Amity
Coach: Gary Lindgren
Last year: 13-8
Top players: Adam Shea, Sr., F; Keating Seymour, Sr., F; Brett McNeil, Sr., F; John Crocker, Sr., F; John Pignataro, Sr., F; Johnny Uscilla, Sr., D; Ryan Hauser, Sr., D; Scott Saffran, Jr., D; Dalton Luciani, Jr., D; Brian Mosher, Sr., G.
Outlook: The Spartans have one of the toughest D-II schedules in the state, but should fare well on both ends of the ice with its solid core of veteran and talented players.
Branford
Coach: Adolph Brink
Last year: 13-8-2 (advanced to CIAC quarterfinals)
Top players: Tyler Hackett, Jr., F (37 points last season); Tyler Criscoulo, Jr., F (32 points); A.J. Brink, Jr., G (2.41 GAA, 92.4 save percentage, 3 shutouts).
Outlook: Brink hopes to develop chemistry early with five games before the new year. The Hornets will depend on some high-end scoring while developing a strong team defense-oriented system. Brink hopes to be competitive in the newly formed SCC/SWC league and qualify for state tournament play.
Cheshire
Coach: Karl Sundquist
Last year: 5-15
Top players: Ben Klanica, Jr. F (20 points last season); Joey Solla, Sr., G; Dan Purslow, Sr., D; Jon Hauser, Sr., F; Chris Stevens, Sr., F; Matt Vallillo, Sr., D.
Outlook: The Rams have 11 seniors, and with the move from Division I to Division II, Sundquist is hopeful the Rams can compete for conference and state titles. The Rams have depth at every position and should be able to run three lines regularly. “We had a hard time finishing last season, but with this many upperclassmen, we think we are capable of 15-5 this year,” Sundquist said.
Guilford
Coach: Ralph Russo
Last year: 12-9 (lost D-II quarterfinals)
Top players: Hunter Martins, Sr., G; Chris Cafiero, So., F; Derek Batick, Sr., F; Charlie Molloy, Jr., F; Brian Donohue, Sr., D; Ryan Brand, Jr., D; Will Powell, So., D; Jack Petrick, Jr., F.
Outlook: Speed and team defense are the Indians’ strength. They should improve on last season’s record.
Hand
Coach: Dan Mitchell
Last year: 11-8-3 (lost second round D-II tournament)
Top players: Ben Solin, Jr., F; Dan Braumann, Sr., F; Chase Briggs Sr., G.
Outlook: With a good mix of upper and underclassmen, the team should be able to build off the success from last year (SCC D-II tournament title). Mitchell expects to contend for a SCC-SWC division title and make a long run into the D-II tournament in March.
Milford
Coach: Sal Follo
Last year: 12-9
Top players: Zach White, Sr., F (61 points last season); Will Vitelli, Sr., F (26 points); Jonathan DePascale, Jr., D (16 points); Ben Lavallee, Sr., D (11 points).
Outlook: Milford has strength on defense and offense and will be tested in the newly merged SCC-SWC league. Follo said the SWC-SCC Division II teams are all very good with no easy games. He believes the D-II state champion will come from the SCC-SWC league. Follo’s goal is to see his team play consistently throughout the season.
New Milford
Coach: Dan Moore
Last year: 13-7-2 (lost first round D-II tournament)
Top players: Nick Capriglione, Sr. G; Harrison O’Connell, Sr. F; Jameson Steinhardt, Jr. D; Steven Berry, Sr., F; Cole Case, Sr., F.
Outlook: The Green Wave are expected to be one of the strong teams in Division II this season with their strength, experience and talent on both ends of the ice. Capriglione is one of the top goalies in D-II and Moore expects his team to be battle-tested early competing in the new SCC-SWC league.
North Branford
Coach: Ralph Shaw
Last year: 14-9 (advanced to D-II semis)
Top players: Alec Martone, Jr., F; Nick Johnson, Sr., D; Brendan Appi, Sr., D; Nick Taylor, Sr., F; Jordan Glenn, Jr., F.
Outlook: Defense is a strength while the offense remains a work in progress.
North Haven
Coach: Tom Roche
Last year: 4-14-2
Top players: Vin Fasulo, Sr., F; Chris Lion, Sr., F; Tyler Luedee, Jr., F; Matt Bogart, Sr., D; Phil Gauvin, Sr., D; Andrew Graziano, Jr., G.
Outlook: The offense and goaltending is solid. If the Indians can improve their defense, they will likely improve on last season’s record and qualify for the postseason. Dropping from D-I to D-II will help this season as well.
