Colgate Stunned By UConn

Photo by Tim Roske

Boxscore

HAMILTON, N.Y.  -- Just 24 hours after dropping a 7-1 decision to Colgate, the Connecticut men's hockey team reversed its fortunes with a 2-1 overtime win against the host Raiders on Saturday, Nov. 24, at Starr Rink. The Huskies improve to 4-7-0 overall, while Colgate drops to 5-7-2 on the season.

After tying the game midway through the third period, UConn held on to force overtime. Just over a minute into the extra session, the Huskies dumped the puck into the Colgate end for an apparent icing, but the linesman waved it off. Instead, Ryan Hawkins gained control of the puck in the left corner, and centered it to Chris Myhro in front of the net. Myhro's point-blank shot was stopped by Colgate senior goaltender Mark Dekanich (North Vancouver, B.C.), but Andrew Olson picked up the rebound and put it past Dekanich's extended glove to boost his Huskies to victory.

Colgate got on the board 11:50 into the second period after the teams skated through a scorless first period. During a 4-on-4 situation, sophomore David McIntyre (Pefferlaw, Ont.) battled for the puck in the corner and kicked it out to junior Tom Riley (Ottawa, Ont.) on the right side of the net. UConn goaltender Beau Erickson was out of position, allowing Riley to score short-side.

The Huskies' tying goal came off a faceoff 11:53 into the third period. B.J. Bayers won the puck cleanly, and beat Dekanich with a quick shot on the short side.

Dekanich finished the game with 34 saves, while Erickson earned the win after making 33 stops. The Raiders dominated in the faceoff circle, 48-19, led by senior Tyler Burton (Langley, B.C.), who won 21 of his 24 draws for an .875 winning percentage.

The Raiders return to Starr Rink next weekend for a pair of games against Robert Morris, Sat.-Sun., Dec. 1-2. Saturday's game begins at 7:00 p.m., while Sunday's tilt begins at 4:00 p.m. At both games, Colgate will be collecting toys to benefit the Interfaith Council Holiday Project, who will wrap and distribute the toys to needy families in Madison County. For every toy a fan donates, he or she will receive a raffle ticket and be entered to win a team-signed jersey on Saturday, and a team-autographed stick on Sunday.

Colgate is also offering free general admission to all youth hockey players, in grade eight or below, who attend the games in their youth team jersey. All other fans can purchase tickets to the games by calling the Colgate Ticket Office at (315) 228-7600.