This CT high school hockey team won in OT to capture its first state title in 33 years
HAMDEN – Senior Connor McHugh left his mark on the Hall ice hockey program, setting multiple single-season and career records. So did his teammate, senior goalkeeper Matthew Bonner. But none of the records meant as much to them as winning a state title.
And Hall did just that Thursday night, beating E. O. Smith/Tolland in overtime, 2-1, for the Division III championship, the first for the program since 1993, at Quinnipiac’s M&T Bank Arena.
McHugh scored the 66th goal of his career in the first period and sophomore Matthew McDermott had the game-winner 1:13 into overtime for fifth-seeded Hall (17-6-1). “Words can’t describe how happy I am and how proud I am of all my friends and teammates,” McHugh said. “I’m so excited.
“We did not care about the records – winning states was the No. 1 priority. The state title – I’ll remember that for the rest of my life.
” McHugh holds the career goals record, the single season record (31) and the single season points record (56). He had 76 career assists and 142 points, both records. Meanwhile, Bonner holds the saves record (over 1,720 – coach Colin O’Connor wasn’t exactly sure how many he had after Thursday’s game) and the career wins (37) record.