The Masuk boys hockey team started off with a bang against Shepaug in their game opener, winning against the Valley school. Playing in front of a full Masuk student section at the Shelton rinks, the boys didn’t disappoint and were on fire as they beat Shepaug 5-1. Led by goaltender Andrew Guerrera, seniors Drew Scalia, Colin Deering, Kyle Sutfin, and the two brothers Nick and Luke Kondub, the Panthers came out firing.
“It was great, I was a bit nervous in the beginning but my defense helped me settle in, and after that, it was like clockwork,” says junior Andrew Guerrera on his first career start. “The game was nice but there’s still a lot of work to be done.”
Masuk controlled the puck for the first period, and Captain Drew Scalia and senior Alex Maia dominated with multiple big hits. Despite the collisions, the first period ended 0-0 as the boys headed to intermission.
“I thought it was a very slow start for us,” says returning coach Andrew Townsend, “We just have to do a better job finishing our chances, and putting the puck in the net.”
The second period was a similar story, going without a score until more than halfway through. However, Sutfin started off the scoring in the second period, and the Spartans began to feel the pressure. The second period finished up with the Masuk boys once again controlling the ice, and Masuk up 1-0.
After the intermission, the Panthers came out flying, with Scalia weaving through defenders for a goal at the start of the period. After Scalia’s goal, the floodgates opened up and Sutfin soon scored his second of the night, assisted by Maia.
“I thought the third period was a lot better, and we’re going to be pretty strong this year.” Townsend continues, “We just have to make sure we show up ready to play and we’ll be fine.”
As the final period continued the Panthers took over when Colin Deering ripped a killer shot from far out, assisted by sophomore Christian Labella in his first Masuk game.
Leading 4-0 halfway with around ten minutes left, Shepaug scored a goal off an unfortunate breakaway, ending the shutout. However, Sutfin answered once again, scoring his third goal of the night, and finishing off with the season’s first hat trick.
After a big first win, the team will return on Saturday, facing Milford. Now that the student section is allowed to get loud, be sure to attend and support our Panthers.
Masuk Free Press 