SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Austen Long and Timofei Khokhlachev scored shorthanded goals Saturday night leading AIC in a 2-1 non-conference win over Vermont from the MassMutal Center. With the win, the Yellow Jackets improved to 5-5-0 on the campaign while the Catamounts fell to 3-5-1.
COACH'S QUOTE
"We have some growing up to do as a team," Head Coach Steve Wiedler said. "We will learn the lessons from this week and grow as a culture driven program. That responsibility falls on me. Credit to AIC they outshot us and clearly won the special teams battle with two shorthanded goals. That's a program that deserves a lot of credit for what they do year after year in the win column and the culture they've built since Eric Lang became head coach."
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Yellow Jackets opened the scoring 9:52 into the first period with a shorthanded tally. Vermont turned the puck over in the neutral zone and two AIC players broke in alone on UVM's Gabe Carriere. Brett Rylance fed a cross-ice pass to Timofei Khokhlachev who one-timed it home for his third goal of the season.
- At the 6:28 mark of the second period UVM's Simon Jellus tied the contest with his team-leading fifth goal of the season. On a three-on-two rush for the Catamounts Will Zapernick floated a saucer pass to Zach Dubinsky. Dubinsky took the space given as Jellus cut to the net drawing the AIC defense. Dubinsky ripped a shot that AIC's Nils Wallstrom made an initial save on but Jellus tapped home the rebound.
- With 7:04 to go in the second period Ryan Miotto appeared to give the Catamounts the lead with transition goal scored on a two-on-one. After a lengthy review, it was determined the UVM zone entry was offside and the goal was disallowed.
- Long scored the game-winner for the Yellow Jackets with 1:16 to play in the middle frame. Dustin Manz took advantage of a misplay at the AIC blueline and broke in transition. As he entered the UVM zone Manz feathered a pass to Long that he redirected past Carriere for his third goal of the season.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Vermont blocked a season-high 17 shots tonight. First year defenseman Jack Malinksi led the way with a game-high three.
- With tonight's 2-1 decision, Community Bank N.A. will donate $75 to Special Olympics Vermont. Community Bank, N.A. donates $75 per goal to Special Olympics Vermont for every goal the men's and women's team scores this season.
UP NEXT
The Catamounts return home to Gutterson Fieldhouse for their next four games. The home action kicks off on Friday, December 1 as UVM hosts #15 UMass at 7 p.m. It will be "Green Out the Gut" presented by Casella Waste Systems. Casella Eco Reps will be around the facility and there will be aviator sunglasses, mugs, and "buffs" for fans.
The action will be broadcast live on ESPN+ with Brian McLaughlin on the call. As always, the game will also be broadcast live on WVMT with the voice of the Catamounts Adam Lafleur in the Handy Toyota Broadcast Booth.
