Dragons Defeat Lancers 4-3 In Dramatic Fashion

I don't know how it happened. I don't know why it happened. I just know that it happened. Thanks to a last minute scoring binge, we defeated the Lancers in the first few minutes of overtime, as three periods weren't enough for this one.

Things didn't start off right, and continued to go in the wrong direction all the way until the five-minute mark of the third period. Thanks to more penalties and a hot Eric Shugrue of ND, we stared a 2-0 deficit in the face, but said no thank you. The new, calm C.J. Carignan beat Shugrue over his blocker to allow a little hope to shine through. The Lancers quickly returned the favor, and Charlie Zuccarini bested Andy Varga upper glove to regain a two-goal advantage. This is when many thought it was over. I looked up in the stands and saw at least half of the crowd begin to file for the exit. With less than a minute left on the clock, Jim Burt quietly snuck one through the ND goalie's five-hole to make it 3-2. The fans were still on their way out. 9 seconds left now. Burt picks up a stretch pass courtesy of a Carignan faceoff win, and just like that every jaw in attendance dropped. The fans were now making their way back to their seats.

During the few minutes we are allowed to catch our breath in between regulation on overtime, I heard one thing. Coach Jerolman simply said, "Now finish it." Nick Amarone did just that. The one they call "Tricky Nicky" received a pass in the slot from Pat Lynch, twirled it onto the sweet spot of his stick as if he were in his driveway, and put the nail in the coffin. Hamden 4, Notre-Dame Fairfield 3.

A positive attitude is always a must. But there comes a point when you look at the clock, down two goals with just seconds left and recognize that something miraculous would have to happen in order to win. I guess as long as you acknowledge that it can still happen, it just might. A mini-miracle was indeed witnessed.

It was a special night for all involved. Before we faced off against Notre-Dame Fairfield, we honored two very special people to the Connecticut hockey community. First, we recognized the late James "Doc" Sorrentino, father of former standout defenseman Steve Sorrentino. He will be truly missed, as he did so much behind the scenes in the Hamden Hockey community. For Doc, we now sport a "JS" on the back of our helmets, and he certainly had our back tonight regardless of your religious beliefs.

Secondly, Garrett Mendez was in attendance. For his fully story, visit www.garrettmendez.com. Garrett suffered a terrible stroke a few Thanksgivings back and lost most of his motor skills. He persisted though, and tonight was able to skate to center ice to drop the ceremonial faceoff. Garrett is an inspiration to all and we wish him the best of luck as he continues to progress.

We continue or season with undefeated New Canaan on Friday, as long as Mother Nature and Coach V are on the same page.