Playoff Craziness

The Fairfield student section at hockey. The Nest and Stampede together #OneTown

It was another busy week of sports and a crazy last couple of days. Whenever I think things are going to be quiet, they aren't. 

We will start with Friday night. I wish I could have been in multiple places at once. 

The Ludlowe girls basketball team was playing at home vs East Hartford in the second round of the state tournament. The Warde girls basketball team was also playing in the second round of the state tournament at Sacred Heart Academy in Hamden. Finally, the FCIAC boys basketball championship between Danbury and Staples was taking place in Wilton. 

Well, I stayed in Fairfield. 

The Ludlowe girls, coming in with a 23-0 record (including playoffs) and coming off an FCIAC Championship, had a touch battle with East Hartford. Ludlowe trailed after one quarter 5-2, and 12-6 at halftime. 

The third quarter saw Ludlowe hit some big shots, including two three's by Kate Cimador and the Falcons led 22-18 after three. In the fourth, Ludlowe was able to increase their lead and come away with the 10-point victory 35-25. 

Ludlowe will host Conard on Wednesday at 7pm in the state quarterfinals. 

After getting home from Ludlowe, I followed Warde and SHA through texts I was getting and then I turned it on via NFHS. Warde took down No. 6 Sacred Heart 46-44 on Emmy Carley's buzzer-beating layup. 

pic.twitter.com/FIW4pCdWs9

— Ethan Fry (@ethanfry) March 4, 2023

The Mustangs will travel to Newtown for the state quarterfinals on Wednesday. 

In the game I didn't make, Danbury defeated Staples for the FCIAC boys basketball championship. You can watch it on demand here with Rob Adams on the call on Local Live. 

To today we go. 

It was the FCIAC boys ice hockey championship. 

Fairfield was returning to the championship game for the second year in a row after falling to Ridgefield in OT last year. 

Once again, regardless out of outcome, it would be the final game of the season for Fairfield as they are not eligible for the state tournament. 

Darien would come away with the victory by a 3-0 score. 

The Blue Wave got on the board with 8:24 to play in the first period on a goal by Aidan Elders. 

In the second period, Darien would extend their lead as Elliott Lancaster netted a goal 6:27 into the second period. 

Darien would get a late third quarter goal as insurance. 

It's a tough way for a tremendous season for Fairfield to end. Congrats to Darien on the FCIAC Championship. 

Next week sees more basketball before baseball starts next weekend. 

Shout out to "The Nest" for a great turnout at girls basketball on Friday and to "The Nest" and "The Stampede" for the turnout at hockey today. The student support is so important. 

FCIAC Playoff Girls Basketball and Special Night At Hockey

Warde and New Canaan basketball action

It seems like winter Saturday's often end up being busy sports days around these parts. 

Well, today was no different. 

It started out at Staples with Warde girls basketball playing New Canaan in the first game of "Super Saturday," the FCIAC girls basketball quarterfinals. 

Warde defeated New Canaan 46-32. The Mustangs will face St. Joseph, who defeated Danbury, on Tuesday at 7:45pm at Trumbull High School in the FCIAC Semifinals. 

After the Warde game, I went home for a stretch, missing St. Joes and Danbury. I went back for the last of the four, as Ludlowe played Greenwich. 

Getting there early, I got to see the end of Trumbull and Ridgefield, a really good game that Trumbull won. 

As for Ludlowe and Greenwich, The Falcons got out to a 14-0 lead and never looked back, cruising to a 62-36 victory. 

Ludlowe will play Trumbull on Tuesday at 6pm at Trumbull in the first FCIAC semifinal. 

After the Ludlowe game, it was off to Wonderland of Ice for Fairfield and Greenwich in hockey. It was Charlie Capalbo Night as the late Fairfield goalie was honored and his number was retired. Charlie passed away from Cancer in April after a long battle. 

The retired jersey. No. 30

I'll be honest, due to basketball, I didn't get there in time for the ceremony, but from what I've seen, seems like it was well done. Lots of Charlie and "30" items around the rink. 

As for the game, Fairfield won 2-0, which secures them the No. 2 seed and a first round bye in the FCIAC tournament, which begins next Saturday. 

