FINE PERFORMANCES
Nora Birmingham, Suffield co-op: Birmingham, a senior co-captain, had a hat trick as the Suffield co-op defeated Mercy/Northwest Catholic, 7-1, Tuesday in Cromwell. The Wildcats are fifth in the state playoff race.
Mckenzie Broderick, Notre Dame-Fairfield co-op: Broderick scored the go-ahead goal and assisted on NDFF’s third goal during a 3-1 win over the Branford co-op last Wednesday in Shelton. Broderick also helped lead a defensive effort which allowed just 13 shots on goal.
Caitlyn Caldon, East Catholic/Glastonbury/South Windsor (ETB): Caldon racked up 60 saves against 61 shots as ETB played to a 1-1 tie with Greenwich Saturday at Hamill Rink in Greenwich.
Tess Csejka, Amity/North Haven/Cheshire: Csejka had a hat trick as the Blades downed the Masuk co-op 6-1 last Wednesday at Astorino Rink in Hamden. The senior then added one goal in a 3-2 loss to the Avon co-op on Monday, and two goals in a 7-5 loss to West Haven/SHA on Tuesday.
Maddie Epke, Guilford: Epke collected eight goals in two days, including five in an 8-4 win over Hamden last Wednesday, and a hat trick in an 8-2 win over the Daniel Hand co-op on Thursday. The sophomore forward also had an assist against Hand, and notched her 100th career point.
Mackenzie Gallinoto, Avon co-op: Gallinoto had a hand in all three of Avon’s goals in a 3-2 victory over Amity Monday at Newington Ice Arena. She scored the game’s first goal and then had assists on the other goals, including Sarah Murphy’s game-winner in the third period.
Lindsay Maloney, Fairfield co-op: Maloney had a hat trick in the Fairfield co-op’s 7-3 victory over Wilton/Norwalk/McMahon Saturday night at the Wonderland of Ice.
Brooke McNabola, West Haven/SHA: McNabola, a senior defender, had a hat trick in WHSHA’s 7-5 win over the Amity co-op on Tuesday at Bennett Rink.
Sarah Murphy, Avon co-op: Murphy had three points and scored the game-winning goal in the third period, as Avon edged Amity, 3-2, Monday in Newington. Murphy assisted on Avon’s first two goals.
Blythe Novick, New Canaan: The junior goalie made 37 saves in back-to-back shutouts against top opponents. On Saturday, she collected 21 saves as the Rams defeated Rhode Island power La Salle Academy, 2-0, at the Darien Ice House. On Monday, Novick made 16 saves as New Canaan played to a scoreless tie with Simsbury, which leads the CHSGHA standings.
Tori LaCroix, Simsbury: The junior goalie was perfect with 21 saves as the Trojans played to a scoreless tie with New Canaan Monday at the International Skating Center in Simsbury.
Kelly Raymond, Darien: Raymond scored twice in the Blue Wave’s 7-4 win over West Haven/SHA last Wednesday, and then added a pair of assists in an 8-1 win over Ridgefield/Danbury on Saturday. Darien is unbeaten in its last nine games at 8-0-1.
Daniella Vickerman, Guilford: Vickerman had four points on one goal and three assists in an 8-4 win over Hamden last Wednesday at Astorino Rink.
GAMES TO WATCH
Notre Dame-Fairfield vs. Wilton/Norwalk/McMahon at Winter Garden, Friday, 4 p.m.: Both teams are sitting just outside the 12-team state playoff bubble. Notre Dame is 13th and Wilton is 14th. A victory here could propel the winner into the tournament.
Guilford vs. West Haven/SHA at Bennett Rink, Friday, 6:30 p.m.: A rematch of the wild Connecticut Ice game at Webster Bank Arena on Jan. 24. In that contest, Maddie Epke had five goals and two assists to lead Guilford to a 7-6 overtime win.
Greenwich vs. Fairfield co-op at Wonderland of Ice, Friday, 8 p.m.: Two teams bound for the FCIAC tournament meet in a late-season clash.
Avon co-op vs. East Catholic/Glastonbury/South Windsor (ETB) at Newington Ice Arena, Friday, 8:20 p.m.: The two CCC foes are separated by less than a point in the state tournament rankings. The first meeting was a tight game, with Avon winning 3-2 on Jan. 11.
Fairfield co-op vs. Avon co-op at Newington Ice Arena, Saturday, 8:10 p.m.: Avon’s second game in as many days against a possible state playoff team. Fairfield has qualified for the FCIAC tournament, and is currently 12th in the race for the state playoffs.
