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02/25/2014 11:00 PMAfter a loss to Watertown-Pomperaug on Feb. 8, North Branford ice hockey had lost seven of its past eight games. Something has clicked over the past two weeks, however, and the T-Birds have moved to 8-8 on the year and earned a spot in the Division II State Tournament.
"You can say it was a big relief for the team," said captain Alec Martone. "From the offensive zone to the defensive zone, guys have really been on point. Now being 8-8, our team wants nothing more than to win out for the rest of the season."
The T-Birds' offense has started to click as they beat Trinity Catholic 4-2 and Trumbull 8-3 last week.
"We've been talking about it a little bit more in practice and in meetings," said Head Coach Ralph Shaw. "We wanted to be opportunistic in situations and our scoring opportunities so, overall, the kids did a really good job of buying into that and shooting the puck more."
Against Trumbull, the game was tied 1-1 after the first period with Brendan Appi scoring for the Thunderbirds and North Branford went on a five-goal outburst in the second to take a huge lead.
In the second, Shaw's squad set quality screens in front of Trumbull's netminder as Martone scored twice and Adam Burkle, Matt Chamberlain, and Appi each found the back of the net.
Brian McKee and Jordan Glenn put home power play goals in the third period and freshman goalie Will McEwen made the saves to preserve the win for the Thunderbirds.
"Our offense was moving the puck well and really became aware of what to do at the right time," Martone said. "Guys started to jell and passes were tape to tape and the production was goals."
Coach Shaw added that he's pleased his squad is winning at the right time of the season.
"I was hoping we'd already qualify, but I'm glad we're hot now rather than be hot early in the year and tail off," Shaw said. "If we can keep this train moving along, I'm excited for the team."