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Articles by Josh Kestenbaum
Former No. 1 overall pick signs two-year bridge deal with Rangers
The New York Rangers have tied up their last loose end of the offseason, signing forward Alexis Lafreniere to a new two-year contract, carrying an average annual value of $2.325M. The first overall pick from the 2020 NHL Entry Draft was in restricted-free-agency limbo after his entry-level contract expired at the end of the 2022-23 season.
Pittsburgh Penguins stock up, stock down
The Pittsburgh Penguins missed the 2022-23 playoffs by a point, sitting out the postseason for the first time since 2005-06. But the team made several offseason moves—in the front office and on the ice—to get back in the dance. Stock Up Kyle Dubas, GM/president of hockey operations: Following the team’s disappointing finish, the Penguins ousted former general manager Ron Hextall and president of hockey operations Brian Burke.
Toronto Maple Leafs stock up, stock down
The Toronto Maple Leafs finally got over the first-round hump in this year’s Stanley Cup playoffs but were ousted by the Florida Panthers on their way to the Cup Final. Despite a successful regular season and the slaying of the first-round beast, changes were made to the front office and subsequently the on-ice product. The Leafs will look different when they take the ice to start the 2023-24 season and attempt to win the first Stanley Cup for Toronto since 1967.
Vegas Golden Knights stock up, stock down
After finishing the regular season with the best record in the Pacific Division, the Golden Knights reached the Stanley Cup Final having only lost five times in three rounds. Las Vegas went on to defeat the Eastern Conference champion Florida Panthers in five games, kicking off a party in Sin City.
Five years after 'The Letter,' Rangers rebuild a roaring success
Welcome to a new little series Tyler Yaremchuk and I are doing leading up to the trade deadline: Meet the Sellers. With the Oilers playing a fairly soft schedule going up against the Red Wings, Philadelphia Flyers, Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens and Columbus Blue Jackets all ahead of the deadline, we’re going to take a look at a few players from each team who could be on the move.
Jacob Trouba's physicality leading the way for Rangers
Rangers’ Filip Chytil gets his MSG moment as he extends scoring streak The Blueshirt faithful who fill the seats at Madison Square Garden have a short list of players whose names they chant on a regular basis, but on Monday night, a new name reverberated throughout the concourses. “CHY-TIL! CHY-TIL! CHY-TIL!” Filip Chytil picked up right where he left off before the All-Star break, extending his scoring streak to four games with goals Nos.
Tennis opens season with win
By Josh Kestenbaum Staff Writer The Lions sweep Vassar College in season opener. (Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk) In their first match of the season, the Lions men’s tennis team posted an impressive win after defeating Vassar College by a score of 9-0 on Saturday, Feb. 14. The College swept both doubles and singles in this match to take all nine points. “We need not just a win,” said coach Scott Dicheckto his team after going up 3-0 after the doubles round.
Strilkauskas' slam powers Bristol Central softball to win over New Britain - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
“Ali Holden and Sarah Strilkauskas are our seniors, our leaders,” Bristol Central coach Monica Hayes said. “We got consistent pitching, like we always do, from Ali and Sarah got a big hit that opened the game up so you can’t ask any more from the two of them.” The Rams, who were tied with New Britain 1-1 at the time, batted all the way around the order in the bottom of the fourth, which started with McKenzie Lewis taking first base after being hit by a pitch.
Bristol Eastern beats Bristol Central in first spring clash for girls tennis - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
Kasey Simpson and Gabi Reymont were victorious in the top doubles match, Kelly Simpson and Sophie Johnsky were the same at No. 2 doubles and Alivia Castle and Allison Graham earned a 6-0, 6-0 win at No. 3. On the singles side, Bristol Eastern’s top player, Hannah Langlais, picked up a three-set win over Bristol Central’s Emily McAllister after dropping the first set.
Offense looks to be unexpected strength for St. Paul boys lacrosse - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
Eric Passeck and Kevin Ashworth led the way for the Falcons, accounting for 10 of the team’s goals against the Rams and four of the five consecutive goals that gave St. Paul a one-goal lead at halftime. Passeck also netted four of the Falcons’ seven straight goals to pull away late. “Kevin and Eric can play. Flat out, they can play,” St. Paul coach Chris Kennedy said. “They’re quality players here, they’re quality players on their summer teams. They’re just lacrosse players through and through.
St. Paul boys lacrosse overcomes early deficit to top Bristol Central - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
“We weren’t able to execute, unfortunately,” Bristol Central coach Mike Gissas said. “We came out blasting and, unfortunately, we didn’t keep it up.” After the Falcons opened the scoring, Bristol Central rattled off the next five goals over a 5:38 span that straddled the first and second quarters. Connor Staubley scored the last goal of the first and the first goal of the second, while assisting on Ian Staubley’s first-quarter tally.
