Printer Friendly Version - North Branford Boys' Hockey Makes Late Run into States

Senior Brendan Stoner found the back of the net two times when the North Branford boys’ ice hockey team posted a 5-2 win over Staples on Feb. 18. Later in the week, the T-Birds blanked Masuk by a 4-0 final to qualify for the Division II State Tournament. Photo by Kelley Fryer/The Sound

The North Branford boys’ ice hockey squad caught fire at the right time by winning four straight games to make the Division II State Tournament at the tail end of the regular season. The T-Birds have a record of 8-10-1 entering their regular season finale against Conard. The team will play a first-round game in the Division II State Tournament on Monday, March 4.

The Thunderbirds hit the road and defeated Staples by a 5-2 score at Milford Ice Pavilion on Feb. 18. Seniors Sean McKee and Brendan Stoner both scored a pair of goals, while junior Joe Carbone also had a goal for North Branford. McKee, Stoner, senior Nick Mancini, junior Nick Vecchio, and senior Erich Fruin each contributed one assist in the victory. Sophomore goalie Tyler DiNapoli made 27 saves to get the win in net.

On Feb. 22, North Branford claimed another road win by defeating Farmington Valley 2-1 at Avon Old Farms. All three goals of the game were scored in the second period. Stoner and Vecchio netted the T-Birds’ goals, and McKee added an assist. DiNapoli played an outstanding game in goal by making 44 saves to preserve the win.

The very next night, North Branford hosted Masuk and clinched its playoff berth by posting a 4-0 shutout at Northford Ice Pavilion. Senior goaltender Jake Montanaro made 22 saves to get the shutout for the T-Birds. Senior captain Nick Barrett scored a pair of goals, McKee and Vecchio also had goals, while Stoner dished out three assists.

The Thunderbirds closed out their season by taking a pair of home losses last week. North Branford finished with a record of 1-19 on the year, earning its victory by a 76-75 final in overtime versus Hale-Ray on Jan. 24.

In last week’s action, North Branford took an 82-59 defeat against East Hampton on Feb. 18 and then lost to Old Saybrook by an 88-57 score on Feb. 21. North Branford fell into a 44-26 halftime deficit against East Hampton. The T-Birds played tough early in the second half and won the third quarter by three points, before East Hampton regained control of the game. Junior Mike Sitro scored 29 points for North Branford. Senior captain Gary Robinson added 13 points on the night.

In the game against Old Saybrook, North Branford trailed 47-24 at the break. The T-Birds continued to work hard throughout the game and won the fourth quarter by an 18-12 margin. Sitro scored 23 points, while senior Dylan Martinik added 10 points for North Branford.

Junior Nick Vecchio and the North Branford boys’ ice hockey squad have won four games in a row and recently punched their ticket into the Division II Tournament. Photo by Kelley Fryer/The Sound