Jesuits dash Cardinals’ title dreams

NEW HAVEN — Outshot, outscored and outplayed during the first two periods of its Division I hockey final against Greenwich, Fairfield Prep knew time was running out on it to get its game in gear and add another state title to its collection.

So Kevin Oricoli and Evan Uva made sure the Jesuits didn’t waste any time in taking the lead and turning the tables in their favor in the third period.

Oricoli’s goal with 12:29 remaining in the third period tied the score and Uva tallied the go-ahead goal at the 11:17 mark for the Jesuits, who used the quick, two-tally spurt to get back on top of the Division I hockey scene.

Two goals from Oricoli and one Uva third-period tally propelled top-seeded Fairfield Prep to a thrilling 4-2 win over second-seeded Greenwich in the championship game of the CIAC Division I Tournament at crowded Ingalls Rink.

The Jesuits (22-2-1), who added an empty-net goal in the last minute of play, now have 14 Division I hockey championships to their ledger.

“It was a long journey to get here with a lot of emotion involved,” Fairfield Prep coach Matt Sather said. “Hats off to Greenwich, they brought it and kicked our butts the first two periods. Then it was a pick-em game right down the line. The mood in the locker room was tight after the second period, but that’s why you need seniors. They had a quiet confidence that they could do it.”

As exciting as the victory was for the Jesuits, that’s how heartbreaking it was for the Cardinals, who held leads of 1-0 and 2-1. Senior forward Matt Baugher scored both of the Cardinals’ goals. GHS was seeking its first state title since 1992.

“I was pleased with what we were doing and how we were executing,” GHS coach Chris Rurak said. “We outshot them, unfortunately, just two little mistakes and that’s all it takes. Our kids are upset, but I told them they should be tremendously proud.”

Senior goalie Jack McGee made 24 saves for Prep, while sophomore goaltender Ben Nash stopped 15 shots for the Cards. The game’s go-ahead goal occurred with 11:17 remaining in the third period. Uva sent a slop shot from the blue line that found its way to the back of the net, putting Prep on top, 3-2. Uva played the game with an injured elbow, but it sdidn’t prevent him from leading the squad to victory in the final game of his high school career.

“I suffered a minor injury on my elbow, but I fought through it,” Uva said. “I was going to play regardless — I was not going to sit out. Playing here in this arena in a game like this is something I have been dreaming about since I was eight years old.”