U-32 def. Hartford, 2-1 (Jan. 21, 2023)

Montpelier, VT – Neutral Zone and about 350 fans were treated to an excellent clash between D-2 powerhouses: Hartford and U-32. Both teams came into this one undefeated in D-2 play and it was hyped to be an even match-up. U-32 coach Shane Locke said it was sure to be a “Barn Burner”, and that is exactly what we got with a dramatic finish ending with the home team victorious.

The pace of the game was very fast and forward. There wasn’t a ton of possession and there were a few quality chances, but the defense and goalies Davey Bradley #30 (Hartford) and Duncan Mathies #24 (U-32) would be strong for the whole game. The first ended 0-0 with several blocked shots. Hartford had the edge on shots and zone time.

In the second period, the pace was just as fast. Goals would be hard to come by in this one, but U-32 senior Brendan Tedeschi #13 would open it with a deflection goal with assists from sophomore defenseman Max Scribner #14 and senior Tae Rossmassler #9. Each goalie would make key saves at other moments in this period and the score would end 1-0. Checking was consistent and hard in this period, just like the first period. There would be a co

The third period was a roller coaster full of action and peaking right at the end. Hartford would find the equalizer on somewhat of a breakaway goal where senior Ozzy DeFelice #16 poked a puck over the U-32 goalie who came out and dove for the loose puck. The crowd was in for an intense finish. U-32 would find itself up on a 5-minute advantage after an unfortunate collision where a player was injured. This would move to a 5 on 3 after a hooking penalty. At the end of regulation with less than 30 seconds left, sophomore Max Scribner #14 turned it on and carried the puck up the ice to lead it into the zone and eventually secured a rebound for the game winner with just 16 seconds remaining. We would have loved to see this game stay even strength and head into OT, but it was an excellent game nonetheless with even teams.

Stars of the Game:

1. Max Scribner #14, U-32 (1G, 1A)

2. Brendan Tedeschi, U-32 (1G)

3. Ozzy DeFelice, Hartford (1G)