How do you improve upon a campaign that saw your team win its second straight conference crown and then reach the state final for the second year in a row? If you’re the Guilford boys’ ice hockey squad, you stick to the principles that have been working for the past several seasons—things like striving for daily improvement, playing with a competitive edge, and developing cohesiveness across the ice.

Last year, Head Coach Ralph Russo’s club finished the regular season on a seven-game win streak for a record of 17-3 and the top seed in the SCC/SWC Division II Tournament. In the conference tourney, Guilford defeated Amity 6-3 in the semifinals and then dispatched Watertown-Pomperaug by a 3-2 score in the final to defend its conference title.

Entering the Division II State Tournament as the reigning champions, the Indians earned a 2-1 overtime victory against E.O. Smith-Tolland in the first round, doubled up Glastonbury 6-3 in the quarterfinals, and rallied for a 2-1 semifinal win over Watertown-Pomperaug to make the title game for the second year in a row. Guilford took a 7-3 defeat versus Farmington Valley-Avon-Lewis Mills in the Division II final to finish the year with an overall mark of 22-3.

This winter, Guilford skated out to a scorching start by earning an 8-7 win against West Haven in its opener, followed by a 9-6 victory versus E.O. Smith. Last week, the Indians took their first loss of the year when they dropped a 5-4 decision to Hand at DiLungo Rink in East Haven on Dec. 18.

Coach Russo said that Guilford is focused on peaking in the playoffs once again this season.

“We are trying to become a competitive team, work together as a group, and improve from the start of the year. Our main goal is the same: we want to be playing our best hockey at the end of the year,” said Russo, whose team is 2-1. “It’s not just about the measure of wins. It has a lot to do with intangibles that we want to hit along the way.”

Senior forward John DeLucia is serving as Guilford’s lone captain during his second tour of duty in the captain’s chair. Coach Russo said that DeLucia is a consummate competitor and a selfless leader who does whatever is necessary for the betterment of the Indians.

“He looks out for his teammates and understands the team concept,” Russo said of DeLucia. “Even if he has the puck in a scoring position, he is happy to pass the puck and also play on defense. He’ll do whatever he has to in order to make the team better.”

Guilford features several other senior stalwarts this season. The Indians’ senior class also includes center Jake Watrous, forward Xander Mason-Mann, defenders Mike Letourneau, Greg Litvyn and Liam Murphy, along with returning goalkeeper Alex Attruia.

“Jake has been a solid performer since sophomore year. He anchors down the center position and is strong with faceoffs,” said Coach Russo. “Xander is tall with a fast stride and willing to play different positions. Mike is strong and likes to compete. Greg is a solid defenseman. Liam Murphy is an agile skater. Alex has worked hard towards getting ready for this year.”

In terms of the Indians’ underclassmen, Guilford will be relying on juniors like forward Jack Dacey and defenders Tyler Considine and EJ Vickerman, along with sophomores such as forward/defender Steven Tortora, forward Shea Thibault, and center Zach Sperry. Goalie Gavyn Litvyn and forward Connor Hagness are two freshmen who could contribute to the Indians this year.

“Jack has had a couple nice years and performed well,” Russo said. “Tyler has been impressive on defense. EJ is a smooth skater with good size. Steven brings strength and, by virtue of his effort, we’ve been using him as forward and defense. Shea is a quarterback on the power play. Zach has played well. Gavin has done well so far, and Connor has a strong shot.”

Coach Russo knows that Guilford has some things to work as his team begins another season. One of the biggest things he’s emphasizing is for the Indians to play solid defense, while maintaining possession of the puck. It’s still early, but Russo is pleased with how his team is shaping up thus far.

“We’re deeper on defense than we’ve been in many years, but we want to work on our team defense, and be as effective as possible and keep puck possession for a long time,” said Coach Russo. “This is a fun group of kids. I like how the team is very quick and moves the puck fast. We have work to do in terms of getting the chemistry down, but we just need to learn something every game, and keep it going.”

From the Sidelines

• This is Ralph Russo’s 18th season as head coach of the Guilford boys’ ice hockey team.

• Bill Graves is the assistant coach for the Indians this winter.

• The Indians are competing in Division II of the SCC/SWC with Amity, Branford, Cheshire, Milford, New Milford, Newtown, North Branford, North Haven, and Watertown-Pomperaug, as well as the East Haven-Old Lyme-Old Saybrook- East Hampton-Morgan-Valley Regional co-op team.