Lots of Basketball

GHS during the freshman game on Tuesday 

I love busy weeks of local sports. 

Some weeks are crazier than others. This week was both busy and crazy. 

Three overtime basketball games and a hockey game. 

It began with Ludlowe boys basketball's game on Tuesday at Greenwich. Greenwich won in overtime 47-43. 

You can read Dave Fierro's game story on his Greenwich Sports Beat site. 

Rob Adams, along with Sean Adams, decided to stop by, and it was good to see them, as always. 

Thanks to Rob for the photo of me doing the Ludlowe book. 

What do I do when there is no basketball? Find another game/event to go to. 

On Wednesday, it was over to Wonderland of Ice in Bridgeport for hockey. The Fairfield (Ludlowe/Warde combined team) played Ridgefield in a rematch of last season's FCIAC Championship. 

After Ridgefield won the championship in overtime last year, Fairfield came away with a 2-0 victory. The Mustangs goals came from Charlie Swanson and Owen Gibbons. 

After a day of no games on Thursday (but still the normal work and basketball practice), it was back with a game on Friday. 

Ludlowe basketball hosted Norwalk. The game was back and forth, especially in the fourth quarter. The game would go to overtime, which remained tight before the Bears did enough to seal the victory. 

Finally, today. Ludlowe boys basketball would be back in action against Maloney of Meriden in a non-league game. 

This was the final of the three overtime games, as Maloney sent the game to the extra session with a banked in three-pointer. Ludlowe came out strong in overtime to secure the win and finish the week on a high note. 

Tate Mahoney led Ludlowe with 25 points, including four three-pointers. Ryan Torello added 13 of his own. Nine of the 13 came from the free throw line. 

It was a much needed victory for the Falcons after two tough losses earlier in the week. 

Now we rest and watch football. Another big week ahead. 

I love sports craziness.  

Charlie Strong

Charlie Strong

Capalbo Strong

Those were a couple of the phrases and hashtags on social media used for Charlie Capalbo in his fight against cancer. 

Unfortunately, Charlie's fight came to an end up Sunday night. I will not phrase it as Charlie lost his fight because he fought an incredible five-plus year fight. 

Charlie was a 2017 graduate of Fairfield Ludlowe and a member of the Fairfield Co-op ice hockey team. 

Charlie battled four cancer diagnoses over those five years. A true warrior.

Heartbroken for his family, parents Anthony, Jenny, brother Will and girlfriend Peyton. 

Heartbroken for his extended family and friends. 

Heartbroken for the CT hockey community and the Fairfield community. 

A Fairfield community that has seen too much loss of young people over the last few years with Jake Panus, Kevin Kuczo and now Charlie. 

All different causes. All tragic. 

There may be others that I am missing. No disrespect intended. 

Back to Charlie. Only 23 years old. Any age is too young, but this is way too young. 

The way the community bonded together to support the family over the years was tremendous. From events at local sports, to other events set up around town. Fairfield showed how it will support one of their own. And it wasn't just Fairfield. People came from near and far to support the family. 

We have seen that a number of times over the years when families have been in need of support (emotional, financial and more). I think of the examples I listed above, as well as others, where there may be been other issues and outcomes. 

The news of Charlie's battle ranged far and wide. So many people showing support for him and the family. 

For Charlie, his fight is over. He can be at peace. The community will now (and already is) rally around the family. Charlie will be honored and never forgotten. 

People are hurting tonight. 

Hopefully, people come together and support one another. 

Life is confusing. 

Life isn't fair. 

Crazy Week of High School Sports

Seems like I've been blogging on weekends a lot. That's when I have the time, plus when I lot of games have been happened. I need to blog more about things other than high school sports, even though so much of my life is that. 

This was the end of a long week of games. I love weeks like this with lots of games, unfortunately, the end results weren't as good as we hoped. 

Yes, I still have the reporter in me, but as a member of the Ludlowe and Warde Athletic Departments and the co-advisor for The Nest, the Ludlowe student section, there is definite rooting interest for me. 

I had initially thought with the Ludlowe boys basketball season ending last weekend, my week would be lighter. Boy was I wrong. To be fair, some of it was just games I want to go to, but I also feel an obligation to others, for numerous reasons. 

