Hamden advances, drops West Haven 5-3

Before a front of a packed crowd inside Lou Astorino's house, the first round of the CIAC began for both Hamden and West Haven.

In the first five minutes of the game, Nicky Amarone buried goal number one thanks to linemates Paulie Amarone and Justin MacGregor. West Haven quickly answered back, and during their celebration, rowdy West Haven fans shattered the glass behind the players bench. Play was suspended while MAB Rink Management LLC took control of the situation.

We returned to the ice at the 11 minute mark, and shortly after play resumed the Blue Devils scored another quick goal to take a one goal lead with them heading into the second.

We continued to pressure the West Haven defenseman who had visions of chipping the puck through air almost every shift. All three lines made sure that wouldn't happen, and with great forechecking came three goals. Defenseman Brandon Dadio as well as captain Jimmy Burt had each of themselves a goal, while Nicky added to the total with his second of the night. The score now stood at 4-2, but we knew it was closer than it seemed, as we have witnessed them stage an unthinkable comeback earlier in the season.

The third period saw good back and forth movement, but the score remained the same. With under a minute to go, the Westies won a defensive zone faceoff and caught our defense sleeping as forward Mike Troiano stretched through the middle of the ice and beat goaltender Matt Hoff to bring the game to within one. With one minute remaining, some thought the Westies could pose another last minute threat.

Off the following face off though, Nick Amarone had ideas of his own. Nicky skated through the West Haven defense and buried the empty netter to seal his second hattrick of the season, and more importantly the victory. Withington had 41 saves for another impressive showing, and his counterpart Matt Hoff had 16 making key saves when it mattered.

Props to Paulie D, Big Nicky Z, and all our fans for making it the atmosphere it was for our last game in our home barn. It was truly a thrilling game, and a great way to start the playoffs for us.

After, winger William Reilly remarked how much fun he had, he then added, "I wonder what Ingalls is like." Well Billy, we'll try to get you there.

Saturday we face-off against the Jesuits of Fairfield Prep, and we're preparing for a battle, to say the least.