No. 1 GUILFORD (18-2-1) vs. No. 3 HAND (10-10-1)

SCC BOYS' HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP GAMEDAY No. 1 GUILFORD (18-2-1) vs.No. 3 HAND (10-10-1)

When: Today, 6 p.m.

Where: Bennett Rink, West Haven

Internet: www.sportingenewsct.com

Tickets: $5.

Championship game appearances: Guilford and Hand are making theirfirst championship appearances.

What to look for: The Indians have enjoyed one of their mostsuccessful seasons and are primed to kick off the postseason with atitle. "We are proud of our SCC regular-season record this year,"Guiulford coach Ralph Russo said. "It makes sense that we shouldwant to back it up with a title this weekend."

Guilford, which won the Division III state championship last yearand is now in D-II, is deep. The Indians are led by forwards TroyRaccuia, Stephen Petrick and Dave DeCaprio, and defensemen JordanDrake, Christian Cattaruzza, Jake Lane and Derek Nelson.

Hand is led by forwards Tyler Bauer, Mike Berestecky and NickKruczek, who are solid scorers and playmakers.

Mark Pomeroy and Jonas Thelin are among the top defensemen. Butthe key for the Tigers will be goalie Dan Tagliarini, who has theability to carry them deep into the SCC and Division II stateplayoffs. He has a 2.78 goals-against average.

You should know: In their only regular-season meeting thisseason, Guilford won 2-1 on Jan. 22.

-- Dan Nowak