finishers in each weight class advance to the State Open.
New Haven Athletic Center
Friday 2/25 5pm start
Saturday 2/26 1030am start
Complete seeding: http://www.casciac.org/wrest11o.shtml
Boys' Hockey: Rankings (2/20)
What the other pollsters/voters/rankings don't seem to realize is that the more you drop WH, the less you can raise ND-WH because WH beat them. Also, they all seem to ignore that Xavier's win over Hamden should give them any credit in terms of remaining ahead of ND-WH, a team they only lost to by one goal, at the infamous Bennett Rink.
#1 Fairfield Prep (14-3) - 1 out of state loss / 4 out of state wins
-I thought long and hard about this one but at the end of the day the Jesuits are still the best team in the state. When you have to play South Windsor, ND-Fairfield, 3 top out of state prep schools, ND-WH, Hamden, East Haven, West Haven, a top 5 prep school in NJ, Hamden again, another prep school, ND-F again, Xavier, Ridgefield and then ND-WH and every one of these Top Ten teams is fresh as ever (except maybe Hamden because of their schedule as well)...then you'll be in the same ball park, New Canaan. So a 2-3 loss after all that, to a team with an all-state goalie, that plays big and physical (I heard the refs let a lottttttt go), and that is playing with a ginormous chip on their shoulder having lost to ND-Fairfield recently is extremely understandable. You're still the team to beat, it just means that you CAN be beat now. That may be a good sign for teams when they see that they'll be facing Prep in states but Prep looks like they'll be going in hot with games remaining against North Haven, Catholic Memorial out of MA (Massachusetts teams are always a great way to prepare for CT hockey) and Amity.
#2 New Canaan (19-0)
-Might as well call it 20-0...nice job Rams! I like NC a lot more after thinking a lot this last week because the fact that they beat Hamden without their two best forwards and that they really don't have any high-profile players like a John Galiani/Greg Harney in goal, a Steve Marsico/Sam Scannell at forward or an RJ Ugolik/Nick Turner at defense. However, people around the state are going to start learning more than just Charlie Corcoran on the Rams as this team will get seeded nicely and go deep in the tournament. The only way NC gets the number one spot in my rankings is with a Prep loss but 20-0 is still an amazing regular season and they are for sure one of my favorites to win it all.
#3 Hamden (10-5-1) - 2 out of state losses
-A 4-3 win over East Haven on Wednesday and then a huge 7-0 win over West Haven on Saturday mean a very good week for Hamden. This team is, as the cliche goes, firing on all cylinders right now and all they have left is Winchester (a school from MA) and the Notre Dames left, with ND-WH being their season finale on Wed 3/2 so if they stay hot over the next two weeks and beyond the defending champs will be extremely dangerous in the tournament, as if teams weren't already worried about the Green Dragons.
#4 Notre Dame-West Haven (11-5)
-The win over Prep, by itself, balances the ND-Fairfield and WH losses for ND-WH so the rise in the rankings isn't entirely based on that. It's when you move back a little bit and look at what the win means in relation to everything else around it that you can move ND-WH ahead of Xavier. ND-WH beat X but X beat Hamden and Hamden beat ND-WH so all those really offset (Xavier really benefits the most since their game with ND-WH was closer than Hamden was to them) but ND-WH has a win over WH and ND-F previously before, not to mention Glastonbury and only a 2-3 OT loss to Prep from the time before while Xavier's only big wins are Hamden and Ridgefield. At this point, ND-WH has shown they can beat the best teams so, along with the way Xavier has been playing lately, ND gets the four spot and Xavier only falls to five. ND-WH can keep looking good (or slip up if they're not careful) this week, after their nominal final home game of the season against LaSalle Academy from RI on Monday, they go to East Haven Thursday and to Amity (ND's home ice as well) on Saturday. They finish the season on Wed 3/2 at Lou Astorino Rink, which I think will be a wicked game although the possibility exists that the teams are going to go easy since they've already made states; hopefully they use it as a final test though to show what they're made of since if the match-up comes up again it will be loser go home instead of a L that means almost nothing on the second-to-last day of the season.
