Storrs, CT.-- The Merrimack College men's ice hockey team made it two wins in two as they scored in all three periods and rode a strong second period to sweep the UConn Huskies on Saturday afternoon.
Merrimack (3-5-1, 2-3-1): 5, Connecticut (5-5-1, 2-4-1): 2
Merrimack got off to a fast start, firing 12 shots on goal in the first period and they would get their breakthrough goal as David Sacco scored his second in two games from in close at 5:36 of the first.
In the second period, Merrimack again would start fast, as Zach Bookman scored on a point shot off of a faceoff win from Caelan Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick would get a goal as well on the powerplay as he took the pass from Josef Mysak and fired the shot in from the right circle. The Huskies got on the board just after the five-minute mark of the second but Merrimack did not allow them to gain momentum from it as 22 seconds later, Tyler Young would force a turnover and his initial shot was turned home by Ethan Bono for his third goal in two games to re-establish the three goal cushion headed into the final period.
In the final period, the Huskies scored their second of the contest under three minutes in, but Nils Wallstrom stood tall after the goal, making nine saves rest of the way and Caden Cranston registered his first Warriors goal and the team's fifth as he bagged the empty netter to close out the sweep.
Notes and Numbers:
- Ethan Bono's goal was his third in two games. He also had an assist.
- Caelan Fitzpatrick also had a goal and an assist.
- David Sacco scored twice in two games.
- Zach Bookman and Caden Cranston also scored for Merrimack.
- Zach Bookman has 11 career points in six games vs UConn in his career.
- Ryan O'Connell had two assists, Josef Mysak, Tyler Young, Luke Weilandt had one each.
- Nils Wallstrom made 20 saves for his first Merrimack win.
UP NEXT:
The Warriors have a quick turnaround as they head to the Warrior Ice Arena in Boston as they finish their season set with the Stonehill Skyhawks on Tuesday. Puck drop will be at 7 PM.
