DURHAM, N.H. - The UConn men's hockey team took down no.17 New Hampshire Sunday afternoon to split the weekend series. Ryan Tattle, and Chase Bradley scored for the Huskies while sophomore Arsenii Sergeev made 43 saves in the victory.
A physical first period set the tone for the game as six penalties were called. The Huskies were forced to adjust early as senior captain Hudson Schandor was issued a five-minute major and game misconduct for kneeing. The Huskies penalty kill went to work, and successfully killed off the penalty and two more penalties back-to-back. Both teams had the opportunity to strike first but strong goaltending kept the game scoreless.
UConn's offense came alive in the second period, scoring two goals and threatening for more. Sophomore Ryan Tattle got the Huskies on the board first, as Matthew Wood left him the puck mid ice, and after a toe drag to beat the defender, fired the puck glove side past the wildcats netminder. Later in the period, UConn struck again as sophomore Tristan Fraser made a no look pass to junior Chase Bradley for the one-time goal. UConn's defense remained strong in the period, giving the Huskies a two-goal lead heading into the final frame.
UConn was tested in the final period, as New Hampshire cut the lead to just one with under six minutes to play. With the New Hampshire goalie pulled in favor of an extra skater, UConn looked to end the game with an empty net goal, however came up empty as they hit the post twice. With the extra skater, New Hampshire was unable to score, and UConn came away with the win.
With the win, UConn improves to 10-11-2 overall and 6-8-1 in Hockey East Action. The Huskies will be back in action Friday, January 26 as they open the CT Ice tournament at the XL center vs. Sacred Heart. Puck drop is scheduled for 4pm and can be watched on SNY.
