Wave Falls to Tri-Town

Wave hockey, which combines Avon, East Granby and Windsor high school students lost 3-1 to an undefeated Tri-Town at Avon Old Farms on Dec. 18.

Like Wave, Tri-Town is an inter-district team. Twenty players are on the rosters, all from Somers, East Windsor and Ellington.

Tri-Town dominated the first 15-minute period in terms of energy, possession of the puck and general display of team cohesion and communication. Wave did not string together more than three passes offensively, and as a result spent most of the first period on its heels defending.

With just over seven minutes remaining in the first period, Tri-Town senior Brian Borbas scored after a five-on-four power play in his team's favor. Tri-Town out-shot Wave 11-10 in the first period.

Wave's student section was on its feet the entire game. After 10 minutes of rest and locker room analysis from coaches Jesse Peters, Nate Laplante, Andrew Tomarchio and Scott Percival team, Wave returned to the ice rejuvenated, improving on its passing and execution for the second period.

The Avon-Windsor-East Granby trio retaliated against the slightly larger and faster Tri-Town team, maintaining possession for the majority of the period, and continued to pressure the Tri-Town defense and goalie.

The defining moment of the game came with 4:22 minutes remaining in the second period. Tri-Town's two experienced seniors, Mike Hanna, number three, Brian Borbas, number 18, both were sent to the penalty box for two minutes off the ice. This put Wave in great position to equalize the game.

But Tri-Town kept its three defenders fresh and they effectively protected the zones in front of the goal, reducing Wave's scoring opportunities.

The third and final quarter resulted slightly in favor of Tri-Town in terms of possession. Tri-Town capitalized early in the third period during a five-on-three power play in its favor. Two minutes later, Avon senior Justin Fischler took the puck the length of the floor, checking a couple of defenders en route. Maneuvering around the back of the net, he passed to Avon junior forward Nick Berns in front of the goal, who redirected the puck into the back of the net.

The goal sparked more energy from Wave and its fans; however, it would prove to be too little, too late. Tri-Town senior Mike Hanna scored sealed the victory with just over three minutes remaining in the final quarter, zinging the puck into the upper left corner of the net.

Wave's next home game is Wednesday, Dec. 22 at Loomis Chaffee Ice Rink at 7 p.m.

Editor's Note: Everyone makes mistakes... even us! If there's something in this article that you think should be corrected, or if something else is amiss, give Local Editor Jeff Brush a call at 860-593-0445 or shoot him an e-mail at Jeff.Brush@patch.com.