One of the biggest games of the season takes place tonight (Jan. 17) when No. 1 ranked Hamden travels to DiLungo Rink in East Haven to take on No. 3 East Haven at 7:30. Both teams have a pair of solid scoring lines, depth in the back line and two of the top goalies in the state. Hamden goalie Anthony Avitable and East Haven goalie John Palmieri are quick and aggressive and adept at being in the right position to make a save.
The teams also have solid veteran coaches with Bill Verneris at Hamden and Lou Pane at East Haven. Pane recently earned his 300th career win.
The game is expected to be a sellout, making it wise to get there early to secure decent parking.

While high-scoring forwards tend to get the most attention from fans and the media, a team can ride the shoulders of a talented goalie during the regular season and through the CIAC state tournament. It's not unheard of to see a team with around a .500 record ride a hot goalie all the way to the championship game in any division.
The question is, who is the best goalie this season? Is there a standout or are there several out there who could lead their team to the promised land of championship heaven?
Two of the most talked about goalies lately happen to be on two of the hottest teams in Division I - Anthony Avitable of Hamden and John Palmieri of East Haven.
Hamden, ranked No. 1 in the Register Top 10 poll, is 7-1 overall and 6-0 against Connecticut competition. In those six games, Avitable has alllowed only six goals and has shutouts over Hand-Madison and Fairfield Prep.
East Haven is ranked No. 3 in the poll and is 9-0, all against state competition. Palmieri has allowed only 11 goals in nine games and has shutouts over Fairfield Warde/Ludlowe, West Haven and Notre Dame-West Haven.
Are these the top goalies in the area? In the state? What do you think? Do you have an argument for other goalies who you believe are exceptional? Post a comment.
Although Avitable and Palmieri are separating themselves from most others, I happen to believe there are several other good goalies out there. Among the other top goalies in the New Haven area are Mike Cellini of West Haven, Marcus Demchak of Milford and George Donnarumma of Cheshire.