NFI's Aaron Dibble (17) races ahead of Notre Dame's Tyler Robichaud (17) in the boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn. less
NFI's Aaron Dibble (17) races ahead of Notre Dame's Tyler Robichaud (17) in the boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, ... more
Photo: H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media
Notre Dame's Michael Bencivengo (13) movers the puck ahead of NFI's Danny Manning (24) in the boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn. less
Notre Dame's Michael Bencivengo (13) movers the puck ahead of NFI's Danny Manning (24) in the boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday ... more
Photo: H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media
NFI's Matt Carlucci (21) skates around Notre Dame's Luke Bauknecht (18) and Clayton Coassin (6) in the boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn. less
NFI's Matt Carlucci (21) skates around Notre Dame's Luke Bauknecht (18) and Clayton Coassin (6) in the boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday ... more
Photo: H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media
NFI's Joe Robinson (6)digs the puck off the boards in front of Notre Dame's Connor Morgan (19) in the boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn. less
NFI's Joe Robinson (6)digs the puck off the boards in front of Notre Dame's Connor Morgan (19) in the boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday ... more
Photo: H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media
NFI's Max Briscoe (63) and Notre Dame's Clayton Coassin (6) chase down the puck in the boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn. less
NFI's Max Briscoe (63) and Notre Dame's Clayton Coassin (6) chase down the puck in the boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, ... more
Photo: H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media
NFI’s Max Briscoe, left, and Notre Dame’s Clayton Coassin chase down the puck during their boys hockey game Saturday afternoon at the Danbury Ice Arena. Notre Dame won 4-3.
NFI’s Max Briscoe, left, and Notre Dame’s Clayton Coassin chase down the puck during their boys hockey game Saturday afternoon at the Danbury Ice Arena. Notre Dame won 4-3.
Photo: H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media
Notre Dame's Michael Bencivengo (13) and NFI's Ryan Moody (20) chase down the puck in the boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn. less
Notre Dame's Michael Bencivengo (13) and NFI's Ryan Moody (20) chase down the puck in the boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, ... more
Photo: H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media
NFI's Ryan Moody (20) brings the puck across center ice in the boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn. less
NFI's Ryan Moody (20) brings the puck across center ice in the boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the ... more
Photo: H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media
Notre Dame's Kyle Stober (22) in the boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn. less
Notre Dame's Kyle Stober (22) in the boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, ... more
Photo: H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media
Notre Dame's Connor Morgan (19) moves the puck up ice in the boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn. less
Notre Dame's Connor Morgan (19) moves the puck up ice in the boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the ... more
Photo: H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Photo: H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Photo: H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Photo: H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Photo: H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Photo: H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Photo: H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Photo: H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Photo: H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Photo: H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Photo: H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Photo: H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Photo: H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Photo: H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Photo: H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Photo: H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Photo: H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Photo: H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Photo: H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Photo: H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Photo: H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Photo: H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Photo: H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Photo: H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Boys hockey game between Notre Dame-West Haven and New Fairfield/Immaculate (NFI) high schools on Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2018, at the Danbury Ice Arena, in Danbury, Conn.
Photo: H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media
DANBURY — Trailing by one goal in the final minute but with a two-player advantage and all its star players on the ice, the New Fairfield-Immaculate boys hockey team was right on the doorstep of a breakthrough result against one of the top teams in the state.
All that was standing in the way was Notre Dame-West Haven goalie Brendan Crowley — who didn’t even start the game — and he stood tall.
Crowley made several key stops in the final 60 seconds, helping the Green Knights hold off NFI 4-3 in a hard-fought SCC-SWC Division I game Saturday.
“We blocked a lot of shots there,” said ND coach Tim Belcher said. “We were selling out doing anything to win the game, we were lucky enough to come on the positive end there; (Crowley) came up big, he’s probably only logged about 12 minutes up to this game.”
A power play with 1:07 left with the goalie pulled gave NFI a 6-on-4 edge, and several quality scoring chances followed. Sam Mitchell, Alex Hallahan and Matt Carlucci all had opportunities that Crowley — who came on in relief after the Green Knights yielded two early goals — stopped.
“I thought we dominated the third period,” NFI coach Larry Vieira said. “We asked the kids to compete and it was a gut-check period. We showed a lot of heart and gut; I don’t think we got beat, the time ran out on us in this one.”
The Mustangs trailed 4-2 entering the final 15 minutes before Alex Hallahan scores 16 seconds into the period to halve the deficit. The Green Knights yielded little until the last flurry.
“We were keeping them to the outside and they didn’t have a lot of quality chances,” Belcher said. “The ones they had, they scored. They executed their plan tonight to keep our speed to the outside; we didn’t get a ton of scoring chances either.”
Eight different players notched a point for the Green Knights, who overcame an early 2-1 deficit to leap in front. Clayton Coassin scored with 2.2 seconds left in the opening period, and a power play goal Zackary Dumas off a shot from the point gave the visitors the lead for good.
ND-West Haven improved to 8-2 against Connecticut opponents this winter.
ALMOST AGAIN
It was another top-level performance for the Mustangs (6-2-2), who suffered their first loss since falling to Prep Jan. 10. NFI will play seven of its last 10 regular season games on the road.
“We’re a good team but we have to get better and get over that hump,” Vieira said. “The kids understand the Prep game was not an aberration; we know that we’re good, but right now we’re not good enough.”
HIGHLIGHT OF THE GAME
Green Knights junior Michael Card scored an outstanding breakaway goal late in the second period to make the advantage 4-2. Card evaded a pair of defenders before slipping the puck past Mustangs goalie Scott Dobos, resulting in an NFI timeout.
QUOTABLE
“Division I is wide open,” Belcher said. “We’ll see, hopefully we keep the train moving here.”
rlacey@bcnnew.com, twitter.com/ryanlacey11
ND-WEST HAVEN 4, NFI 3
NDWH2 2 0 — 4
NFI2 0 1 — 3
Records: ND-West Haven 8-4, NFI 6-2-2. Goals: NDWH—Micahel Card, Clayton Coassin, Ian Hayden, Zackary Dumas; NFI—Aaron Dibble, Joe Robinson, Alex Hallahan. Assists: NDWH—Thomas Ashmore, Christopher Hibson, Devin Napoli, Tyler Robichaud; NFI—Sam Mitchell, Robinson, Max Briscoe, Ryan Fanella, Goalies: NDWH— Bryan Murphy (6 saves); Brendan Crowley (14 saves); NFI—Scott Dobos (19 saves). Shots: NDWH—23, NFI 23.