Defense Leads Branford Hockey To Win

Freshman goalie Thomas Delucia recorded 23 saves, including a couple of spectacular saves in the third period to lead the Branford hockey team to a 3-1 non-conference win over Fairfield Warde Ludlowe at the Northford Ice Pavillion on Saturday.

With Branford holding a 2-1 lead late in the third period, Brian Underkofler blasted a slapshot from the point that Delcuia gloved to preserve the Hornet lead. Branford’s first defensive line of senior captain Gary Criscuolo and freshman Jordan Criscuolo also played great in the third period.

“Our defense and goalie were better than theirs tonight,” Branford coach Adolf Brink said. “That about wraps it up.”

The Hornets took three penalties in the first period. The defense did a great job killing the first two, but Fairfield was able to capitalize on the third. Gary Criscuolo was called for a roughing penalty with 43 seconds remaining in the period. On the ensuing faceoff, Fairfield senior Chris Santello blasted a slapshot from the point that sailed over the left shoulder of Delcuia, hit the cross bar and dropped into the net.

Brink, who coached Fairfield before coming to Branford last season, said there was no way to blame Delucia for that goal. All the credit belonged to Santello.

“I coached him for a couple of years when I was at Fairfield,” Brink said. “He is an absolute sniper. You can’t give a player like him that much time and space….nothing good is going to happen.”

Fairfield was called for a tripping penalty on the opening faceoff of the second period. Just over a minute later, Nick Blake scored on a slapshot from the blue line to tie the game at 1-1. Alex Mansi and Austin Hackett were credited with assists.

Junior Rob Celentano scored the game-winner with 5:49 remaining in the second period on a breakaway goal that sailed over the left shoulder of Fairfield goalie Connor Frawley. Blake was credited with an assist on the goal.

Austin Hackett added an empty netter with 18 seconds remaining to seal the victory for the Hornets. Joe Parker and Blake were credited with assists.

“I thought our third period was the best,” Brink said. “I would like to see more consistency on offense and see us take better advantage of our opportunities, but we will take the win. Fairfield is a quality program.”

Branford improves to 1-1, while Fairfield falls to 1-1.

The Hornets will be in action again on Dec. 22 as they host Trumbull at the Northford Ice Pavillion beginning at 6 p.m.