1/4/10-Simsbury--Connor Burns' overtime blast gives Farmington first win over Avon in five years.
FHS traveled just a couple miles down the road to face off against their natural rivals Avon High School. The first period began with some demonstrably sluggish skating as the first day back at school from the holiday break was taking its toll. It was a tight checking first period and ended with neither team scoring and Avon out shooting Farmington 9-8.
In the second period Farmington began to get their legs back and with some hard work in the corners started to win the loose pucks. Farmington's first goal came via a set play off the face-off. Junior Brian Cohan won the draw and slid the puck back to defenseman and captain CJ Spellman who sent a perfect pass to sophomore forward Dom Bazzano who rocketed the puck past the goalie through the five hole. Two minutes later senior captain Nick Palen recieved a pass from freshman defenseman Matt Cowles and out hustled the Avon defense for the team's second goal.
The two goal lead wasn't enough as Avon came out flying in the third period and knocked in two quick goals to draw even with the Indians, 2-2. Later in the frame, Cohan took a pass from Palen and one timed the puck past the Avon goalie to give Farmington the lead back, 3-2. With 2:40 left in the third period, a defensive lapse allowed Avon to tally the tying goal. Both teams had opportunities in the closing moments, but for the second time in two games Farmington would skate an overtime period.
Again both teams knocked at the door but the goalies were equal to the challenge. At the 2:10 mark of overtime Farmington's senior center Connor Burns gathered a loose puck, beat the defense and fired a blast from one stride in the zone that whistled past Avon's goalie. The goal gave the Indians the win and ended the five year draught against Avon.
The win gets Farmington to 3-2-1 as they prepare for a tough South Windsor squad Wednesday night at 7pm in Simsbury. Avon falls to 2-4.
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