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NEW CANAAN, Conn. Inexperience is a not a word used often in reference to the New Canaan High boys ice hockey team. But the loss of 18 seniors from last years 22-1-0 squad, showed just how green this seasons Rams are in Monday's showdown vs. archrival Darien. The Blue Wave not only beat New Canaan for the first time since 2008, it handed the Rams a 6-1 drubbing in front of a packed house at Darien Ice Rink.
Were playing a lot of people that have good skills, but they just havent been on this level yet, New Canaan head coach Bo Hickey said. Its a growing process. You cant be too upset. Well be there when it counts.
New Canaan came out aggressively against Darien, outshooting the Blue Wave 7-5 in the first period. But the tide quickly turned in Dariens favor. Robbie Juterbock scooped up a cleared puck, raced down the ice and fed Grayson Horan, who gave the Blue Wave the lead it would never relinquish.
Penalties dogged New Canaan as the Rams were sent to the box seven times. Darien took what the Rams gave, scoring three of its six goals with the man-advantage.
With his team trailing 4-0, Jake Granito finally put the Rams on the board late in the second. That would be all the offense New Canaan could muster as Darien keeper Max Rothston racked up 19 saves.
Right now the team is still feeling out where were supposed to be, not where we think we should be, Hickey said. Everyone thinks hockey is a game where you just skate up and down the ice and shoot. Its not. Its a defensive game where you have to take advantage of the other teams mistakes. Well get it cleared up.
New Canaan (0-1 conference, 0-2 overall) will search for its first victory Friday when it hosts Greenwich. Face-off is 5:50 p.m.
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