Worcester, Mass. - The UConn men's hockey team fell in game one of the two game series against Holy Cross by a final of Friday evening. Special teams were the name of the game as UConn went 0-6 on the power play and Holy Cross finished 3-5.
The Huskies jumped out to the early 1-0 lead as Tristan Fraser battled along the boards and found junior Ryan Tattle for the one-time goal. The Huskies had another opportunity midway through the first to extend their lead on the power play but were unable to find the back of the net. UConn's defense was steady in front of junior goaltender Tyler Muszelik, holding Holy Cross scoreless through one period. Muszelik finished with four saves after the first period.
The Huskies found themselves a man down immediately after the opening faceoff as John Spetz was called for a minor penalty. Holy Cross capitalized on the power play and was able to net the equalizer just under one minute into the start of the game. Following another UConn penalty, the Crusaders were able to take the 2-1 lead midway through the second period. The Huskies responded as Owen Simpson intercepted the puck and after two moves to beat the defense found sophomore Jake Richard in front for the tip in and the equalizer. Both teams had opportunities to take the lead in the second but couldn't find the back of the net as they entered the period break tied at two.
The Huskies started the third period on back-to-back power plays, but the Crusaders penalty kill once again blanked the Huskies as the game remained tied early in the third period. After penalties on Tom Messineo and Jake Percival, the Huskies were forced to kill a 5 on 3 with ten minutes remaining in the game. On the power play, Holy Cross scored to take the 3-2 lead. UConn continued to fight, and their persistence paid off as Jake Richard, was left alone and beat the goaltender for his second of the night and the equalizer. Holy Cross responded on a broken play, as a puck that was fired off the glass, bounced off goaltender Tyler Muszelik back, to the Holy Cross skater for the tip in goal and the 4-3 lead. The Huskies were unable to find the equalizer as they suffered their first loss of the season.
UConn will be back in action tomorrow as they welcome Holy Cross to the XL Center in Hartford. Puck drop is scheduled for 3:30pm and can be streamed live on ESPN+.