# 5 Xavier (11-5) - 2 out of state losses / 1 out of state win
-The Falcons drop one spot for now but if and when X beats WH they will probably go right back above ND-WH. I think ND caught Prep at about 65-75% of their normal self (which is still pretty dang good) and that X's offense would score enough for a W if they met ND-WH again. That being said, Xavier needs to go out an execute on a consistent basis and their remaining schedule presents itself nicely for them to do that: St. John's in MA on Monday (see note above Prep, these big hard-nosed MA teams are great preparation for CT teams), then Conard on Wednesday which won't allow X to let up at all, #8 West Haven Saturday and then ND-Fairfield the following Wednesday 3/2. All of those are road games which, although X may pick up home ice for the first round, makes good practice for any team going into states.
#6 Ridgefield (14-4) - 2 out of state wins
-The Tigers joined the club of having lost to Prep, 3-5 this past Wed, but they did get a nice 8-1 win over DII Westhill on Sat. 8-1 is what you want to do against a lesser team when they're all you have the schedule for the week; it shows that you deserve to be in the Top Ten like you are, without leaving any doubt to that fact. Ridgefield ends the season with two quality games: vs #10 G-bury Mon and @ #9 St. Joseph Wed in what is sure to be an awesome game!
#7 South Windsor (15-3) - 2 out of state wins
-I tried to get out and see them on Saturday evening but I simply had too much to do. Nonetheless, they are quite good this year and will make some serious noise in states...by the way, with the points they're projected to finish with, they'll be a pretty high seed so that will help them even more. The Bobcats beat North Haven and ND-Fairfield this past week, like their SCC counter-parts already did, so that was good. SW will finish their season next week with DII Enfield on Monday and Senior Night on Saturday against Tri-Town (both are home games at the South Windsor Arena).
#8 West Haven (8-5-2)
-Why the switch with S Windsor? SW's wins put them on the same level as WH and since SW won the head-to-head between the two, it's pretty simple. Plus, the Blue Devils only had one game last week and they got slaughtered by Hamden 0-7 so they had nothing to help their case. WH plays Milford Co-op on Monday, Tri-Town on Wed and then #5 Xavier on Saturday so if they win the last two that will help them. The Milford win, along with games against North Haven and Simsbury on Mon 3/1 and Tues 3/2 respectively are just for WH to pick up some points for seeding in the state tournament (although it looks they still may end up in the bottom 8, unless they beat X).
#9 St. Joseph (14-3) - 3 out of state wins
-St. Joseph did what they needed to this past week with wins 4-2 over Amity, 3-0 over Darien, and 5-3 over Greenwich. Those 3 out of state wins back in Decemeber help the Cadet's seeding in states so much since they count like a win over a DI CT team that is making states (6 points + 3 bonus points), regardless of whether or not the out of state team is really that good. They will almost certainly have home ice in the first round but I don't think their opponent will be anyone they can simply overlook. St. Joseph has a busy week next week with DII title contender Cheshire on Monday and then at DII Stamford on Tuesday. Also, I'm excited for the #6 Ridgefield @ #9 St. Joseph game on Wednesday night (9pm) and if I can free up enough time, I will make the trek out to the Shelton Rinks for that one; you should too!
#10 Glastonbury (12-4-1)
-Who else could you put at the 10 spot? Amity and Darien are good but have some really bad losses. G-bury has a lot of talent and it's just that they haven't had many chances to get the big wins so do not underestimate them at all; 10th best in the state is still pretty darn good! They will get an extremely important shot coming up on Monday too as they travel out to the Winter Garden Ice Arena to take on #6 Ridgefield at 2pm. They finish the rest of their regular season next week with Simsbury at home on Wednesday and a trip to Enfield Twin Rinks for both teams' season finale at Fermi on Saturday.
This upcoming week will be school vacation for the rest of the schools that didn't have it this past week and that is a lot schools, many of which are in the Top Ten. Hopefully that doesn't affect them at all or if it does it has a positive effect as the players get more sleep and are under less stress (which yes, is also a bad thing sometimes but hopefully the parents, coaches and players THEMSELVES have good self-discipline). Coaching will very key this next week!
PLAYOFFS HOME ICE NOTE: I can't confirm this is 100% true yet but I was at the Yale @ Quinnipiac game on Friday 2/18 and from reputable sources I have heard that since Yale, #3 in the nation right now, is doing so well this year, they will have home ice in the playoffs, both ECAC and NCAA; therefore, Ingalls Rink will only be used for the state tournament finals, not semifinals as well like in years past. The major impact from this too is that the semifinals will then either be at some other neutral site or, to make getting ice time easier, the CIAC can simply have them be at the higher seed. Home ice may prove to be very crucial this year, especially with the number of teams that play with so much emotion and feed off their own crowd (not to mention the general parity amongst the competition so every little advantage one can get is actually a big deal)!
