By Mike Kelly.
The defending 2021 Shoreline Conference Champion Haddam Killingworth Cougars suffered their first defeat of the 2022 season Wednesday, April 13, 2022, falling 6-2 to rival North Branford.
The teams traded scores midway through the first period, with the Thunderbirds taking the early 1-0 lead. HK responded to tie it at 1-1, when middie Nolan Braren fired one in from 15 yards above the right crease, assisted by attackman Gunnar Howes.
From there, North Branford went on to score four unanswered goals to push their lead to 5-1. HK responded early in the fourth period, when the Phipps brothers combined on a nifty fast-break score — Alex finding Corey for the overhand stepdown — to cut the deficit to 5-2. Unfortunately, that was as close as the Cougars would get on the evening.
The Thunderbirds tacked on an insurance goal late to close it out, 6-2 final.
Haddam Killingworth will look to bounce back Thursday, April 14, 2022 against Old Saybrook.
Photos by Liz Griswold.
