The North Branford boys’ ice hockey team experienced a roller coaster season this winter that culminated with the Thunderbirds reaching their first state title game in program history. Although North Branford took a 4-1 defeat to Suffield-Granby-Windsor Locks in the Division II State Tournament final, the team still concluded the campaign with an exceptional record of 17-7-1 that included a mark of 7-3 in SCC/SWC Division II to place second and qualify for that tournament, as well.

The peak of the T-Birds’ wild ride came in Division II semis, when they defeated top-seeded Conard 4-3 in double overtime. Sophomore forward Brian McKee netted the game-winning goal on the power play to send North Branford to the championship clash.

“To pull out that victory was a big hump for us. We’ve been down there at Ingalls in three of the past four years and couldn’t get past the semifinal,” Head Coach Ralph Shaw said. “That was the biggest game for us as a program. Overcoming that step was a big task.”

Shaw enjoyed the entire playoff experience this season, noting that it was his first time he made a state title game as a coach.

“It was a fantastic experience. I’ve been a part of coaching hockey for a lot of years and to get to this point, it’s something I hadn’t experienced before. I got emails from other coaches who had been there before and said to just enjoy it. It was honestly the best thing. I can’t express enough—I want to get back each year,” said Shaw, whose squad had defeated Wilton 6-2 and Newington-Berlin-Manchester 3-0 in the first two rounds of states. “The town, the community, everyone was so supportive. I got emails from former players, community members, Board of Education people, I even stopped to get gas and people were yelling to, ‘Go get ‘em.’ There were some fond memories.”

A crucial stretch of the regular season for North Branford was how it began as the Thunderbirds were red-hot out of the gate. They won their first contest of the campaign, 7-3, over Newington-Berlin-Manchester and didn’t lose a game in regulation until Jan. 31—a 2-1 loss at the hands of North Haven. North Branford went 9-0-1 during that span with the only loss coming to Fairfield Warde/Ludlowe in overtime.

“We talked about qualifying for the state tournament in our first 10 games this season and they did a great job. They did it in nine,” Shaw said. “It was an awesome accomplishment.”

North Branford was led throughout the season by senior captain Alec Martone. A center, Martone scored a team-high 55 points and was the constant motor that kept the T-Birds going. Martone was named North Branford’s Most Valuable Player, a First Team SCC/SWC Division II selection, an All-State honoree, and a scholar athlete who was also made New Haven Register First Team All-State and All-Area. On top of all that, Martone was the Register’s All-Area MVP.

“He’s been a huge impact player since he’s freshman year. He put a lot of pressure on himself as a junior after Dylan Podbielski graduated, but this year, he came out and there wasn’t that pressure and stress that we saw his junior season,” Shaw said. “He was a phenomenal player for us. He was a solid leader on the ice, in the locker room, and in the classroom. He’s a coach’s dream.”

Martone was one of five seniors on the squad and each one made a big impact. Captain Jordan Glenn played important third line minutes throughout the regular season and moved up during the state tournament. Forward Cam Reshotnik proved a key grinder, Chris Russo was one of the top defensemen, and Will Burke picked up his fare share of wins in net as North Branford’s backup goalie. Glenn collected Shaw’s Desire and Dedication Award and Reshotnik earned the national Hobey Baker Award for displaying great character and sportsmanship.

Junior defender Matt Chamberlain was a Third Team SCC/SWC selection, as was sophomore goalie Will McEwen. McEwen was also a Register All-Area pick. Shaw said his squad was selected as the Connecticut High School Coaches Association and United States Marine Corps Team of the Year. These are both tremendous honors that are typically given to teams which win the state title.

Looking to next season, North Branford will return plenty of key players. Although the loss of Martone will be huge to overcome, McEwen will still be starting between the pipes with defenseman Chamberlain and Opie coming back to play key minutes on the blue line. McKee, Adam Burkle, Dominic Raccio, Mike Pantera, and Nico Giatrelis will return to their forward spots and Shaw will look for some younger guys to step up and find roles on the squad.

“We have a good nucleus of guys coming back and a good class of freshman coming in,” he said. “I’m excited for these kids. We set the bar for the season and we’re all disappointed we didn’t come away with the title. Guys will be hungry for a repeat performance so I’m hoping we can get back to Ingalls.”