Spring Preview: Local boys lacrosse teams looking to continue development - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
St. Paul reached the Class S state tournament last season after increasing its win total by six from 2015 to 2016. Defense is going to be crucial for the Falcons, as they have plenty of returning talent on the back end. The offense will have to step up to make the most of the impressive backstop. Bristol Central is also coming off of a breakout season, earning six wins in 2016 after winning three the season before.
Spring Preview: Local softball teams have to replace several key veteran pieces - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
All four teams lost significant seniors after last season and all have been faced with how to replace seasoned veterans with younger, inexperienced players. Bristol Central won the CCC South last season but more than three quarters of its starting lineup from last season has graduated. With only two seniors this year, the youth will have to rise to the occasion for the Rams to repeat.
Spring Preview: Area baseball teams geared up for postseason runs - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
Coming off a Class S state title, St. Paul will have holes to fill in the pitching staff but the many returning players and defense could help to offset the losses and inexperience. Bristol Eastern’s 2016 season did not end like the Lancers had hoped and some key cogs from a year ago will not be back. But the team’s returning offensive firepower and defensive prowess could allow the Lancers to address some of their unfinished business.
Spring Preview: Local girls lacrosse teams seek further growth - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
The Bristol Central-Bristol Eastern co-op is coming off its best season (four wins) and, while it will be without one of its most dynamic players from last season, there is more than enough talent to fill the void. The St. Paul team is entering just its second season in varsity competition. Last season was a successful one everywhere but in the win column, as the Falcons only managed one victory. But what they did on the field has people around the program excited about this season and beyond.
Feeding the Beasts: Gladiator Wrestling Program providing area high schools with title contenders - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
At least part of the success of the area wrestlers — both in recent years and this past one — can be attributed to the Gladiator Wrestling Program. Based out of the Boys & Girls Club of Bristol Family Center and run by Simsbury wrestling coach T.J. Silva, the Gladiator program allows kids from the Bristol area from kindergarten up through high school the opportunity to train and refine their skills year-round.
Bristol Central's Nelligan off to Norwich to play football - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
The senior from Bristol Central recently committed to attending and playing football at Norwich University in Northfield, Vt. “I can’t wait,” Nelligan said. “It’s one of my dreams. I fell in love with the campus as soon as I walked on.” His excitement about going to Norwich is just as much about the military aspect as it is about the prospect of playing football for four more years. "I’m going to join the Army after graduation,” Nelligan said. “Norwich has the structure I wanted.
Bristol Eastern wrestling takes down Bristol Central, completes undefeated regular season - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
“Undefeated is great. It’s fun to talk about and things like that but I’ve been saying all year it comes down to the postseason and what we do there,” Bristol Eastern coach Bryant Lishness said. “This is a team that’s got some goals.” For the Rams, the loss was tough but the intensity and talent that the Lancers brought was not a surprise. “They’re the third-ranked team in the state because they’re the third-[best] team in the state,” Bristol Central coach Matt Boissonneault said.
City wrestlers ready for big-time clash as Bristol Eastern hosts Bristol Central - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
The Lancers are currently 18-0 this season and have rarely been backed into a corner but when they have been, they have fought out thanks to any number of different wrestlers. In the other corner tonight will be the Rams, who have seen just about every kind of meet result. Bristol Central has suffered blowout and close losses and doled each of those out to opponents this season on its way to a 9-9 record.
Bristol Eastern wrestling picks up four more wins, improves to 18-0 - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
Bryce Beebe, Jordon Champagne, Carson Sassu, Mikey Barrett, Trinidad Gonzalez and Hidekel Mangual all ended the day with 4-0 records for Bristol Eastern. Justin Marshall and Noah Corliss each only suffered one loss in four matches. “We’ve had a bunch of injuries. [Barrett and Gonzalez] have really been the lynchpin that’s held us together,” Bristol Eastern coach Bryant Lishness said. “They’ve been bumped out of weight and they just keep winning. They really stand out as the guys that keep winning.
Defying odds, St. Paul girls basketball has sweet mark after 16 games - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
The Falcons are 13-3, started the season with 10 consecutive wins and have yet to lose two games in a row. They also have an average margin of victory of 19 points. “I don’t want to say we’re shocked but I knew we had some talent but I didn’t know how long it would take for everyone to jell, especially with two freshmen in the mix,” St. Paul coach Joe Mone said after Friday’s 51-23 win over Oxford. Over the two seasons prior to this one, the Falcons lost a total of 14 seniors, seven each season.
