Panthers win state hockey playoff opener

SHELTON, CT — Masuk High’s hockey team picked up where it left off. The state bracket’s top-seeded Panthers, coming off a conference championship victory on March 3, opened Division III State Tournament action with an 8-3 win over No. 16 Southington-Coginchaug-Westbrook at the Rinks at Shelton on Monday.

With the victory, the Panthers will face off against No. 9 Hall in the quarterfinals at Wesleyan University on Thursday, March 9. The puck drops at 6 p.m.

Kyle Sutfin led the charge with a hat-trick. Nick Kondub, A.J. Michetti, Christian LaBella, Luke Kondub and Colin Deering also registered goals.

Drew Scalia, Sutfin and Deering each had two assists and Austin Braiewa and James Cybart also helped set up goals. Goaltender Maddex LaFountain was in net for the win.