CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. -Â Â The UConn men's hockey team fell in overtime to no.3 Boston College by a final of 2-1. The Huskies came back and tied the game in the second period off a shorthanded goal from junior Ryan Tattle, while freshman Callum Tung made 41 saves in net but an overtime goal from Jimmy Hagans sealed the victory for Boston College.
Both teams came out aggressive in the first period, looking to break open the scoring. The Huskies penalty kill was tested early in the first period as a cross-check penalty on junior Tabor Heaslip six minutes into the period put the Huskies a man down. UConn's penalty kill stood strong, preventing Boston College's power play from finding the back of the net. Boston College opened the scoring minutes later following a tipped pass that found an Eagles stick and after one pass snuck under freshman Callum Tung for the goal. The Huskies had their chances to tie the game, as they had multiple breakaways, but all were denied by Boston College's Jacob Fowler, and UConn entered the period break trailing by 1.Â
UConn's special teams were once again featured in the second period as they would head to the penalty kill early. While on the penalty kill, Hudson Schandor collected the puck following a turnover and found junior Ryan Tattle who fired it past Jacob Fowler for the shorthanded goal. The Huskies had opportunities to extend the lead late in the period following a Boston College major penalty and game misconduct, but the UConn power play could not find the back of the net. With time running down in the second period, and just under two minutes remaining on the UConn power play, a slashing penalty on the Huskies evened the playing field as the two teams played four on four for the remainder of the period, tied at one.Â
Both teams came out aggressive in the third period as they looked to break the tie. Boston College dominated early as they made multiple chances turned away by freshman Callum Tung. After weathering the Eagles early attack, UConn responded with an attack of their own but were unable to find the back of the net. With time running down in the period, Boston College had a chance to win it but the shot by Ryan Leonard rang off the post and bounced wide. Through three periods, both teams were knotted at one.Â
In overtime, the Huskies won the faceoff and had the initial breakaway, but the Jacob Fowler once again stood strong in net, stopping the Huskies attack. The Eagles were unable to generate offense early in the overtime period, until a Fowler save gave the Eagles a two on one where James Hagans was able to fire the shot past Callum Tung for the OT winner. Tung finished the night with 41 total saves.Â
Despite the overtime loss, UConn won the season series over Boston College, winning four of six total points. The Huskies will return to the ice December 27 as they open the Kwik Trip Holiday Faceoff in Milwaukee.Â
