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03/23/2017 12:00 AMScott Klouda’s hockey career at Branford featured a positional change and a learning curve. By the time he was a senior, Scott had become an all-around asset for the Hornets who made significant contributions on all ends of the ice.
Scott grew up playing defense and then switched to center during his sophomore year with the Hornets. It took some time for Scott’s offensive production to pick up, but as a senior captain this winter, he recorded 21 goals with 30 assists on his way to All-SCC/SWC Division II First Team honors.
“Being a defenseman, you’re obviously not meant to score goals. Starting playing offense the past two or three years is what helped me find a groove and start scoring. Once I found that rhythm of scoring and making plays, I just built off of that throughout the season,” Scott says. “Obviously, my linemates would help by giving me good passes, plus I was quick and would get out on a few breakaways.”
Scott says that he enjoyed being a go-to guy for Branford in every situation this season. He embraced the fact that he was counted on to get the job done for the Hornets.
“Yeah, being able to play 5-on-5, the penalty kill, and the power play was great. Obviously, everyone wants to play those important spots, so it makes kids look up to you and want to work hard to get to that position,” says Scott. “I remember being young and having to work hard to get to where I am now to play those roles.”
Scott also feels proud about how he progressed into an offensive force during his time on the ice at Branford. It was a new experience for Scott and one that made him enjoy the game he loves even more.
“In the past, I was more of a playmaker and a defensive player. This year, I was able to finish with more than 20 goals,” Scott says. “It was a big change for me and I liked finding the back of the net and getting to score more.”
First-year Head Coach Jim DiNapoli says he was impressed with the poise that Scott displayed throughout the recent season.
“What Scotty showed day in and day out was great character, leadership, and the willingness to compete. He has presence with the puck, he never panics, he controls the situation, and makes intelligent decisions,” says DiNapoli. “Scotty exemplified that, being a center, he has important offensive and defensive responsibilities.”
Scott earned a spot on the All-Conference Team for his performance this winter. It’s an honor that Scott didn’t necessarily expect to get, but one that he was thrilled to receive.
“It was a really special moment for me,” he says. “I didn’t think I would even come to that. I never expected that. So when my coach told me, it was pretty big for me knowing I was able to get that.”
Another one of Scott’s proudest moments was earning the “C” on his jersey as a captain for Branford this year. Scott worked hard throughout his career with the Hornets and felt honored to lead the team.
“It was great just being able to have that role and having the kids look up to me is nice. I remember being a freshman and looking up to my captains and the older kids. It was nice to be that leader for everyone,” says Scott. “Being on the team and getting older, having the experience—even when we weren’t doing well, me and the other captains were keeping things upbeat to not let anyone down. We just kept working to make sure everyone had a positive attitude.”
Bolstered by Scott’s leadership, Branford played some solid hockey down the stretch this year and came away with a 3-1 victory versus Westhill-Stamford in the first round of the Division II State Tournament. Scott says that the Hornets’ run was a great way for him to end his tenure as a Branford hockey player.
“It was fun. Obviously, you’d like to go all the way, but we were underdogs,” says Scott. “To play on the road that first game, which was pretty far away, everyone wanted to win. To see everyone energetic and to come away with a win was nice. Everyone was excited.”