Raiders Drop Special Teams Battle

Tyler Watts scored a pair of goals, one shorthanded and one on a power play, but could not muster enough offense as the Raiders dropped a 5-2 decision to Branford in Northern Hockey Conference action Wednesday at the Northford Ice Pavilion.

After a scoreless first period, Branford grabbed a 1-0 lead just 32 seconds into the second period on a goal by Austin Hackett. That score would prove to be the only even-strength tally of the contest.

Rob Petrillo scored on a power play to give the Hornets a 2-0 lead, but Watts cut the deficit in half with the Raiders at a 5-on-3 disadvantage, intercepting a pass in front of the Branford net and beating goaltender Tom DeLucia.

Branford increased its lead to 3-1 early in the third period on a power play goal by Gary Criscuolo. Kade Gregory added a shorthanded goal with 5:38 to play.

Enfield battled back 55 seconds later, with Watts converting on a power play, assisted by Ian McDonald and Avery Boissy. The Hornets held on, however, and with Raiders goalie Zack Audet removed in favor of a sixth attacker, Cam DeLucia tacked on an empty-netter in the final minute.

Enfield (5-9-1) plays an against Northwest Catholic Friday at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, beginning at 5 p.m. Branford (5-10) travels to Trinity College in Hartford Saturday to face Glastonbury at 6 p.m.