Fairfield quickly fought back and outscored New Canaan in FCIAC

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BRIDGEPORT — All third period ties seemed to be on the edge of the ice for the New Canaan Boys hockey team. All forays into the Fairfield zone seemed to come back in reverse.

You might think Fairfield were on the verge of a hot comeback attempt against the No. 3 Rams, but it was Fairfield who defended their one-goal lead in Saturday’s Wonderland of Ice. Empty he net gave the Mustangs his 3–1 victory.

For Fairfield, it was very difficult for the Rams to score 200 feet out of the Mustangs’ net.

“We’re keeping the momentum going,” said senior defenseman James Comb. 2-2 draw), released the gas in the third period and allowed a two-point lead.

“The goal this time was to maintain that lead, not change the way you play. Just keep going.”

Fairfield ranked 5th GameTimeCT Top 10 Voteare 9-0-2, one of only three state teams to remain undefeated. No. 1 Notre Dame-West Haven is 2-0 in-state, but out-of-state he’s 6-1-1.

New Canaan struck first when leading scorer Doster Crowell jumped onto the loose pack in front of the net to score into the second period at 5:08 on a 5-for-3 power play.

Within three minutes, Fairfield took the lead.

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“They are very resilient. They play for everyone. It’s a family culture,” said Fairfield coach Mark Mongillo. “When one man falls down, the next man has to get up.”

Fairfield was short-handed 2-1, but Mason Pickering stopped it. As the team returned to even strength, Comb tied it by Charlie Swanson from the top of his pass slot through traffic.

“The audience in particular really motivated us,” Comm said. It was senior night. “For the next shift, it was kind of like that because we kept riding the wave of crowd energy.”

That goal came at 7:04, 63 seconds later Alex Melillo fired a shot in the right circle and over Pickering’s left shoulder.

Owen Schwartz’s empty net at the last minute ended it.

“Kids, they’re dedicated. They’re hungry,” Monjiro said. “They are in great shape and believe in each other. They make mistakes, they know someone has their back.

The team will reunite in Darien on February 13th.

Player of the Game

How about Fairfield’s senior defenseman James Comb after a night of many contributions? His goal tied the game and the offense helped him keep the puck in the end.

Citable

“It was a good team win. Everyone stepped up. Everyone contributed. Connor (Zavory) played really solid at the net. But we all sat down and played. Same with New Canaan. They made a few mistakes and we took advantage of them.”

mfornabaio@ctpost.com; @fornabaioctp