NO LONGER ON THIN ICE
Eagles’ cooperative program making strides ... and striving for wins
— Numbers are up this
New London season for the Eastern Connecticut Eagles (20 players). They have an assistant coach this season for the first time in three seasons (Rick Close). And they'll get bussed to a few road games thanks to the contributions of the parents (the program is not funded).
All of that qualifies as progress for the Eagles. Now they just need some wins.
“The program is growing, and that's what we want,” Eagles coach Randy Craig said after Wednesday's 7-3 loss to Barlow at Connecticut College's Dayton Arena. “Unfortunately, we're getting into these close games that are not going our way.”
Eastern (1-6) is a cooperative program featuring players from East Lyme, Fitch, Hale-Ray, Ledyard, Waterford and Wheeler.
Kevin Close had two goals and James Fitzmaurice also scored for the Eagles. Larry Nolan had two assists and Brett Collins and Kody Twomey each had an assist.
Goalie Han Sherman added 25 saves.
Vincent Marsili scored three of his four goals in first period to give Barlow a 3-0 lead.
“Our biggest issue is starting (strong) in the first period,” Eagles senior captain Austin D'Addario said. “We always have a great second period.
“I think we're getting all the lines (settled); all the chemistry together. So we'll see.”
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