Peter Richetelli (8) scores against Darien, January 12, 2016. Double click to view full screen. Video courtesy of TACC Video Productions.
Westies blank Amity
11 players in scoring column in 6-0 victory
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(January 27, 2016) - Coach Joe Morrell and the West Haven boys hockey team have been waiting for a game to get everyone going. Wednesday evening at the Edward L. Bennett Rink may have been that game.
With 11 different players in the scoring column and Brendan Serenson making 19 saves, West Haven defeated Amity 6-0 to snap a three-game losing streak and improve to 3-7 on the season.
Dante McClure (6), seen here against Fairfield Prep, and the Westies defeated Amity, January 27, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
"I am happy for Brendan (Serenson) to get his first win," Morrell said.
Five different players had multiple points, with Tyler Paine leading the way with two goals and an assist. Max Lynch, E.J. Pacapelli, and Kalan Morgillo each had a goal and an assist, while Jeremy Borelli added two assists.
"We needed the win tonight," Morrell said. "It was nice to see some other players score. Maybe this will jump start us."
The Westies scored twice in each period to post the victory as Serenson kept the Spartans off the scoreboard.
West Haven took charge of the game in the final three minutes of the opening period, scoring twice in 12 seconds.
Paine got things going when he scored off an assist from Lynch with 2:37 left in the first. Pacapelli wasted no time extending the lead off assists from Morgillo and Kyle Froehlich seconds later.
The Westies added a pair of goals in a 2:07 span in the second period for a 4-0 lead. Off assists from Borelli and Peter Richetelli, Paine extended the lead to 3-0 with 4:21 to go in the middle period. Dante McClure extended the lead to 4-0 with his first goal of the year off assists from Borelli and Brian Kelly with 2:14 to go.
Brian Kelly (23), seen here against Fairfield Prep, and the Westies defeated Amity, January 27, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
West Haven, which had 51 shots in the game, kept the offense going in the final period as Lynch extended the lead to 5-0 just 1:03 in off assists from Chris Durost and Paine. Morgillo capped the scoring in the final 3:19 of the game off assists from Pacapelli and Chris Woosley.
See additional highlights from WTNH SportzEdge here.
Not Enough
Westies fall short in 4-3 loss to Fairfield Prep
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(January 20, 2016) - Matt Sather and his Fairfield Prep hockey team understand the importance of special teams. With over a week to work on all areas of his special teams unit, Sather can be happy his team saw results from all the hard work.
Scoring twice on the power play and allowing just one power play goal by the Westies, Fairfield Prep hung on to defeat West Haven 4-3 at the Wonderland of Ice Wednesday evening.
Tyler Paine (4) scores against Fairfield Prep, January 20, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
"Our power play worked tonight and that was a big boost to the team," Fairfield Prep coach Matt Sather said. "There were moments that the systems we worked on were done well and there were moments where guys panicked. We scored twice on the power play and that was big for us in the game. Their goalie (Logan Cole) played an excellent game."
With ten sophomores in the lineup, the Jesuits turned to a pair of seniors to lead the way in the final minutes of the game.
Tied at two after West Haven's Tyler Paine raced the length of the ice and broke in on an angle to beat Fairfield Prep goaltender Christopher Ligas with 8:46 remaining in the third period, seniors Justin Blanchette and Christopher Kral each scored their second goals of the game 42 seconds apart.
"This is definitely a step in the right direction," Kral said after also adding an assist. "We can play a lot better. We outshot them by like 30 shots, but we didn't convert our chances."
Just 2:28 after Paine's equalizer, Blanchette scored 17 seconds into a Fairfield Prep power play to give the Jesuits a 3-2 lead with 6:18 remaining. Less than a minute later, Kral scored an unassisted goal to increase the margin to 4-2.
"Justin Blanchette and Chris Kral stepped up at the end," Sather said. "They were able to settle things down there. It would be nice to have twelve seniors on the roster, but this year we do not have that."
West Haven had only 13 shots in the game and the final one came with 1:05 remaining in the contest when E.J. Pacapelli scored on the power play to get the Westies within 4-3. The Westies had one final opportunity to get the tying goal in the final seconds, but a shot from in close was blocked to secure Fairfield Prep's win.
"We did not quit," West Haven coach Joe Morrell said after his team fell to 2-7. "We stayed in the game. Logan Cole made some nice saves for us. We had some scoring opportunities tonight. We had some breakdowns when it was 2-2 and they capitalized. We talked about how we had to score three goals and we did that tonight. Unfortunately, today we gave up four."
E.J. Pacapelli (11) scores against Fairfield Prep, January 20, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Fairfield Prep, which picked up its first in-state win and improved to 2-5-1, held a 39-13 shot advantage and scored the only goal of the first period when Blanchette's shot was denied by Cole but put in by Kral from in front with 5:06 left in the opening period.
Blanchette gave the Jesuits a 2-0 lead just 33 seconds into the second period when his shot from the right side snuck inside the post for a 2-0 advantage.
"We have to build on our success," Sather said. "We have to have guys understand success doesn't always mean you have to score a goal. We are struggling with that a little bit."
Peter Richetelli (8) scores against Fairfield Prep, January 20, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Fairfield Prep allowed just two shots from West Haven in the second period, but Paine's goal with 4:01 remaining in the middle period had the Westies within a goal despite being outshot 29-6 through two periods.
Cole finished with 35 saves in the loss for West Haven, while Ligas made 10 saves for the Jesuits.
Heartbreaker
Westies fall to Hamden in overtime
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(January 16, 2016) - The West Haven hockey team hoped a long-time rivalry could get the team back on the winning track Saturday afternoon. Despite goals from Jeremy Borelli and the red-hot Tyler Paine, West Haven fell to Hamden 3-2 in overtime to drop to 2-6 on the season.
Logan Cole made 30 saves in a 3-2 overtime loss against Hamden, January 16, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Tyler Paine (4) scored his team-leading ninth goal in a 3-2 overtime loss to Hamden, January 16, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Read Ray Curren's article about the contest from GameTimeCT here.
Darien tops Westies
Early goal not enough in 4-1 loss
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(January 12, 2016) - The West Haven hockey team got off to a good start against Darien Tuesday evening. With a goal by Peter Richetelli just 40 seconds into the contest, the Westies were in a good position against Darien.
West Haven never capitalized on that momentum. Watching as the Blue Wave scored the last four goals, West Haven fell to Darien 4-1 at the Edward L. Bennet Rink.
"We are competing," West Haven coach Joe Morrell said after his team fell to 2-5. "If a few pucks bounce our way and we catch a few breaks, we will beat some of the top-ranked teams."
