Coming off a 6-5 overtime loss last Sunday at UConn, UVM went into this two-game homestand against UMass Amherst on Nov. 8 looking to get back on the winning track.
However, it did not take long for UMass to take control of the game, scoring their first goal a little over three minutes into the first period. But UVM continued attacking UMass, looking to even the score.
UVM capitalized on a UMass penalty with their first goal, scored by junior defenseman Philip Törnqvist with about ten minutes left in the first period.
However, the Minutemen took back control, scoring their second goal with just over four minutes left in the first period.
But UVM must have had confidence in their offense, as they outshot the Minutemen 17-7 in the first period. They carried that momentum quickly into the second period with a goal less than a minute in by senior forward Simon Jellus.
The game saw very few penalties, with only one committed in the second period by UMass. UVM was unable to score during the power play but took the lead with a goal by junior defenseman Xavier Henry with just over eight minutes left in the second period.
Entering the third period up 3-2, UVM had high hopes for the opportunity to score against UMass. They continued their offensive, making multiple shots on goal, but gave up a goal to the Minutemen with twelve minutes left in the period, tying the game.
With neither team able to score another goal, the game headed to overtime.
Just two minutes in, UMass committed a penalty which gave UVM a 4-3 power play. With strong offensive play, they attacked UMass’s defense to no avail. The game was still tied after the overtime period which meant it was time for a shootout.
Graduate student goalie Keenan Rancier was the only defense for the Catamounts and stopped the Minutemen’s first attacker. Senior forward Joel Määttä then scored for UVM, giving them a 1-0 lead i. With two more saves from Rancier, UVM survived a thriller to win the game in shootouts.
They carried that momentum into Saturday night, crushing UMass 4-0 and ending the weekend undefeated. They look to continue their win streak this weekend at home against UMass Lowell, on Friday, Nov. 15.
