University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
American International
Huskies Defeat AIC On Senior Night, 2-1
2/25/2011 12:00:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
Feb. 25, 2011
Storrs, Conn. - As the UConn men's hockey program celebrated Senior Night, honoring the eight graduating seniors, senior captain Andrew Olson's 13th goal of the season gave the Huskies a 2-1 victory against AIC. Sophomore goaltender Garrett Bartus made 28 saves to earn the victory. UConn improves to 12-17-4 (12-12-2 AHA) while AIC falls to 7-21-1 (7-18-1 AHA).
The first period saw a handful of penalties and power-play chances for both teams. The Yellow Jackets earned a five-minute power play beginning at 2:29. A strong fore-check from Connecticut limited AIC to just one shot during the five minute man advantage.
The Huskies earned their own five minute power play beginning at 17:14. UConn's best chance came with just over a minute remaining when senior captain Andrew Olson rang a shot off the cross bar from the slot. It was the second post hit in the first period for UConn after sophomore Alex Gerke nailed the left post from the left face-off circle early in the period.
After 20 minutes, UConn held an 8-7 edge in shots.
UConn nearly took the lead 1:20 into the period had it not been for a great reflex save by AIC goaltender Ryan Kerpan. Freshman Billy Latta slid a pass from behind the net to senior Andrew Olson at the left doorstep. With Kerpan looking for Latta behind the net, Olson attempted a one-timer. Kerpan was able to spin around and deny Olson of the go-ahead goal.
Freshman Jordan Sims gave the Huskies their first lead of the night with his 10th goal of the season at 7:51 of the second period. Sophomore Brad Cooper fired a shot from the left half wall that was saved by AIC goaltender Ryan Kerpan. The rebound slid through the crease to freshman Rui Encarnacao in the right face-off circle. Encarnacao touched the puck to junior Marcello Ranallo behind the net. Ranallo found Sims at the back door for the easy tap in. The assists were the ninth and 10th of the season for Ranallo and Encarnacao, respectively.
Olson tallied the game-winning goal at 4:59, putting the Huskies ahead, 2-0. Freshman Billy Latta skated behind the AIC net before dropping a pass to Olson. Olson quickly wrapped around the right side of the cage from behind the net before stuffing in his team-leading 13th goal of the season. Senior Justin Hernandez also earned an assist on the season. The assists were Latta's 14th and the seventh for Hernandez.
It looked like Bartus would earn his first career shutout but the clean sheet was ruined at 17:18 when Steve Mele stuffed in a goal to make it 2-1.
The two teams will finish the regular season tomorrow night in Springfield, Mass. The puck drops at 7:05.