Peter Richetelli (8) celebrates his early goal against Darien, January 12, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Richetelli got the Westies going quickly when he took a pass from Tyler Paine and ripped a shot from the slot past Darien goaltender Dave Voigt. Jeremy Borelli also assisted on the goal.
That would be all the scoring on the night for the Westies. Voigt kept West Haven off the scoreboard the rest of the way, making 19 saves, and the Blue Wave took over offensively.
Jake Kirby turned the momentum of the game with the first of his two goals with one minute remaining in the opening period to even the game at one.
Brendan Serenson (35) makes one of his 30 saves against Darien, January 12, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Kirby then gave the Blue Wave the lead for good when he scored 6:15 into the middle period. Herbie Hazelton added the back breaker when he scored with 1:05 left in the middle period for a 3-1 advantage.
E.J. Pacapelli (11) against Darien, January 12, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Sam Knowlton, who had two assists in the game, scored an empty net goal in the final minute of the contest for the 4-1 final.
Brendan Serenson made 30 saves in the loss for West Haven.
Kalan Morgillo (20) against Darien, January 12, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Paine leads Westies over East Haven
Senior scores 5 goals in victory
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(January 9, 2016) - West Haven hockey coach Joe Morrell has been waiting for his top line of Tyler Paine, Peter Richetelli and Jeremy Borelli to break out. That outburst finally came Saturday afternoon.
Paced by five goals and two assists from Paine and a combined 15 points from the trio on the white line, the Westies rolled to a 9-3 victory over East Haven at the Edward L. Bennett Rink.
Tyler Paine scored five times against East Haven, January 9, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
"We moved the puck really well today," West Haven coach Joe Morrell said after his team improved to 2-4. "We moved the puck quick. We were able to take quick shots. When you give Tyler Paine space, that is what he can do. He had seven points. We were looking for them to come through and they did today."
While Paine scored in the first minute of each period, his line mates also came up big. Richetelli finished with a goal and four assists, while Borelli scored once and added a pair of assists.
"We just came out skating hard," Paine said after increasing his goal total to a team-leading eight on the season. "I just wanted to get the team going in each period. Me, Pete and Jeremy have been talking about getting the team going. It is good to get this win under our belts."
Paine wasted no time setting the tone of each period, scoring 23 seconds into the game, 10 seconds into the second period and 33 seconds into the third period. Borelli added an important goal as well, scoring what may have been the most important goal of the game with 6.3 seconds left in the opening period to give the Westies a 3-1 lead.
Tyler Paine celebrates a goal against East Haven, January 9, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
"We scored early in every period," Morrell said. "We scored that late goal in the first period and that gave us a 3-1 lead. I was not happy we gave up the goal to make it 2-1 and I let them now about it. Jeremy's goal was big."
Paine scored twice in the opening period, the second with 5:12 gone by, for a 2-0 advantage. After West Haven goaltender Logan Cole denied Joe Aloi on the doorstep with 8:21 remaining in the opening period, Joe Lorello finally cut East Haven's deficit in half with an unassisted goal with 2:56 remaining in the period.
Borelli then took some air out of East Haven when he scored off assists from Paine and Richetelli in the final seconds for the 3-1 advantage.
"They were up 2-0 and we get the goal back," East Haven coach Lou Pane said after his team fell to 2-4-2. "We gave up that goal with six seconds left in the first to make it 3-1. From there, everything went against us and went right for them. They outplayed us and they were clicking all game. Deservedly so, they outplayed us and won this game."
Paine again got the Westies going in the second period, scoring his third goal of the game from in front, off assists from Richetelli and Borelli just 10 seconds in for a 4-1 advantage.
Richetelli dug the puck out of the corner and set up Paine's fourth goal of the contest 3:04 into the period for a 5-1 advantage. Joseph D'Albero scored for East Haven nine seconds later, but E.J. Pacapelli increased the lead to four goals again off an assist from Collin Braziel with 8:33 remaining.
Peter Richetelli celebrates a goal against East Haven, January 9, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Braziel's goal 14 seconds later had West Haven up 7-2. Richetelli scored the final goal of the period, off assists from Paine and Chris Durost, with 2:40 remaining.
"This was a really important win for us," Morrell said. "This was an enormous game for us. We were able to stay ahead in the game. We did not let them back in the game."
Paine capped his stellar day with his fifth goal of the contest less than a minute into the third off an assist from Borelli.
Cole finished with 18 saves in the win, while freshmen Noah Iversen made four in the win for West Haven.
Simsbury tops Westies
Logan Cole makes 25 saves in 2-1 loss
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(January 6, 2016) - Coming off its first win of the season, the West Haven boys hockey team was looking to extend its winning ways. Unfortunately for the Westies, their offense did not cooperate.
Turning aside 26 shots, Simsbury goalie George Matteo stifled the Westies as Simsbury posted a 2-1 victory over West Haven Wednesday evening at the Edward L. Bennett Rink in in West Haven. With the loss, West Haven fell to 1-4 on the season.
"We competed, but we need to finish," West Haven coach Joe Morrell said. "We had some early chances we did not put in."
Jeremy Borelli (17) , seen here against Ridgefield, and the Westies fell against Simsbury, January 6, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
After a first period which saw Simsbury take a 1-0 lead, the Westies looked to even the contest in the second. Alex Lynch had a golden opportunity 1:30 in, but Matteo made a glove save.
Peter Richetelli's turnaround shot from the right circle was turned away with 6:51 left in the period, before freshman Niko Kyle was denied from the left circle with 5:13 to go.
Kalan Morgillo (20), seen here against Ridgefield, and the Westies fell against Simsbury, January 6, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
The Trojans took a 2-0 lead just 1:58 into the third period when Charles Driscoll scored in front off a rebound. While that was the last goal for the Trojans, the Westies could not find the back of the net.
Both Kalan Morgillo and Tyler Paine were denied coming down the right wing less than three minutes apart, and Paine was turned aside again on the wing with 4:10 remaining.
Dante McClure (6), seen here against Ridgefield, and the Westies fell against Simsbury, January 6, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
West Haven finally got on the scoreboard on the power play with 22.6 seconds remaining. Off a scramble in front, E.J. Pacapelli poked in a loose puck for his first goal of the year off assists from Richetelli and Max Lynch.
Morrell called a timeout, but West Haven never got another quality shot on goal and dropped a 2-1 decision.
Westies blank Ridgefield
Morrell notches 200th career win
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(January 2, 2016) - Leading by three goals after two periods of play, the West Haven hockey team had two things on its mind.
