Tag Archives: Staples High School boys ice hockey team

Roundup: Jackie Robinson, Son Little, Little Books …

Posted on February 12, 2026 | 1 comment

Last year’s first-ever Jackie Robinson Essay Contest drew a less-than-sold-out-stadium number of entries.

This year, the sponsors — the Westport Library, Westport Center for Senior Activities, BookTrib and Meryl Moss Media — hope for many more.

Organizers say: “Jackie Robinson didn’t just break baseball’s color barrier. He broke barriers in hearts and minds, paving the way for generations to dream bigger, stand taller, and speak louder. Now, you can honor his legacy.”

This year, the contest asks community members to write — or co-write — “a heartfelt letter addressed to Jackie Robinson. Reflect on how his courage, dignity and perseverance have impacted your lives and your relationship with each other.”

Submissions are “highly encouraged” in teams of 2. Ideally, that’s one senior (60 and up) and one younger person (ages 6–21).

Individual responses, or teams of 2 of any age, are also accepted. “This is more than a writing contest — it’s a chance to build connection across generations, celebrate social progress, and share powerful stories,” organizers say.

Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 finishers. Click here to submit your entry, and for more details. The deadline is March 15.

Jackie Robinson

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Yesterday, the Levitt Pavilion announced Big News: Matteo Bocelli has been booked for July 10.

Today, there’s more. Grammy Award winner Son Little has been booked for June 24 — and it’s free!

Tickets for the soul/blues/folk/hip hop/R&B artist become available to the public tomorrow (click here).

More announcements — for 50+ free nights of entertainment, and several ticketed shows — will be coming soon.

Son Little

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Valentine’s Day is Saturday.

If you haven’t already bought a gift — heck, even if you have — here’s a heart-warming idea.

For just $5.50, you can send a 1-minute digital “Singing Gram” — a heartfelt musical message celebrating love, friendship or (sorry, babe) “moving on” — to your partner (or soon-to-be-ex).

They’re courtesy of Staples Orphenians, who will sing — and deliver — your personalized message tomorrow.

Click here to order, and for more information. That’s amore!

Staples’ Orphenians performed at the Holiday Stroll. Now they’ll “perform” at the next holiday: Valentine’s Day. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Speaking of Staples: Seniors Zander Bauer and Elijah Falkenstein — founders of the first Connecticut chapter of the national non-profit Make Our Schools Safe –were in Washington on Thursday.

They advocated for the passage of Alyssa’s Act, which would set national standards for emergency response systems.

Zander and Elijah participated in a press conference, gave interviews, and met with Congressmen, including Connecticut’s Jim Himes and Jahana Hayes.

Zander Bauer and Elijah Falkenstein, with Congressman Jim Himes.

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Speaking still of Staples: On Monday, STORMAC — the school’s co-op boys hockey team (with Norwalk and Brien McMahon Highs) — hosted “Hockey Fights Cancer Night.”

Players honored family and friends who are currently battling the disease, who fought and survived, or who are remembered and missed.

Each player took the ice holding a sign with the name of someone special, followed by a moment of silence. 

The evening was as a fundraiser. 100% of the proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.

STORMAC invites “06880” readers to join their fundraising. Click here to help them reach their goal.

STORMAC boys ice hockey team.

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For 25 years, Read To Grow has provided books to new mothers, in hospitals and through a Bookmobile.

By promoting language skills and or children from the day they’re born, the non-profit gives an early boost to families that may not be able to afford books.

Read To Grow is partnering with the Westport Rotary Club and Westport Library, in an outreach program.

On Tuesday Suzannah Holsenbeck — Read to Grow’s executive director — spoke to Rotarians.

Suzannah Holsenbeck, Executive Director of Read To Grow, a not-for-profit group based in Branford, addressed the Westport Rotary Club at its Feb 10 luncheon via Zoom.

She described the importance of having books in a home, and of parents reading daily to young children.

Suzannah Holsenbeck addresses the Rotary Club, via Zoom. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)

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Border Grill has closed.

The small mostly-takeout Mexican restaurant on Post Road East — sandwiched between ASF and the Shell station — posted a sign in the window saying “Sorry.”

But it adds “Hey Taco! Coming soon.”

We assume that means another Mexican spot.

It would be the third on that site. Border Grill replaced “Tacos or What,” owned by the legendary Dodie Perez.

