The foundation of the Warde hockey program was constructed 41 years ago when Arnie Larsen, the school's first hockey coach, organized a team midway through the 1972 season. This is the third of a five part series on the history and early years of Andrew Warde High School's hockey program. Today we take a closer look at the third and fourth seasons of the Crimson Eagles' hockey team, FCIAC membership, varsity status, and 'Fairfield Night' at the Wonderland of Ice.
By the time the 1973-74 season arrived, the Crimson Eagles' hockey team became a member of the highly-competitive Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference, which included 14 teams and two divisions.
"Thanks to the enthusiastic support of the Andrew Warde administration and athletic office, the Warde hockey team has attained varsity status this year," wrote head coach Arnie Larsen. The squad held its first practice November 1st at 6 o'clock in the morning in Bridgeport.
Remember, over 30 years ago, securing precious ice time and getting a team bus for a fledgling hockey team were considered luxuries which today's high school athletes take for granted. It was not uncommon to travel great distances to hold practice late at night or early in the morning. Larsen noted in a correspondence to his team that "all players should plan to be at Warde at 5:20 a.m. to board a school bus which will depart promptly at 5:30 a.m. for the rink."
In addition, Warde hosted a junior varsity team which practiced with the varsity skaters each Thursday morning in Bridgeport. "Depending on ice availability and budget considerations," wrote Larsen, "J.V. games with other schools will be scheduled."
The varsity skaters started the season by defeating league foe Ridgefield, 4-3, on December 4th. A month later, the Eagles faced off against cross-town rival Ludlowe and dropped a 3-1 decision to the Tigers. After a 3-0 defeat to Ludlowe on February 12, Warde concluded the season by defeating town rival Fairfield Prep, 3-1.
Overall, the Crimson Eagles finished with a 5-12-3 record for 13 points. The team scored 55 goals and gave up 72. Andy Larsen led the team with 19 goals, 11 assists, and 30 points. Craig Benak (7-7-14), Ken Caplan (4-10-14), Jon Grannis (2-10-12), Bob Losch (6-4-10), and Pete Prevelege (4-4-8) were the other scoring leaders for the Eagles.
The following year, Andrew Warde participated in the first-ever Fairfield Night at the Wonderland of Ice. The Eagles joined town rivals Roger Ludlowe, Fairfield Prep, and Notre Dame high schools in a hockey doubleheader in Bridgeport on Saturday, January 11, 1975.
According to the Fairfield Citizen, "One of the largest crowds ever to watch Fairfield County hockey turned out at the Wonderland of Ice to watch Warde edge Ludlowe, 4-3, and Fairfield Prep shut out Notre Dame, 3-0. While the Fairfield Night was not a tournament, it did allow the 1,300 fans a chance to see the four Fairfield schools skate during the same evening."
Warde jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead by the three-minute mark of the first period as Andy Larsen and Bill Schlubach pumped shots into the Ludlowe net. Craig Benak and Joe Hamilton assisted on the Larsen goal, while Benak and Larsen set up Schlubach's tally.
After a Ludlowe goal by Tom Scarzynski, Warde seemed to put matters comfortably to rest. A goal by Benak and an unassisted score by Ken Caplan, the Warde captain, gave the Eagles a 4-1 lead. However, Ludlowe staged a thrilling third-period comeback only to fall one goal short.
Jack Vichiola tallied a goal assisted by Tom Herzog less than a minute into the final frame. Pat Murphy scored soon after, assisted by assistant captain Chuck Herde, and Warde hung on for the one-goal margin of victory. Bruce Lazar posted 18 saves in goal for the winners, while Ludlowe's Steve Curry turned away 20 shots.
The hard work, sacrifices, and dedication of the team finally paid off. Warde defeated its arch-rival in the spotlight before well over a thousand fans. "For the first time in the history of the Warde hockey team we had full support," wrote Joan Caplan in a letter to the Fairfield Citizen. "The rink was packed with students, cheerleaders, parents, faculty, and important political figures. And I, for one, a proud parent of one of the Warde players, was grateful.
"For these kids deserved all the recognition they received that night. Yes, it was a victory for the Warde team in many ways. To me, it was more than just beating Ludlowe. It was the culmination of years of hard work and dedication against great odds, and it all started four years ago when a group of kids got together because they wanted to play the game of hockey.
"Three cheers, too, for Arnie Larsen, for without his support, dedication, and tenacity, the team would not be what it is today. They have finally become a team worthy of the respect of everyone."
Paul
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