Vermont Sweeps Clarkson
The University of Vermont (9-2-1-1) took both home games against Clarkson University (3-5-0) this past weekend. On Friday, 11/9 the Catamounts took a 2-1 decision over the Golden Knights, then defeated Clarkson by a score of 4-3 on Saturday, 11/10.
Friday, 11/9 vs. Clarkson
On Friday night, UVM began the first of a two-game homestand again the visiting Golden Knights. After a scoreless first period which saw the Catamounts come out sluggish, UVM lit the lamp early in the second. Sophomore defenseman Cole Garabed ripped home a point shot past a screened Clarkson goaltender to give UVM a 1-0 lead. That score would not change until Jack Levinsky redirected Sam Pitonyak's shot to give UVM a 2-0 lead with under a minute to go in the second. While Clarkson would bang home a rebound in the third, UVM would preserve the 2-1 victory over the Golden Knights. Junior goaltender Andrew Ehler, making his second start of the season, turned aside 16/17 SOG to earn his first collegiate win.
Friday, 11/10 vs. Clarkson
The teams reconvened for a 1:30 PM matinee on Saturday. The first period saw the Golden Knights swarm UVM, who were penalized four times in the opening frame. Clarkson netted the opening goal on the powerplay and would maintain a 1-0 lead into the second. Early in the second, senior forward Harrison Naylor intercepted a D-to-D pass and buried a shorthanded breakaway goal. With his tally, Naylor moved to second in all-time points for UVM ACHA Men's Hockey, surpassing 2017 graduate Nick Levinsky. UVM would score two quick goals in the middle frame off the sticks of Jake Hall and Connor Bradley. Clarkson would net their own shorthanded breakaway to make it a 3-2 game entering the third. The two teams exchanged goals in the third, with freshman defenseman Sam Pitonyak notching his first collegiate goal as the game-winner. Sophomore goaltender Dana Marsh turned aside 26/29 Clarkson SOG.
Looking Ahead
With their 8th and 9th victories on the season, UVM is on track to surpass their 2016-17 win total of 11. The Catamounts have only qualified for postseason play once (in 2011) and will look to make it back to the ACHA Northeast Regional Tournament this spring. The UVM players and coaches will enjoy a two-week Thanksgiving break before returning to action on Saturday, 12/1 against division rival UConn.
