The UConn women’s hockey team will face off against the University of New Hampshire in a two-game series this weekend.
The Huskies (18-6-2) have performed well this season, taking down difficult opponents, Boston College and Quinnipiac University, early on in the year. Just last weekend, No. 5 UConn fell in back-to-back upsets against No.8 Northeastern. While Friday’s 4-2 loss showcased a UConn team struggling to match Boston’s momentum, Saturday’s match was more tightly contested.
Though both teams demonstrated aggression and attacked on Saturday, a Northern goal came with just 15 seconds remaining in the game, closing out the match 1-0.
Despite the loss, the Huskies were successful in taking frequent shots, recording 33 on Friday and 45 on Saturday.
This weekend, the Huskies will face Hockey East opponents, New Hampshire.
UConn is led by senior forward Kyla Josifovic with 11 goals and 15 assists on the season. The Ontario native has been instrumental in several games this season, including the Huskies’ 3-0 win against Princeton in early October, where Josifovic notched two goals. Junior forward Julia Pellerin, formerly of Hockey East opponent Boston College, has also been an offensive asset to the Huskies this season, notching nine goals and 10 assists.
In goal, UConn goaltender Tia Chan’s near perfect .949 save percentage has been exceptional, leading the Huskies to shutouts against Princeton, Vermont and Providence.
New Hampshire, 12-11-3 overall and No. 6 in Hockey East, is coming off a split weekend series against Boston College, falling 1-4 on Friday, then winning 6-2 on Saturday. New Hampshire forward Nina Rossi was essential in Saturday’s victory as she secured two goals for the Wildcats. The freshman forward has demonstrated exceptional talent in her debut season, leading the team with 11 goals and 14 assists. Senior forward Alyson Hush has also been instrumental in the New Hampshire offense this season, recording nine goals and 12 assists.
In the Wildcats’ goal, Sedona Blair (.934) and Noemi Martinez (.919) boast impressive save percentages and are essential to New Hampshire’s defense.
Heading into this weekend, UConn will be challenged on the power play as the Wildcats have notched 22 power play goals in comparison to the Huskies’ 16. New Hampshire, on the other hand, will be challenged to take frequent shots. While both teams boast an average of 2.8 goals per game, UConn has recorded an average of 34.8 shots per game, whereas New Hampshire records 31.2.
Puck drop is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday in Durham, N.H., and at 6 p.m. on Saturday at Toscano Family Ice Forum in Storrs, Conn.