STORRS, Conn. - Sophomore Jake Richard scored the overtime winner Friday evening as the UConn men's hockey team upset no.4 Maine in overtime at the Toscano Family Ice Forum. Freshman Callum Tung made 32 saves in the victory.
The Huskies jumped out to an early 1-0 lead as freshman Kaden Shahan was in the right place at the right time as he was alone on the side of the net to put home the rebound off a John Spetz shot. Following a UConn penalty, the Black Bears went on the power play and it was short lived as they found the back of the net and tied the game at one midway through the first period. After allowing goals, both goaltenders closed the period strong as Albin Boija of Maine finished the period with 11 saves while Callum Tung finished the period with nine saves.
The Huskies once again took the lead on a rebound early in the second period as sophomore Jake Richard was left alone in front for the tip in to give UConn the 2-1 lead. Following another UConn penalty, the Black Bears went on the power play. While on the power play, freshman Callum Tung made multiple saves to keep the Black Bears from finding the equalizer. At one point after making a save, a scrum in front ensued and with the puck loose chaos broke out, and as the referee was blowing the play dead, Maine pushed the puck past the goal line. Following review, the goal was disallowed due to the play being dead before the puck officially crossed the line. Shortly after the disallowed goal, Maine found the equalizer as Owen Fowler fired the puck through traffic past Tung for the goal.
Despite numerous chances, neither team was able to find the game winning goal in regulation during the third period, and the two teams entered a sudden death three vs. three overtime period. Maine dominated the overtime period early, but the Huskies bounced back and following a penalty on the Black Bears with 2:05 remaining in the game, the Huskies were awarded a four vs. three-man advantage. While on the power play, the Huskies had multiple chances turned away by Boija but with forty seconds left in the game sophomore Jake Richard scored his second of the night to help the Huskies upset no. 4 Maine.
UP NEXT:
The Huskies will have the rest of the weekend off before returning to the ice Tuesday February 25 as they welcome Boston University to the Toscano Family Ice Forum. Puck drop is scheduled for 7pm and can be streamed live on ESPN+.
