SCC DIVISION II CHAMPIONSHIP

No. 1 Hand (10-5-3) vs. No. 2 Branford (11-6-2)

WHEN: Today, 6 p.m.

WHERE: Quinnipiac’s High Solutions Arena, Hamden

ON THE AIR: The game will be broadcast live at CPTV Sports and on WELI-960, 960WELI.com, iheart radio

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Two of the hottest teams in Division II face off in a rematch of last season’s SCC Division II final (Branford won 5-4 in OT). Like the SCC Division I final, these finalists mirror each other in every phase of the game. Both teams possess some of the most talented goalies in Division II state-wide with Hand led by Chase Briggs and Branford led by A.J. Brink (Coach Adolph Brink’s son) and Alex Sarno. The Hornets are led on offense by Tyler Hackett (16 goals, 19 assists), Tyler Criscuolo (17 goals, eight assists), Rob Klouda (five goals, 17 assists) and Tony Pascale (11 goals, seven assists). Rob Petrillo (five goals, 12 assists) and Robert Denhardt lead the strong on-ice defense. Hand is led on offense by forwards Danny Braumann (13 goals, 18 assists), Ben Solin (15 goals, 13 assists) , Sam LaFontaine (nine goals, 11 assists), Ryan Bell (12 goals, five assists) and Matt Oman (three goals, eight assists). Will Lavin and Connor Bell are among the strong defensemen.

CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCES: Branford makes its fifth D-II championship appearance with a title in 2012 and Hand makes its third straight appearance with a title in 2011.

YOU SHOULD KNOW: Branford defeated Hand 2-1 in the season-opening game and the teams tied 2-2 on Jan. 23.

— Dan Nowak