Connecticut clinched a spot in the Toyota UConn Hockey Classic championship game with a 3-0 shutout of Army on Thursday evening in front of a crowd of 1,139.
UConn will look to extend its four-game winning streak as it faces the Falcons of Bowling Green, who defeated UMass to advance to the championship, at 7:15 p.m. at the Mark Edward Freitas Ice Forum on Friday evening. The game was also an Atlantic Hockey contest.
Junior Scott Tomes had a stellar game between the pipes for the Huskies with 35 saves, 17 of which came in the first period. The Black Knights outshot UConn 35-18, but were unable to convert on their four power-play opportunities, including a five-minute major in the first period given to Matt Scherer.
“You always worry about coming off a long break,” Army head coach Brian Riley said. “We knew the first goal was going to be big.”
Brad Roberts made 15 saves for the Black Knights, while Scott Tomes made 35 saves for the Huskies. Army held a 35-18 advantage in shots on goal, but could not get anything past Tomes.
“Our forwards were able to control the puck down low,” Riley said. “The effort was certainly there tonight.”
The first period remained scoreless for both teams. UConn took only four shots on goal in the first stanza, but made up for it in the second witheight, including scoring the game-winner.
Senior captain Chris Uber, on an assist from junior Cole Koidahl, set off the lights and buzzers at the 17:07 mark of the period on a power play.
UConn did not score again until the third period when sophomore Charles Solberg came around the back of Army’s net on the right side, took a pass from teammate Trevor Stewart and slid the puck past Army goalie Brad Roberts for the Huskies’ second goal of the night.
The final goal of the game csme over 11 minutes later on another power play. Junior B.J. Crum, with an assist from freshman Nick Schneider, scored to bring the final to 3-0.