Dominant showing for St. Paul girls basketball at home against Oxford - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
“We played as a team,” St. Paul’s Janessa Gonzalez said. “Everyone contributed and everyone cheered for each other.” The game was the Falcons’ fifth in eight days and St. Paul had lost three of the last five entering the contest. The Falcons and the Wolverines each struggled to get the ball to fall early on and were not able to put up any points for nearly the first two minutes. Despite St. Paul not being able to score any points of its first few shots of the game, it wasn’t for lack of effort.
Terryville girls soccer's Covello commits to play at CCSU - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
“I’m really excited because I know it’s going to be a challenge and I’m ready to take on that challenge,” Covello said. “I think I can make an impact on their team if I really put my heart to it so I’m really excited to see what the future holds. “I’m hoping to become an attacking player there but I’m not really sure how they plan to use me.
ROUNDUP: St. Paul girls basketball beats Torrington, picks up 12th win of the season - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
The Falcons outscored their opponents by four points in the third and 10 points in the fourth to earn their 12th win in 16 games. The loss was Torrington’s fourth of the season. Janessa Gonzalez was the leading scorer for St. Paul, putting up 23 points including two three-pointers. Brigid Johndrow was second with 13 points and led the team with nine rebounds. Amelia Sanchez’s 11 points ranked her third on St. Paul.
Bernier making solid contributions for Bristol Central boys basketball - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
The junior forward is a force in the paint on both ends of the court for the Rams and, along with Jaekwon Spencer, gives the team important height under the baskets. Bernier’s most consistent contribution to the team this season has been rebounding. Bristol Central has multiple strong shooters from the perimeter in Spencer, Isaiah Miller Aaron Collins and others so having someone to scoop up the offensive rebounds from misses has benefitted the Rams greatly.
ROUNDUP: Bristol Eastern wrestling beats two ranked opponents - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
The Lancers took down No. 6-ranked Fairfield Warde 39-34 and then defeated No. 9-ranked Ledyard 36-31. For Bristol Eastern, four wrestlers finished the day with perfect 2-0 records: Anthony Lozier at 145 pounds, Mikey Barrett at 170, Bryce Beebe at 106 and Jordon Champagne at 113. Both wins came in dramatic fashion for the Lancers, as they trailed late in each meet. Against Fairfield Warde, Noah Corliss earned a win by pin in the final match to clinch the win for his team.
ROUNDUP: Bristol boys swimming sets personal bests in loss to Newington - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
One of those swimmers was Michael Bond, who swam the 200 freestyle in a personal-best 29.32 seconds. According to Bristol coach Nick Daddabbo, Elijah Ortiz and Josh Mitchell both had strong days in the pool, as well. “I'm really proud of our effort today competing against a deep Newington team,” Daddabbo said. “This is a good meet for us despite the loss. I'm pleased with the effort they put in today.” Bristol is now 2-5 on the season and will be back in the pool at home against Wilby on Tuesday.
Bristol Central boys basketball taking some positives away from loss to Middletown - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
“I think we executed pretty well,” Bristol Central coach Tim Barrette said after the game. “The game plan was try to keep this game in the forties. We knew that we could not score with them if this game got into the sixties and seventies and we did a good job at half being down three [and] at the end of three down three.” The most successful part of the Rams’ game was its play down low on both ends of the floor.
FCBL announces new home run derby tiebreaker to debut in 2017 season - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
On Friday morning, the Futures Collegiate Baseball League announced that it will be implementing a home run derby as a means to decide games that are tied at the completion of 10 innings starting this summer. “I think it’s exciting,” Blues manager Ronnie Palmer said. “I think it’s something the fans can get behind and the players.
Bristol Central boys basketball keeps it close but can't get past Middletown - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
BRISTOL — The deficit was just three points at the end of both the second and third quarters, but the Bristol Central boys basketball team could not overcome Middletown’s lead and the Blue Dragons pulled away late, defeating the Rams 60-45 on Thursday night. There were seven lead changes in the first half, with Bristol Central and Middletown going blow-for-blow through the first 16 minutes.
ROUNDUP: Terryville boys basketball wins fifth straight - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
Shawn Iwanow was the Kangaroos’ top scorer, putting up 15 points and adding 11 rebounds. Mike Tiscia was second on the team with 10 points and Zack Hamzy was third with nine. The two players hit three 3-pointers apiece. Bristol 106, Plainville 74: The local city co-op picked up a win in its first conference meet of the season by taking down Blue Devils on Wednesday. According to Bristol coach Nick Daddabbo, Michael Bond, Josh Mitchell, Ben Stafford, Cameron Reed and Elijah Ortiz each swam well.
