BURLINGTON, Vt. - Rose-Marie Brochu scored the decisive go-ahead goal with 8:26 left in the third period, securing a 3-2 victory for the Catamounts over Northeastern in the Thanksgiving at the Gut game. With the win, Vermont stands at 7-6-1 on the campaign while Northeastern falls to 8-8-0.
COACH'S QUOTE
"Great win for our team tonight," Head Coach Jim Plumer said. "We put together 60 solid minutes and it was a battle to the final buzzer. It was a great way to go into this mini break and I'm particularly grateful for this entire group of players and staff who put their hearts and souls into our program every day. We will enjoy this victory and be ready to resume our season at Maine in 10 days or so."
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Vermont seized an early lead in the opening period as Natálie Mlýnková netted her ninth goal of the season. Just 1:08 into the contest, Krista Parkkonen intercepted a pass from Northeastern and deftly redirected the puck to Mlýnková, creating a one-on-one rush with the goalie. Mlýnková outmaneuvered the defense with a fake shot, ultimately backhanding the puck home to open the scoring.
- The Huskies responded with the equalizing goal at 8:57 into the second frame. Following a face-off win, Taze Thompson located Allie Lalonde in the low slot, who executed a precise backhanded shot, leveling the game at one.
- Vermont regained the lead with 4:03 remaining in the second period. Bella Parento delivered a pass to Brooke George, who quickly spotted Alaina Tanski breaking free behind the Northeastern defense. Tanski, on a clear breakaway, went five-hole from the slot, granting Vermont a 2-1 advantage.
- The Huskies answered once again with a power play goal at 19:23 into the second frame. Peyton Anderson unleashed a wrist shot from the right faceoff circle, hitting the bar-down to even the game at two.
- Brochu secured the go-ahead goal at the 8:26 mark of the third period. Kaylee Lewis connected with Lara Beecher on a pass behind the net. Beecher then fed Brochu, who dove into the slot and lifted the puck into the back of the net, propelling Vermont to a 3-2 lead.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- Jessie McPherson saved a total of 24 shots in her return to action after missing the previous five games.
- Beecher led Vermont with six shots on goal.
- Tuesday night was the first-ever women's hockey game broadcast on NESN from Gutterson Fieldhouse.
- With today's 3-2 decision, Community Bank N.A. will donate $225 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.
- 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:
After the weekend off Vermont heads out for a two-game road trip with the first stop at Maine on Friday, December 1 at 2 p.m. The Catamounts take on the Wildcats the following day at 6 p.m. at the Whittemore Center in Durham, New Hampshire. Catch all the action live on ESPN+.
