West Hartford’s Conard High School made it to the finals of the CIAC Division II boys hockey state tournament before losing 5-2 to Lyman Hall.

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Goalie Chase Emery looking on. Conard vs. Lyman Hall. CIAC Division II boys hockey finals. March 20, 2026. Photo credit: Scott Sulkazi

By Savannah Cote. Photos by Scott Sulkazi

An unforgettable season came to a tough end for Conard hockey Friday night at Quinnipiac’s M&T Bank Arena.

After moving up a division following back-to-back Division III championships, expectations had been low – but the Red Wolves proved everyone wrong. What was supposed to be a rebuilding year turned into a historic run, as No. 11 seed Conard battled its way to the Final Four and ultimately the state championship game. The ending may not have been the one they wanted, but this team didn’t just compete – they redefined what was possible.

Conard’s bench watching the action on the ice. Conard vs. Lyman Hall. CIAC Division II boys hockey finals. March 20, 2026. Photo credit: Scott Sulkazi

Lyman Hall, the No. 4 seed in the tournament, set the tone early, striking just 3:26 into the first period as Jeremy Laffin found the back of the net off an assist from Aiden Akoury. From there, both teams settled in defensively, trading chances but unable to capitalize for much of the game. It wasn’t until late in the second period – just under two minutes remaining – that Lyman Hall doubled its lead, with George Porto finishing a key scoring opportunity to make it 2-0 heading into the final frame.

Conard responded in the third period, showing the same resilience that defined its postseason run. Bradan Gainey got the Red Wolves on the board 4:42 into the period, cutting the deficit in half and injecting life into the Conard bench. But Lyman Hall answered back at a critical moment, as Liam Laffin scored an unassisted goal at 9:28 to extend the lead. Just nine seconds later, Nathan D’Amico added a power-play goal to quickly push the margin to 4-1.

Bradan Gainey scored Conard’s first goal of the game. Conard vs. Lyman Hall. CIAC Division II boys hockey finals. March 20, 2026. Photo credit: Scott Sulkazi

Despite the sudden swing, Conard refused to go away. Gavin Mangini responded just 21 seconds later, scoring at 9:49 to make it 4-2 and keep hopes alive. The Red Wolves continued to press, but couldn’t find another breakthrough.

Lyman Hall ultimately sealed the game with an empty-net goal from Gavin Gierla with 1:11 remaining, closing out a 5-2 final.

Torin McGoldrick assisted on both of Conard’s goals and Dylan Smith was also credited with an assist. Emery had 27 saves in the final game.

While the loss ends Conard’s season one game short of a title, it does little to diminish what this group accomplished. In a year where few expected them to contend, the Red Wolves delivered one of the most impressive runs in program history, proving they belong among the state’s best.

Ken Roche trying to get an offensive drive going. Conard vs. Lyman Hall. CIAC Division II boys hockey finals. March 20, 2026. Photo credit: Scott Sulkazi

Chase Emery making a save. Conard vs. Lyman Hall. CIAC Division II boys hockey finals. March 20, 2026. Photo credit: Scott Sulkazi

Nolan Reck gets some advice from the coaches. Conard vs. Lyman Hall. CIAC Division II boys hockey finals. March 20, 2026. Photo credit: Scott Sulkazi

Ken Roche on offense. Conard vs. Lyman Hall. CIAC Division II boys hockey finals. March 20, 2026. Photo credit: Scott Sulkazi

Chase Emery attempting to make a save. Conard vs. Lyman Hall. CIAC Division II boys hockey finals. March 20, 2026. Photo credit: Scott Sulkazi

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