Walsh, Xavier Ice Hockey End Season In Hamden

March 19, 2010 by Greg Lederer

Seeds were deceiving when it came to the Division I first round ice hockey game between Xavier (13th) and Hamden (fourth) high schools on March 10. Hamden swept their first two meetings, yet those wins came by a combined three goals.
For two-and-half periods, Cheshire resident Dan Walsh and his Xavier teammates looked like the favored team. The Falcons built leads of 2-0 and 3-1, yet they were erased in the blink of an eye. Hamden, behind an energetic home crowd at Lou Astorino Arena, scored four times during the third period to rally for a 4-3 victory. Xavier ended their season with a 8-13 record.
“I think the biggest thing is that Hamden finds a way to win,” said Xavier Head Coach Scott Gainey. “When we come to play, we can stick with anybody in the state.”
Xavier had all the momentum heading into the final period. However, Hamden's Connor Walsh ended the shutout at the 12:41 mark. Xavier junior Brandon Reid scored a little over two minutes later to regain the two-goal advantage at 3-1. Following a timeout, CJ Carrignan took over for the Green Dragons. Carrignan assisted Jim Burt's goal and then converted twice himself, putting Hamden ahead (4-3) for the first time with 49.5 seconds left. The tying goal came via the power play.
“We played three good periods,” stated Walsh, who intercepted a pass and had the ensuing shot deflected with 5:08 remaining. “There were unlucky bounces at the end or else we win that game. It's tough.”
The Falcons controlled the tempo from the start, however, they were unable to convert power plays during a scoreless first period. In a close call, Hamden senior goalkeeper Ryan Amarone stopped an interior shot from Walsh.
“That would have been ideal,” reflected Gainey, of scoring on special teams. “We didn't set up the power play the way we wanted tonight.”
Xavier converted their chances in the second period. Michael Samek broke the stalemate, scoring across the middle with 11:59 left. The Falcons killed two penalties of their own before Walsh extended the lead at the 1:40 mark. Walsh settled a loose puck on the right side and buried his shot through the opposite corner.
“It felt very good. Puck just got my stick,” explained Walsh. “I didn't really see it go in.”
“He played great and left everything on the ice,” Gainey added. “When he plays aggressive for 45 minutes, you can see the impact he makes.”
While the loss was bitter, Xavier has potential. Eleven juniors will be assuming leadership roles.
“We will come back strong next year,” Walsh said. “Hopefully, we'll be motivated by this.”