University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
20-13-5
Michigan State
26-8-2
Huskies Fall to Michigan State in NCAAs
3/26/2026 4:38:00 PM | Men's Ice Hockey
WORCESTER, Mass. - UConn men's hockey fell to no.3 Michigan State by a final of 2-1 Thursday afternoon in the NCAA Tournament. Tabor Heaslip scored the lone goal for UConn, while Michigan State Trey Augustine made 41 saves.
After a 20-minute delay due to a broke glass pane, the Huskies and Spartans officially dropped the puck to kick off the NCAA Tournament. Both teams were physical early and opportunistic, but the defenses shined preventing an early goal. The Huskies speed proved difficult for Michigan State early as UConn drew three penalties, but they were unable to convert with the man advantage. With time running down in the period, the Huskies found the back of the net as Joey Muldowney fired a shot on net and Tabor Heaslip was in the right place at the right time for the rebound. With just under two minutes remaining, a roughing penalty on UConn gave Michigan State the man advantage and with the advantage the Spartans found the equalizer tying the game at one heading into the period break.
In the second period the Huskies came out with a strong forecheck looking to regain the lead. After going back and forth early, another Michigan State penalty put UConn on the man advantage. While on the power play, the Huskies turned the puck over and while on a breakaway a penalty on the Huskies gave Michigan State a penalty shot, but the Spartans were denied by Tyler Muszelik keeping the game tied at one. Midway through the period, matching minors had both teams playing four on four hockey, and while a man down, a turnover in the defensive zone by the Huskies found the stick of Michigan state where they buried a one timer giving them the 2-1 lead. Late in the period, another penalty gave UConn the man advantage but a shot by Joey Muldowney rang off the post and out, keeping the score at 2-1. Following another scrum after the whistle with two minutes remaining in the period both teams would play four on four hockey. Neither team found the back of the net as they entered the break with Michigan State leading 2-1.
The Huskies battled in the third period looking to find the equalizer but were unable to find the back of the net. The Huskies continued to battle, firing a total of 41 shots on net, but Trey Augustine and the Michigan State defense held on defeating UConn by a final of 2-1.
