Fresh off a loss to Boston College, the No. 9 UConn women’s hockey team is set to host Vermont on Friday, Nov. 21, and Saturday, Nov. 22, at Toscano Family Ice Forum.
These matchups will be the 61st and 62nd editions of this rivalry. Connecticut leads the series 36-16-8 and has won each of the last three matchups.
The Huskies currently hold an 8-3-1 overall record and have won or tied eight of their last nine games. They possess a 3-1 Hockey East record. Connecticut split its most recent series against Boston College, with each team winning on the road.
The Catamounts possess an overall record of 5-7-2 (Conf: 2-3-1) and have lost three of their last four games. Last time out, they defeated New Hamshire 4-0. Four different Catamounts put the puck in the net in that contest, including senior forward Julia Mesplède.
Senior goaltender Tia Chan has been fantastic at defending the net this season, allowing 17 goals and five in three conference games. Nationally, she is ranked third in save percentage at 95.1%.
Offensively, senior forward Kyla Josifovic currently leads the charge for the navy blue and white. She has netted the puck a team-high of six times and has six assists to add to her stat line. Senior defender Meghane Duchesne-Chalifoux leads the team in assists with seven.
Oona Havana, Vermont sophomore forward, leads the Catamounts in goals scored with five. She has scored in two of the last three games. Junior forward Rose-Marie Brochu has a team-high six assists. There has been a committee of goaltenders in front of the net for Vermont. Freshman goaltender Zoe Cliche started most recently against New Hamshire, allowing no scores.
Red shirt junior Ellie Simmons has started eight games this season. Simmons’ most recent start came against the Wildcats on Friday, where she allowed four goals. First year, Lily Prendergast is also in the mix, starting in two games.
This season, Vermont has scored 28 goals, while allowing 35. The team has been inconsistent this season and boasts a 1-2-1 road record. UConn has heavily relied on its defense this season, allowing just 20 goals to its 27 goals scored.
Friday’s game is set for a 6 p.m. puck drop, while Saturday’s is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. Both games will be available to watch on ESPN+.