University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
Merrimack
Huskies Take Game 1 in Heavy Weight Battle
12/5/2025 9:29:00 PM | Men's Ice Hockey
NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. – The UConn men's hockey team took down Merrimack College Friday evening by a final of 3 - 0. The heavyweight battle featured goals by Alexandre Blais, Kaden Shahan and Jake Richard. Senior Tyler Muszelike made 19 saves in the shutout while the Huskies fired a total of 76 shots through three period.
The first period began with physical play, setting the tone for what would be a penalty ridden period. The Huskies penalty kill saw their first action early in the evening as Mike Murtagh was called for interference. The Huskies were able to successfully make the kill. UConn's speed was on display throughout the first and with the speed, forced a Merrimack penalty as the Warriors were called for a high stick. The Huskies best chance of the period came on the power play as a shot by Joey Muldowney rang off the crossbar and out. Later in the period, following an Alexandre Blais check in the center of the ice, a scuffle ensued after the whistle. After both teams were sent to their respective benches, the Huskies would head to the power play, as Merrimack's Ethan Beyer and Cam Kungle along with UConn's Carlin Dezainde were called for roughing. Additionally, Dezainde and Kungle were both called for 10-minute misconducts. The first period ended with neither team scoring a goal.
In the second period, the Huskies played smart, fast, and physical. UConn's aggressive forecheck caused problems for the Warriors, as the Huskies were able to keep possession in the offensive zone, firing shots at Merrimack's netminder. UConn was able to breakthrough midway through the second period as freshman Alexandre Blais fought through contact and bodies in front of the net to collect the rebound and push home the puck for UConn's first goal of the evening. With the one goal lead, UConn's defense and goaltender Tyler Muszelik shined, preventing Merrimack from generating offense and holding the Warriors to nine shots on goal to enter the period break leading by one.
The third period began and the Huskies offense exploded. Kaden Shahan started off the third period by scoring his fourth goal in five games followed by Joey Muldowney and Jake Richard connecting for the Huskies third goal of the night. Merrimack's best chance came midway through the period while on a two on one breakaway, but Tyler Muszelik made a sprawling save to hold the Warriors scoreless. With the three-goal lead, the Huskies did not let up as they continued to forecheck and maintain possession in the offensive zone.
UConn will close out the first half of the season and the second game of the home and home December 6 in Storrs. Puck drop is scheduled for 4pm and can be streamed live on ESPN+.