The “We’re closed” sign, next to the front door. (Hat tip and photo/Jennifer Kobetitsch)

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It’s been well over 2 weeks since a snowstorm deposited a foot of snow here.

Since then — with the temperature well below freezing — the beautifully plowed piles have congealed, frozen over, and proved almost impossible to remove.

The result: treacherous going on sidewalks. And, where are forced off of them, dangerous conditions on the road.

Yesterday’s temperature — a tropical 43 — may begin the melting process. (Though when the temperature dips at night, it re-freezes.)

The high today will be 36. Who knows what that will do?

Here are some scenes from Post Road East, on Tuesday. Be careful out there!

In front of Webster Bank, at Colonial Green.

Mobil gas station, across from Playhouse Square …

… and next door, the Mobil station.

M&T bank, at Compo Road North. The manager says this is an issue for the state Department of Transportation. (Photos/Molly Alger)

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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between February 4 and 10.

A 38-year-old Wilton man was charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs, failure to drive in the proper lane, operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance, and improper use of marker plates, following a single vehicle accident on Riverside Avenue, at 12:25 a.m. Sunday.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Texting while driving: 9 citations
  • Failure to stop at a stop sign: 7
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
  • Failure to renew registration: 3
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without tint inspection: 2
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
  • Improper use of markers: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
  • Speeding in a school zone (2nd offense): 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Distracted driving: 1
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
  • Driving with an obstructed windshield: 1
  • Failure to reinstate license within 60 days: 1
  • Unreadable license plate: 1

It is illegal to drive with an unreadable license plate.

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Andrew Ippolito died peacefully at his Westport home, surrounded by family, on Monday. He was 95.

The Korean War veteran graduated from Georgetown University in international affairs, and earned a master’s in library sciences from Pratt University. He spent most of his career at Newsday, where he led the research and library department, and later founded Library Directory Associates.

Andrew was very involved in politics, and attended the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

His wife Constance died 2020. He is survived by his children Jenette, Paul (Lisa) and Michael (Caroline);  grandchildren Vanessa (Steve), Andraya (Keenan), Andrew, Dimitra, Michael, Sofia, Paul, Christofer and Lucas, and great-granchildren continues through his great-grandchildren Cosette, Charlotte, Daniel, Keenan, Jaxon and Josephine.

A wake will be held at Harding Funeral Home this Sunday (February 15, 2 to 6 p.m.). The funeral service takes place Monday (February 16, 10 a.m., St. Luke Church).

Condolences may be left online at www.hardingfuneral.com. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Andrew Ippolito

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Westporters woke up yesterday to fresh ice. It covered driveways, sidewalks, trees — and this holly bush. Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from Burritts Landing, near Saugatuck Shores.

But it could have been anywhere in town.

(Photo/Nancy Vener)

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And finally … on this date in 1809, Abraham Lincoln was born. Happy 217th, to our 16th president!

(People often wonder how to celebrate Lincoln’s birthday. We always recommending clicking here to donate to “06880” — your hyper-local blog that celebrates all things Westport, and America!)

 

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Roundup: Traffic Lights, Teen Honors, Sorelle Gallery …

Posted on January 9, 2026 | 5 comments

An alert and traffic-conscious “06880” reader emailed us the other day.

He included links to stories about “adaptive traffic signals” — lights that detect real-time traffic conditions and use a fiber-optic network to adjust timing — that have been adopted in Norwalk and Greenwich.

He wondered: Why not in Westport?

Why not indeed?

“06880” reached out to 1st Selectman Kevin Christie. He says:

“Norwalk and Greenwich have implemented adaptive traffic signal technology on signals that they own and operate.

“In Westport, we only have 2 traffic signals that we own and operate: Main Street and Myrtle Avenue, and Main Street and Avery Place. All other signals are under Connecticut Department of Transportation jurisdiction.

“Based on current traffic volumes, those two town-owned signals would not be candidates for this technology at this time.

“The signals that would most likely benefit from this type of technology are along the Route 1 corridor. CTDOT is developing plans to replace traffic signal controllers and install cellular modems at select state-owned traffic signals across several Connecticut towns and cities.

“However, Westport is not included in this initial rollout, as CTDOT is still piloting the technology and evaluating its effectiveness under different state highway conditions before pursuing broader implementation.

“That said, we will continue to advocate for Westport by maintaining strong relationships and ongoing communication with CTDOT.”

