Boys’ hockey skates for history

Doug Reilly
Sports Editor

39 years removed from their last Division 1 State title, the boys’ hockey team sits at the top of the state rankings with a sparkling record of 18-0. Having blown out just about every team on their schedule, the Rams look destined for another deep run into the state playoffs, a run they hope to end at Ingall’s Rink with a championship trophy in their hands.

Many thought that last year was the team’s best and possibly last chance at winning that coveted State Championship, at least any time soon. After coming up one win short of the State finals in a devastating 4-3 loss to Fairfield Prep, the Rams headed into the offseason with feelings of disappointment and uncertainty, due to the losses of several key seniors from last year’s team.

However, as we draw close to the end of the regular season, the 2010-2011 New Canaan Rams are the state’s top ranked team, the only team in the state with an undefeated record. “After coming so close last year the seniors put an emphasis on working harder in the off-season to make sure we wouldn’t fall short again,” senior captain Henry Corcoran said. “Our record so far proves that we have bought into the system and the idea of an undefeated season is starting to become a reality.

Although last year’s team and this year’s team have shared similar success in their respective regular seasons, they seem to have different make-ups and personalities. Last year’s team was arguably one of the best defensive teams in the entire state of Connecticut. With a freshman in net last year, Tim Nowacki, having a good defense in front of him was crucial. While the Rams definitely put points on the board last year, they seemed to be more defensive minded in protecting their young, inexperienced goaltender.

This year, however, with Nowacki as a sophomore, having experienced both the FCIAC and State playoffs, the Rams have switched their mindset to the offensive side of the puck. With a little more trust in their goalie, the Rams have been able to stress the offensive attack, being able to take the pressure off by putting points on the board early in games. As a result, Nowacki has developed into one of the best goalies in both the FCIAC and the state.

With a first line of three great play makers and goal scorers, Henry Corcoran, his younger brother Charlie, a sophomore, and senior Reed Harper, the Rams have averaged more than five goals a game, having the ability to put a team away with a goal at any time. “Harper’s a prolific scorer and every team needs someone who can put the puck in the back of the net,” Henry said. “Playing alongside he and my brother has definitely impacted the teams offensive production and adding him has made our line possibly the best in the state.”

With that being said, the Rams are definitely not perfect. Being the aggressive, physical team that they are, they are often plagued by several penalties a game, having to rely on Nowacki to bail them out, especially early in games. A prime example was the Rams’ January 24th game against the Ridgefield Tigers. The Rams, the better team, were out shot 19-3, while committing three penalties. Thanks to Nowacki, however, the score remained 0-0 through the first period. The Rams explosive offense woke up in the second period and the Rams went on to win 6-1.

“We need to come together as a team and make sure we show up for the entire game,” Henry added. “We come out very sluggish in the first period and have to weather the storm to be able the come back and win games. But, once we start putting together full games I think we will be in a great position to reach our ultimate goals.”

Like most good teams, the Rams play their best against better opponents. Their signature win of the season game on January 8^th when they traveled to Xavier High School, ranked in the top five in the state, and defeated them 5-4. Other impressive wins came against Notre Dame-West Haven (3-0), Darien (4-2), and aforementioned Ridgefield (6-1).

Closing in on the end of the regular season, heading into postseason play, the Rams begin to switch their focus from achieving a perfect season, to achieving the ultimate goals of winning both the FCIAC and Division 1 State Championship. “Our greatest goal is to bring home a state championship,” Henry said. “An undefeated season would be great but when it comes down to it, the only game that matters is the last one we play and we are setting our sights on the title.”

In the midst of a tough three-game stretch against arch-rival Darien, Hamden, and St. Joseph’s, the Rams tune up for tougher games to come in the postseason. “Coach Hickey tells us all the time, ‘We have enough talent to be as good as we want to be,’” senior captain Tom Kreiger said. “We all know what is at stake this year. We have a chance to make history and we’re going to take one game at a time.”