The first was to pick up the Westies first win of the season. The second was to give head coach Joe Morrell his 200th career victory at West Haven. The Westies accomplished both.
Behind two goals from Peter Richetelli and single tallies from Tyler Paine, Max Lynch and Collin Braziel, West Haven defeated Ridgefield 5-0 Saturday afternoon in the fifth place game of the West Haven Christmas Tournament at the Edward L. Bennett Rink.
Joe Morrell picked up his 200th career win against Ridgefield, January 2, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
"It is huge,” Morrell said after his team improved to 1-3 with the win. “It’s just like when you are undefeated. You find yourself playing for another reason. We played very well today. I thought we had been playing harder and better.
“Obviously, it is nice to get that (200th win). It is nice to get it out of the way. I think the team was feeling the pressure of trying to get it. Now, it is done with. I am proud of it. I feel bad for the kids from last year because they were trying to get it, but I am proud to do it with this group.”
While the Westies led 2-0 after one period of play, the turning point of the game came in the second period when the Westies killed a five-minute major penalty, holding Ridgefield to just a pair of shots and getting a key blocked shot from Kalan Morgillo to prevent any goals by the Tigers.
With that momentum, West Haven increased its lead to 3-0 with a late goal by Braziel in the middle period. Braziel’s goal came in front off a perfect pass from Max Lynch from behind the net with 10.7 seconds left in the second period.
“It was huge,” Morrell said of killing the major penalty. “We didn’t allow many shots and we got some blocked shots. Kalan had a big block. That is unselfish play, sacrificing your body.”
West Haven took control of the game with two goals in the opening period, both coming on the power play.
The Westies needed just four seconds to score on their first power play of the game as Paine scored off an assist from Richetelli with 8:53 left in the opening period.
Just 40 seconds after both Jeremy Borelli and Max Lynch were denied in front, Richetelli took another perfect pass from Max Lynch and ripped a shot past Ridgefield goaltender Sean Keegans with 5:10 left in the period for another power play tally.
Peter Richetelli (8) scores against Ridgefield, January 2, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
"We have been working on our power play,” Morrell said of his team’s power play. “Coach (Jim) Lafo spends a lot of time on it. We moved the puck well and found the open guy.”
West Haven goaltender Logan Cole was solid in goal, picking up his first shutout win of the season. Cole made 24 saves in the win, including two big saves in less than two minutes with the Westies leading just 2-0 in the second period.
Logan Cole (31) is congratulated after posting a shutout against Ridgefield, January 2, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
"Our defensive effort was great,” Cole said after the shutout. “We cleared people out in front. This is a huge win for us. This can get us going. The defense picked us up on our penalty kill. It was a great team effort.”
West Haven put the game out of reach with its third power play goal of the game, a shot by Max Lynch in front with 6:42 remaining. Just 42 seconds later, Richetelli scored off a breakaway for the 5-0 final.
Richetelli led the Westies with two goals and an assist, while Paine and Max Lynch each added a goal and two assists. Alex Lynch also added a pair of assists in the win.
Westies fall to Xavier
Falcons post 5-2 victory over WH
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(December 30, 2015) - After allowing four goals in a season-opening loss to Greenwich, the Xavier hockey team has found its rhythm.
Allowing just four goals in three games since, the Falcons picked up their third straight victory with a 5-2 decision over West Haven in the West Haven Holiday Tournament at the Edward L. Bennett Rink Wednesday evening.
"It is a nice start to the season," Xavier coach Dan DeConti said after his team improved to 3-1. "It is a better start than we got off to last year. We have a lot of tough games ahead. But, 3-1 is a nice start."
Brendan Serenson made 23 saves against Xavier, December 30, 2015. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
DeConti had to be pleased with his team's offensive production as five different players scored and ten different players were in the scoring column, with Colin O'Donnell leading the way with a goal and an assist.
The Falcons also received solid goaltending from junior Will McEwen, especially in the second period when the Westies had some momentum for close to six minutes.
"I have a good team in front of me," McEwen said after finishing with 18 saves. "I cannot do it without them. I have to back them up. I saw some clean shots which is very good. The guys did a nice job in front of me."
Xavier, which advances to Saturday afternoon's tournament final, got on the board first when Chris Leroux slid a perfect pass over to O'Donnell in front and O'Donnell beat West Haven goaltender Brendan Serenson 6 minutes, 9 seconds into the game. West Haven withstood a charge by the Falcons which saw Serenson deny both John Sadak and Alexander Stasiuk, before capitalizing in the final minute of the opening period.
Tyler Paine picked up a loose puck at center ice, broke in on McEwen and scored a short-handed goal with 15.6 seconds remaining in the first period to even the game at one.
Tyler Paine (4) scores against Xavier, December 30, 2015. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
"I thought we competed better today," West Haven coach Joe Morrell said after his team fell to 0-3. "We did not quit. We had life to us. We just have to keep working hard. We need others to score goals."
West Haven got off to a good start in the second period, putting on the early pressure, but McEwen was up to the challenge, denying Niko Kyle and Kalan Morgillo in a scramble in front, and turning aside a point shot from Jerry Maus a minute later.
"I thought we had a good first period, but they got that short-handed goal right at the end of the period," DeConti said. "I thought West Haven dominated for six or seven minutes in the second period. They took it to us. We were able to steal the momentum back with the two goals."
Xavier got back on track with a pair of goals in a span of 1:39 to take a 3-1 lead. Stasiuk deflected in a point shot by Ralph Criscuolo for a 2-1 advantage with 8:37 left in the middle period and freshman Jacob Monroe took a pass from Tyler Juliano in front and deflected the puck past Serenson for a 3-1 lead on the power play with 6:58 left in the period.
"We have scored nine goals in the last two games," DeConti said. "We are getting the scoring.We are putting low shots on net. We have talked about it and the kids are buying into it."
West Haven put on a final push in the last six minutes of the game as Jeremy Borelli scored off a turnover with 5:49 remaining to get the Westies within 3-2, but Xavier ended any hopes of a West Haven comeback when Austin Reid scored with 2:53 remaining. Cameron Pollock added an empty net goal in the final seconds to seal the victory.
West Haven celebrates Jeremy Borelli's goal against Xavier, December 30, 2015. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Serenson finished with 23 saves in the loss for the Westies.
Heartbreaker
West Haven falls to St. Joseph in overtime
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(December 28, 2015) - After opening the season with a disappointing loss at Greenwich, the West Haven boys hockey team looked to get back on track against St.Joseph-Trumbull.
Scoring twice in the first period, the Westies looked as if they were on their way to a win. That victory never materialized as the Cadets scored twice in a span of 19 seconds in the third period, then scored 5 minutes, 11 seconds into overtime to defeat the Westies 4-3 Monday evening at the Edward L. Bennett Rink in West Haven.
