University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
24-8-2, 17-6-1
Merrimack
7-23-4, 4-18-2
Murdoch Hat Trick Propels No. 6 UConn Over Merrimack
2/21/2026 9:33:00 PM | Women's Ice Hockey
STORRS, Conn. – No. 6 UConn women's hockey defeated the Merrimack Warriors, 5-3 on Saturday afternoon at the Toscano Family Ice Forum. Claire Murdoch recorded her first career hat trick in the win, helping the Huskies close out the regular season with a 17-6-1 Hockey East record and 24-8-2 overall record this season.
The first period began with UConn taking control early, as junior forward Julia Pellerin opened the scoring at 12:33, her 11th goal of the season, putting the Huskies ahead 1-0.
Merrimack responded 22 seconds later, with an equalizer, knotting the score at 1-1. A series of penalties followed the tying goal, leading to a brief 4-on-4 play, but neither team capitalized on the opportunity. The opening period ended with the score tied at 1-1, despite UConn holding a commanding lead in shots, 17-4.
UConn extended its lead early in the second period as sophomore forward Claire Murdoch scored her first goal of the game at 15:54, bringing the score to 2–1.
Senior forward Brooke Campbell then capitalized on a power play opportunity, finding the back of the net at 10:51 for her seventh goal of the season, extending the Huskies lead to 3-1. Merrimack had several attempts to respond, but UConn netminder Tia Chan was solid in goal, turning away multiple shots to maintain the two-goal advantage. The Huskies led in shots in the second period, 16-8.
In the third period, Merrimack battled back, scoring two goals in the first six minutes of the period, knotting the score at 3-3.
UConn responded with Murdoch scoring the game-winning goal at 8:37, off a great pass by Pellerin, putting Murdoch through on a breakaway.
Murdoch then secured her hat trick with an empty-net goal with 29 seconds left in the third period, sealing a 5–3 victory for the Huskies. This marks the second multi-goal game for Murdoch in her career.
UConn outshot Merrimack 42–32, applying consistent pressure throughout the game. On special teams, the Huskies went 1-for-4 on the power play, while Merrimack failed to convert on its two opportunities. UConn managed to maintain a slight edge in faceoffs, winning 32 compared to Merrimack's 29. Notably, junior forward Ashley Allard has now won at least 10 faceoffs in 7 consecutive games.
Up Next
UConn has secured the No. 2 seed in the Hockey East Tournament and will host the Hockey East Quarterfinal on Saturday, February 28 at the Toscano Family Ice Forum. TICKETS