Let's start with Tuesday, when the FCIAC boys basketball semis were held in Wilton. Warde was playing the second game of the doubleheader, so I went to that. Ridgefield defeated the Mustangs 67-59 6o advance to the FCIAC Championship. 

On Wednesday, the Fairfield Co-Op boys hockey team played New Canaan in the FCIAC semifinals at Wonderland of Ice. Fairfield defeated NC 7-0. The Mustangs would advance to play Ridgefield on Saturday in the FCIAC Championship. We'll get to that. 

Then, on Thursday, the Ludlowe girls basketball team played Wilton in the second round of the state tournament. It was Ludlowe's first state tournament game as they had a first round bye. The Falcons fell in overtime 41-37. 

Finally, to today. The FCIAC boys ice hockey championship. The game was held at the Danbury Ice Arena. It was a terrific game played by both teams, Fairfield and Ridgefield. Both goalies were tremendous, keeping the game scoreless through regulation. 

In OT, both teams had multiple chances to win before James Ahern scored with 2:08 left in the extra session to give the Tigers the FCIAC Championship. The Ridgefield goaltender, Henry Ertl had 37 saves in the win. For Fairfield, Tommy Adams was also terrific, with 25 saves. The season ends for Fairfield as they are not eligible for the state tournament. 

Great job by The Nest and The Stampede during the hockey game. The great thing about the hockey team being a co-op is that it's all about #OneTown. It's two rival schools coming together to support one team. Sure it takes away the rivalry, but I love the aspect of everyone pulling for the same team and the town in general. 

Oh and one more thing. Local Live is the official broadcast partner of the FCIAC and the EXCUSIVE home of the FCIAC Postseason. Interesting that others are allowed to broadcast, especially on video. 

It was a crazy week. I THINK next week will be quieter, but I'm sure things will come up. There are some more winter postseason performances to go, including Warde boys basketball in the state tournament, and then we get spring sports going soon. I can't wait for Ludlowe baseball and more. 

Basketball, Including a Record, and Hockey

Ludlowe's Cooper Dailey and team after setting single game scoring record. 

I had something similar to what I am going to write about planned, but the events of the day changed it somewhat. 

Today is FCIAC quarterfinal Saturday for boys basketball. Also known as "Super Saturday." It's the four quarterfinal games all at Fairfield Warde. It's always a fun day of basketball, one of my favorite days of the high school sports year. 

However, I had a decision to make. Ludlowe boys basketball was playing Maloney in the regular season finale as it was a makeup from a game that was postponed due to snow in January. 

Well, I did think briefly, but my loyalty to my Ludlowe guys won out. I was disappointed to miss the FCIAC games, but felt I should be at the Ludlowe season finale, as I'm around all season helping out. 

Well am I happy with my decision! 

Not only did Ludlowe win the game, but senior Cooper Dailey, in his final high school game, set a new school record with 38 points. The previous high was set by Kevin Bentivegna, who had 35 points against New Canaan as a senior during the 2010-2011 season. 

Dailey had 20 in the first half, just two in the third quarter, and then 16 in the fourth quarter. He was able to get to the rim and convert. A lot of that off the dribble, but some off of off-ball cuts to the hoop and great passes from his teammates. 

As I mentioned, this game was the senior finale for Ludlowe. Best of luck to the seven seniors, Cooper Dailey, Charlie Began, Matt Vivona, Lucca Iannone, Michael Loya, Stephen Keating and Ronny Labraciano, as well as senior manager Blake Kleinberg. Great kids who have bright futures ahead of them. 

In the FCIAC games, Westhill defeated St. Joe's and Wilton took down Danbury in the early games. In the nightcap, Warde edged Staples and Ridgefield beat Greenwich. 

Westhill will play Wilton in the FCIAC semifinals on Tuesday at 6pm at Wilton. Warde and Ridgefield will face off in the later game at Wilton at 7:45. The games can be seen on Local Live. 