Bristol Central boys basketball makes important shots, beats Wethersfield - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
After taking a six-point lead in the first quarter, the Rams were outscored by the Eagles in the second, which cut the Bristol Central lead to two points. But Bristol Central bounced back, winning both the third and fourth quarters by scores of 13-11 each. Like in Friday’s game against Bristol Eastern, the Rams had chances to win late on Monday, especially from the foul line. But unlike Friday night, Bristol Central took advantage.
Team effort led to Bristol Eastern boys basketball's overtime victory over Bristol Central - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
“It’s a much-needed game for us,” Bristol Eastern coach Bunty Ray said. “We were on a pretty bad losing streak and to come out here and play that way in that situation under these conditions showed me a lot about them and I’m proud of the effort that they put out there. And it wasn’t just one kid, although Rod [Jenkins] was the big factor in the game. Other kids did little things.” One of those players was Tom Gonzales.
Big first half propels St. Paul boys basketball past University - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
HARTFORD — The St. Paul boys basketball team was outscored in both the third and fourth quarters by University on Saturday but had built up such a wide lead in the first half that it could not be caught, picking up a 71-62 win. The Falcons jumped out to a 19-13 lead after the first quarter and extended it to 12-points by halftime. The Hawks made up three points over the final two frames but could not catch St. Paul.
Late mistakes cost Bristol Central boys basketball chance to win - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
That was what Bristol Central boys basketball coach Tim Barrette was focused on after Friday night’s 55-53 overtime loss to Bristol Eastern. The Rams held a 10-point lead with 5:31 remaining in regulation, but the turnovers allowed the Lancers to claw back into the game and ultimately win in overtime. “Five turnovers in the last three minutes when you’re up 10 is inexcusable,” Barrette said. “We gave the game away.
Gonzales' buzzer-beating layup leads Bristol Eastern boys basketball past Bristol Central in overtime - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
With mere seconds remaining in overtime on Friday night, the senior put up a layup and as time expired, the shot found net and the Bristol Eastern boys basketball team took down Bristol Central 55-53. The Rams and Lancers went blow for blow but the Lancers ultimately got the final punch in. With 5:31 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Lancers trailed by 10 points after an Aaron Collins three-pointer.
Bristol Eastern girls basketball displaying deep talent pool - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
“We have a little bit deeper bench than they do,” Bristol Eastern coach Tony Floyd said, “and I think that’s what we wanted to do, to make them have to use their bench.” Eleven different Lancers scored at least one point against the Rams, with only Diana Wnuk and Meredith Forman scoring double-digit points with 12 and 10 points, respectively. Overall, the Bristol Eastern bench scored 30 of the Lancers’ 64 points in the game. “I feel like it was just a team effort,” Wnuk said.
Bristol Central girls basketball focusing on positives amid struggles - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
After Thursday night’s 64-38 defeat at the hands of Bristol Eastern, the Rams own 1-10 record and have lost eight straight. In addition to that, Bristol Central has been without Brianna Hamel for some time and her absence has deeply hurt the Rams. In Thursday’s loss, the same issues plagued Bristol Central.
Bristol Eastern girls basketball rolls past Bristol Central in first meeting of the season - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
“I thought the kids did a great job just getting out of the blocks,” Bristol Eastern coach Tony Floyd said. “That’s important. That’s one thing that we’re trying to be consistent at. It doesn’t matter who you play against. You try to be consistent against every opponent.” The Lancers got out of the gate quickly, scoring 19 of the first 21 points and taking a 21-4 lead into the second quarter. Five different players scored at least two points for Bristol Eastern in the opening frame.
Youngsters making a big impact for Bristol boys swimming - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
The combination of Bristol Central, Bristol Eastern and St. Paul in the pool has yielded a team that has just two seniors but seven freshmen: Anthony Fasci, Jake Mendocha, Josh Mitchell, Thomas Pualoz, Luke Schilling, Lewis Sinche and Ben Stafford. And those ninth graders have been a pleasant surprise for the co-op. “It’s been really nice having so many of them,” Bristol coach Nick Daddabbo said. “You don’t necessarily know what you’re going to get.
ROUNDUP: Bristol Eastern girls basketball takes down Weaver behind Maghini's 24 points - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
BRISTOL — The Bristol Eastern girls basketball team outscored Weaver in each quarter except the fourth but by then, it was too late for the Beavers to come back, as the Lancers won 66-57. Bristol Eastern (8-4) scored 20 points in both the second and third quarter, while holding Weaver (4-5) to as few as 10 in the first quarter. The Beavers’ highest total in a quarter was 18 points. Hannah Maghini led the way for Bristol Eastern, scoring 24 points on five field goals and 12 free throws.
