STORRS, Conn. - Despite a lively, four-goal second period, the University of Connecticut women's ice hockey team earned its fourth tie in the last five games with a 2-2 final against Union at the Freitas Ice Forum on Tuesday night. The Huskies record moved to 3-13-6 overall, while the Dutchwomen left with a 3-16-3 record.
After a scoreless first period, that featured Union outshooting Connecticut 13-4, the second period looked like a completely different game. Each team scored twice and the Huskies held a 13-11 advantage in shots on goal.
Freshman Emily Snodgrass (Eagan, Minn.) started the scoring for UConn with her sixth goal of the season just 37 seconds into the period. Sophomore Jocelyn Slattery brought the puck up the left wing and centered to Snodgrass in the slot for a one-timer into the net. The Dutchwomen tied the game up in the fifth minute when junior Jeannie Sabourin entered the offensive zone alone and beat Husky sophomore goaltender Nicole Paniccia (Oakville, Ont.) to the stick-side.
Connecticut regained the lead at the 9:17 mark when sophomore Alexandra Vakos (Hamden, Conn.) found the back of the net. Junior Maude Blain (Magog, Que.) started the play from the backboards with a pass to junior defenseman Casey Knajdek (Woodbury, Minn.). Knajdek blasted a shot on goal that was saved and Vakos picked up the rebound and placed the puck past Union senior goaltender Kate Gallagher. Just over two minutes later, the Dutchwomen erased their second deficit of the period. This time, junior Rhianna Kurio, assisted by Sabourin, lit the lamp with the equalizing score.
Neither team could put one in the net in the third period. UConn successfully killed off three Union power plays in the period. Overall the Husky penalty kill went five-for-five and has killed off 27 of the last 28 opponent power plays.
In the overtime period, Connecticut held a 5-1 advantage in shots on goal.
For the game, Paniccia surpassed 30 saves for the second straight game as she stopped 34 shots. In net for the Dutchwomen, Gallagher provided 28 saves.
For the Huskies, it was their final non-conference game of the season. UConn travels to Hockey East foe New Hampshire for a weekend series on January 13 and 14.