Main Street and Myrtle Avenue: 1 of only 2 traffic lights owned and operated by the town.

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On Wednesday, the Westport Police Department honored Emmah Tait.

In August, the Staples High School graduate and Colorado State University sophomore rescued a man whose kayak had overturned in Long Island Sound.

The commendation cited Emmah for displaying “exceptional situational awareness and keen observation skills (and) swift and decisive action …. (She)  acted selflessly and without hesitation. Her calm, courageous response exemplified the highest standards of maritime safety and civic responsibility.”

From left: 1st Selectman Kevin Christie, Police Chief Dave Farrell, Emmah Tait, and her parents Denise and Chris Tait.

Remarkably, this was not the first commendation given to a Tait family member, for a marine rescue.

In November 1970 Doug Tait — Chris’ older brother, and a Long Lots Junior High School 9th grader — rescued 2 men from a boat that caught fire, 2 miles off shore.

A photo of his ceremony mirrors that of Emmah’s, 56 years later.

From left: 1st Selectman John Kemish, Lieutenant Joseph McAleenan, Doug Tait, Doug’s parents Doug Sr. and Elizabeth Tait.

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Congratulations to Nolan Francis!

The Staples High School senior has just been named a Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar.

If that’s not familiar — well, it used to be called the Westinghouse Science Talent Search. It’s one of the most prestigious student awards in the nation.

Nolan — who has worked at Yale University’s Choate Lab, researching a rare skin condition called ichthyosis that can lead to fatal heart disease, and raised funds for research with a long-distance swim last summer — is the first Staples student to earn the honor from Staples’ new science research program.

Nolan is one of the top 300 competitors in the Regeneron program. He was selected from 2,612 students — the largest and most competitive pool since the 1960s.

Staples will receive $2,000, for use toward STEM-related activities.

Forty finalists will be announced January 21. Each receives $25,000, and be eligible for a first-place prize of $250,000.

If Nolan wins, he would be Staples’ second honoree. In 2001, Mariangela Lisanti won what was then called the Siemens Westinghouse Science & Technology Competition (then worth $100,000). She also won the Intel Science Talent Search, earning another $100,000 scholarship.

PS: A bit more about Nolan. He is on Staples’ STEM Journal editorial board, and is vice president of the Science National Honors Society. He’s an AP Scholar with Distinction, founded the current iteration of Staples’ National English Honor Society, has volunteered at Norwalk Hospital’s Catheterization Lab, and was a counselor at Camp Discovery, for children unable to attend mainstream sleepaway camps due to medical conditions.

Nolan also plays violin in the Symphonic Orchestra. He was the first-ever junior captain of the boys swim team. He received the inaugural Junior Leadership Award at the Scholar-Athlete banquet. And he’s been involved with the Westport Weston Family YMCA’s Special Olympics swim program since 2018.

Nolan Francis

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A new year begins, and a new chapter unfolds for Sorelle Gallery.

Reacting to shifting trends in the art world — with clients going online more, for support and purchases — the gallery moves on January 27 from Bedford Square to a smaller, by-appointment space at 25 Sylvan Road South.

Meanwhile, they’ll expand their art advisory model. Click here for more information.

Closing soon, and moving to Sylvan Road South.

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Charlie Capalbo — a Fairfield Ludlowe High School graduate and ice hockey player whose battle with 4 separate cancers inspired friends, neighbors, the sports world and countless strangers — died 3 years ago. He was 1 month shy of his 24th birthday.

Charlie’s Westport ties were long and deep. His grandmother is the writer/poet/storyteller Ina Chadwick. Her husband, Richard Epstein (Charlie’s grandfather) is a Westport native; his parents moved here in 1958. Charlie’s mother, Jennifer Wilde Capalbo (Ina’s youngest daughter) is a Staples graduate.

The young athlete’s memory lives on. Next Wednesday (January 14, 5:15 p.m., Sacred Heart University), the Staples-Norwalk-Brien McMahon coop hockey team plays the Fairfield Ludlowe-Warde coop squad.

Fairfield has organized it as “Charlie Capalbo Night,” raising awareness of the National Marrow Donor Program, and raising funds for research.

Fairfield’s head coach is a pediatric leukemia survivor. Parents of current players supported Charlie, when he first got sick. Several years later, they continue to step up, as a community and friends.

