The resurgence continued for Greenwich High School’s boys ice hockey team Saturday night, on what was a special evening for coach Jack Duffy’s squad.

Intent on continuing its recent run of success, the Cardinals produced a stellar Senior Night effort, resulting in their fourth win in five games – a streak that’s enabled them to get back in the hunt in the FCIAC and statewide standings.

Senior forward Logan Carino’s goal with just four seconds remaining in the first period propelled Greenwich past Trumbull, 1-0, in a physical matchup at Dorothy Hamill Skating Rink.

The hard-fought win improved Greenwich’s overall record to 4-6 and its FCIAC mark to 1-3. The Cardinals began their 2022-2023 campaign with five straight losses.

“We played a very solid game,” Duffy said. “One message to the boys was that we create a lot of chances with the forecheck and going forward, we have to bury our chances more. But it was a good, solid win and I’m very happy with the effort tonight. We just didn’t bury as many pucks as we wanted to, but it was a good win.”

Indeed, the Cardinals had a decisive shots-on-goal advantage despite having to kill several penalties during this FCIAC matchup.

“We have to cut down on the penalties, between the first two periods we had five,” Greenwich senior forward/captain Matthew Trimmer said. “So, we had to kill off 10 minutes of them, so that ruins down your momentum. That’s something that mentally, we have to work on – staying out of the box.”

“Throughout the game, we were all over the place, our forecheck looked amazing,” Trimmer continued. “Shout out to all four lines and defensemen, everyone did a great job.”

The Cardinals went on a power play twice in the first period and created several scoring chances. Beating the clock, Carino scored off a shot from close range off a pass from senior linemate Derek D’Angelo with four seconds remaining in the opening period, giving Greenwich a 1-0 lead. Junior forward Bailey Rozmus also helped set up the game’s lone goal.

“That was a great shift by that line,” Duffy noted. “D’Angelo gets it into the zone, after taking a couple of body checks. He gets it down to Rozmus, who them gets it out in front to Carino, which is what we’re trying to practice. It was a great goal, they boys never gave up and we needed it.”

In the second period, senior forward Christopher Rurak, senior defenseman/captain Peter Lewis, senior defenseman Alex McGarvey, junior forward Jackson Price and Trimmer were among the Cardinals that tested Trumbull senior goalie Gabe Deist with shots on goal and kept the pressure on the visitors.

Meanwhile, Greenwich senior goalie/captain Cole Studwell posted another steady, performance, earning the shutout Senior Night triumph.

In the third period, the Golden Eagles went on a power play and had several clear shots on goal, one of which was off a 2-on-1 rush. Studwell, however, turned the shot away, keeping it a 1-0 game.

“Cole had a big save at the end of the third, he had a 2-on-1 and made a big save, he comes up with the shutout and that’s what it’s all about,” Duffy said.

Prior to the game, Greenwich paid tribute to its senior athletes with a special Senior Night Ceremony. The Cards’ seniors include: Cole Studwell, Derek D’Angelo, Owen Lanzarone, Phillip Bijev, Will Duncan, Alex McGarvey, Andrew Walko, Logan Carino, Gage Bria, Matthew Trimmer, Peter Lewis, Christopher Rurak and Matthew Rurak.

“It was 1-0, but I think we could have easily put another four of those in,” said Peter Lewis, who helped pace GHS defensively, along with Matthew Rurak, Alex McGarvey, Boden Farmer and Kyle Allen. “It was a little dramatic at the end, but it’s something to build on for sure. I definitely feel like we’re getting some traction and finding our groove, so we’re excited.”

Following the game, Trimmer and Studwell each reflected on the time they’ve spent as members of the Cardinals hockey program.

“The program has meant a lot to me,” Studwell continued. “Growing up playing hockey every day and being able to be a Greenwich Cardinal, while being a captain senior year has meant the world to me.”

“It’s been awesome, I’ve been on the team since sophomore year, so I’ve known these guys for a long time,” Studwell said. “It’s coming to an end, which is bittersweet, but I wouldn’t want to do it with any other group of guys.”

Said Trimmer: “This program means everything to me. Greenwich hockey is a cornerstone of high school sports and what we are able to do. As a sophomore, I played at this rink and we lost in the FCIAC championship and we want this year to be the year we get back into that game and put another banner in the building. It all starts with wins like this.”

Greenwich is back in action with another home game tomorrow. The Cards will face Fairfield Warde/Ludlowe at Dorothy Hamill Skating Rink at 4:30 p.m.

“Our mentality has changed a little bit,” Studwell said. “We really want to get some wins and we have to do what we have to do to get them. It doesn’t matter if it’s pretty or not, a win is a win.”