The way Newtown High School’s hockey team’s defensive and goaltending play have been, there hasn’t been an overwhelming need for explosiveness on offense. But that doesn’t mean the Nighthawks aren’t thrilled to pile up the goals as they did in a 10-3 win over the Shepaug-Litchfield-Nonnewaug team at Linen Rink in Washington, on January 10.

The Nighthawks had blanked visiting Tri-Town 3-0 at Danbury Ice Arena on January 8 for their second straight shutout, then got that double-digit effort two days later.

Senior Jon Lovorn, who joined the school program after playing club hockey, netted four goals to lead the charge in the ten-goal romp. Hayden Savoia scored twice and assisted a tally, and Matt Sabia registered four assists.

Dan Harrison had a goal and an assist, and Brian Gregory (who also had an assist), Matt Pelisson, and Domenic Cartelli all lit the lamp. Jack Martin, Sean Ferris, Cooper McLean, David MacKinnon, and Brian Gallagher all had assists. Two of Newtown’s goals came on the power play. It was 5-1 after one period of play and 9-3 heading into the third.

“The offense is definitely going on all cylinders now,” said Newtown Coach Paul Esposito, adding that he has three lines of varsity-level forwards. That allows each line a little more rest and recharge time on the bench between shifts than if there were only two strong lines. The result is that the players all return to the ice with a full tank of gas and prove to be more effective, Esposito said.

Lovorn has added a big spark this season, and his ability is rubbing off on his teammates, the coach believes. “Jon’s got a great skill set. He’s got wheels, he’s got a shot, he’s got moves,” Esposito said.

In the win over Tri-Town, Newtown might have had as much of an offensive showing if not for some solid goaltending on the opposing side. The Hawks dominated control of the puck and compiled 50 shots on goal in the 3-0 win. Lovorn scored twice, and Zach Waller added a goal.

The Nighthawks needed a strong goaltending effort in a 1-0 overtime win over New Fairfield-Immaculate of Danbury at Danbury Ice Arena on January 15.

Goaltender Patrick McLoughlin stopped all 35 shots he faced and Waller netted the decisive tally in overtime.

Newtown carried an impressive 6-1-1 record into a January 18 road tile with EO Smith-Tolland-Windham. The Hawks return to home ice in Danbury when Joel Barlow of Redding visits for a 7:40 pm faceoff on January 22.