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Darien Comes Up Short in Boys Hockey Final

DARIEN, Conn. – The Darien High boys ice hockey team answered Ridgefield goals twice – but could not respond to a third. Ridgefield's Sean Wilkinson put the Tigers ahead, 3-2, with under 11 minutes to play in the third period. While Darien responded quickly to the two previous Ridgefield goals, this one stood up, as the Tigers held on to win the conference championship.

After a scoreless first period, Ridgefield notched the first goal just 30 seconds in the second period. But just two minutes later, Darien co-captain Nick Bruno pulled the Blue Wave back even at 1-1.

The call and response continued as the Tigers took a 2-1 lead with 5:30 to play in the second. This time Darien needed only 10 seconds to answer, as Owen Koorbusch knotted the game up again.

But when Wilkinson scooped up a rebounded shot off of Darien goalie Max Rothston and found the mesh, the Tigers refused to give up the lead again. Wilkinson was named tournament MVP.

Rothston stopped 23 Ridgefield shots, while Tigers goalie Nathan Gliedman turned away 25. Neither Darien nor Ridgefield could complain about bad penalties, as the refs pocketed their whistles the entire night. Neither team sent a player to the box the entire game.

The win was Ridgefield's fourth conference title in school history and first since 2007. Darien will now focus on the Division I state tournament, which begins Wednesday. The Blue Wave will host archrival New Canaan at the Darien Ice Rink at a time to be announced.

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