Friday, February 4, 2011

Hamden Defeats Simsbury 6-2

After yet another long layoff, we traveled to Simsbury late Friday night for only our 10th game of the season.

Coming into this game, we knew Simsbury could pose as a threat. Historically, they have been a strong team, and in recent years they have been as chippy as they come.

We knew we needed another big win to build some momentum for next week, so Pat Lynch wasted no time in starting things off right thanks to Jim Burt to make the score 1-0. Shortly after, we all got to witness a thing of beauty. Hard-nosed fourth liner William Reilly, who once told us he had the best seat in the house as he watched games from the bench, received a pass from line mate James Wilson and "Silly Willy" put home his first varsity goal. Contrary to pre-game statements there was no memorable celebration, as the winger recalls, "I was just in shock. I would have done something crazy, but honestly I couldn't really grasp what just happened." Congrats Bill.

The scoring barrage continued, as Nicky Amarone scored a beauty of a goal with his stick handling ability. It is known that Nick's hands are as soft as a baby's bottom. Clifford Carignan added another on the power play, and just like that we were up four after the first period.

Not so fast. With the second period came the chippiness that we knew was coming. Simsbury caught a fast break and converted, making the score 4-1. Then, on a bit of a power play mishap, Simsbury's forwards did it again, this time being a man down. All of a sudden they were right back in the game.

However, goaltender Andrew Varga made sure that is as far as they got, stopping every shot he faced after the 10:00 minute mark in the second period. We answered with two of our own, one of which was scored by Paul Amarone from an almost unthinkable angle.

The third period brought no goals for either side, but we remained calm in the situations that have previously cost us. The discipline today was noticeably better than past games, even when they were trying to get under our skin.

Another big number for us, six being the most we've put up in a game so far this season. From this game, we head to Prep on Tuesday, Mount Saint Charles comes on Wednesday, New Canaan comes on Friday, and finally South Windsor on Saturday. This NHL type schedule will show us and everyone else what we're really made of. Let's hope it's a good thing.

On a side note, I would like to wish my grandfather the healthiest of recoveries, as he has been in and out of the hospital for the past few weeks. You have been missed at the rink Poppy, can't wait to have you back.

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