The Hall boys hockey team opened the season at home at Veterans Memorial Rink in West Hartford on Wednesday.

Sports reporting is sponsored by Keating Agency Insurance

Benjamin Goldstein is trying to find an opening. Hall vs. Northeast boys hockey. Dec. 17, 2025. Photo credit: Savannah Cote

By Savannah Cote

The Hall Titans earned an exciting first win of the season on Wednesday night, edging the Northeast Shamrocks 4-3 in a tightly contested matchup that came down to the final seconds.

Hall was anchored by a strong performance in net from Matthew Bonner, who finished with more than 20 saves and kept the Titans within reach throughout the game. After falling behind early, Hall responded with disciplined special teams play and timely scoring.

Connor McHugh is celebrating after one of his goals . Hall vs. Northeast boys hockey. Dec. 17, 2025. Photo credit: Savannah Cote

The Titans’ first goal came on the power play when Connor McHugh found the back of the net following an interference penalty on a Shamrocks defender. McHugh’s goal, assisted by Jack Croce and Benjamin Goldstein, tied the game at 1-1, a score that held through the end of the first period.

Hall continued to capitalize on its man-advantage opportunities in the second period. Benjamin Putnam gave the Titans a 2-1 lead with another power-play goal, showcasing Hall’s efficiency with the extra skater. Defensively, Hall remained composed, taking just one penalty all game and successfully killing it to preserve momentum.

Hall and Shamrocks during a faceoff. Hall vs. Northeast boys hockey. Dec. 17, 2025. Photo credit: Savannah Cote

McHugh struck again later in the contest, netting his second goal of the night with an assist from Putnam to extend Hall’s lead. However, Northeast battled back to keep the game even late, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

With just 25.5 seconds remaining on the clock, Putnam delivered the game-winning goal, finishing a play assisted by Croce and McHugh to seal the 4-3 victory for the Titans.

Captain Connor McHugh is trying to score. Hall vs. Northeast boys hockey. Dec. 17, 2025. Photo credit: Savannah Cote

After the game, Hall’s coaching staff emphasized the importance of sticking to fundamentals despite limited preseason preparation. “We hadn’t played yet and didn’t have any scrimmages,” the coach said. “The focus was to play fast, get the puck deep, and rely on our systems that we’ve been working on to start the season.” 

Hall’s ability to execute its system, limit penalties, and come through in clutch moments proved decisive in a season-opening win that set a positive tone for the season.

Next up for the Titans is an away game on Saturday afternoon vs. Tri-Town, before returning home on Dec. 27 to host the Terriers.

Captain Connor McHugh is trying to find an opening. Hall vs. Northeast boys hockey. Dec. 17, 2025. Photo credit: Savannah Cote

Matthew McDermott and a Shamrocks player are fighting for possession. Hall vs. Northeast boys hockey. Dec. 17, 2025. Photo credit: Savannah Cote

Hall’s starting lineup during the national anthem. Hall vs. Northeast boys hockey. Dec. 17, 2025. Photo credit: Savannah Cote

Captain Connor McHugh is trying to find an opening. Hall vs. Northeast boys hockey. Dec. 17, 2025. Photo credit: Savannah Cote

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