Bristol boys swimming no match for talented Avon - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
“It was a really hard meet but it was expected,” Bristol coach Nick Daddabbo said. “Knowing a lot of their kids just from the swimming world, I knew it was going to be a hard meet.” Bristol earned first place in just three of the 10 events before the meet went exhibition. Elijah Ortiz was Bristol’s first swimmer to finish first after he put up a time for 23.70 in the 50 freestyle. He also won the 100 butterfly race with a time of 57.00, giving him two wins in two individual events at the meet.
ROUNDUP: St. Paul boys basketball steamrolls Oxford for largest margin of victory this season - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
Four Falcons scored double-digit points in the game, led by Mike Palmieri and his 21 points on eight shots. Bo Arndt finished second on the team with 15 points, while Austin Jones had 12 and Darek Wiecki added 10. Five St. Paul players hit three-pointers in the contest: Palmieri, Jones, Arndt, Tom Houle, and Tyler Garry. The Falcons scored at least 20 points in each of the first three quarters and put up 19 in the fourth.
Terryville wrestling having transitional season after losing key seniors - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
Last season, the Kangaroos lost 10 seniors, including a pair of wrestlers that reached at State Open. So, this season, the Terryville lineup has many more young, inexperienced wrestlers, including a pair of freshmen that were part of Wednesday night’s 48-30 win over St. Paul. “It’s always tough when you lose seniors,” Terryville coach Peter Veleas said.
Seniors invaluable to young St. Paul wrestling program - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
But the Falcons have had the good fortune to have a strong group of seniors that are acting as leaders and mentors both on and off the mat. The Falcons have four seniors competing on the mat this season — Jordan Silva, Matt Gray, Elliot Garcia and William Konikowski — as well as Jeremy Adams, who has been unable to wrestle due to an injury. According to St. Paul head coach Ed deSimas, that group has been invaluable.
Young players gaining key experience for St. Paul boys basketball - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
Last Friday, the Falcons downed Seymour on the road by a score of 62-47 and their offense was led by a pair of juniors. Matt Garry and Michael Palmieri each scored a team- and game-high 15 points. Third on St. Paul in scoring was sophomore Bo Arndt with 10 points. While the younger players have been driving forces in the successes, they have also been bright spots in defeats. On Monday, at home, the Falcons were outplayed by Capital Prep and lost by a score of 64-46.
Terryville wrestling out-pins St. Paul for win - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
“The energy, the synergy after every single match is like, ‘this guys just did this. I want to do it better than he did. I want to do faster than he did,’” Terryville 195-pounder Josh Wright said about the impact of the high number of pins. “It was a chain reaction of wins. It was awesome.” The meet began with the 106-pound class and Terryville took an early 6-0 lead when Cayleb Leclerc pinned Evan Kowalski with six seconds left in the first frame.
Loss shines light on St. Paul boys basketball's weaknesses - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
“It was a tough night, for sure. We were beaten down and humiliated in our own gym,” he said. “For what reason, I don’t know. I am very, very, very disappointed in the play of my team [Monday].” The Trailblazers took it to the Falcons all night long, pressuring them with a strong, tenacious press defense that kept the Falcons off-balance. St. Paul was plagued by turnovers throughout the game, which often led to Capital Prep baskets. In total, St. Paul committed 28 turnovers in the game.
New Britain Herald Athletes of the Week are Plainville's Sebby Soli and Newington's Ashanti Frazier - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
Most of the time in high school sports upper classmen are the players that get the most playing time and make the biggest impact. Every now and then, though, there are younger athletes that come in and make such a big impact that it cannot be ignored. This week’s athletes of the week are prime example of players that are young, but are doing big things and helping their respective teams. They are Plainville wrestler Sebby Soli and Newington basketball player Ashanti Frazier.
St. Paul boys basketball unable to keep pace with Capital Prep in loss - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
BRISTOL — Nothing went right for the St. Paul boys basketball team on Monday night, as the Falcons fell 64-46 to Capital Prep at home. The Trailblazers employed a stiff press defense that kept the Falcons uncomfortable throughout the entire game. The Capital Prep lead was 17-10 after the first quarter and the Trailblazers never led by less than seven at the end of the other three quarters. Tyler Oney was Capital Prep’s leading scorer, with 14 points, while Jeremiah Taylor put up 13.
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