Captain CJ Sherwood accomplished a lot on the ice for North Branford boys ice hockey this winter, earning first-team all-conference honors for his efforts.Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Sound
men's ice hockey
North Branford boys ice hockey entered the Division II state tournament as the No. 6 seed. In the first round on March 5, the team faced No. 11 North Haven and won 5-3. Michael Matteo scored the Thunderbirds' first goal, which was assisted by CJ Sherwood. Connor Stoner then scored an unassisted power-play goal late in the first period.
In the second frame, Colin Auger and Jake Pedersen scored (neither had an assist). Sherwood added another score in the third period.
In the quarterfinals on March 8, the team faced third-seeded Woodstock Academy, losing 7-2. Goals were scored by TJ Connelly and Sherwood, and assists were scored by Max Becker and Matteo, respectively.
North Branford finished the season with a 14-7-1 record, its best record since the 2015-2016 season. Highlights of the team's accomplishments over the past four years include taking a program from 1-9 in 2020 to 2021 to a current winning percentage of 0.66%.
Individual awards were recently presented to Sherwood (SCC First Team Forward SCC D2), Stoner (SCC Second Team Defense) and Chris Maisano (CTHS Hockey Report D2 Newcomer Forward of the Year). Player of the Game awards (sponsored by Hampden Sports) went to Austin Fruin (46 saves vs. East Haven), Sherwood (hat trick vs. West Haven, 5-3 win), and Jack Murray (winning goal). was given to. vs. hand).
