PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Men's Hockey battled back from two one-goal deficits and earned a shootout win over #7 Providence Saturday night in Hockey East action from Schneider Arena. With the official tie the Catamounts close their season opening four-game road swing with a record of 1-2-1. With their two hard-earned league points this weekend they currently sit in sixth place in Hockey East tied with UConn who they will host at Gutterson Fieldhouse next weekend.
COACH'S QUOTE
"Really proud of our group for bouncing back against a very strong, nationally ranked opponent," Head Coach Steve Wiedler said. "Our guys played to our identity, and showed great resolve throughout the ebbs and flows of an intense college hockey game."
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Friars opened the scoring just 5:01 into the first period on the power play. Nick Poisson took a cross-ice feed from Guillaume Richard and ripped a wrist shot from the top of the slot home for his third goal of the season.
- Vermont responded just 67 seconds later. Providence's Philip Svedebäck made an initial save on a point shot from Xavier Henry but the rebound popped out to Simon Jellus alone on the doorstep. He slammed it home for his team-leading fourth goal of the season. Isak Walther earned the secondary assist on the play.
- The Catamounts had a 1:45 five-on-three power play late in the first period. Svedebäck made three crucial saves to keep the contest tied through 20 minutes.
- After a scoreless second period the Friars pulled ahead again with just 7:07 left in the third period. In a similar play to the first PC goal Connor Kelley found the back of the net from the top of the slot for his first of the season.
- Timofei Spitserov tied things right back up 43 seconds later. Ryan Miotto won a defensive zone faceoff clean and Jack Malinski dumped the puck into the Providence corner as the Catamounts engaged on the forecheck. Chris Theodore was first on the scene and he canceled out the PC defender. Spitserov took advantage and one-timed the loose puck over Svedebäck's shoulder for his first goal of the season.
- In the extra session, each team had a power play opportunity. Gabe Carriere made two saves in overtime while Svedebäck made three to take things to the shootout.
- Jellus beat Svedebäck on the first shootout attempt for the Catamounts faking to his backhand and roofing it for Vermont.
- Carriere made two clutch saves and got a little help from the post to help secure the extra league point for the Catamounts.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Simon Jellus is now two-for-four for the Catamounts in Hockey East shootouts in his career.
- Tonight's shootout win and official tie snapped an eight-game winning streak for Providence over the Catamounts.
- The Catamounts blocked 13 shots Saturday night, Joel Määttä and Zach Dubinsky each blocked three apiece.
- Määttä also won a game-high 13 faceoffs Saturday night.
- First years Jack Malinksi and Mateo Dixon made their collegiate debuts Saturday night.
- 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 to the Gut next weekend for a two-game set with UConn. Friday night at 7 p.m. Vermont will host the Huskies on Military Appreciation Night presented by Milton CAT. The first 500 fans will receive a co-branded gold UVM & Milton CAT hat. All active and retired military personnel will receive a complimentary ticket upon arrival with a valid military ID. On Saturday, the teams will faceoff at 6 p.m. and UVM will be hosting the Keurig Dr Pepper Can for Coffee Food Drive. Bring in a canned food item and you'll be entered into an in-game raffle for a free Keurig brewer.
Both contests will air live on ESPN+ with Rob Ryan on the call. As always, the games will be broadcast live on WVMT with the voice of the Catamounts Adam Lafleur in the Handy Toyota Broadcast Booth.
