The ice sure might be cold, but the East Haven co-op hockey team sticks are hot as the team comes out on fire with an 8-0 record to the 2025-2026 season.
As the co-op team rolls into the middle of the season on a winning streak, they refer back to their Division 2 state championship victory over Cheshire in the 2024–2025 season. East Haven has opened the season against Division 2 conference opponents: West Haven, Greenwich, New Milford, and The Eagles, dominating each game by at least two goals.
In their most recent game on January 10th, the team travelled north to Norwich to face The Eagles. East Haven had an unusual start, going down 2-0 in the first period. East Haven had multiple chances in the opponent’s final third but could not put the puck in the net. However, the team relied on their championship pedigree to remain calm despite the early deficit. “We really just locked in on what our strengths were and used them to our best ability to finish off the game,” said junior defensive man Benji Brown.
In the third period, East Haven changed the narrative by taking control of the game. Junior forward Dante Garea (East Haven) came out explosive, forcing chances against The Eagles defense and scoring four goals throughout the period. Turning around the game the way East Haven did show their resilience to show up and show how strong their grit is to stay in the game no matter what. After this major comeback win, this clinched their spot in states with eight straight wins.
This year, there are three Morgan boys that are a part of the co-op team. They work with players from three other schools: East Haven, Sheehan and Lyme Old Lyme. Senior forward Braedan Steahle has stood out this year as a forward stepping into big shoes from the loss of three starting seniors last year. Steahle, has gained many minutes this year compared to last season.
Steahle is thrilled about what is ahead. Some early-season focuses discussed in the locker room and between periods include “staying disciplined, trusting each other, and keeping the intensity up,” said Steahle. That mindset has fueled the team, which has then followed in keeping the momentum high throughout games.
The team does a ton of bonding before practices and games as a pre game ritual to gain confidence. Street hockey, plyometrics and team games has developed a cohesive team. “We hold each other accountable, stay focused, and push through any challenges together,” Steahle elaborated. All of this built up energy has aligned the team for the success they have presented on the ice.
Each and every team has a goal for their team; Morgan’s is to make it back to the state championship. Steahle wants to prove the other teams wrong in Division 2 by making it back to the state championship. “We’ve worked hard, stayed united, and know we can compete at the highest level again,” said Steahle. Even though the team has a main goal, the three Morgan athletes’ seniors Braedan Steahle and Zach Veins and junior Benji Brown goals contribute to that. “Our goal is just to be a team player and focus on what the team needs as a whole and help everyone succeed.”
East Haven competes in a high, intense game against Amity on January 14th. Amity holds a record of 3-2 this 2025-2026 season so far. Early last 2024-2025 season, East Haven and Amity played and tied 3-3.
“The team has built good habits, chemistry, and confidence early into this season,” closed Brown, “so this sets a solid foundation for continued success as the season goes on. If we play hungry, handle rising expectations, and keep focusing on effort and discipline, this team has the potential to make a deep and memorable run as we did last year.”
