Box Score

MILWAUKEE, Wisc. – The UConn men's hockey team fell to Wisconsin by a final of 4-3 in the championship game of the Kwik Trip Holiday Face Off Tournament. The Huskies tied the game at two in the third period, but a late goal and empty net goal by the Badgers sealed the 4-3 win.

The Huskies were faced with adversity before the puck drop as freshman starting goaltender Callum Tung was ruled out due to illness making fellow freshman Tommy Heaney the starting goaltender for the championship game against Wisconsin. The Huskies and Badgers battled early looking for the first goal. UConn was faced with more adversity as midway through the first period, freshman Ethan Whitcomb was issued a five-minute major and game misconduct. The Huskies penalty kill shined, shutting down the Wisconsin power play and keeping the game scoreless. UConn's penalty kill once again was featured as Viking Gustafsson Nyberg was issued a holding penalty with one minute remaining in the period. The Huskies were able to finish the period without allowing a goal and had 50 seconds remaining on the penalty kill.

The Huskies defense continued to shine in the second period in addition to Tommy Heaney. Through two periods, Heaney has made 22 saves and kept Wisconsin scoreless. The Huskies offense has been relatively quiet but the end of the second period might've been their best rush as they generated multiple chances and rebounds but were unable to find the back of the net, as the teams entered the final period scoreless.

In the third period, the Huskies were awarded a power play and looked to find the first goal of the game, but the Wisconsin penalty kill took advantage of a turnover by the Huskies and were able to score a shorthanded goal to take the 1-0 lead. Shortly after, the Badgers double their lead on the power play. The Huskies offense which remain quiet through three periods responded as freshman Kaden Shahan took a pass from Ethan Gardula and roofed it for his fifth goal of the season, cutting the Badgers lead to one. UConn found the equalizer when Joey Muldowney took the rebound and snuck it past the goaltender to tie the game at two. Wisconsin responded and retook the lead with two minutes remaining in the game. Following penalties on both teams, four on four hockey was played for the remainder of the game. The Huskies pulled Heaney in favor of an extra attacker, but a Wisconsin empty net goal secured the win for the Badgers.  Nick Carabin scored with one second remaining to cut the Badger lead to one but the Huskies comeback bid would fall short.

UP Next: The Huskies will return home and turn their attention to a one game matchup at Harvard on January 4. Puck drop  is scheduled for 7pm and can be streamed live on ESPN+.