West Hartford’s Hall boys hockey team lost to Rocky Hill, 5-2, in a CCC South semifinal game.

Sports reporting is sponsored by Keating Agency Insurance

By Savannah Cote. Photos by Scott Sulkazi and Savannah Cote

With a trip to the CCC South Championship on the line, Hall faced a tough test against Rocky Hill on Thursday night in a matchup featuring two of Division III’s top-ranked teams. The stakes were clear: the winner would advance to face Conard for the conference title.

The Terriers entered the game ranked No. 3 in Division III with an impressive 15-3-2 record. Rocky Hill had been one of the most consistent teams in the division all season, combining a balanced offensive attack with disciplined defensive play.

Hall came in ranked No. 4 with a strong 13-6-1 record of its own. The Titans had built momentum late in the season, leaning on their depth and physical style of play to compete with some of the state’s top teams. With just one spot separating the two teams in the rankings, the matchup carried the feel of a playoff battle from the opening puck drop.

Rocky Hill controlled much of the game early, capitalizing on its chances to build a commanding lead. The Terriers struck first and continued to apply pressure, eventually taking a 4-0 advantage into the third period. Goals from Braeden Smith, Chase Stepina, Evan Mosicibroski – who converted on the power play – and Bruno Begazo fueled the Rocky Hill offense. Assists came from Drapeau, Stepina, Mason Parker, Nathan Duval, and Shane Aaron as the Terriers moved the puck effectively and found openings in the offensive zone.

Despite the deficit, Hall showed resilience in the third period and refused to let the game slip away quietly. The Titans came out with renewed energy and quickly got on the scoreboard. Just 37 seconds into the period, Connor McHugh buried a goal off a setup from Benjamin Putnam to give Hall a spark and shift momentum early in the frame.

Hall continued to push the pace and apply pressure as the period wore on. Their effort paid off again with 5:09 remaining in regulation, when the Titans struck for their second goal of the night to cut further into the deficit and keep the comeback hopes alive.

The late surge gave Hall life and forced Rocky Hill to tighten up defensively in the closing minutes. The Titans generated pressure and looked for another opening, but the Terriers held firm. With just under two minutes remaining, Rocky Hill delivered the final blow when Mason Parker found the back of the net to seal the game.

Although the comeback attempt ultimately fell short, Hall’s third-period push highlighted the determination that carried the Titans throughout their season. Rocky Hill’s victory sends the Terriers on to face Conard in the CCC South Championship, while Hall focuses on their road in the states.

Hall will begin its CIAC state championship play on Monday, March 9, hosting the Newton/New Fairfield co-op at Veterans Rink in West Hartford. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:20 p.m.

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