Hall Titans boys hockey won 5-2 against Newtown-New Fairfield in the first round of the CIAC Division III tournament on March 9, 2026 at Veterans Memorial Rink in West Hartford.

Sports reporting is sponsored by Keating Agency Insurance

By Kei Caudle

Spring may finally be in the air, but inside Veterans Memorial Rink in West Hartford the focus is still on the ice as the Hall boys hockey team geared up for the Division III state tournament – family and friends filling the stands as the players for the No. 5 seed skated onto the ice, hoping for yet another win as they faced No. 12 seeded Newtown-New Milford.

Both teams came at the puck with a fierce nature; the sounds of hockey sticks slapping filled the air as players slammed against the rink. Barely a minute in, and Hall’s No. 6 Connor McHugh made a shot on goal, only to be blocked by Newtown’s goalie, No. 29 Carter Bisson. With the referee calling it offside, a face off was drawn, and anxieties are heightened.

With the rink shaking, No. 34 Ben Putnam for Hall scored, and it was 1-0, barely three minutes into the game, with a fast and controlled goal, assisted by McHugh. Once again, 30 seconds later, Putnam scored a 5-hole goal with an assist from No.5 Charles DeBassio. The stands were filled with heightened energy with Hall up 2-0. The team rode high into the period as they led with an advantage.

Newtown sent the puck flying, earning a strike for icing, and met with another face-off. They took charge of the puck, contrary to Hall’s attempts. With No. 9 Jack Croce earning his place as defense, he took charge once again.

With vigorous pacing and an intense drive, No. 26 Ryan Schmidt scored a 5-hole goal for Newtown, with an assist from No.17 Colby Cheneski, and the score was now 2-1. Newtown skated around in celebration as the score begins to even itself out, bringing the fear back to Hall’s team.

With several close calls on either side, these goalies did not come to just play, with both putting their best foot forward in terms of defense. Both DeBassio and No. 19 Zachary Orsey took shots on goal, only to be met with yet another face-off. With an intense attempt at a rebound, Newtown’s goalie gripped the puck, rearing back from the swarm of players desperate for a goal.

Despite Newtown’s best efforts, with only four minutes left in the period, McHugh scored an on-net goal across the rink, sliding past the goalie. The now booming crowd cheers as each player slams against the glass in celebration. Just within the first period, the score was 3-1, thanks to the unassisted goal by McHugh.

The crowd went wild as No. 2 Charlie Ganey scored yet another goal for Hall, with an assist from Croce, and the score was 4-1. Each fan was filled with an intense rush as victory begins to etch itself into stone. The Hall boys were invigorated and, on the move, more determined now than ever to achieve a win for themselves.

With the second period starting, each team craved that win, determined to continue to advance in this tournament. As the timer began, No.8 Dillon McDermott grabbed hold of the puck, fending off Newtown defenders as he inched closer to the goal.

Newtown’s defense was sturdy, providing a challenge for the Hall forwards. They maintained control of the puck, as several missed shots were taken. Even with their excellent union of defenders, Newtown forwards could not slide past Hall goalie Matthew Bonner and his team.

The same could be said for Hall’s offense, as the second period proved to be uneventful. With shot after shot being taken, neither goalie let them slide through, their determination proving frustrating to their opponent. Among the close calls, including a nearly 5-hole from No.22 Ben Goldstein and an off-the-net miss from Cheneski, came only penalties and small injuries.

Finally, nearing the end of a prolonged period, Goldstein scored another goal, pushing the score to 5-1, using the confusion between the defender and goalie to his advantage. He shot towards the top left corner, right over Bisson’s shoulder, and into the net. The enthusiastic student section was booming as they slapped the ice and shouted over the music.

The third period started with intense energy, with Newtown trying to claw their way up the scoreboard and Hall determined to push them down. Within the first few minutes, offsides was called, and a few shoves were sustained without penalty.

Two minutes in and Newtown’s goalie was down following a collision with both his own teammates and Hall’s Goldstein, causing another break and even more anticipation for this long-awaited game.

Despite what feels like hundreds of attempts made by Hall for a sixth goal, No. 5 Jack Meade scored an unassisted goal for Newtown, and the score was 5-2. With six minutes left of the final period, Hall’s hope remained high as they brushed off the last goal with Bonner returning to his trusty net.

A nearly sixth goal was made by a very determined Hall Titan, however the referees call it off for icing, giving Newtown a slight chance to breathe.

With loads of good saves and glorious shots, the third period came to a close with a score of 5-2, Hall Titans taking the win and progressing onto the next round of the CIAC tournament.

They will face the No. 4 Terriers on Thursday, March 12, at Trinity College. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

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