SHELTON, CT — Winners of 11 games in 12 thus far, the Masuk High hockey team is having quite a campaign. The Panthers have been dominant in many of their games, winning six by at least five goals, most recently in a 6-1 victory over the Newtown-New Fairfield co-op at The Rinks at Shelton on Wednesday.
Drew Scalia netted a hat-trick, raising his season total to 18 net-finders. Christian LaBella scored twice and A.J. Michetti added a goal.
Kyle Sutfin recorded a trio of assists, Michetti had two assists and Nick Kondub, Alex May, James Cybart and Max Laroche all had one.
Masuk moves the puck well and skates hard. The combination has resulted in being a threat to win every time the Panthers lace up their skates. In fact, the lone defeat was by the slimmest of margins, a 7-6 edging by Branford back in December.
Scalia sensed this would be a special team in the preseason when the Panthers made a trip to Rhode Island to prepare for the regular slate and come together off the ice.
“We all have such a close bond and it’s translated onto the ice,” Scalia said.
“It’s been fun. They compete hard. They’re not taking any games lightly,” Coach Andy Townsend said.
Masuk’s coach notes that injuries here and there have prevented the Panthers from being at full strength on the bench but that, if healthy, they can roll out three solid lines.
The Panthers still have eight regular season contests left and are taking things a stride at a time, but Townsend believes if they can get and stay healthy, his players have a chance to make some noise in the conference and Division III State tourneys.
Masuk’s next game is this Friday, Feb. 3, at McMahon-Norwalk at 7:10 p.m.
