Pictured are the seniors of the North Branford boys ice hockey team. All of them have helped make the program very competitive over the past few years. Photo provided by: Todd Ingarra Photography
men's ice hockey
North Branford boys ice hockey traveled to Wethersfield on February 19th and won 5-2. Michael Matteo joined the Thunderbirds with an assist from CJ Sherwood. Sherwood then fed Connor Stoner for the extra point, with Max Becker serving as the secondary assist.
Midway through the third period with the game tied at 2 apiece, Chris Maisano put North Branford ahead and Jack Maley added a goal (with assists from Becker and TJ Connelly). Colin Auger scored a power play goal in the third frame to stop the game.
On February 21st, the team played against Daniel Hand and won 5-4. The Thunderbirds' goals were scored by Maisano (no assist), Auger (assists to Sherwood and Brady Martinik), Mateo (assists to Sherwood and Stoner), Jake Pedersen (assists to Sherwood and Maley), and Maley (on rebound). The Tigers made a comeback effort, scoring three unanswered goals, but it wasn't enough and North Branford won.
On Feb. 24, the North Branford boys ice hockey team hosted Musk on Senior Night, losing the contest 5-1. Prior to the game, the North Branford hockey community recognized the team's 13 senior players and manager. This group of seniors has transformed the program from winning several games as freshmen to reaching the semifinals last season. The team leaders, currently 12-6-1, have their sights set on making the playoffs for another chance at a championship. The Thunderbirds currently rank 6th out of 21 teams in their division.
Highlights of the season included a shutout win over East Haven, the Yellow Jackets' only loss before a forfeit due to ineligible rostering.
Seniors recognized included managers Noel Small and Kathy Munk. Players honored included 4th place Brady Martinik, 5th place assistant captain CJ Sherwood, 6th place captain Nikki Ryszczyk, 7th place Connor Stoner, 9th place Lucas Vorono, 12th place captain Colin Auger, and 15th place Michael Michael. Includes Matteo, no. No. 17 Jake Pedersen, No. 25 assistant captain Jack Maley, No. 29 Aiden Hutchinson, and No. 33 goalie Austin Fruin.
In this game, Sherwood scored a loan goal and Stoner assisted.