Charlie Capalbo (Photo/Dave Gunn)

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Neighbors and Newcomers of Westport is gearing up for an exciting year.

Since 1963, the organization has brought together new arrivals and longtime residents for social events.

On the calendar this month: Couples’ Night Out; a sound bath experience at Hummingbird Healing Center, and book and cooking groups. Click here for more information.

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Pam Docters offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo from Post Road West, and adds: “Winter’s on its way out! Or maybe I’m being too optimistic?”

(Photo/Pam Docters)

Perhaps not. Today’s high is expected to be be 49 degrees. Daytime temperatures should remain in the 40s through Wednesday.

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And finally … on this date in 1788, Connecticut became the 5th state to ratify the US constitution.

But that’s not why we are officially “The Constitution State.” That refers to the   Fundamental Orders, adopted by the Connecticut Colony in 1639. It is considered by some to be the first written constitution in Western history.

So let’s hear it for us, with our official state song:

(“06880” is where Westport — and Connecticut — meet the world. If you enjoy our hyper-local coverage, connecting our town to our state and beyond, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)

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Roundup: Help For Fire Victims, Craig Melvin Debuts, EMT Classes Begin …

Posted on January 14, 2025 | 5 comments

In the wake of the tragic — and continuing — Los Angeles fires, WestportMoms.com wanted to send help across the country.

But Megan Rutstein and Melissa Post — the women behind the multi-platform service — needed money, a way to transport the items to where they’re needed most and a place to donate.

Don — the beloved owner of the UPS store across from Fresh Market — quickly stepped up. He arranged to have 4 large pallets shipped out this coming weekend.

Items can be dropped off tomorrow (Wednesday) and Thursday only, at the UPS store across from Fresh Market.

Donors should box their items, and label the contents clearly. Alternatively, bring bags of goods to the UPS store, buy a box, and the amazing team there will help you pack it.

Items most needed include: clothes for all ages and genders, toiletries, makeup, diapers, formula, baby onesies, cribs, baby accessories, school supplies, sports equipment, bags, books, bedding, and similar goods.

Thanks to UPS, and WestportMoms, for their quick, efficient work on this crucial project.

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Congratulations to Craig Melvin!

The longtime NBC personality debuted yesterday as co-anchor of “The Today Show.”

America knows him as a journalist, interviewer, and deliverer of morning news and information.

We know him for all that too. But he’s also our neighbor, friend, a sports coach, restaurant owner, and all-around good guy.

Westport has long been proud of Craig Melvin.

Especially, “today.”

Craig Melvin (Photo courtesy of WestportMoms)

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Have you always wanted to be an EMT?

Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service’s next Emergency Medical Technician course begins February 11.

WVEMS also offers 3 orientation sessions for certified EMT.

The hands-on EMT course teaches life-saving skills, from basic bandaging to major trauma care.

Interest in emergency medicine has surged since the pandemic. WVEMS enhanced its programs to streamline volunteer integration and training.

Volunteers with or without prior experience are  welcome

In March, WVEMS will offer an Emergency Medical Responder course for students ages 14-15 with a passion to help others. It introduces foundational life-saving skills, creating a pathway to future EMT certification. Participants will take ambulance shifts alongside our crews.

For more information or to register for these programs, click here.

Westport EMS,  in action.

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The Porch at Christie’s closed last month.

But their Sweet P Bakery treats are available online, for local pickuip.

Orders placed by 2 p.m. Wednesdays can be picked up Fridays in Westport between 1 and 3 p.m. (location provided with order).

Blueberry muffins, scones, crumb cakes, Rice Krispie treats, colossal cookies — Sweet P’s got ’em all.

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Colin Konstanty thrilled a sold-out audience last night, at the Westport Country Playhouse’s first Script in Hand reading of 2025.

The 2022 Staples High School graduate joined the cast of “How the World Began.” The provocative play probes the conflict between divine creation and evolution, and its effect on a small Kansas town torn apart by a tornado.

Konstanty — now a student at NYU Tisch School of the Arts — has appeared off-Broadway, and on Disney+.

Colin Konstanty (left) and Bill Phillips, in “How the World Began.” (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Bingo!

The Westport Young Woman’s League’s Galentine’s Bingo Night returns February 6 (7:30 to 10:30 p.m., Saugatuck Congregational Church).

