West Hartford’s Hall/Conard girls hockey team hosted Mercy on Monday in West Hartford.

Sports reporting is sponsored by Keating Agency Insurance

By Brooklynn Knowles. Photos by Brooklynn Knowles and Cole Schweiger

Maintaining their spot as third in the state, and first in the Central Connecticut Conference (CCC), the Hall/Conard girls ice hockey team keeps their winning streak alive, now having won 12 straight games with a 3-2 victory over Mercy on Monday.

Hall/Conard Goalie Lauren Busi making a glove save. Feb. 2, 2026. Photo credit: Cole Schweiger

Hall/Conard won the opening faceoff, but not without immediate pressure from Mercy. Alex Martin emerged as a key presence early, consistently challenging the Hall/Conard defence and creating lots of offensive opportunities for both herself and her teammates.

While Hall/Conard’s defence could contain Mercy for the majority of the first period, it ultimately wasn’t enough as they capitalized late, Martin finding the back of the net to take a 1-0 lead heading into the end of the first period.

Mercy’s Alex Martin weaving through Hall/Conard defense. Feb. 2, 2026. Photo credit: Brooklynn Knowles

This early and unexpected setback fuelled the Hall/Conard girls as they came out strong in the second period. Refusing to settle for a loss, Fiona Campbell stepped up and proved to be a key asset for Hall/Conard on Monday night.

The intensity did not let up for either team during the second period, as players battled along the boards and frequently hit the ice as they fought for the puck. There was a constant effort from both teams. 

With 4:21 left in the second, junior Paige Sweeney tied the game for Hall/Conard, capitalizing on a rebound off a powerful blue-line shot from Campbell. This goal gave her confidence and energized the team, proving to her teammates that Hall/Conard was still very much in the game.

Paige Sweeney and Teagan Cohane celebrate after a game-changing goal from Sweeney. Feb. 2, 2026. Photo credit: Cole Schweiger

Hall/Conard goalie Lauren Busi continued protecting the net, turning aside each shot as it came and holding off Mercy’s aggressive offense. The score remained tied 1-1 heading into the third.

The third period belonged to Sweeney, who took control of the ice and scored two more goals to secure the win for Hall/Conard. With the incredible hat trick that put the score to 3-1 and only three minutes remaining in the final period, momentum was with Hall/Conard. 

Mercy pressed for a quick answer, but Hall/Conard’s Paige Fehl made things difficult, creating problems for the Mercy offense. With intensity from both sides peaking, the final two minutes were frantic, and were highlighted by a goal from Mercy’s Maggie Fry (11), beginning to close the gap on the scoreboard and bringing energy to Mercy’s players. 

Despite five face-offs in the final 90 seconds, all in the Hall/Conard defensive zone, the team’s defense held strong, and not a single shot touched the back of Busi’s net.

With fewer than 10 seconds remaining, Tegan Cohane was sent to the penalty box, and with Mercy’s net left unattended as they added an additional player into the congestion of Hall/Conard’s defensive zone, Hall/Conard was forced to defend a 6-on-4 advantage. With six seconds left, the final face-off gave Mercy one last chance to even the score.

Mia Longman looking to get Hall/Conard a shot on net. Feb. 2, 2026. Photo credit: Cole Schweiger

Unfortunately for Mercy, their final push came up empty as Hall/Conard held possession in the closing seconds to secure the victory and continue their winning ways.

Coming up, Hall/Conard (12-2) will travel to Simsbury (0-13) on Wednesday for a 4:20 p.m. start, aiming to keep their 12-game win streak alive.

Teagan Cohane face-to-face with Mercy defence. Feb. 2, 2026. Photo credit: Cole Schweiger

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