John Frieders, Sports Editor
@john_frieders
Tonight is an opportunity for New Canaan to avenge the seven consecutive losses versus rival Darien. For Darien, it’s an opportunity to get back on top of the state after last year’s disappointing semifinal loss to Stamford/Westhill/Staples.
When talking about the premier teams of Connecticut girls hockey, Darien and New Canaan are the first two teams that come to mind. Ahead of the 2025 season, the two rivals were ranked number one and two in the state, and now, with one game left, nothing has changed. Tonight, the Rams and Blue Wave will battle for the 2025 CHSGHA Girls Hockey Championship at M&T Bank Arena on the campus of Quinnipiac University.
Out of the 17 all-time CHSGHA championships, New Canaan and Darien combined for 14 of the 17. New Canaan has appeared in 4 of the last 5 championship games, winning last year’s crown 3-0 over Stamford/Westhill/Staples. The Rams are looking to win their 10th championship, and their second in a row.
Yet, ahead of the Rams is an opponent appearing like a tsunami; the Blue Wave are a perfect 21-0 this season, which has kept them atop the state poll where they’ve been since day 1. The Blue Wave look to sweep the FCIAC and CIAC Championship this season after winning the program’s 10th FCIAC Championship on March 1 in a 2-0 victory over the Rams.
The March 1 loss to Darien was New Canaan’s sixth loss in the past two years – all six have been to the Blue Wave. This season, the two teams have a combined record of 42-3 – the only three losses are New Canaan’s to Darien. In these three games, the Blue Wave have outscored the Rams 6-1; a main reason for this is Darien has held New Canaan Senior Captain and 2024-2025 FCIAC Player of the Year Maddie Tully to 0 points. Those are the only games Maddie Tully has been held scoreless this entire season. Tully leads the league in goals (42) and points (59).
Darien’s success is in large part due to four of their forwards being on the All-FCIAC First Team. Izzy Haire, Adriana Gromelski, and Senior Captains Sarah Kellogg, and Parker Krotee all received these prestigious honors, representing an incredibly dangerous attack that can score at any moment.
A common theme for both rivals this season has been dominance in the net. Darien’s goaltender Ella Lonergan received one of two All-FCIAC First Teams spots, allowing just four goals throughout the regular season, and New Canaan’s Macyn Callahan was elected to the All-FCIAC Second Team.
Darien’s goaltender is protected by two of the best defenders in the FCIAC, Lila Fiorita and Sophie Hass; the two were elected to the All-FCIAC First Team. New Canaan’s Ashton Pinkernell and Marrisa Delcarmine are the Rams’ first defensive line and both received All-FCIAC First Team and All-FCIAC Second Team honors respectively.
Tonight’s matchup is guaranteed to be one of the best girls hockey hames of the year. Each Ram-Blue Wave rivalry matchup is must-see game and tonight is no exception. The game will be live-streamed on DAF Media at 7 pm.
Stream Link: https://www.youtube.com/live/bDsrLuNi6JQ?si=0EMqLJFpC506hB37
