NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. - 12th-ranked Vermont overcame a 2-0 deficit behind a three-goal third period, storming back to defeat Merrimack 4-2. Two Catamounts scored their first career goals, propelling UVM to a 3-2-1 record this season, while Merrimack dropped to 4-4-1.
COACH'S QUOTE
"This was a very satisfying weekend for us," Head Coach Jim Plumer said. "Merrimack really played well and we had to find a way to fight through the adversity. It was fantastic to see Rose-Marie Brochu and Kaylee Lewis get their first career goals and Natalie Mlynkova to finish the game-winner. This team is coming together and we know we are going to have to continue to rise to the challenges ahead."
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- After a scoreless first period, Merrimack initiated the scoring less than a minute into the second frame. Maria Lindberg fired a shot from the left faceoff circle that was saved by Jessie McPherson. The puck shot straight up and landed in front of the net, where Emily Oosterveld attempted to capitalize on the rebound. McPherson once again denied the attempt, but Mary Edmonds corralled the second rebound and was finally able to sneak the puck into the net.
- The Warriors struck again 6:17 into the second period. Alex Ferguson fired a shot from the high slot that was batted down by McPherson. Celine Tedenby corralled the loose puck and put it away from the left side of the crease to make it 2-0 Merrimack.
- Rose-Marie Brochu netted her first career goal, cutting the lead in half at the 10:12 mark of the second period. The play began with a pass from Bella Parento to Lily Humphrey, who delivered a shot from the high slot. Brochu seized the rebound in the low slot and rifled the puck into the top left corner of the net.
- Vermont scored the equalizing goal 4:05 into the third period. After having her initial shot blocked, Humphrey recovered her own miss and skated behind the Merrimack net. Humphrey turned around and fired a wrist shot from the right faceoff circle that found the back of the net for her third goal of the season.
- The Catamounts seized their first lead of the game less than a minute later. Natalie Mlynkova intercepted a Merrimack pass, creating a two-on-one rush for Vermont. Lara Beecher delivered the puck back to Mlynkova, who faked a shot, causing Callie Hogarth to shift, before backhanding the puck in to claim the go-ahead goal.
- Vermont doubled their lead 7:53 into the final period as Kaylee Lewis scored her inaugural career goal. Brochu orchestrated a precision pass through the Merrimack defense, connecting with Beecher who then found Lewis in the low slot. Lewis unleashed a shot that found the top right corner of the goal to give Vermont a 4-2 lead.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- The Catamounts have now won 10 straight against the Warriors.
- Evelyne Blais-Savoie had an impressive day in the faceoff circle winning nine of her thirteen draws.
- With the win, Vermont Mutual Insurance Group will donate $100 to King Street Center as part of the Cats Win, Community Wins initiative. Since its inauguration in 2017, Vermont Mutual Insurance Group has donated over $80,000 to local non-profits through the Cats Win, Community Wins initiative.
UP NEXT:
The Catamounts return home next weekend for a rematch of the 2023 Hockey East quarterfinals as they welcome New Hampshire to the Gut. The teams will face off both Friday and Saturday at 4 p.m. All the action will be streamed live on ESPN+ with Rob Ryan on the call.
