HARTFORD Conn. - Graduate Student captain Hudson Schandor scored the overtime winner with 28 seconds remaining to beat no. 10 UMass Lowell. Schandor finished the night with four total points to propel the Huskies to victory.
The first period was a back-and-forth battle. UMass Lowell had the first opportunities of the afternoon as a holding penalty on Ethan Gardula gave the Riverhawks a man advantage. On the power play, UMass Lowell struck first as a shot deflected off a UConn defender and past Callum Tung for the goal. UConn found the equalizer late in the first period on the power play as a shot by Jake Richard was saved but junior Ryan Tattle was in front for the rebound. Shortly after the Huskies took the lead as freshman Ethan Gardula was able to sneak the puck into the back of the net from an improbable angle. Following penalties on both teams, the period ended with four-on-four hockey and UConn holding a 2-1 lead.
The Huskies were able to add to their lead late in the second period as Hudson Schandor found Joey Muldowney who went top shelf to give UConn the two-goal lead. It didn't take long for the River Hawks to respond as they stole the puck in their offensive zone and were able to beat freshman Callum Tung to make it a one goal game. The two teams continued to battle in the second period and UMass Lowell was able to find the equalizer with two minutes remaining in the period. Neither team was able to find the back of the net in the remaining time and entered the third period all tied up.
UMass Lowell was able to regain the lead midway through the third period as Dillan Bentley collected a pass at center ice and weaved his way through the UConn defense and beat Callum Tung for the goal. Late in the third period, the Huskies were able to find the equalizer as a shot by Tom Messineo was tipped in front by captain Hudson Schandor for the equalizer. Neither team was able to find the equalizer in regulation as the teams headed to a sudden death OT tied at 4.
In overtime, UMass Lowell had a chance right off the faceoff, but the puck rang off the post. Later in the overtime period, UConn was given the man advantage and while on the power play Hudson Schandor scored the game winner with 28 seconds remaining.
UP NEXT:
UConn will have a quick turnaround as they will play their last non-conference game Wednesday February 12. Puck drop is scheduled for 6pm at the Toscano Family Ice Forum.
