Box Score

NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. -  The UConn men's hockey team fell in game one of a home and home series with Merrimack College Friday evening. The Warriors scored two goals and an empty net goal in the third period to come away with a 4-1 victory.

Merrimack jumped on the attack early, looking to avenge last weekend's series against the University of Maine where they were held scoreless and gave up 11 goals. The speed of the Warriors forced junior Tyler Muszelik to make numerous saves to keep the game scoreless early. After weathering the Merrimack attack, the Huskies settled in and went on an attack of their own. Despite being outshot early, the Huskies would go on to outshoot the Warriors 11-9 in the first but neither team was able to find the back of the net.

The Warriors once again jumped the Huskies to start the second period, this time the attack resulted in the first goal of the game for Merrimack. The Huskies had a chance to even the game shortly after following a Merrimack penalty, but Max Lundgren of Merrimack made multiple saves to keep the Huskies scoreless. UConn found the equalizer late in the second period on the power play, when Joey Muldowney fed defenseman trey Scott cross ice for the one timer. Neither team was able to take the lead late in the second as they entered the third period tied at one.

In the third period, following a turnover at the blue line by Viking Gustafsson Nyberg, Merrimack was alone on the breakaway and was able to score to take the 2-1 lead. Merrimack increased their lead midway through the third period as their pressure in the UConn defensive zone forced a turnover and they were able to capitalize. Merrimack would sink an empty netter to give them the 4-1 lead late in the third period. The three-goal deficit would be too much for the Huskies as they fell in the opening game of the home and home series with the Warriors.

UConn will return home to welcome Merrimack to Storrs to wrap up the weekend series. The game is set to begin at 3:30pm and can be streamed live on ESPN+.