AVON, Conn. – Belmont Hill went to John T. Gardner Rink and upset Avon Old Farms en route to earning an opportunity to play for a NEPSAC Elite 8 championship.
The Sextants earned a hard-fought 4-2 victory over the favored Winged Beavers. The game took place in front of a packed crowd that included parents, students, fans, NHL scouts and college coaches. It was a terrific atmosphere for a prep school hockey game. The intensity on the ice lived up to the billing as everyone in attendance was treated to a terrific game.
As a result of Salisbury’s upset victory at Kimball Union, Belmont Hill will host the championship contest Sunday afternoon at 5 p.m. The Sextants were the top-ranked team in the computer rankings for much of the season, so perhaps it’s fitting that they’ll host the final, despite a lackluster finish to the regular season.
Scoring summary
BH 1-0: Jack Houser made a great pass from below the goal line to find Charlie Cave in the slot. Cave wasted no time and quickly snapped a shot into the back of the net to give the Sextants the first lead of the game. It was the only tally of the first period.
BH 2-0: Ronan O’Donnell extended the lead for the visitors in the second period. The scoring play was on a rush that was started by James Fisher and Teddy Stiga. It was a pretty passing sequence from Fisher and Stiga, but the goal was nifty. O’Donnell was forced into a tough angle, but tucked the backhander behind AOF goaltender Connor Callaghan.
AOF 1-2: The Winged Beavers cut the deficit in half on the ensuing shift. Penn State commit Matt DiMarsico finished off a nice transitional play that was started by defenseman and UNH commit Sam Court and Tufts commit Brendan Fennell.
AOF 2-2: Charlie Gollob’s hard wrist shot from the top of the right wing circle upon zone entry somehow squeaked past Belmont Hill goaltender Sam Scopa. The lone assist on the play was credited to Joe Connor.
BH 3-2: The tie game was short lived as Belmont Hill regained the lead on another nice transitional play from the top line. Stiga gained the zone and delivered a highlight reel drop pass to Fisher, who rifled a low wrist shot from the right wing circle that beat Callaghan below his blocker.
BH 4-2: On an unfortunate break for Avon’s best defenseman, Houser took advantage of a turnover and sealed the deal with an empty net goal.
Top 2022 NHL draft prospect
James Fisher
Belmont Hill, 4/28/04, RW, right shot, 6-2/170
NCAA commit: Northeastern
Fisher had a goal and an assist, but was a major force in this game throughout. His goal showed his willingness to shoot it from anywhere and his finishing ability. His release had deception and he just rifled it low and hard into the net. His assist was a nice passing play in transition. He played to his identity Saturday. The Wilmington, Mass., native played a strong, heavy, north-south game. He had a few other power moves for near misses, in addition to his two times finding the scoresheet. He tracked well on the backcheck a few times and showed his usual physical presence.
Uncommitted Player of the Game
Teddy Stiga
Belmont Hill, 4/5/06, C, left shot, 5-9/141
Stiga, from Sudbury, Mass., is a dynamic, skilled center. His skating, agility and stick are all elite. Both assists were things of beauty. The first pass was a simple thread the needle play without breaking stride. The drop pass to Fisher on the game winner was slick. Both showed his ability to play the game at pace. He’s not even close to peaking physically. Stiga has gotten better as the season has gone along. A lock to make the NTDP, Stiga is also likely a lock to play for a Beanpot school starting with the 2024-25 or 2025-26 season.
After Stiga, a trio of Winged Beavers, defenseman Jordin Palmer, left wing Joe Connor and center Charlie Gollob, were next in line for top uncommitted players in this NEPSAC Elite 8 Tournament semifinal.
Belmont Hill lines
O’Donnell - Stiga - Fisher
McManus - Reilly - Markham
Cave - Cummings - Houser
Blackwell - Daignault - Carter
Killoran - Biotti
Bosco - Goguen
Doolan - Verville
Kilcoyne
Scopa
Avon Old Farms lines
DiMarsico - Ali - Fennell
Connor - Gollob - Capasso
Verdoni - Nikora - Brazil
Pelletier - Blanchard - Odyiec
Palmer - Court
Aube - Kennedy
Robinson - Miller
Callaghan
