The No. 12 UMass hockey team swept the University of Connecticut Huskies over the weekend in their home-and-home series. The Minutemen improved to 16-7-3 on the year and gained six valuable points in the Hockey East standings.
“Sweeps are really hard to come by,” said coach Greg Carvel. “I am very proud of our team and their effort.”
Freshman goaltender Michael Hrabal led the way over the weekend, with his efforts earning him Hockey East Goaltender of the Week honors.
Game One
UMass blanked UConn on Friday night 2-0, as Hrabal picked up the 36 save shutout to secure the victory.
Hrabal was not the only freshman to provide big contributions on the night, as goals from freshman forward Dans Locmelis and freshman defenseman Jack Musa 18 seconds apart in the third period were all it took to secure the victory for the Minutemen.
The Locmelis goalwas assisted by Scott Morrow and Samuli Niinisaari, while Kenny Connors and Cole O’Hara picked up the helpers on Musa’s.
Hrabal’s 36 saves were a career high as he picked up his second shutout of the season.
“The biggest factor tonight was our goaltender,” Carvel said. “Michael looked real solid all night long.”
Game Two
UMass completed the sweep on Saturday night, defeating UConn 3-1. Multiple freshmen were key contributors once again, as Hrabal matched his career-high from Friday night with another 36 saves on Saturday night.
UMass got on the board 8:03 into the first period after having an earlier goal called back for goaltender interference. Niinisaari fired a shot from the left point, and freshman forward Cam O’Neill redirected it home to give the Minutemen the lead.
The score held the same until 7:06 into the second period when freshman forward Aydar Suniev fired a shot over UConn goaltender Ethan Haider’s shoulder from the left faceoff circle off the crossbar and in.
The Huskies were finally able to solve Hrabal 11:20 into the second period as UConn forward Matthew Wood blasted home a one-timer from the high slot, bringing the score to 2-1.
Less than two minutes later, O’Hara fired a wrist shot from the point, and before Haider was able to see through the net front screen, the puck was already past him.
Hrabal and the Minutemen defense were able to hold down the fort the rest of the way, with the game ending 3-1.
“I thought [Hrabal] played very well again tonight,” Carvel said. “Seemed to be a recurring thing all weekend.”
UMass is back in action against No. 1 Boston College this upcoming weekend.