"We stopped playing," West Haven coach Joe Morrell said after his team fell to 0-2 on the season. "We started reaching. We have to play the whole game and we didn't."
Leading 2-1 in the third period, West Haven watched the Cadets take the lead as Adam Usinger scored off a breakaway with 8:15 remaining and Usinger set up Nick DiSabella's one-timer in front 19 seconds later for a 3-2 advantage.
"Those two goals hurt," Morrell said. "We couldn't hold on. We stopped skating. We were just reaching."
West Haven never backed down as Pete Richetelli deflected a point shot by Alex Lynch past St. Joseph goaltender Ryan Wilson with 4:57 left in regulation for a power play goal. Tyler Paine also assisted on the equalizer.
Richetelli's heroics would not last long as Usinger completed his three-point night, scoring off a rebound into a wide open net with 5:11 left in overtime.
"We should have had this game," Paine said after finishing with one goal and two assists. "We have to finish. We let them score and it just went down hill."
Tyler Paine (4) scores against St. Joseph, December 28, 2015. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
West Haven took a 2-0 lead in the first period. Paine scored off assists from Richetelli and Jeremy Borelli 2:53 into the game and Paine assisted Borelli with 1:28 left in the opening period for a 2-0 advantage.
Jeremy Borelli (17) scores against St. Joseph, December 28, 2015. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
The Westies had their share of scoring opportunities in the game, but could not convert. Richetelli was denied in front early in the middle period, before Alex Lynch was denied from the point with 5:25 left in the second.
Logan Cole made 28 saves in the loss for the Westies and Borelli finished with a goal and an assist.
Westies fall to Greenwich
Season opens with 12-0 loss
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(December 23, 2015) - The West Haven hockey team was looking to start the 2015-2016 campaign quickly. For the Westies, it was anything but that.
Allowing six goals in the first period, the Westies were trounced by Greenwich, 12-0, in the season opener Wednesday evening in Greenwich.
Tyler Paine and the Westies fell to Greenwich in the season opener, December 23, 2015. File photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Read about the West Haven loss in the Greenwich Time here.
Poised for Success
Paine, Borelli and Cole ready to lead the way
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(December 14, 2015) - In a span of 44 seconds, the dreams of a state title disappeared last season for the West Haven boys hockey team. The Westies have had nine months to get over the overtime loss to Xavier in the state tournament and prepare for the 2015-2016 season.
Much has changed in that time frame, including the graduation of All-State goaltender Mike Savino. Time heals and the Westies are looking to a fresh start.
Leading the way for the Westies this season will be senior tri-captains Jeremy Borelli, Tyler Paine and Hunter Cole. Borelli, who led the team with nine goals last season, will play center, Paine, who had a team-leading nine assists last season, will be on the wing, and Cole will play defense.
Tyler Paine will look to lead the Westies in the 2015-2016 season. File photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
"Two of them were our leading scorers last year," West Haven coach Joe Morrell said of Borelli and Paine. "Hunter was our fourth defenseman last year. He will have to step up and be a leader this season. They need to be vocal. They know how we are with emotion and we need to play with emotion."
Offensively, the Westies have to get contributions from everyone to be successful. Borelli will center the white line with junior Max Lynch on the left side and sophomore Collin Braziel on the right.
Jeremy Borelli and the Westies are looking to qualify for the postseason in the 2015-2016 campaign. File photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Junior Peter Richetelli will center the blue line with sophomore E.J. Pacapelli on the left side and Paine on the right. The grey line will see senior Kalan Morgillo at center and senior Brian Kelly, junior Dante McClure and freshman Nico Kyle rotating on the wings.
Peter Richetelli will look to lead the Westies in the 2015-2016 season. File photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
"We need to do a little more scoring than we did last year," Morrell said. "We do not have Mike Savino in goal anymore. Last year, we said if we scored three goals, we had a good chance to win the game. This year, we want four goals a game. We have most of our forwards returning. The forwards have to help this year. We cannot miss the opportunities we have."
Junior Alex Lynch and senior Hunter Cole anchor a defense which will also see seniors Chris Durost and Chris Woosley, and juniors Gerald Maus and Kyle Froehlich. Faced with the task of replacing Savino in goal are junior Brendan Serenson and sophomore Logan Cole. Both will be given an opportunity to compete for the starting nod. Freshman Noah Iversen may also see time between the pipes.
"We want to make the state tournament," Morrell said. "We want to improve every single day. We want to get better every day and be playing our best hockey at the end of the season. We have been working very hard. We are getting used to the systems. We have a lot of kids who have not played varsity. The speed of the game is different. They have to get used to that."
West Haven opens the season December 23 at Greenwich at 5:30 p.m.
Max Lynch (94) with a big hit against Cheshire, February 27, 2016. Video courtesy of TACC Video Productions.
Alex Lynch (88) scores a goal against North Rockland, February 18, 2016. Video courtesy of TACC Video Productions.
State Champions - 1949, 1961, 1964, 1976, 1984, 1988, 1990, 1994
All-State Players - Ray Luedee '75; Mark Carlo '76, '77; Marty Crouse '77, '78; Don MacMillan '77; Eddie Merola '79; Bob Serenson '84; Jay Andrew '84; Mark Anquillare '84; Mike Gilbert '87; Mike Woznyk '87; Paul Mulligan '88; Darrell Galasso '90; Rob Kryznel '93; Keith Dupee '94; Shaun Jackson '00; Aaron Beauvais '00; Tom Withington '00; Mark Heffernan '00, '01, '02; Brandon Fanelli '02; Jim Lafo '02; Chris Quagliani '02; Ron Baia '03; Nick Quagliani '03; Chris Shore '04; Joe Pereira '05; Ken Comfort '06; Joe Innamorato '07; John Ascenzia '10; Tim Baylis '10; J.P. Withington '11; Kyle Leyerzapf '12; Mike Troiano '12; Austin Hansen '13; Mike Savino '14; Alex Scranton '14; Mike Savino '15
West Haven and Notre Dame-Fairfield with a big hit, February 3, 2016. Video courtesy of TACC Video Productions.
BOYS HOCKEY 2015-2016
E.J. Pacapelli (11) scores against Amity, January 27, 2016. Video courtesy of TACC Video Productions.
For all your home heating needs, please call Oyster River Energy at (203) 932-2717 or visit here
Slow Start
Xavier scores early and often in 5-2 win over WH
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(March 9, 2016) - Xavier senior captain John Sadak is no stranger to the West Haven - Xavier postseason rivalry. Last season, Sadak's goal with nine seconds remaining in regulation forced overtime in a postseason contest eventually won by the Falcons 35 seconds into the extra session.
