Chippy Behavior Sinks BHS Hockey State Hopes

Close but no cigar.

Both Branford and Westhill finished the varsity boys' ice hockey season with records of 8-12 and the necessary .400 winning percentage to qualify for the CIAC Division II tournament. Only Westhill will lace up their skates for state competition, Branford will not. 

It was not widely talked about, but Branford's boys' ice hockey team was on probation for excessive major penalties coming into this season. An additional four major penalties during the course of the season would render any playoff hopes dismissed.

According to Branford co-athletic director Savas Synodi, the confusion over the ruling stemmed from a penalty obtained earlier in the season that was called and marked in an unclear manner.

"In hockey you're always reminding your team of penalties and the consequences," said Synodi. "This is just an unfortunate situation. I feel bad for the team, players and coach. They worked really hard this season to overcome a slow start. It's just upsetting to come up this short."

Branford did appeal the ruling, but was unsuccessful in reaching a different result.