LHKC hockey, who finished last year’s season with a record of 14-6, is off to an even better start this year. After a thrilling overtime win against top tier Division II team North Haven and a one-goal loss to the talented Division II team Cheshire, LHKC hockey feels like they can compete with anyone.

  “We are starting off the season playing the best DII teams,” said captain and Coginchaug senior Kyle Roberts. “It raises our expectations on how we can play and who we can beat. It’s a huge advantage playing at a faster pace because we don’t see it against other DIII teams.”

  LHKC for the last three years has challenged themselves with tough Division II  opponents, which has helped them prepare for the less competitive Division III teams that make up the bulk of their season.

  When asked about the North Haven game, Roberts said, “We didn’t play our best; we came out slow and couldn’t finish on chances we created.”

  Although LHKC didn’t play their best, they still came out with a big overtime win. Trailing 4-3 with less than a minute left in the third period, LHKC was on the verge of an early season loss.

  “I wasn’t doubtful we were going to lose, but I knew we needed to make something happen quick,” said Roberts. With five seconds left, Lyman Hall freshman Jack Roberts netted the game-tying goal which sent LHKC into overtime.

  “We were motivated and energized after that,” said Coginchaug senior and assistant captain Connor Satton.  “It gave us momentum. It showed us we don’t give up as a team.”

  Just 57 seconds after the start of overtime, Lyman Hall senior Matt Pettit won it for LHKC.

  “We had all the momentum going into overtime, so I wasn’t surprised when we won,” Satton said.

  Although LHKC then suffered a one-goal loss to Cheshire on Wednesday, Dec. 19, they feel very confident going into the Division III season.

  “I think that we will have a very strong season,” Roberts said. “Our first two games we haven’t been our best, and we haven’t connected yet on the ice, so once we do, it’ll be special.”

 LHKC will take on Branford Saturday, Dec. 22 at 5:30 p.m. at the Northford Ice Pavilion.