University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
5-0-0, 1-0-0
University of Maine
2-4-0, 0-1-0
UConn Knocks off Maine in Hockey East Opener
10/15/2021 6:36:00 PM | Women's Ice Hockey
ORONO, MAINE - Viki Harkness' tip in front was the difference maker for the UConn women's ice hockey team, as the Huskies improved to a spotless 5-0 on the season, defeating Maine by a 1-0 score in Orono.
The Huskies started out the first period strong, immediately pressuring the Maine defense and goaltender. The Huskies had multiple chances in the opening stanza but couldn't break the tie. UConn's defense stood strong as senior goaltender Samantha Carpentier-Yelle made five saves and UConn out shot Maine 17-12.
Maine came out firing in the second period forcing Carpentier-Yelle to make multiple saves, including a beautiful kick save on a Maine rush. Harkness put UConn on the board first with a tip right in front of the net to break the tie at the 12:51 mark in the second period. Maine would have a chance to tie the game late in the second period as UConn headed to the penalty kill but goaltending and defense remained strong as the second period ended with UConn holding onto a 1-0 lead heading into the third.
A tripping penalty on UConn sparked Maine's attack as they pressured UConn which included ringing a shot off the post, however they could not get past the Huskies back line. Multiple UConn penalties at the 15:13 mark in the final period put UConn on the 5 on 3 penalty kill but Samantha Carpentier-Yelle made multiple diving saves during the kill to help maintain the 1-0 edge late in the third period. The Huskies out shot Maine throughout, finishing with a total of 53 shots on goal to Maine's 37. Graduate Student Natalie Snodgrass lead the Huskies with a total of 12 shots on goal.
Up Next
UConn will face Merrimack College on Sunday October 17 for their Hockey East home opener. Puck drop is scheduled for 3 p.m.
