NEW HAVEN - Senior forward Jake Fuss of Fairfield Warde/Ludlowe scored the game-winning goal 1:22 into overtime Friday to capture the Division II title with a 4-3 victory against the North Branford Thunderbirds.
Jack McCormick scored two goals for the Mustangs, who carried a commanding 3-1 into the third period at Ingalls Rink in New Haven. Mike Pantera and Adam Burkle tied the game at three for the Thunderbirds, who carried all the momentum a team needed heading into overtime of a championship game.
Scoring the game-winning goal to win a championship is something every athlete dreams of and, in this case, Fuss has now experienced such a feeling.
“It’s something you dream of as a kid in your driveway just shooting around,” said Fuss. “I saw the puck was loose and batted it home to win the state championship.”
The last time both teams played, North Branford climbed its way back from a two-goal deficit, ending the game in a 4-4 tie.
“This happened last time we played them, we were up.” Fuss said. “It was a back-and-forth game. We just couldn’t quit. We suffered a tough loss in the FCIAC. We just came out here and buried the puck to win a championship.”
Another star for the Mustangs was senior goalie Mike Grace, who finished the game with 43 saves.
By: Bobby Martinez, CPTV Sports Digital Media Producer
Photographer: Stan Godlewski
GAME HIGHLIGHTS
CPTV Sports will rebroadcast the game Wednesday, March 23, at 7:30 p.m. and, Tuesday, march 29 at 7:30 p.m.
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John McCormick says
How can I get copies of the ON-ICE group pics of Fairfield after the D2 hockey finals? Want to make posters for the coaches. Thx
Bobby Martinez says
You can unlock passport for at least $5 a month as an additional member benefit. Become a member today. Here’s the link to the DII Hockey Finals game. http://video.cptv.org/video/2365697498/
Donna says
Is this game available for purchase on DVD?