One year later, Sadak picked up where he left off in the postseason. Scoring just eight seconds into the contest, Sadak set the tone of the game as Xavier scored four times in the opening period of a 5-2 victory over West Haven in the opening round of the CIAC Division I state tournament at the Spurrier-Snyder Rink at the Freeman Athletic Center in Middletown Wednesday evening.
"It was a big goal." Sadak said after also adding an assist. "We wanted to set the tone early. We wanted to come out all over them. Last year, we waited until the last nine seconds. This year. we wanted to be up early on them. We did a good job of that."
With the win, top-seeded Xavier advances to the quarterfinals on Saturday, where the Falcons will play No. 9 Fairfield Prep, a 3-1 winner over Glastonbury, at a site and time to be announced.
Logan Cole (31) made 33 saves in a loss against Xavier, March 9, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
For No. 16 West Haven, the one minute stretch of playoff action in Middletown is one the Westies would like to shake free of. Xavier used a pair of goals in a span of 44 seconds to knock out the Westies last season and needed eight more seconds to put the Westies on their heels this season.
"We have had problems with that all year," West Haven coach Joe Morrell said after his team finished the season 7-13-1. "We talked about getting off the bus ready to play. We spoke about it. The captains stood up and spoke of it. We talked how we could not be down early and that is exactly what happened."
Sadak set the pace for the Falcons when he picked up a loose puck and beat West Haven goaltender Logan Cole less than 10 seconds into the game.
Sadak's goal was just what the Falcons needed as they were flying around the ice the entire first period, holding a 20-3 shot advantage through 15 minutes of play.
Tyler Juliano gave the Falcons a 2-0 lead 5:10 into the game when he picked up another loose puck and found the back of the net.
"We told them all week if this game was a 0-0 or 1-0 game coming out of the first period, it was going to be a difficult game for us," Xavier coach Dan Deconti said after his team improved to 17-4. "Our goal was to get two goals in the first five minutes of the game. I was happy with that."
Peter Richetelli (8) and Max Lynch (94) celebrate a goal by Richetelli against Xavier, March 9, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
West Haven cut the deficit in half with 6:06 remaining in the period on an unassisted goal by Peter Richetelli, but Xavier needed just over a minute to respond as Jake Monroe again took advantage of several West Haven players not moving to the puck, giving the Falcons a 3-1 lead. When Austin Reid found the back of the net from the point with 2:36 left in the opening period, Xavier had a 4-1 lead.
"I thought we had a great effort in the first period," Sadak said. "Everyone came out ready to go. I thought we let up in the second period but we played well in the third period."
Morrell and his staff clearly had something to say to the Westies between periods as a different West Haven team showed up for the second period.
Sophomore E.J. Pacapelli needed just 55 seconds to pick up a rebound of a Jeremy Borelli shot and beat Xavier goaltender Jared Guidobono to cut the deficit in half.
The Westies then had a golden opportunity to get within a goal on the power play in the second period. Tyler Paine took the initial shot which Guidobono denied. Richetelli was there for the rebound, but was also turned aside with 6:54 left in the middle period.
"We are resilient," Paine said after the season-ending loss. "We kept on fighting. We were going to find ways to keep going. We just couldn't it done. We talked about getting off the bus ready to play, but, in the first five minutes, we didn't show it. As the game went on, I thought we played better."
E.J. Pacapelli (11) scores against Xavier, March 9, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
The Westies then had one final opportunity to get back in the game. Off an odd-man rush, Paine set up Max Lynch in front, but Guidobono denied Lynch with a pad save just 1:10 into the third period.
"He made some saves he should not have had to make," Deconti said of Guidobono. "We play Fairfield Prep on Saturday and they are not going to miss a two-on-one like that. He has been huge for us all year."
Guidobono's save proved crucial for the Falcons as T.J. Earley iced the contest 58 seconds later when he scored off assists from Brett Reid and Jake Monroe for a 5-2 advantage.
Cole finished with 33 saves in the loss for West Haven, while Guidobono had 11 saves in the win for Xavier.
Sadak, Juliano, Monroe and Earley each finished with a goal and an assist for the Falcons as they had 10 different players in the scoring column.
Westies fall to Glastonbury
Regular season ends with 4-0 loss
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(March 2, 2016) - The West Haven boys hockey team was looking to end the regular season on a high note. Unfortunately for the Westies, the season ended in scoreless fashion as the Westies were blanked on the road by Glastonbury, 4-0, Wednesday evening.
Tyler Paine (4) and the Westies fell against Glastonbury, March 2, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
West Haven entered the contest knowing a loss would send the team on the road against Xavier in the opening round of the CIAC Division I sate tournament, while a win or tie could have moved the Westies up a slot, playing cross-town rival Notre Dame.
For the Westies, the first round match up is a rematch of the postseason a season ago when the Falcons forced a tie in the final nine seconds of regulation, before winning early in overtime.
"We are going to need to play a full game in the playoffs if we are going to move on," West Haven coach Joe Morrell said. "We have struggled all year putting three periods together. I believe if we can do that, we can cause some trouble."
Jeremy Borelli (17) and E.J. Pacapelli (11) skate up the ice against Glastonbury, March 2, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
If the Westies are to exact some revenge on the Falcons, they will need a better offensive showing than they received against Glastonbury.
The Tomahawks led 1-0 after one as Jared Roy scored off a rebound and increased the lead to two goals late in the second period when Adam Yaeger scored a power play goal off an assist from Tanner Walker. Glastonbury tacked on the third goal when Andrew Rousseau put in another rebound early in the third.
Kalan Morgillo (20) against Glastonbury, March 2, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Logan Cole made several big saves in the loss for West Haven, which finished the regular season 7-12-1.
Pacapelli leads Westies
Sophomore scores 3 goals, adds assist, in 9-2 win over Milford
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(February 29, 2016) - West Haven coach Joe Morrell and his boys hockey team are looking to get into a groove. Morrell's squad may be peaking at the right time.
With 12 different players in the scoring column, led by three goals and an assist from sophomore E.J. Pacapelli, West Haven rolled to a 9-2 victory over Milford Monday afternoon at the Edward L. Bennett Rink.
"It was good to get off to a good start," Morrell said after his team improved to 4-0-1 in its last five games. "We knew how important the game was. It was good to get others to score and we were able to play (freshman) Noah Iversen for half the game in goal. I am proud of the kids. They understood the situation."
