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Boys Hockey

Kovalev, Greenwich erupt on offense, blank ailing No. 7 Hamden

By Will Aldam | January 11, 2020

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Greenwich's Benjamin Bates moves the puck as Hamden's Alan Cozzolino defends on Saturday.
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Greenwich’s Benjamin Bates moves the puck as Hamden’s Alan Cozzolino defends on Saturday.

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Greenwich's Ivan Kovalev (27) reaches in to disrupt a pass by Hamden's Robert Celentano (3) during boys ice hockey action in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Greenwich's Ivan Kovalev (27) reaches in to disrupt a pass by Hamden's Robert Celentano (3) during boys ice hockey action in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

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Hamden's Craig Cesare (25) checks Greenwich's Jake Shreders (4) against the boards during boys ice hockey action in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Hamden's Craig Cesare (25) checks Greenwich's Jake Shreders (4) against the boards during boys ice hockey action in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

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Hamden's Jack Shane (12) passes the puck as Greenwich's Peter Lewis (23) defends during boys ice hockey action in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Hamden's Jack Shane (12) passes the puck as Greenwich's Peter Lewis (23) defends during boys ice hockey action in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

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Hamden's Alan Cozzolino (7) passes the puck during boys ice hockey action against Greenwich in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Hamden's Alan Cozzolino (7) passes the puck during boys ice hockey action against Greenwich in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

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Greenwich goalie Charles Zolin blocks the puck during boys ice hockey action against Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Greenwich goalie Charles Zolin blocks the puck during boys ice hockey action against Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
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Greenwich's Ryan Columbo (13) blocks Joseph D'Adamo (14) as he chases down the puck during boys ice hockey action in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Greenwich's Ryan Columbo (13) blocks Joseph D'Adamo (14) as he chases down the puck during boys ice hockey action in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.
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Boys ice hockey action between Greenwich and Hamden in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday Jan. 11, 2020.

Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
Greenwich's Ivan Kovalev slips the puck in for a goal as Hamden goalie Benjamin Bielen tries to block the shot on Saturday.
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Greenwich’s Ivan Kovalev slips the puck in for a goal as Hamden goalie Benjamin Bielen tries to block the shot on Saturday.

Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
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Greenwich's Jake Shreders hits a slap shot against Hamden on Saturday.
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Greenwich’s Jake Shreders hits a slap shot against Hamden on Saturday.

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Hamden's Christopher Dolan drives the puck towards the goal as Greenwich's Christopher Cataldo defends on Saturday.
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Hamden’s Christopher Dolan drives the puck towards the goal as Greenwich’s Christopher Cataldo defends on Saturday.

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Hamden's Joseph D'Adamo attempts a shot as Greenwich's Christopher Cataldo defends on Saturday.
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Hamden’s Joseph D’Adamo attempts a shot as Greenwich’s Christopher Cataldo defends on Saturday.

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Greenwich goalie Charles Zolin deflects a Hamden shot on Saturday.
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Greenwich goalie Charles Zolin deflects a Hamden shot on Saturday.

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HAMDEN — After a lackluster start to the season, the Greenwich boys hockey team broke out in a big way Saturday.

Having won only one of its previous five games, Greenwich dominated seventh-ranked Hamden 7-0 behind six separate goal scorers.

“It has always been there we just haven’t had a lot of luck,” said Greenwich coach Chris Rurak, whose Cardinals have been receiving votes in the GameTimeCT Top 10 poll despite their 1-3 start. “Our first two games we lost in overtime. We played Darien in the Winter Classic, which is kind of a novelty game, so it is hard to gauge and then we beat Immaculate in overtime. So, we weren’t quite getting the bounces but we were playing well. Today we stayed out of the penalty box and had more discipline, so we were able to manage a better game, get everybody in and they are starting to buy into this system that produces wins, so that is half the battle.”

Ivan Kovalev led the Cardinals with two goals.

Ivan Kovalev scored twice in Greenwich’s 7-0 blowout win over Hamden #cthk pic.twitter.com/fQhIQzrV8Y

— Will Aldam (@AldamWill) January 12, 2020

“We had a rough start to the season with losses in OT, so getting this win was definitely big for us,” Kovalev said. “We are just hoping to build off of this and get a win streak going.”

Greenwich’s offense received a spark on a goal by Charles Zolin 6:19 into the game, which was followed up by Kovalev’s first goal as he batted the deflected puck into the net for a 2-0 lead after one period of play.

The Cardinals piled on in the second period on goals by Damian Desforges, Thatcher Danielson, Benjamin Bates and eventually Kovalev’s second goal for a 6-0 lead.

John Hutchins netted the final goal of the game with 45 seconds to play to finalize it at 7-0.

Ivan Kovalev for a 6-0 Greenwich lead as the 2nd period comes to an end #cthk pic.twitter.com/PVLt6FQRQh

— Will Aldam (@AldamWill) January 11, 2020

Greenwich (2-4) was averaging 2.6 goals per game prior to the seven-goal explosion, the win was also the team’s first shutout of the season.

“We needed this,” Rurak said. “1-4 is not a great way to start even though it was not indicative of how we were playing but we still need to get some wins and needed to get some points.”

Hamden (5-4) began the season with a 4-game winning streak before losing four of its last five.

“I don’t know if it was that we just weren’t prepared,” Hamden coach Todd Hall said. “If we weren’t then it is my fault, my issue and I’ll deal with that. Greenwich came ready to play, just like every team does that comes into this barn. So maybe we just weren’t ready. We saw them a couple weeks ago in a scrimmage, we saw what they had even though they were missing a couple of guys. We knew what they had. Regardless, I don’t think we put our best foot forward.”

Greenwich goes up 2-0 over Hamden on this goal by Ivan Kovalev here in the first period #cthk pic.twitter.com/TcsYgTANMh

— Will Aldam (@AldamWill) January 11, 2020

One explanation for the surprising outcome could potentially be the absence of some players due to injury and sickness, such as starting goalie Max Ricci, who was replaced by sophomore Benjamin Bielen.

“These aren’t excuses, but we have the flu running through our team,” Hall said. “That includes our starting goalie. We’ve had a couple injuries so not necessarily the perfect storm but we have had some adversity. Having said that the kid who played in net today, granted with seven goals, but he made some pretty good saves, he stood in there and he maybe didn’t know exactly what he was up against, but I thought he did a great job.”

About By Will Aldam

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