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The New Canaan High School boys ice hockey team found a way to win just when an undefeated season and a conference championship seemed lost. The Rams overcame two frustrating periods and erased a 3-1 deficit to force overtime against St. Joseph High School in an instant classic FCIAC championship game.
Less than four minutes into the extra period, David Crandall deflected a Tom Krieger slap shot into the net, giving New Canaan a 4-3 victory and back-to-back FCIAC titles as well as keeping its unbeaten season intact. Crandall was named tournament MVP.
"It could have been anyone, so I'm glad it was me. I play with a great bunch of guys," Crandall said. "We were playing as individuals at first, and we really came together as a team in the third period."
St. Joseph's Christian Klater netted a wraparound goal with 5:34 left in the second period to extend the Cadet lead to 3-1. That sucked the life suddenly out of the Rams. The Cadets also neutralized New Canaan's scoring leaders Reed Harper and Charlie Corcoran.
Then Dylan Hart scored just two minutes into the third period, and New Canaan got the shot in the arm it needed. It flexed the depth of its bench as the third line saved the day. Jake Granito netted the tying goal with 5:13 to play, assisted by Eric Persky.
Each team had a disallowed goal in the final 2:48 of the game, adding to the drama. New Canaan's non-goal was ruled a high stick. St. Joseph had a man in the crease when its was waved off. That set up the final showdown of overtime.
Jimmy-Joe Granito scored the Rams' first goal just 29 seconds into the game, when his wrist shot slipped out of Cadets goalie Zack Carrano's glove. The Rams got off an incredible 66 shots on net, with 62 saved by Carrano.
"When they called off [St. Joseph's] goal, I knew this was going to be our game," Granito said. "My brother Jake scored probably the biggest goal of the season. We were really frustrated, and it was [Carrano's] night, but we knew if we kept shooting we'd come back."
New Canaan will now try for a Division I state title when it hosts Greenwich at Darien Ice Rink on Wednesday.
Do you think the New Canaan boys can finish the season undefeated and win the state championship? Start the discussion below!
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