UConn men’s hockey sweeps Colgate in season-opening series

STORRS, Conn. (WFSB) - The UConn Huskies men’s hockey team had a strong start to the season, winning against Colgate University twice this past weekend.

They were on fire right from the beginning of the first game on Friday.

Jake Percival scored the Huskies’ first goal of the year, giving them a one-goal lead during the first period.

Colgate managed to score before the end of the opening frame, but the Huskies quickly responded and regained the lead, scoring two goals to make it 3-1.

Sophomore Oliver Flynn, set up by Tom Messineo, scored the second goal, and freshman Ethan Gardula followed with his first career goal on the power play.

Then, during the third period, Jake Richard scored early to extend the lead to 4-1.

Colgate added another goal, but the final score of the first game was 4-2 in favor of UConn.

On Saturday night, Colgate came out aggressive, looking to avenge the loss.

The Huskies were forced to weather an offensive attack by the Raiders, who found the back of the net first, as the puck snuck through Tyler Muszelik’s legs as he was sliding to make a save.

Then, during the second period, it was all UConn who scored three unanswered goals to lead 3-1.

Junior Tabor Heaslip opened the scoring as he was in the right place at the right time to tip home the puck after it sat on the goal line following a Jake Percival shot.

Minutes later, sophomore Joey Muldowney and Jake Richard connected for another tally. Jake Percival added a tip-in goal, his second of the year.

During the third period, the offensive onslaught continued.

The Huskies scored three more goals to extend their lead.

Freshman Kaden Shahan buried a breakaway bid for his first career goal.

Seconds later, Jake Percival was in the right place at the right time for his second goal of the game, putting home a rebound chance.

The Raiders scored a goal late in the third period, but it wouldn’t matter after an empty net goal by junior Ryan Tattle sealed the 6-2 win for the Huskies.

Now, the Huskies turn their attention to another non-conference matchup as they are set to begin a home-and-home series on the road with the Holy Cross Crusaders on Friday.

The first game is scheduled for 7 p.m. and can be streamed live on FloSports.

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