STORRS, Conn. - The UConn men's hockey team upset no.15 Massachusetts Saturday evening behind a two-goal performance from junior Jake Percival. Junior goaltender Tyler Muszelik made 27 saves in the victory.
The first period was a physical battle between the two teams. The Huskies special teams were forced to step up early as a holding penalty put Massachusetts on the power play. While on the power play, the Huskies penalty kill shined and after intercepting the puck, junior Jake Percival was able to beat UMass netminder Michael Hrabal for the shorthanded goal to give UConn the 1-0 lead. The Huskies defense would shine with the one goal lead, as junior Tyler Muszelik saved all 11 shots faced to maintain the one goal lead entering the second period.
The offense continued to shine in the second period. The Huskies pressure proved difficult for the Massachusetts defense to control as the Huskies maintained the puck for over one minute in the offensive zone being capped off by another Jake Percival goal to double UConn's lead. Late in the second period, sophomores Jake Richard and Joey Muldowney connected for UConn's third goal of the game, and the eventual game winner. Massachusetts was able to cut into the UConn lead, late in the second period as they won the faceoff and beat Muszelik near side, to keep UMass within striking distance heading into the third period.
UConn's special teams would be tested in the third period as they were issued three separate penalties in the period. With five minutes remaining in the game, while on the power play, a Massachusetts shot would ring off the post and eventually find its way into the back of the net to make it a one goal game. The Huskies would not surrender another goal as the defense and junior Tyler Muszelik would shut down the Minutemen to secure the 3-2 upset.
UP NEXT:
The Huskies will remain home as they welcome the University of Vermont to Connecticut. The Huskies and Catamounts will face off at the XL center on Nov.2 and Toscano Family Ice Forum on Nov. 3.
