NEW HAVEN – The Darien Blue Wave were the defending Division I ice hockey state champions for a reason. A strong offensive attack helped the Blue Wave to an early 2-0 lead against Fairfield Prep in the first period, and tough defense late held off any comeback attempt from the Jesuits, as Darien repeated as Division I champions with a 4-2 victory Saturday at Ingalls Rinks in New Haven.
“We played an efficient third period,” said coach Mac Budd. “We did that the other night against Notre Dame-West Haven and I said maybe it wasn’t our best period of hockey but at that point in the game we didn’t need to play our best period of hockey.”
The Jesuits, however, would not go away without making it difficult for Darien. In a hard-fought, chippy contest throughout, Fairfield Prep battled back in the second period on a goals by senior forwards Justin Blanchette and Christopher Kral.
But the Blue Wave continued to extend their lead against Prep with a pair of goals from senior forward Jay Dickson, taking a 4-2 advantage into the final period. The Blue Wave defense then proved to be too much for the Jesuits, denying the Prep program its 16th state championship and clinching Darien’s second title in as many years in Division I.
“There’s really no way to describe it. I love it,” said Dickson. “I mean, to go out on top, there’s nothing better. I can’t describe it.”
By: Aaron Johnson, Special Contributor for CPTV Sports
Photographer: Stan Godlewski
Click here for box score.
This game will rebroadcast Friday, March 25 at 7:30 p.m. and, Tuesday, March 29 at 11:30 p.m.
Follow along @CPTVSports on Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram for the latest updates on Connecticut sports.
James E. Walker says
Good Luck tonight, Jake Walker. Grandpa Jim will be watching.