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02/25/2024 07:42 PM

Boys’ Ice Hockey Earns Two Victories and Honors Special Seniors


Pictured are the seniors on the North Branford boys’ ice hockey team, that all helped to shape the program into a very competitive one over the last few years. Photo courtesy of Todd Ingarra Photography

Boys’ Ice Hockey

North Branford boys’ ice hockey traveled to Wethersfield on Feb. 19 and won 5-2. Michael Matteo got the Thunderbirds on the board, with as assist from CJ Sherwood. Sherwood then fed Connor Stoner for another score, with Max Becker on the secondary assist.

Midway into the third period with the game knotted at two apiece, Chris Maisano gave North Branford the lead, and Jack Maley added a score (assisted by Becker and TJ Connelly). Collin Augur iced the game with a Power Play goal in the third frame.

On Feb. 21, the team traveled to Daniel Hand and won 5-4. Goals for the Thunderbirds were scored by Maisano (unassisted), Augur (assisted by Sherwood and Brady Martinik), Matteo (assisted by Sherwood and Stoner), Jake Pedersen (assisted by Sherwood and Maley), and Maley (on a rebound). The Tigers made a comeback effort, netting three unanswered goals, but it wasn’t enough and North Branford prevailed.

On Feb. 24, the North Branford boys’ ice hockey team hosted Masuk on Senior Night, dropping the contest 5-1. Prior to the game, the North Branford hockey community honored the team’s 13 senior players and managers. This senior group has turned the program from winning a few games in their freshman year, to making it to the semifinals last season. Currently at 12-6-1, the leaders of the team are setting their sights on making a deep playoff run for another shot at a championship. The Thunderbirds are currently ranked sixth out of 21 teams in their division.

This season's highlights include a shutout victory over East Haven, handing the Yellowjackets their only loss at the time.

Seniors honored included managers Noelle Small and Cassie Munck. Players honored included No. 4 Brady Martinik, No. 5 assistant captain CJ Sherwood, No. 6 captain Nickie Ryszczyk, No. 7 Connor Stoner, No. 9 Lucas Vollono, No. 12 captain Collin Augur, No. 15 Michael Matteo, No. 17 Jake Pedersen, No. 25 assistant captain Jack Maley, No. 29 Aiden Hutchinson, and No. 33 goalie Austin Fruin.

In the game, the loan goal was scored by Sherwood, with Stoner on the assist.