#1 Fairfield Prep (14-3) - 1 out of state loss / 4 out of state wins
-I thought long and hard about this one but at the end of the day the Jesuits are still the best team in the state. When you have to play South Windsor, ND-Fairfield, 3 top out of state prep schools, ND-WH, Hamden, East Haven, West Haven, a top 5 prep school in NJ, Hamden again, another prep school, ND-F again, Xavier, Ridgefield and then ND-WH and every one of these Top Ten teams is fresh as ever (except maybe Hamden because of their schedule as well)...then you'll be in the same ball park, New Canaan. So a 2-3 loss after all that, to a team with an all-state goalie, that plays big and physical (I heard the refs let a lottttttt go), and that is playing with a ginormous chip on their shoulder having lost to ND-Fairfield recently is extremely understandable. You're still the team to beat, it just means that you CAN be beat now. That may be a good sign for teams when they see that they'll be facing Prep in states but Prep looks like they'll be going in hot with games remaining against North Haven, Catholic Memorial out of MA (Massachusetts teams are always a great way to prepare for CT hockey) and Amity.
#2 New Canaan (19-0)
-Might as well call it 20-0...nice job Rams! I like NC a lot more after thinking a lot this last week because the fact that they beat Hamden without their two best forwards and that they really don't have any high-profile players like a John Galiani/Greg Harney in goal, a Steve Marsico/Sam Scannell at forward or an RJ Ugolik/Nick Turner at defense. However, people around the state are going to start learning more than just Charlie Corcoran on the Rams as this team will get seeded nicely and go deep in the tournament. The only way NC gets the number one spot in my rankings is with a Prep loss but 20-0 is still an amazing regular season and they are for sure one of my favorites to win it all.
#3 Hamden (10-5-1) - 2 out of state losses
-A 4-3 win over East Haven on Wednesday and then a huge 7-0 win over West Haven on Saturday mean a very good week for Hamden. This team is, as the cliche goes, firing on all cylinders right now and all they have left is Winchester (a school from MA) and the Notre Dames left, with ND-WH being their season finale on Wed 3/2 so if they stay hot over the next two weeks and beyond the defending champs will be extremely dangerous in the tournament, as if teams weren't already worried about the Green Dragons.
#4 Notre Dame-West Haven (11-5)
-The win over Prep, by itself, balances the ND-Fairfield and WH losses for ND-WH so the rise in the rankings isn't entirely based on that. It's when you move back a little bit and look at what the win means in relation to everything else around it that you can move ND-WH ahead of Xavier. ND-WH beat X but X beat Hamden and Hamden beat ND-WH so all those really offset (Xavier really benefits the most since their game with ND-WH was closer than Hamden was to them) but ND-WH has a win over WH and ND-F previously before, not to mention Glastonbury and only a 2-3 OT loss to Prep from the time before while Xavier's only big wins are Hamden and Ridgefield. At this point, ND-WH has shown they can beat the best teams so, along with the way Xavier has been playing lately, ND gets the four spot and Xavier only falls to five. ND-WH can keep looking good (or slip up if they're not careful) this week, after their nominal final home game of the season against LaSalle Academy from RI on Monday, they go to East Haven Thursday and to Amity (ND's home ice as well) on Saturday. They finish the season on Wed 3/2 at Lou Astorino Rink, which I think will be a wicked game although the possibility exists that the teams are going to go easy since they've already made states; hopefully they use it as a final test though to show what they're made of since if the match-up comes up again it will be loser go home instead of a L that means almost nothing on the second-to-last day of the season.
# 5 Xavier (11-5) - 2 out of state losses / 1 out of state win
-The Falcons drop one spot for now but if and when X beats WH they will probably go right back above ND-WH. I think ND caught Prep at about 65-75% of their normal self (which is still pretty dang good) and that X's offense would score enough for a W if they met ND-WH again. That being said, Xavier needs to go out an execute on a consistent basis and their remaining schedule presents itself nicely for them to do that: St. John's in MA on Monday (see note above Prep, these big hard-nosed MA teams are great preparation for CT teams), then Conard on Wednesday which won't allow X to let up at all, #8 West Haven Saturday and then ND-Fairfield the following Wednesday 3/2. All of those are road games which, although X may pick up home ice for the first round, makes good practice for any team going into states.
