The UConn men’s hockey team traveled to New Haven, Conn. this past weekend to take part in the annual CT Ice tournament.
First, the program faced off against Yale University Bulldogs Friday night. The No. 13 Huskies defeated the Bulldogs 5-2 to advance to the championship game Saturday, against No. 6-ranked Quinnipiac Bobcats. UConn defeated Quinnipiac 4-2 to win the CT Ice championship for the second year in a row.
In the opening period of UConn’s first matchup against Yale, junior forward Joey Muldowney netted the first goal just one minute into the game. Nearly 20 seconds later, UConn sophomore Ethan Whitcomb redirected the puck from teammate Ethan Gardula to put the Huskies up 2-0 early in the first.
Throughout the first period, UConn had to fight off three power play chances from the Bulldogs. Despite Yale’s offensive efforts, UConn’s defense cleared their zone and prevented Yale from scoring across their six-minute man advantage and for the remainder of the game.
UConn’s lead was cut in half during the remaining minutes of the first when Bulldogs’ Micah Berger snuck past UConn goaltender Tyler Muszelik to end the period 2-1.
UConn’s power play came out in full force during the second period as both UConn goals were scored during the man advantage. Yale struck first, netting a fast goal, but UConn quickly responded to gain a 4-2 lead entering the third period.
It was a quiet third period for Yale as Muszelik stayed strong in the net, preventing any goals.
With time running out, the Bulldogs pulled goaltender Noal Pak in exchange for an extra skater. UConn sophomore Mike Murtagh raced down the ice against Yale skaters to score an empty net goal and win the game 5-2.
The win brought UConn to the second game of the tournament against Quinnipiac, who defeated Sacred Heart 5-1 on Friday.
UConn and Quinnipiac kicked off the first period playing physical hockey with both teams showing the crowd that they wanted to win.
UConn was on the power play just minutes into the game but failed to get a goal in the net as Quinnipiac’s strong defense helped the team kill the penalty. Later in the first, the Bobcats were given a chance to score on a power play, but UConn’s defense stayed strong. UConn senior Tabor Heaslip gained possession of the puck and scored a short-handed goal to put the Huskies up 1-0.
Muszelik protected the net against the No. 6 Bobcats who spent significant time in UConn’s zone. A scoreless first for Quinnipiac sent the Huskies up 1-0 to enter the second period.
Quinnipiac’s leading scorers quickly responded in second with two goals of their own. Forward Markus Vidicek tied the game and nearly a minute later, Chris Pelosi gave Quinnipiac their first lead.
Trailing by one goal, UConn’s persistence paid off during the third as freshman Carlin Dezainde tied the game for the Huskies with a quick goal. Quinnipiac continued to put pressure on UConn’s defense but despite their efforts, UConn was the one who responded with their third goal of the game.
Connecticut native Jake Percival scored the game-winning goal off a rebound from teammate Tristan Fraser to put the Huskies up 3-2. In the remaining minutes of the third, Quinnipiac pulled their goaltender, but Muldowney solidified UConn’s win with an empty netter.
When the buzzer rang, UConn celebrated its win on the ice and was once again presented with the CT Ice championship trophy.
Looking ahead, the Huskies will head to Massachusetts to face off against the Northeastern Huskies. The game is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 6, with a start time of 7 p.m.