CHS Ice Hockey Falls In Hornet's Nest

March 18, 2010 by Greg Lederer

The Cheshire High School ice hockey team was riding high, after one period of the Division II quarterfinals on March 12. Cheshire (third seed) had won their first two meetings with Branford High School (11th seed) and then energized their fans by jumping out to a 2-0 advantage at the Trinity Community Sports Complex in Hartford. Players later admitted they felt too good.
Branford cut the deficit in half and added two more goals in the third period, rallying to stun their Southern Connecticut Conference rival by a score of 3-2. Austin Hackett posted the game-winning goal with 3:15 left and Branford senior goalkeeper Andrew Furbush (25 saves) was impenetrable down the stretch.
“Branford outplayed us in the second and third periods. Tonight, we came up short,” said Cheshire Head Coach Jim Riccitelli.
Not only did the loss put an abrupt end to Cheshire’s 11-game win streak (18-6 record) and prevent them from defending their D-II title, but it also wrapped up the career of seven seniors. Drew Cunningham, Mike Diglio, Nate Gaudio, and J.D. Keegan captained the team.
“They played us really well,” reflected Gaudio. “We thought we were invincible during this streak. But, we got breaks along the way. They created them tonight.”
“We felt too comfortable. It’s a tough loss,” added Diglio. “I’m going to miss going on the bus every day. Being with them good or bad was great. We’re still going to hang out for senior year.”
Furbush withstood considerable pressure while his teammates finalized their comeback. Branford’s Cameron DeLucia converted a deep shot to even the score (2-2) at the 5:21 mark. After Furbush turned away four shots, the Hornets struck for the decisive score. Bill Quinlan broke free on the right side and passed into the middle, where Hackett hit the puck threw Cheshire junior goalkeeper Jason Bailin with 3:15 remaining.
“It went off my stick and slid into the net,” explained Bailin. “We wanted this game, but they wanted it, too, and maybe more that we did. They got the breaks and bounces.”
Cheshire didn’t go down without a final push. But, in a theme for the game, they were unable to capitalize on four power plays. Branford was penalized for charging (2:28) and Cheshire wasted no time pressuring Furbush. Diglio fired a wrap around shot that Furbush covered in front of the goal mouth. Branford killed the penalty and held off Cheshire during the final 20 seconds. Cheshire senior defenseman Colby Olin was injured in a collision and later needed stitches.
“That goalie played a hell of a game. We couldn’t put it by him,” Gaudio said.
The Rams did come out strong. Olin assisted on both goals, the first of which came just under seven-and-a-half minutes into the first period. A slap shot deflected off sophomore Tyler Violano, falling into the net.
Cheshire nearly extended the lead moments later when Diglio sent a pass ahead to Gaudio down middle ice. Gaudio skated into a breakaway, but Furbush deflected his shot. Furbush couldn’t deny the second goal with 5:04 remaining. Senior Mike Devine, using assists from Olin and freshman Owen Powers, scored point-blank. Devine led the Rams in goals (37) and points (53) for the second straight season.
“I never like a 2-0 lead. It is the worst lead in hockey,” reflected Riccitelli. “It was a great hockey game. Saying goodbye to the kids is the tough part.”
Due to a tripping penalty, Cheshire had the power play advantage heading into the second. But, the Hornets held them in check and ended the shutout with a goal from Joseph Parker. It appeared that the Hornets tied the game at the 5:08 mark, but the goal was wiped out due to a Branford player kicking the puck.
Once again, Branford was penalized late and the Rams had a power play to start the the third period. Despite a 27-18 advantage in shots, Furbush kept the Rams from converting chances.
“I have to hand it to them,” reflected Devine, who played his first two years at Avon Old Farms School. “There have been great battles with Cheshire and Branford. This one went their way.”
Cheshire killed off both their penalties. Bailin, who didn’t play last winter, made 15 saves in his first loss since taking over for injured sophomore Tyler Carbone.
“It felt good to get here, but it would have been better to get the win for the seniors,” said Bailin.
The captains, along with Devine, Olin, and Greg Breda graduate with consecutive SCC titles and the 2009 D-II crown.
“We have a lot of talent on this team. I went around to all the guys and told them I expect good things from them next year,” stated Gaudio.