The 5th annual event includes Bingo, with great gifts from local businesses; food and drinks throughout the evening, and “extra fun surprises.”

All net proceeds benefit the WYWL Grants Program, supporting local initiatives and organizations. Last year they awarded $65,000 to 9 non-profits.

Click here for tickets. To offer prizes or sign up as a sponsor, email president@wywl.com.

Galentine’s Bingo, with the Westport Young Woman’s League.

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“Shoulder check” is an ice hockey term.

It’s also the name of an initiative that inspires people to commit to supporting each other through small acts that have big impacts. Put simply: “‘being there’ is as simple as a hand on a shoulder.”

It’s as simple as reaching out, checking in and making contact.

Next Monday (January 20, 1 p.m., Milford Ice Pavilion), Staples High School’s Stormac co-op boys hockey team will play Milford in a “Shoulder Check Game.”

The goal is to raise awareness of mental health issues.

PS: Monday’s MLK Day game is also a “Battle fo the Barn.” Both Stormac and Milford call the Ice Pavilion home. The winner earns a trophy.

PPS: Youth hockey players who wear their youth jersey will get in free. And younbg learn-to-play skaters will compete in a mini-game between the first and second periods.

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Speaking of sports: Staples rugby alumni have gone on to play at colleges across America: Brown, West Point, Navy, St. Bonaventure, Clemson, Colorado, UC-Berkeley, and more.

Rugby players at other schools have had similar success.

Last year, 130 players attended the Staples Rugby College Showcase.

This year’s 5th annual event is February 15 (noon to 4 p.m., Paul Lane Field). The goal is to expose over 200 young athletes to the 70-plus college coaches who will attend.

The Showcase is open to players from all over the Northeast.

The cost is $75 per player. To register, click here. Questions? Email info@staplesrugby.com.

The Staples boys rugby team.

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Singer Giacomo — “an entertainer for all ages and styles” — returns to Jazz at the Post this Thursday (January 16, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7; $20 music cover, $15 for veterans and students).

He’ll be joined by pianist Joe McWilliams, bassist Phil Bowler, drummer Bobby Leonard and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Click here for tickets.

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Carey Weber, executive director of the Fairfield University Art Museum, treated the Y’s Women to a preview of upcoming exhibitions recently.

They range from beautiful paintings of totalism and the black and white photography narratives of Truda Feinstein, to contemporary artistss responses to climate change.

Weber — also president of the Connecticut Art Trail — noted that a $35 passport offers admission to 34 museums and historical sites in Connecticut.

Carey Weber (Photo/Merle Spiegel)

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And finally … Rowene Weems spotted “Snowy” at Winslow Park.

He (or she) makes a great “Westport … Naturally” photo. With or without snow.

(Photo/Rowene Weems)

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And finally … Sam Moore, who as half of Sam & Dave recorded classic and Grammy-winning hits — died Friday in Florida, of complications following surgery. He was 89.

Despite their chart-topping successes, and dynamic live performances, Sam and Dave Prater were never particularly close.

In fact, after performing together on New Year’s Eve in 1981, they never spoke again. Click here for a full obituary.

(Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution to “06880.” I thank you!)

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Roundup: Carbon Monoxide, Ice Hockey, Local To Market …

Posted on January 21, 2022 | 2 comments

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The Westport Fire Department wants residents to know that carbon monoxide poisoning is a winter threat.

Carbon monoxide is an invisible odorless gas that can be fatal. It forms when fuels like gasoline, natural gas, propane, wood, charcoal, and kerosene do not burn completely. Breathing carbon monoxide can deprive the body of oxygen, and may lead to illness, loss of consciousness and death.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

  • Headache, fatigue, dizziness, confusion, nausea or vomiting, and loss of consciousness.
  • If several members of a household experience these symptoms when they are home but feel better when they are away from the home, there may be a carbon monoxide problem.

If you have symptoms:

  • Get out of the house immediatelyand seek medical help if you or a family member or guest has unexplained/sudden onset of symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Call 911 from a cell phone or neighbor’s home and the Connecticut Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Carbon monoxide alarms are the only way to know if the deadly gas is present in your home. It is recommended that all residents with fuel burning appliances or indoor equipment install carbon monoxide alarms near all sleeping areas in their home to alert them of the presence of carbon monoxide. Install a carbon monoxide alarm on each floor of your home and outside of each bedroom. Install new batteries as per manufacturer’s instructions and replace alarms every five years, as the sensors degrade.