Cooper Dailey sets the new @LudloweHoops school record with 38 points. The previous high was 35 set in 2010-2011 season. #ctbb @GameTimeCT @DaveRuden @double5 pic.twitter.com/sL6LMe6UyI

— Shawn Sailer (@ShawnSailer) February 26, 2022

My nightcap consisted of the Fairfield/Stamford FCIAC boys hockey quarterfinals. Fairfield won by a 4-1 score. 

The Mustangs got on the board first with a goal by Charlie Swanson. Stamford tied it up at one after the first period. Fairfield got a goal back in the second on a power-play goal by Noah Kingsly to take a 2-1 lead heading to the final period. The Mustangs added two insurance goals in the third, both by Matt Jankovsky. 

Fairfield will be back in action on Wednesday as they host New Canaan in the FCIAC semifinals at 7:30pm at Wonderland of Ice in Bridgeport. 

Coming Together for a Cause

Saturday night's Fairfield co-op vs Greenwich boys ice hockey game at Wonderland of Ice in Bridgeport was a special one for the team and the community. 

The Fairfield program honored one of their own, former Fairfield goalie, Charlie Capalbo who is battling cancer for the fourth time. 

There was a good turnout from the community, both adults and students. There were a number of items for Capalbo Strong night. All proceeds from the game went to Charlie and his family. 

• The admission charge went to the family
• There was a silent auction 
• There were Capalbo Strong items to purchase

Prior to the game, there was an pre-game ceremony to acknowledge what the night meant. 

Around the rink, there were also a number of Capalbo items. 

There were cutouts of Charlie and his family sitting in the stands. 

There was Charlie's No. 30 jersey with a sign that said "Capalbo Strong - Playing for Charlie" along with the Capalbo Strong logo which includes a hockey goalie mask. The jersey and sign were at mid-ice during the ceremony and then moved to the Fairfield bench when the game began. 

A #CapalboStrong sign hung in the left corner of the rink, near the Fairfield bench. 

During the game, the students from both The Nest (Ludlowe's student section) and The Stampede (Warde's student section) (with it being a co-op team), started a "Play for Charlie" chant. 

Hopefully a lot of money was raised for the family, and even more importantly hopefully Charlie beats this awful disease once and for all very soon! 

Everyone talks about how the hockey community is a special one when it comes to supporting one of their own. This was shown Saturday as well and has been shown though out Charlie's battle. 

Fairfield as a town has had many situations over the last number of years where a member or members of the community needed support, often is being a young person. This town has always stepped out to support their own. 

Continued prayers for Charlie and the entire Capalbo family. 

Two Sport Saturday

It was a two-sport Saturday for me today with the high school sports world. The results were split. 

It began with Ludlowe boys basketball's game at Stamford High and ended with Fairfield boys Co-Op Hockey's game against the Stamford-Westhill co-op at Wonderland of Ice in Bridgeport. 

In the basketball game, Ludlowe fell to Stamford by a 66-53 score. Before that meant watching the end of the freshman game an then watching/helping with the JV game. During the varsity game, I often do the scorebook, which I did today. 

Even though I Tweet score updates, I felt the reporter in my as we were on the way down to Stamford was police activity on I-95 so I felt the need to Tweet it with the CT traffic hashtag. Did I need to Tweet it? No. But the reporter in me felt I should. I was on the bus, so I felt I could. 

In the nightcap, Fairfield boys hockey came away with a 5-2 win on senior night. 

It was fun to watch the hockey. Even though for my job, I don't have to go to games, the sports person in me feels like I should go to more than just basketball when I can. Hockey also works well since it's a co-op I cover both Ludlowe and Warde by going to those. I'm sure Warde people say I should come to more Warde games (basketball, etc). 

However, another large reason I was there, was to supervise the student section as a co-advisor of The Nest, the Ludlowe student section. Overall, the students were pretty well behaved. There weren't as many students there as I anticipated. 

From what I've heard, a lot of the previous games, both home and away, have had a lot of student fans. The hockey team is having a terrific season, sitting with a record of 11-3. Hopefully they are able to make a run in the FCIAC tournament.*

*They are not eligible for the state tournament due to co-op rules. It's a longer story that's not worth getting into. There has been a lot of talk about this the last couple weeks from players, parents, fans, etc.