E.J. Pacapelli (11) scores one of his three goals against Milford, February 29, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
The situation Morrell was referring to was the first period as the Westies scored seven times and took a 7-0 lead.
Peter Richetelli scored just 1 minute, 26 seconds in off assists from Tyler Paine and Gerald Maus for a 1-0 advantage. Pacapelli then took over, scoring the next three goals, the first two unassisted in a span of 3:45.
Pacapelli gave the Westies a 4-0 advantage when he scored with 5:12 left in the opening period, then set up Jeremy Borelli 13 seconds later for a 5-0 lead.
"We understand we need to win to help us with the standings," Pacapelli said. "We know we are capable of playing with anyone. We want to win out and use that going into the postseason. We are playing better. My teammates did a good job of getting me the puck today."
Peter Richetelli (8) scores one of his two goals against Milford, February 29, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Richetelli scored with 3:47 left in the opening period off an assist from Alex Lynch for a 6-0 lead and Kyle Froehlich scored 27 seconds later for a 7-0 lead after one period of play.
After a scoreless second period, West Haven increased the lead to 9-0 in the third period as Chris Durost scored 36 seconds in and Chris Woosley scored on the power play 4:01 later.
Noah Iversen (1) makes one of his 13 saves against Milford, February 29, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Brendan Serenson stopped all 13 shots he faced, before being replaced by freshman Noah Iversen, who stopped 13 shots as well.
Brian Kelly finished with three assists in the win, while Borelli, Durost and Woosley each finished with a goal and an assist.
On a Roll
Tyler Paine scores 3 goals and Peter Richetelli adds 3 assists in win over Cheshire
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(February 27, 2016) - Tyler Paine and his West Haven teammates understand the importance of playing well at the end of the season. The Westies have gotten the message.
Behind three goals and an assist from Paine and three assists from Peter Richetelli, West Haven defeated Cheshire 6-4 Saturday afternoon at Wesleyan University. The win allowed West Haven to improve to 3-0-1 in its last four games and 6-11-1 overall.
Tyler Paine (4) scores one of his three goals against Cheshire, February 27, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
"This is a huge win for us," Paine said. "We came in here today knowing we want to go out winning our last three games. Our mindset is to go into every game thinking we are going to win. That is what we are trying to do. We are working hard and getting the job done."
Paine was a big reason the Westies got the job done as as he was part of the first two West Haven goals which put the Westies ahead to stay.
Trailing 1-0 after Cheshire's Ammar Chaudhry scored just 2:04 into the game, Paine got the equalizer just 21 seconds later off assists from Gerald Maus and Peter Richetelli. Just 4:01 later, Paine and Richetelli set up a goal by Max Lynch to give the Westies a 2-1 advantage.
"They scored early, but we came out and got one right back," West Haven coach Joe Morrell said. "That was big. We scored six goals tonight. That's big for us because we have not had that type of offensive output a lot. But, we can't give up four goals. We were sloppy in some areas tonight."
Brendan Serenson (35) made 23 saves against Cheshire, February 27, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Jeremy Borelli gave West Haven a 3-1 lead when he scored off assists from E.J. Pacapelli and Kalan Morgillo just 1:11 after the Lynch tally. Cheshire closed the gap to 3-2 on a goal by Jared Purslow, but Paine's second goal of the contest with 3:18 remaining in the opening period put the Westies on top 4-2 after one period.
With the action fast-paced the rest of the way, West Haven increased its lead to 5-2 when Alex Lynch scored from the point off an assist from his brother Max with 6:57 left in the second period.
Alex Lynch (88) and his teammates celebrate a West Haven goal against Cheshire, February 27, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
The Rams got one back late in the middle period, but Paine's third goal of the contest, off assists from Richetelli and Chris Woosley, put West Haven on top 6-3 in the third period.
Brendan Serenson made 23 saves in the win for West Haven.
Westies thump Indians
Tyler Paine and Alex Lynch each have four points in 7-1 win over North Haven
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(February 24, 2016) - If the West Haven boys hockey team is to do any damage once the postseason arrives, solid special teams play will be the key. The Westies took a step in the right direction Wednesday evening.
Scoring three times on the power play, including a pair from Peter Richetelli, West Haven broke a five game winless skid with a 7-1 victory over North Haven on Senior Night at the Edward L. Bennett Rink in West Haven.
"We did not do a lot of stick-handling," Richetelli said after his team improved to 5-11-1. "We put shots on net and we found the open guy tonight. We can build off this. I think a game like this can give us confidence for the rest of our games, and hopefully making a run into the playoffs."
West Haven seniors on Senior Night against North Haven, February 24, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
While the Westies were clicking on all cylinders from the start, the Indians never settled in. Taking four penalties, and allowing three power play goals, the Indians played from behind all night.
"We took too many penalties and we did not take any shots," North Haven coach Michael Silengo said after his team fell to 8-6-2 , extending its winless streak to four games. "We did not take enough shots. We lost every battle. When those things happen, that will be the result."
After a first period which saw the Westies have the best scoring opportunities early, only to be denied by North Haven goaltender Justin Daddio, West Haven finally got on the scoreboard with 4:12 remaining in the first period.
Off assists from Tyler Paine and Alex Lynch, Richetelli scored a power play goal from in front for a 1-0 West Haven lead.
Just 1:09 later and with West Haven on the power play once again, Lynch took a pass from Chris Durost and one-timed a blast past Daddio for a 2-0 advantage.
"We have been working really hard on our power play," West Haven coach Joe Morrell said. "We have been trying to get them to see all their options. We moved the puck around and found the open guy. We had a couple of rebounds we put in. We were ready and looking for rebounds."
Peter Richetelli (8) celebrates a goal against North Haven, February 24, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
With the West Haven defense holding the Indians to just 11 total shots in the first two periods and goaltender Logan Cole making every save, the Westies looked to extend the lead. Jeremy Borelli did just that as he put in a rebound off a flurry in front with 5:48 remaining in the middle period for a 3-0 lead.
The Indians made a game of it, needing just 24 seconds of the third period to score on the power play and get within two goals. John Jensen got North Haven within 3-1 when he scored off assists from C.J. Kenny and Pasquale Liuzzi.
Jensen's glimmer of hope quickly disappeared as Richetelli scored West Haven's third power play goal of the game 1:01 later when he put a rebound between the legs of Daddio for a 4-1 advantage.
"I think a game like this is good for the kids," Morrell said. "We were up 3-0 and they scored, but we came right back. I thought that was really big for us."