To stay safe:

  • Never use portable generators, charcoal or gas grills, gas or propane powered pressure washers, saws or other fuel powered equipment inside your home, garage, carport, basement, or other enclosed spaces. Opening windows and doors, and operating fans is not enough to prevent buildup of carbon monoxide in a home
  • Install a carbon monoxide alarm on each floor of your home & outside of each bedroom.
  • Make sure the exhaust pipe on your standby generator is pointing away from the house.
  • Place portable generators at least 20 feet from the house.
  • Make sure gas dryer vents and automobile tail pipes are not plugged up with snow.
  • Have your heating systems, chimney flues, gas appliances, wood stoves, and generators checked every year, and cleaned and serviced as needed by qualified heating/appliance contractors.

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There are many ways to illustrate the current tensions in Ukraine.
Staples High School 1988 graduate/Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times photographer Tyler Hicks did it with a unique shot of Ukrainian soldiers jumping into a cross made out of ice, near the Russian front — a tradition in that country.
The image was the lead one today, on page 1 of the Times. (Hat tip: John Karrel)
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Congratulations to the Staples High School boys ice hockey team. The Wreckers beat Norwalk-McMahon 4-2 in the 3rd annual Dale Wemhoff Cup. Wehmhoff attended Westport schools and was the assistant hockey coach at Staples before taking over the Norwalk program. (Hat tip: Hannah Kail)

Staples High School ice hockey team.

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There’s (almost) always something going on at Local to Market. Mark these dates, for the popular food-and-more store on Main Street next to Parker Harding Plaza.

Tomorrow (Saturday, January 22, 2 to 4 p.m.): Maria from Fairfield’s Bee Love Project offers tastings, suggests pairings and presents insights into the world of honey bees.

Two days before Valentine’s (Saturday, February 12, time TBD), Samantha from Locavore Kitchens in Westport talks about her rosemary glazed shortbread cookies (and more).
Go for the local food stars. Stay for the samples?

The Local to Market patio.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows 3 deer, trying for camouflage. Or perhaps just hungry.

(Photo/Peter J. Swift)

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And finally … 2 recent deaths with local connections.

Meat Loaf died yesterday, at 74 (or so — read full obituary here). The larger-than-life ’70s singer would of course be commemorated here no matter where he lived.

But for a while he was a Westport resident. He played softball on Sunday mornings at Compo Beach, coached his daughter’s softball team, hung out on Terry and Gail Coen’s very visible Soundview Drive front deck, and was a cheerful, popular presence in town. Everyone of a certain age has a Meat Loaf story from those days.

And Fred Parris, co-founder of the Five Satins and writer of “In the Still of the Night,” died recently after a brief illness. He was 85.

The New Haven native wrote the song while on guard duty with the Army in Philadelphia. His group recorded it “in a makeshift studio in the basement of St. Bernadette Roman Catholic Church in New Haven on February 19, 1956,” the New Haven Register says. Click here for the full obituary. (Hat tip: Audrey Rabinowitz)

 

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Staples Hockey Heads To Yale Whale

Posted on March 11, 2018 | 5 comments

In 2016, the Staples High School ice hockey team — a co-op squad, with Weston and Shelton Highs — reached the Connecticut Division III state finals. They lost in heartbreaking fashion — with just 30 seconds left in the game.

As a result, they were bumped up to Division II. The Wreckers had a tough year. They did not even qualify for states.

Back in Division III this winter, they’re playing with only Staples students. There are not enough athletes for a junior varsity squad, so the team includes freshmen and sophomores, along with upperclassmen.

They’ve got a lot of heart.

And skill.

Senior Zach Bloom was named Goalie of the Year in Division III. Senior Sam New — who recently notched his 100th career goal — is up for Player of the Year honors.

The Staples High School boys ice hockey team celebrates a state tournament iwn.

This winter, the Wreckers qualified for the FCIAC tournament for the first time in 6 years.

Plus, they’re ranked 1st in Connecticut in the Division III state tourney.

Staples beat Masuk-Monroe 6-1 in the first round. In the quarterfinals, they knocked off Newington 7-3.

That earns them a berth in the semifinals. They face the Eastern Connecticut Eagles this Tuesday (March 13), at 7:30 p.m. in Yale’s “Whale” arena.

Go Wreckers!

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