DURHAM, N.H. - The UConn men's hockey team opened the first night of the home and home series with no.17 New Hampshire with a 4-1 win. Graduate Student Hudson Schandor scored one goal and assisted on two goals surpassing 100 career points.
A physical first period played to both team's strengths. The Huskies had an advantage early following a tripping penalty on New Hampshire, but the Wildcats penalty kill unit stood strong, killing the penalty and keeping the game scoreless. Late in the first period following a UConn penalty, the Huskies penalty kill went to work. While on the penalty kill, the Huskies defense locked down the Wildcats and after collecting the loose puck the Huskies had a two on one fast break, and after a weird puck bounce from a Joey Muldowney pass, Hudson Schandor knocked the puck past the UNH netminder for the Huskies goal. The shorthanded goal is nation leading six for the Huskies. In his first game since November 15, Tyler Muszelik was strong in net, making eight saves in the first period to give UConn the 1-0 lead entering the break.
The Huskies power play unit was given plenty of time on the ice in the second period as a five-minute major and game misconduct was issued to the Wildcats and within seconds of being on the five-minute power play, a high sticking penalty gave UConn the five on three advantage. The Huskies were unsuccessful on the power play as the UNH penalty kill fended off the UConn attack. UNH had opportunities to cut into the Huskies lead, but junior Tyler Muszelik kept the Wildcats at bay holding them scoreless and making 12 saves, to preserve a 2-0 lead heading into the third period.
Following a New Hampshire penalty, the Huskies special teams went to work and once again converted to extend their lead to three. The Huskies pressured the New Hampshire defense and after collecting the puck, captain Hudson Schandor found Joey Muldowney who fed the puck to Jake Richard for the one-time goal. New Hampshire would cut into the Huskies with 1:49 remaining in the game, but an empty net goal by Tabor Heaslip would seal the victory for UConn. In his first game back since November 15, and facing his old school, junior Tyler Muszelik made 27 saves in the 4-1 victory.
Up Next:
UConn will turn it's attention to a battle up in Orono, Maine has the Huskies will kick off a two game road trip Friday Jan.17.