#6 Ridgefield (14-4) - 2 out of state wins
-The Tigers joined the club of having lost to Prep, 3-5 this past Wed, but they did get a nice 8-1 win over DII Westhill on Sat. 8-1 is what you want to do against a lesser team when they're all you have the schedule for the week; it shows that you deserve to be in the Top Ten like you are, without leaving any doubt to that fact. Ridgefield ends the season with two quality games: vs #10 G-bury Mon and @ #9 St. Joseph Wed in what is sure to be an awesome game!
#7 South Windsor (15-3) - 2 out of state wins
-I tried to get out and see them on Saturday evening but I simply had too much to do. Nonetheless, they are quite good this year and will make some serious noise in states...by the way, with the points they're projected to finish with, they'll be a pretty high seed so that will help them even more. The Bobcats beat North Haven and ND-Fairfield this past week, like their SCC counter-parts already did, so that was good. SW will finish their season next week with DII Enfield on Monday and Senior Night on Saturday against Tri-Town (both are home games at the South Windsor Arena).
#8 West Haven (8-5-2)
-Why the switch with S Windsor? SW's wins put them on the same level as WH and since SW won the head-to-head between the two, it's pretty simple. Plus, the Blue Devils only had one game last week and they got slaughtered by Hamden 0-7 so they had nothing to help their case. WH plays Milford Co-op on Monday, Tri-Town on Wed and then #5 Xavier on Saturday so if they win the last two that will help them. The Milford win, along with games against North Haven and Simsbury on Mon 3/1 and Tues 3/2 respectively are just for WH to pick up some points for seeding in the state tournament (although it looks they still may end up in the bottom 8, unless they beat X).
#9 St. Joseph (14-3) - 3 out of state wins
-St. Joseph did what they needed to this past week with wins 4-2 over Amity, 3-0 over Darien, and 5-3 over Greenwich. Those 3 out of state wins back in Decemeber help the Cadet's seeding in states so much since they count like a win over a DI CT team that is making states (6 points + 3 bonus points), regardless of whether or not the out of state team is really that good. They will almost certainly have home ice in the first round but I don't think their opponent will be anyone they can simply overlook. St. Joseph has a busy week next week with DII title contender Cheshire on Monday and then at DII Stamford on Tuesday. Also, I'm excited for the #6 Ridgefield @ #9 St. Joseph game on Wednesday night (9pm) and if I can free up enough time, I will make the trek out to the Shelton Rinks for that one; you should too!
#10 Glastonbury (12-4-1)
-Who else could you put at the 10 spot? Amity and Darien are good but have some really bad losses. G-bury has a lot of talent and it's just that they haven't had many chances to get the big wins so do not underestimate them at all; 10th best in the state is still pretty darn good! They will get an extremely important shot coming up on Monday too as they travel out to the Winter Garden Ice Arena to take on #6 Ridgefield at 2pm. They finish the rest of their regular season next week with Simsbury at home on Wednesday and a trip to Enfield Twin Rinks for both teams' season finale at Fermi on Saturday.
This upcoming week will be school vacation for the rest of the schools that didn't have it this past week and that is a lot schools, many of which are in the Top Ten. Hopefully that doesn't affect them at all or if it does it has a positive effect as the players get more sleep and are under less stress (which yes, is also a bad thing sometimes but hopefully the parents, coaches and players THEMSELVES have good self-discipline). Coaching will very key this next week!
PLAYOFFS HOME ICE NOTE: I can't confirm this is 100% true yet but I was at the Yale @ Quinnipiac game on Friday 2/18 and from reputable sources I have heard that since Yale, #3 in the nation right now, is doing so well this year, they will have home ice in the playoffs, both ECAC and NCAA; therefore, Ingalls Rink will only be used for the state tournament finals, not semifinals as well like in years past. The major impact from this too is that the semifinals will then either be at some other neutral site or, to make getting ice time easier, the CIAC can simply have them be at the higher seed. Home ice may prove to be very crucial this year, especially with the number of teams that play with so much emotion and feed off their own crowd (not to mention the general parity amongst the competition so every little advantage one can get is actually a big deal)!
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