The Hamden-West Haven rivalry is one of the oldest in the state. Knowing the history behind it all, it's an honor every time we play them. Earlier in the season they fought back hard to a 3-3 tie. Coming into this game, we did not want a repeat of our last meeting.
Within 10 seconds of the puck being dropped, nifty winger Patrick Lynch got things started right as he put one over the paddle of goalie J.P. Withington's stick. Carignan and Burt had helpers on the goal. After a terrific penalty killing display on our part, we were able to keep a 1-0 lead after the first.
Thinking a one goal lead was not enough, Paul Amarone and Timmy Lee added goals of their own, both thanks to their linemate, crafty playmaker Justin MacGregor. Then, after another huge penalty kill, defensemen Brandon Dadio and Mike Lee skated up ice and fed Pat Lynch for a beautiful one-timer, his second of the night. The second period ended 4-0. During the intermission we learned we would be without center Clifford Carignan due to a pulled groin, and Coach made it clear that we could not lay back like we did before.
And thankfully, we did not. After continuous forechecking, Burt caught Withington out of his net, and buried one from the top of the circle to stretch the lead to five. After this, Withington pulled himself. Immediately fellow defender Theodore Kennedy quoted the late Herb Brooks by saying, "You just put the best goalie in the world on the bench, boys." He was referring to the last time we played them when their goaltender played one of the best games we've ever seen.
Jim Burt followed up with another goal making it 6-0. Then Pat Lynch completed the hat trick, and fanatic Paul DiGoia threw his hat in celebration. The game ended 7-0, and Matt Hoff fought until the end to earn his first shutout of the year.
Scoring seven goals was huge in regards to our confidence, and the fact that everyone got a shift was another plus. Hopefully this will carry over to Wednesday as we prepare for Winchester.
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