This past Saturday was a beautiful day for hockey. When we arrived at Bennett Rink in West Haven, the line was already out the door. It was quite the scene.
When you're from Hamden, it is almost in your genes to want to beat Prep. Technically, we should want to beat every team, but when we face off Prep, the game gets put on a pedestal.
Prior to this game, the season series between both teams stood even at 1 game a piece. Some say we stole a victory off a Prep mistake, I say we beat them. In the second game, they beat us. And now, for the final meeting.
The minute we stepped on the ice, I couldn't even hear myself think. Between Fairfield's bomb squad and our own fan section, led by the recharged Matt Degiacomo, the die-hard Nicky Z, and superfan Paulie D, the atmosphere was that of a state final.
Prep scored first off a wrap around, but Jimmy Burt immediately took the puck off the pursuing faceoff and beat Prep goaltender John Gagliani short side to tie the game. The game was the fastest I've experienced it, as both teams were flying up and down the ice.
In the second, Matt Hoff shutout the Jesuits and freshman phenom Michael Lee blasted one by Gagliani on the powerplay to take the lead 2-1. We held on to the lead for the remainder of the period and prepared for the third.
After we killed off a penalty to begin the third, we earned another penalty that we couldn't kill off which resulted in a Prep powerplay goal to tie the game at 2. Just as we were back to full strength, we were put at yet another disadvantage thanks to a five minute misconduct penalty. We were able to almost kill it all off until the final seconds, where they snuck a disheartening one through Hoff's fivehole. 3-2 Prep.
We fought until the end, but Gagliani and his defense didn't break. We tried to pull our goalie on two separate occasions, but they scored on the empty net both times.
Just like that, our season ended. I can honestly say I have zero regrets through my four years as a Dragon. Although it would have been nice to go out with a bang, two out of three titles isn't bad by any means.
The loss was taken differently by every player, but I speak for myself and my teammates in saying what a ride it has been, and I thank them for that. If this is the worst thing that happens to me in the next ten years of my life, I'll be one happy sailor.
Thank you also to my family and coaches who have supported me whatever the occasion may be.
More thanks to our fans, who were at every game. I thank you for that, and I can't imagine playing one period without hearing the mothers scream or the students chant.
Also, thank you to Mr. Morelli and Mr. Nowak of the Register who have made this all possible. I've had a blast.
Best of luck to Prep and the rest of the teams in their quest for a title. It is a beautiful thing when you win, trust me. I usually don't like to post a prediction, but if you asked me who is going to win, I must say New Canaan. Coming this far without a loss while dealing with all they have been through this season, it seems like it is just meant for them to be perfect.
Lastly, I thank you all for reading this week in and week out. The support has been incredible and the numbers are greater than I ever thought they'd be, and I appreciate that more than words can express.
Be well,
R.J. Ugolik
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Wetmore and crew shutout Green Knights 2-0
This past Wednesday evening brought tears of joy to many parents. Senior night was a success, and on behalf of our team I would like to thank our parents and all others involved in the past four years of our hockey careers.
After the joyous senior ceremonies, in which we were able to watch senior goaltender Justin Wetmore skate to the blue line during starting lineups, the puck was dropped and the battle began. We knew that a win would bring us home ice advantage next Wednesday, and to play one more game at the Lou was motivation for the entire squad.
The first period remained a 0-0 tie. We played well but weren't converting, as ND goalie Greg Harney was shutting down anything that came his way. On the other end of the ice, Wetmore saw 5 shots, all of which he stopped. The kid is perfect for his varsity career. In the next few days check MaxPreps, where you will see Wetmore stand atop the goalie leaderboard, with a .000 GAA. Way to go Wet.
In the second, we took a 1-0 lead as sophomore sensation tipped a shot through Harney's fivehole. Speaking of Reilly, he has been clutch as of late. When asked about his recent success, he responded, "It feels great to go from a fourth line grocery stick to WELI player of the game." Billy would also like to thank his "puckbunnies" for all their support.
As for the third period, Hoff remained strong and held on for the shutout, his second of the year. The Knights fought hard, but let up a Paul Amarone empty netter and that sealed the deal. Home ice next round. Smiles all around.
As we gear up for the postseason, we are not sure who we face first. One thing is for sure though. Twice was nice. But what does three feel like?
After the joyous senior ceremonies, in which we were able to watch senior goaltender Justin Wetmore skate to the blue line during starting lineups, the puck was dropped and the battle began. We knew that a win would bring us home ice advantage next Wednesday, and to play one more game at the Lou was motivation for the entire squad.
The first period remained a 0-0 tie. We played well but weren't converting, as ND goalie Greg Harney was shutting down anything that came his way. On the other end of the ice, Wetmore saw 5 shots, all of which he stopped. The kid is perfect for his varsity career. In the next few days check MaxPreps, where you will see Wetmore stand atop the goalie leaderboard, with a .000 GAA. Way to go Wet.
In the second, we took a 1-0 lead as sophomore sensation tipped a shot through Harney's fivehole. Speaking of Reilly, he has been clutch as of late. When asked about his recent success, he responded, "It feels great to go from a fourth line grocery stick to WELI player of the game." Billy would also like to thank his "puckbunnies" for all their support.
As for the third period, Hoff remained strong and held on for the shutout, his second of the year. The Knights fought hard, but let up a Paul Amarone empty netter and that sealed the deal. Home ice next round. Smiles all around.
As we gear up for the postseason, we are not sure who we face first. One thing is for sure though. Twice was nice. But what does three feel like?
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