BURLINGTON, Vt. - Taylor Flaherty's third-period goal was all that was needed for the Vermont Catamounts (2-4-2, 2-4-0 WHEA) to defeat the New Hampshire Wildcats (1-7-1, 1-6-0 WHEA) Friday afternoon at Gutterson Fieldhouse.
COACH'S QUOTE
"We played a 60 minute game today and were rewarded with the win," said head coach Jim Plumer. "We really tried to refocus on some of the simple aspects of our game and I'm really pleased at the way the team executed. Credit to Taylor Flaherty for the game-winner and Blanka Škodová on her first collegiate shutout."
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Blanka Škodová (25 saves) made a huge save in the opening minute of the game when she robbed the Wildcats' leading scorer Nicole Dunbar on a 2-on-1 rush. Vermont yielded two more shots against before keeping UNH from getting a shot on goal in the final 15 minutes of the first period.
- The Vermont goaltender went on to make a series of great saves in the second period, especially on the penalty kill, to stifle the Wildcats' attack. Despite losing her stick, Škodova stopped three quick shots before covering up a loose puck in front to keep the game scoreless.
- The Catamounts had two power plays in the second period, but were unable to find the back of the net. Anna Erickson created the best opportunity when she gathered the puck at the top of the zone and faked a shot before toe-dragging around a UNH defender. The sophomore defender stepped in and fired a shot on goal and Corinne McCool tried to bury the rebound, but was denied by Kyra Smith (27 saves).
- Flaherty netted the game's only goal on the power play with 14:20 left in the third period for her first of the season. Erickson feathered a pass to Flaherty in the right circle where the senior assistant captain rifled a one-timer over the glove of Smith. Sini Karjalainen was credited with the secondary assist.
NOTES
- Škodová registered her first career win to go with her first career shutout in the 25-save performance. The rookie netminder hasn't allowed a goal in her last 104:16 of action.
- The Catamounts earned their first win at Gutterson Fieldhouse and second overall this season. Their previous win came on the road at UNH.
- With the victory, the Cats Win, Community Wins campaign and Vermont Mutual Insurance Group will donate another $100 to the Boys and Girls Club of Burlington, bringing this year's total to 91 wins and $9,100.
WHAT'S NEXT
UVM returns to action against UNH on Saturday (Nov. 3) at 2 p.m. for the annual Rally Against Cancer game, presented by Vermont Custom Closets. The twin state matchup is also Hockey East's Skating Strides Against Breast Cancer game. Fans are encouraged to wear lavender, the universal color that represents all cancers, to support the efforts being made at the UVM Cancer Center.