Borelli scored his second goal of the game with less than 10 minutes remaining when he knocked a shot by Alex Lynch in for a 5-1 lead. Hunter Cole scored an unassisted goal with 7:39 to go and Max Lynch poked in a loose puck in front with 20.1 seconds left for the 7-1 final.
Peter Richetelli (8) and Jeremy Borelli (17) celebrate a goal against North Haven, February 24, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
"Everyone chipped in tonight," Richetelli said. "That is big for us. It is good to have everyone chip in."
Paine finished with four assists and Alex Lynch added a goal and three assists in the win. Logan Cole made 17 saves and Noah Iversen saved all three shots he faced in the win.
Daddio finished with 28 saves for the Indians.
On the Board
Westies tie North Rockland, 3-3
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(February 18, 2016) - After being shut out in three of its last four games, the West Haven boys hockey team was looking to get on the scoreboard. Behind the play of Tyler Paine, Chris Durost and Peter Richetelli, the Westies did so.
Behind two goals and an assist by Paine, and two assists apiece from Durost and Richetelli, West Haven came back to tie North Rockland, New York, 3-3, Thursday evening at the Edward L. Bennett Rink.
Kalan Morgillo (20) and the Westies played to a 3-3 tie against North Rockland, New York, February 18, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
While Paine scored twice, it was a goal by Alex Lynch, off assists from Paine and Richetelli, which evened the game with 6:09 remaining in the third period to forge the tie.
Tyler Paine (4) and the Westies played to a 3-3 tie against North Rockland, New York, February 18, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
North Rockland scored the first two goals of the game, before Paine scored twice in 35 seconds to even the game at two.
Paine's first goal, off assists from Durost and Max Lynch with 6:37 left in the second, got the Westies within a goal. Paine's second in less than a minute evened the game at two with 6:02 left in the middle period and came off assists from Durost and Richetelli.
Jeremy Borelli (17) and the Westies played to a 3-3 tie against North Rockland, New York, February 18, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
North Rockland took a 3-2 lead on a goal by James Morina with 4:21 left in the second, setting up the dramatics by Alex Lynch in the third period.
Logan Cole made 21 saves in the tie for West Haven.
Blanked Again
Xavier shuts out Westies, 4-0
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(February 17, 2016) - The West Haven boys hockey team is looking to get going on offense. Unfortunately for the Westies, Wednesday evening was not the night.
Failing to score for the third time in its last four games, West Haven was shut out by Xavier, 4-0, at the Edward L. Bennett Rink. The loss, West Haven's fourth in a row, dropped the Westies to 4-11 on the year.
Logan Cole (9), seen here against Hamden, and the Westies fell against Xavier, February 17, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
"They reacted quicker to the puck than we did," West Haven coach Joe Morrell said. "We competed for part of the game. We just need to do it for 45 minutes. We did have some opportunities early. We have to make them count."
After a scoreless first period, Xavier scored two times in each of the final two periods to post the victory.
The back breaking goal for the Westies came with three seconds remaining in the middle period when Joel Hotchkiss scored through a screen for a 2-0 lead.
Max Lynch (94) and Brian Kelly (23), seen here against Hamden, and the Westies fell against Xavier, February 17, 2015. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Brett Reid tapped in a loose puck for a 3-0 Xavier lead 4:46 into the third and Austin Reid capped the scoring with a goal on a delayed penalty with 6:35 remaining in the game.
West Haven had 25 shots on goal in the game, but Xavier's Jared Guidobono stopped all 25 shots.
The Westies had scoring opportunities in the second period as Xavier took four penalties, but West Haven could not capitalize on the power play, including less than a minute of a two-man advantage.
E.J. Pacapelli was stopped in front with 8:35 remaining in the game and Jerry Maus saw his point shot turned aside in the final six minutes.
West Haven goaltender Brendan Serenson made 44 saves in the loss for West Haven.
Heartbreaker
Westies fall to Hamden in OT
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(February 13, 2016) - Peter Richetelli did all he could to help the Westies Saturday afternoon. Scoring twice in the third period, including the equalizer with 30 seconds remaining in the third period, Richetelli led the Westies to overtime against arch-rival Hamden.
Unfortunately for Richetelli and the Westies, his heroics were not enough. Raif Harris scored 22 seconds into overtime as Hamden rallied to defeat the Westies 4-3 in Hamden Saturday afternoon.
Peter Richetelli celebrates a goal against Hamden, February 13, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Trailing 3-1, Richetelli and the Westies fought back. Tyler Paine set up Richetelli's first goal just 1:47 into the third period to get West Haven within a goal and Richetelli scored an unassisted goal with 30 seconds to go in the third to force overtime.
West Haven celebrates the tying goal late in the third period against Hamden, February 13, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Despite West Haven getting off to a quick start when Alex Lynch set up Paine 1:26 into the game for a 1-0 lead, Hamden responded with three goals in the final 6:30 of the opening period to take a 3-1 lead after one period of play.
E.J. Pacapelli against Hamden, February 13, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Christian Ugolik got things going for Hamden, before Zach Owens scored with less than three minutes remaining in the period for a 2-1 Hamden lead. When James Smyth scored with 18 seconds left in the opening period, Hamden took a 3-1 lead to the intermission.
Logan Cole made 27 saves in the loss for West Haven.
ND gets best of Westies
Green Knights win battle of WH, 8-0
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(February 6, 2016) - After a disappointing loss to Notre Dame of Fairfield earlier in the week, the West Haven boys hockey team was looking to get back on the winning track. What better scenario for the Westies than to be playing their cross-town rivals from Notre Dame.
Unfortunately for the Westies, the Green Knights were not interested in helping West Haven. Instead. Notre Dame scored four times in the first period and cruised to an 8-0 victory over the Westies at the Edward L. Bennett Rink Saturday afternoon.
E.J. Pacapelli (11), seen here earlier in the season, and the Westies fell against Notre Dame-West Haven, February 6, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
In a front of a packed house, the Green Knights set the tone of the contest early, scoring twice in a span of 25 seconds and three times in 2:30 for a 3-0 lead.
West Haven was outshot 21-2 in the opening period and saw goals by Matthew McCormack, Christian Maselli and Thomas Driscoll give the Green Knight s a 3-0 lead just 7:53 into the contest. When Joe Ansaldo scored an unassisted goal with 3:23 remaining in the opening period, it ended Brendan Serenson's day in goal for the Westies and extended Notre Dame's lead to 4-0 after one period of play.
Max Lynch (94), seen here earlier in the season, and the Westies fell against Notre Dame-West Haven, February 6, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
The Westies never got going on offense, again putting only two shots on goal in the second period, both easily turned aside by Notre Dame goaltender Conor Hylton. Greg Caturano beat West Haven goaltender Logan Cole 5:57 into the middle period, giving the Green Knights a 5-0 advantage.
