With a 10-1 start, the Fairfield High School hockey team, which contains players from both of the town's high schools, is looking like one of the top high school teams in the state this year, but as of right now, a technicality is keeping them out of the state tournament.

Senior John Vallillo has been playing hockey in Fairfield for four years without ever getting a chance to play at the state level. His father, Jim, says Warde and Ludlowe's combined team includes too many students from one school to be allowed under CIAC co-op rules. Students were told at the time they'd be able to compete in the 2020 and 2021 tournaments.

Selectman Tom Flynn joined other town officials in sending a letter to CIAC last week, asking the governing body to reconsider its decision. He says neither Warde nor Ludlowe could support a hockey program on its own.

The CIAC released a statement saying in part, "Between the 2019-20 and 2021-22 school years, several co-op teams statewide, including Fairfield boys' ice hockey, were approaching the end of their phase-out period. All chose the option that best fit their programs."

Fairfield hockey will be competing in this year's FCIAC tournament.