West Hartford’s Conard High School boys hockey team defeated Enfield 4-3 on Thursday afternoon.

Sports reporting is sponsored by Keating Agency Insurance

By Savannah Cote. Photos by Scott Sulkazi

With a trip to the CCC South Division championship on the line, Conard and Enfield met in a high-stakes matchup on Thursday filled with intensity from the opening puck drop.

Conard entered the contest ranked No. 11 in Division II, carrying a 12-8-0 record after navigating a challenging regular-season schedule. The Red Wolves had built their season on disciplined defensive play and timely scoring, showing resilience in tight games as they pushed toward postseason play.

Across the ice, Enfield arrived equally motivated. Ranked No. 8 in Division III with a 12-7-1 record, the Eagles leaned on strong team chemistry and consistent offensive pressure throughout the season. Their balanced attack and ability to capitalize on opportunities made them a dangerous opponent in a win-or-go-home setting.

With both teams boasting similar records and postseason aspirations, the matchup promised a fast-paced, physical battle, with the winner earning the chance to compete for the CCC South Division title.

The first period delivered on that expectation, as both teams traded chances and pushed the pace early. Each side generated pressure in the offensive zone, but strong goaltending and defensive play kept the game scoreless for most of the period. Just when it appeared the teams would head to the intermission tied, Conard broke through in dramatic fashion.

With only one second remaining on the clock, Torin McGoldrick found the back of the net, finishing a play set up by Gavin Mangini and Henry Tammacio to give the Red Wolves a 1-0 lead heading into the second.

The second period continued the back-and-forth pace. Enfield answered quickly, striking just one minute into the period when Quinn Stefanowich scored off assists from Sawyer Pequita and Kyle Malecki to even the game at 1-1. Conard responded shortly after, as Dylan Smith scored an unassisted goal to restore the Red Wolves’ lead.

Moments later, Conard thought it had extended its advantage when a shot appeared to cross the goal line before bouncing back out, but the officials ruled no goal after the play went unseen. The Red Wolves didn’t let the missed call slow their momentum. Not long afterward, Ken Roche buried a goal off assists from Nolan Reck and Smith to push Conard’s lead to 3-1.

Enfield kept the pressure on and managed to pull back within one late in the period. With 3:59 remaining, Stefanowich struck again for his second goal of the night, finishing a play assisted by Cooper Love to make it a 3-2 game heading into the final frame.

In the third period, Conard created some breathing room. With 11:26 left in the game, Gavin Mangini extended the Red Wolves’ lead, scoring off assists from Andrew Nigro and McGoldrick to make it 4-2.

From there, Conard focused on closing out the game, tightening up defensively and limiting Enfield’s chances as the clock wound down. The Eagles managed to score one final goal in the closing seconds, when Jayden Bowdoin found the net with just two seconds remaining off an assist from Gavin Wojcik.

However, it came too late to change the outcome, as the Red Wolves held on for the 4-3 victory and punched their ticket to the CCC South Division championship.

Conard will meet Rocky Hill on Friday at 5 p.m. at the International Skating Center of Connecticut to play for the CCC South Championship.

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