West Haven's best chance at scoring came in the third period when the Westies put eight shots on goal. Tyler Paine broke in on Hylton, but his forehand shot was turned aside by Hylton with a pad save to keep the Westies off the scoreboard.
Tyler Paine (4), seen here earlier in the season, and the Westies fell against Notre Dame-West Haven, February 6, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
The Green Knights put the game away with three goals in the final period, including one by Mike Ansaldo with 2:29 gone by in the final period for a 6-0 lead.
Lancers blank Westies
Scovill turns aside 28 shots in 3-0 NDFF win
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(February 3, 2016) - Notre Dame-Fairfield coach Steve Hetherman has been looking for a complete effort from his team. Hetherman finally got that effort Wednesday evening.
Behind 28 saves from junior William Scovill, seven players in the scoring column, and a ton of blocked shots, the Lancers posted a 3-0 victory over West Haven at the Edward L. Bennett Rink Wednesday evening.
Logan Cole makes a save and Hunter Cole (9) clears the puck against Notre Dame-Fairfield, February 3, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
"It is nice when the boys play our system," Hetherman said after his team improved to 7-6. "We had to keep an eye on number four (Tyler Paine). We played a complete game. We played three periods versus one or two. This is something we can build on. We tell the kids when you work hard, good things will happen."
Scovill was the story of the game for the Lancers, turning aside two breakaways by Tyler Paine and finishing with the shutout. Scovill denied Paine's backhanded breakaway in the first period with a pad save with 6:19 remaining, then stopped Paine's second breakaway with another pad save with 2:16 left in the game and the Lancers up two goals.
"I waited for him (Paine) to make a move and I reacted to it," Scovill said. "The guys blocked plenty of shots. They made it easy for me. I saw every shot. We moved guys out of the way."
Trailing 2-0, West Haven went to the power play with 4:50 remaining in the game. The Westies never got a quality shot as the Lancers blocked a handful of shots to keep the Westis off the scoreboard.
"That power play in the third period was the turning point," Scovill said. "The guys blocked so many shots."
Jeremy Borelli (17) and E.J. Pacapelli (11) look to score against Notre Dame-Fairfield, February 3, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
West Haven goaltender Logan Cole also played well, making 32 saves. Cole made 17 saves in the opening period and six more in the second to keep the game scoreless. Cole could not keep the Lancers off the scoreboard as Notre Dame created traffic in front and that traffic paid off when Chris Becker tipped in John Garvey's point shot for a 1-0 advantage with 4:48 gone by in the second.
"I thought he (Cole) played well," Morrell said after his team fell to 4-8. "I told the kids I expected more. We didn't get it done tonight. I am disappointed. They (Notre Dame) had a lot of blocked shots on our power plays. They stopped two breakaways. They made the saves."
Cole denied Brian Gallagher on a breakaway early in the third, but the Lancers took a 2-0 lead 4:32 into the final period when Tyler Henchcliffe scored from in front.
The Westies had only five shots on goal in the final period as the Lancers stepped up their defensive play. Other than the breakaway by Paine, Kalan Morgillo's blast from the slot sailed over the net with 7:10 remaining.
"I am really disappointed," Morrell said of his team. "We were 2-0 in our last two games and we want to build off that. We never got anything going. We never got into a flow."
Both teams had plenty of scoring opportunities in the opening period with the Lancers holding a 17-10 shot advantage. Paine was stopped in the slot with 3:18 to go and Cole denied Tyler English in front and the rebound by Seamus O'Rourke 1:34 later.
Kalan Morgillo (20) against Notre Dame-Fairfield, February 3, 2016. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
"Our penalty kill was terrific tonight," Hetherman said. "We blocked a lot of shots. We did not allow a lot of opportunities."
Colin Braziel (27) scores against Ridgefield, January 2, 2016. Video courtesy of TACC Video Productions. Double click to view full screen.
Hunter Cole (9) delivers a big hit against Amity, January 27, 2016. Video courtesy of TACC Video Productions.
Dante McClure (6) scores against Amity, January 27, 2016. Video courtesy of TACC Video Productions.
Alex Lynch (88) scores against Cheshire, February 27, 2016. Video courtesy of TACC Video Productions.
Hunter Cole (9) with a hit against Notre Dame-Fairfield, February 3, 2016. Video courtesy of TACC Video Productions.
E.J. Pacapelli scores against Xavier, March 9, 2016. Video courtesy of TACC Video Productions.
Tyler Paine (4) scores against Amity, January 27, 2016. Video courtesy of TACC Video Productions.
Logan Cole makes a save against Notre Dame-Fairfield, February 3, 2016. Video courtesy of TACC Video Productions.
Tyler Paine scores against Notre Dame in West Haven Jamboree. Double click to view full screen. Video courtesy TACC Video Productions.
Max Lynch (94) scores against Amity, January 27, 2016. Video courtesy of TACC Video Productions.
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Tyler Paine (4) scores against Hamden, January 16, 2016. Video courtesy of TACC Video Productions.
Jeremy Borelli (17) scores the game-winning goal in overtime against Scarsdale, New York, January 29, 2016. Video courtesy of TACC Video Productions.
Peter Richetelli (8) scores against Hamden, February 13, 2016. Video courtesy of TACC Video Productions.
Brendan Serenson makes the saves against Scarsdale, New York, January 29, 2016. Video courtesy of TACC Video Productions.
Noah Iversen (1) makes a save against East Haven, January 9, 2016. Double click to view full screen. Video courtesy of TACC Video Productions.
Jeremy Borelli (17) scores against Scarsdale, New York, January 29, 2016. Video courtesy of TACC Video Productions.
West Haven hockey Midnight Madness. Video courtesy of Mike Madera.
Hunter Cole (9) scores a goal against North Haven, February 24, 2016. Video courtesy of TACC Video Productions.
Jeremy Borelli (17) scores against Hamden, January 16, 2016. Video courtesy of TACC Video Productions.
Jeremy Borelli (17) scores against Cheshire, February 27, 2016. Video courtesy of TACC Video Productions.
Tyler Paine (4) scores his second goal of the game against Amity, January 27, 2016. Video courtesy of TACC Video Productions.
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Logan Cole makes an outstanding save against Hamden, January 16, 2016. Video courtesy of TACC Video Productions.
Dante McClure (6) scores against Scarsdale, New York, January 29, 2016. Video courtesy of TACC Video Productions.
Alex Lynch (88) scores a goal against North Haven, February 24, 2016. Video courtesy of TACC Video Productions.
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