“Alaska Showdown: UConn Huskies Take the Crown!”

Box Score

MILWAUKEE, Wisc. – The UConn men’s hockey squad commenced the Holiday Face Off Tournament with a dominant 4-1 triumph over Alaska Fairbanks. The Huskies netted two goals in the opening period and maintained their advantage throughout. Freshman Callum Tung recorded 27 saves in goal.

Returning from an extended break, the Huskies appeared as if they hadn’t lost their rhythm as they swiftly overwhelmed Alaska Fairbanks, scoring two goals in the period. The speed of the Huskies created challenges for the Nanooks, compelling them to take penalties to halt breakaway attempts. During their first power play of the day, the Huskies’ special teams sprang into action and were rewarded as freshman Ethan Whitcomb received a pass from Kai Janviriya and sent it past the Alaska goalkeeper for the game’s opening goal. Following this goal, Alaska rallied but the Huskies’ defense and goalie Callum Tung kept the Nanooks from scoring. As the clock wound down and a faceoff was set in the Huskies’ offensive zone, graduate student Hudson Schandor secured the faceoff, with sophomore Jake Richard skating around defenders to find the net and extend UConn’s lead to 2-0 as they went into the intermission.

The Huskies’ offense continued to excel in the second period, with freshman Trey Scott going top shelf for the Huskies’ second power play goal of the afternoon and UConn’s third goal overall. Alaska struck back quickly, scoring a goal mid-period to narrow the Huskies’ advantage. Neither side was able to score again for the remainder of the period, allowing UConn to carry a two-goal lead into the final frame.

UConn managed to push its lead back to three goals in the third period, as pressure from the Huskies led to a turnover where Tabor Heaslip took a shot that was saved, but junior Jake Percival capitalized on the rebound for his eighth goal of the season. Freshman Callum Tung continued to impress in goal, limiting the Nanooks to just one goal. Tung concluded the game with 27 saves, marking his second victory of the season.

UP NEXT: UConn will await the outcome of the Wisconsin vs. Ferris State matchup. The Championship game is scheduled for 5pm and will be streamed live on BigTen+.