Doug Reilly
Sports Editor
With just 15 minutes left to play in the FCIAC Championship game against St. Joseph last weekend, hopes of an undefeated season and a conference championship for the Rams started to fade as they entered the 3rd period trailing 3-1. Thanks to goals by juniors Dylan Hart and Jake Granito, the game was tied, with a few minutes left in the game, bringing the New Canaan crowd back to life. Two disallowed goals in the final 2:30 of the third period, one for each team, kept the game at a 3-3 tie, and the FCIAC Championship was to be decided in sudden death overtime.
Junior Reed Harper, the team’s leading goal scorer, was confident in his team as they headed into overtime. “We went into OT with a positive mindset, we knew it was only going to take one shot, and we’ve scored a lot,” he said. “Its funny, whenever we’re down in a game, we know that something will happen, because winning has just become natural for us.” Something did, in fact, happen. 3:49 into the overtime period, senior David Crandall redirected Tom Krieger’s slap shot past St. Joseph goalie Zach Carrano, sending the Rams and their fans into a state of euphoria. “It was awesome. The support has been ridiculous; our school, the bomb squad, and the kids. Its been a great time, and we knew we were going to win that game in front of the school,” Reed added.
The victory gave the Rams their 17th FCIAC title, and continued their undefeated season as they turn their attention to the Division 1 state tournament. Being the state’s top ranked team, the Rams have earned the number one seed in the bracket. On Wednesday, March 9th, the Rams began their state title run at home against rival Greenwich, the 16th seed in the tournament. After almost two periods of scoreless play, Dylan and Reed combined to score three goals in the last 45 seconds of the second period. Junior Ryan Begoon and David added goals in the third period and the Rams advanced to the state quarterfinals with a 5-1 victory.
The state’s top ranked team is set to play 9th seeded Glastonbury, this Saturday March 12th. The time and place for the quarterfinal game is still yet to be determined.
For the Rams to reach their ultimate goal of winning their first state championship in 39 years, Reed stresses consistency from his team. “We need to come out in the first period and play three full periods of hockey,” he said. “Also, our third line needs to play and contribute like they did against St. Joe’s.” Barring any upsets in the state tournament, the Rams will potentially play St. Joseph, the fourth seeded team, in the semi-finals. The road to the state championship will not be an easy one for the Rams, but it sure will be entertaining.
