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Hand Boys’ Hockey Sees Season Paused Due to Quarantine

After splitting its first two games of the season, the Hand boys’ ice hockey team received some unfortunate news on Feb. 15. The Tigers were notified that they will have to go into quarantine for the next two weeks due to exposure to the COVID-19 virus and won’t be eligible to play their next game until Thursday, Feb. 28, when they are scheduled to face Hamden.

Hand Head Coach Brian Gonsalves confirmed that the team’s season will be on pause for the time being.

“It is tough. These kids have been through a lot not just this season, but last year as well,” Gonsalves said. “This program has every reason to look at the negative in all of this. That being said, these kids are extremely grateful and motivated for every opportunity they get as they know more than most that each time they step on the ice, it can be their last.”

Due to the quarantine, Hand’s game against Branford that was scheduled to be played on Saturday, Feb. 20 has been postponed, as has its game versus Cheshire that was slated to take place on Saturday, Feb. 27. The Tigers’ next scheduled contest is at Hamden on Sunday, Feb. 28.

“To be out almost the whole month is not ideal, but the boys are in good spirits and excited to return to the ice against Hamden,” said Coach Gonsalves.

The Tigers have a record of 1-1 on the young season after taking a 5-1 loss to Sheehan in their first game and then earning a 3-1 win over Xavier last week.

Hand hosted Sheehan for its opening matchup on Feb. 12 and dropped a 5-1 contest against the Titans. Senior captain Tatum Fitzmaurice scored the lone goal of the game for the Tigers on assists by senior Dominic Montesi and sophomore Ryan Pfaff. Senior captain goaltender Eric Dillner made 49 saves on 54 Sheehan shot attempts for Hand.

On Feb. 13, the Tigers had a home game with Xavier and netted a 3-1 win over the Falcons. Senior Logan Massey scored two goals for Hand, while fellow senior Josh Ruotolo also had a goal. Senior captain Teddy Licari handed out two assists for the Tigers, who were bolstered by 39 saves from Dillner in net.