Notre Dame-Fairfield boys' hockey coach Marty Roos was denied his 500th career win on Saturday as an inspired Hamden team came away with a 4-3 win at Astorino Rink in Hamden. The difference in the game was the goalies - ND's Nick D'Aurio of North Branford allowed four goals and Hamden's Anthony Avitable didn't as shots on goal were close with Hamden having a 31-28 edge in shots.
"I have never dwelled on that milestone," Roos said. "WHen it comes, it comes. There are more important things like focusing on our next opponent and qualifying for the (CIAC Division I) state tournament."
Roos' next opportunity to get the milestone will be on Wednesday as Notre Dame plays host to Immaculate at the Milford Ice Pavilion at 7:30 p.m.
With all due respect to Immaculate, a hockey team rich in tradition and success, Roos should get the milestone against the Mustangs who have have been struggling this season.
BRANFORD HOT
After a 5-0 loss to deeply talented TrinityCatholic to open the season, Branford has gone unbeaten with a 3-0-1 mark. Branford, which has had its share of trouble with elite Division I opponents in the past, posted an impressive 3-3 tie with East Haven on Saturday.
They say a tie is like kissing your sister, but for the Hornets to come away without a loss against an elite goalie like East Haven's John Palmieri is an eye opener.
Branford coach Larry Vieira warned everyone before the season his team would be good this season and so far the Hornets players are backing up his strong words with a 3-1-1 record.
Now if only Vieira's beloved Green Bay Packers could have backed up their words of pre-season confidence they might be a team to be reckoned with in the postseason...not.