Photo by Emma Meidinger/The Daily Campus.
On Saturday, the UConn men’s ice hockey team will defend their home ice in a two-game series against Vermont.
These two teams have over a decade of history against one another. UConn has had the upper hand in this Hockey East rivalry, winning the last three matchups, and six of the last seven. The last time these teams squared off was in the first round of the Hockey East Tournament last year, where UConn won in a definitive 4-1 final score.
The Huskies are 4-2-1 overall on the season to this point, and currently sit at third in the Hockey East standings with four points and a 1-1-1 record. UConn has yet to be defeated when playing at home this season, boasting a 4-0 record. On top of that, the Huskies have a 9-5 record when playing the Catamounts at home. Vermont hasn’t overcome UConn at home since 2022. UConn comes into the game hot off their upset victory over UMass who was ranked No. 15 at the time.
The Catamounts are going to need to find a way to stifle third year forward Jake Percival if they are to be successful in the Constitution State this weekend. Percival was just named the Hockey East player of the month after an incredible start to his season. He is currently leading the conference with six goals and ranks third in total points with eight.
Vermont is off to a rough start to their 2024-25 campaign. In their five games played, the Catamounts have yet to find themselves in the win column with a record of 0-3-2. In their first Hockey East series of the year, they fell to Providence in overtime 3-2, before playing them to a 4-4 draw in game two. Providence won the penalty shootout to be awarded the standings point.
The duo of freshman Colin Kessler and junior Massimo Lombardi have led the way for Vermont offensively, each contributing five points. Kessler has nailed three goals on an impressive .214 shooting percentage, as well as tallying two assists. Lombardi has assisted on three Catamount goals this year, as well as burying two of his own. In their series against Providence, the two were key contributors in keeping it a tight series
The first game of the series is set to to be played in Hartford at the XL Center, while game two will take place at the Toscano Family Ice Forum in Storrs.
Puck drop is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Saturday as the Huskies look to continue their strong start to the season.