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12/29/2022 12:22 PMThe North Branford boys’ ice hockey team took on the Glastonbury High School Guardians on Dec. 26 at home at the NIP.
This home opener, played in front of parents, alumni, teachers and students, did not disappoint!
After a sluggish first period by both teams, the hustle of Michael Matteo shook the home crowd with a second effort self-rebound, resulting in a mid-game goal, putting the T-Birds up by one, with assists being credited to Nickie Ryszczyk and Lucas Vollono.
Entering the third period, it was a back-and-forth game, which saw the opposing goaltender (Patrick Sullivan) robbing a couple of opportunities from T.J. Connelly and C.J. Sherwood.
At the 7:00 minute mark, the Thunderbirds went up 2-0 with a blast from Brady Martinik that was deflected over the sprawled goalie by Jack Maley.
With three minutes left, the Guardians took an ill-timed penalty, allowing the T-Birds’ Power Play enough time and space to put this game out of reach. A goal was scored by Sherwood, assisted by Maley, for the 3-0 lead.
In the end, it was senior captain Aidan Geist who stood out as the difference maker, stopping all 31 shots he faced for this season’s first shutout. Geist currently boasts a .978 save percentage and .667 goals against average.
With this latest victory, the Thunderbirds improved to 3-0 on the season. Coach Ralph Shaw is pleased with how this squad has reacted to the competition, and notes that they can build on their early success.
The 2022-23 Thunderbird team is made up of 3 seniors: captain Aiden Geist, Antonio Nero, and Jake Rispoli, 11 juniors: captain Nickie Ryszczyk, Austin Fruin, captain Collin Augur, Michael Matteo, Jack Maley, Jake Pedersen, Lucas Vollono, Aiden Hutchinson, Brady Martinik, Connor Stoner, and CJ Sherwood. The lone Sophomore, Greg Galasso, is now joined by first-year teammates TJ Connelly, Chico Jara, Nick Maher, Massimo Palma, and Nico Falcigno.
Next up for the T-Birds is Farmington Valley on Tuesday, Jan. 3 at 3:00 p.m. at the NIP.