The Bellmore-Merrick Bulldogs varsity ice hockey team in the Central High School District secured its first Nassau County championship since 2016 on Feb. 12, winning its best two out three game series with a sweep of Long Beach High School. 

The team won the Conference I regular season with a 15-1 record and received an automatic bid the New York State High School Hockey championships. They now head to the state tournament in Binghamton Feb. 28 to March 2.

The team set its sights on a county championship early in the season and the 22 players from schools across the CHSD didn’t disappoint.

The game 1 overtime win gave the team the confidence they needed for game 2, which they won, 8-2. 

“This is something these boys will remember for a real long time,” Coach Pat Braglia said. “They have earned the right to call themselves champions and I am fortunate to get to be a part of it. They are just a special group.”