Notre Dame-West Haven Comes Back To Win D-I Hockey Championship

HAMDEN, CT — For the first time in a decade, Notre Dame-West Haven can lay claim to a boys ice hockey state championship - the eighth in program history - but it certainly wasn't easy.

The Green Knights twice trailed Darien by a goal during the Division I title encounter Tuesday at the People's United Center at Quinnipiac University, not taking the lead until 4:21 had elapsed in the third period. An insurance goal in the final minute cemented the victory for the No. 1 seed.

Henry Gregory got Darien on the board with the only goal of the first period, scoring at 11:14 off assists from Billy Branca and Charlie Schwind. The Blue Wave killed off consecutive Notre Dame power plays early in the second period, but moments after expiration of the second penalty, Robert McCarthy knotted the score for the Green Knights.

Moments later, Notre Dame nearly took its first lead, but Darien goaltender Chris Schofield robbed Tye Battipaglia on the doorstep. The Blue Wave then went back in front at the 10:50 mark on a goal by Arthur Devillers, set up by Tauson Pfeifle and Graf Ely. Branca had a chance to extend the lead on a shorthanded breakaway, but missed the net.

Just 1:15 into the third period, Colby Faughnan tied the score on a slapshot from the left point. Just over three minutes later, Battipaglia netted the eventual game-winning goal following a great rush and pass from Michael Pilato,

Darien went on a power play with 6:15 remaining and applied great pressure on Notre Dame goaltender Peter Alfano, but came away empty-handed. After a holding penalty was called against the Blue Wave with 2:42 to play, James Mascari tallied a breakaway power play goal with 45 seconds left to ice the first state championship for the Green Knights since 2012.

Alfano stopped 19 shots to earn the victory in net for Notre Dame. Schofield made 17 saves for Darien, which had been seeking its first state title since 2016.