Sports
Hornets' Hockey Tripped By North Haven
Goals from Joe Parker, Nick Blake, Alex Mansi and Robert Celentano not enough as the Branford fell 6-4.
Branford’s seniors lost their last home game of the season 6-4 to North Haven Saturday evening. In a physical back and forth game, North Haven came out on top and has moved to within one win of the playoffs.
The North Haven Indians capitalized on Branford’s early mistakes. The Indians scored two power-play goals by seniors Tyler Bensen and Richie Mauri. Branford tied the game midway through the first with a power-play goal by junior Robert Celentano. The teams ended the first with North Haven on top 3-1.
The beginning of the second period belonged to the Hornets. Branford quickly tied the game up in the first four minutes from goals by junior Nick Blake and senior Alex Mansi.
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However, the second period started to balance out with back and forth hockey. By the end of the second the momentum was starting to turn to North Haven’s favor. The period ended with the teams tied 3-3.
The Indians began the third by building off of their early momentum from a late second period penalty. North Haven put in two even strength goals from senior Jared Wentworth and junior Johnny Johnson.
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The Hornets tried battling back with a deflection power-play goal by senior Joe Parker, but it wasn’t enough for Branford. Wentworth added another goal to seal the victory for North Haven.
North Haven improves to 7-11, while out shooting Branford 36-26. Branford drops to 7-12 with the loss. Both teams need to win at least one more game to be able to qualify for the playoffs.
