BURLINGTON, Vt. - Gabe Carriere made 21 saves in his second shutout of the season and senior defenseman Carter Long had the first two-goal game of his career as Vermont defeated Alaska 2-0 Friday night in non-conference action from Gutterson Fieldhouse.
COACH'S QUOTE
"Tonight for the first time in a long time, we played a complete game," said Head Coach Todd Woodcroft. "Hard from puck drop to final whistle and an effort given by every player who wore the jersey tonight. The young players continue to contribute, including Gabe Carriere with the shutout but the veterans showed poise and confidence as well. Carter Long was a rock on the back end and not just for his two goals. We as coaches are very pleased to have provide that effort for all the Catamount fans."
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Long opened the scoring for the Catamounts 38 seconds into the first period on a delayed penalty. From the top of the left circle Isak Walther fed a cross-ice pass to Long who was pinching down on the play. Long gathered the puck at the faceoff dot and fired a quick shot past Alaska's Gustavs Davis Grigals for his first goal of the season. Cody Schiavon earned the secondary assist on the tally.
- Vermont had seven shots on three power play opportunities in the first period but couldn't solve Davis Grigals again.
- The Catamounts played a tight defensive game through 60 minutes Friday night, Carriere had to make eight saves in the third period to earn his second career shutout.
- Long sealed the deal with an empty-netter from just inside the Vermont blue line with 32 seconds left. Joel Määttä and Philip Lagunov earned assists on the empty net tally.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- With 21 saves it was the least busy Gabe Carriere has been in a win in his career.
- The Catamounts blocked 18 shots Friday night, Andrew Lucas and Carter Long were tied for team-lead with five apiece.
- Carter picked up his second career game-winning goal Friday night. His first game-winner came on January 8, 2021 against Maine.
- This year with each goal scored by UVM, Community Bank, N.A. will donate $75 to Special Olympics Vermont. With tonight's two goals, Community Bank, N.A. will be adding a donation of $150 to Special Olympics Vermont. Thank you Community Bank, N.A. for your support of our UVM and Special Olympics athletes!
- With today's win, Vermot Mutual Insurance Group will donate $100 to COTS, the Committee on Temporary Shelter, as part of the Cats Win, Community Wins initiative. A special thank you to Vermont Mutual Insurance for their support. Vermont Mutual Insurance, protecting Vermonters since 1828.
WHO'S NEXT
The Catamounts close their series with the Nanooks tomorrow night at Gutterson Fieldhouse. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. and its Green Out the Gut Night presented by Casella. The first 500 fans will receive a green winter hat. The voice of the Catamounts, Adam LaFleur, will broadcast the action live on WVMT (FM 96.3 / AM 620). All of the action will also be streamed live on CollegeSportsLive.
