BURLINGTON, Vt. – Vermont scored three goals in 6:18 of game action in the second period as they defeated Holy Cross 4-2 Friday evening in their Hockey East opener from Gutterson Fieldhouse. With the win Vermont improved to 3-2-0 on the campaign while the Crusaders fell to 1-6-0.
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COACH'S QUOTE
"It's great to get a win to start the Hockey East season but I know we can play sharper and more consistently," Head Coach
Jim Plumer said. " Blanka Škodová was outstanding in net and credit to Holy Cross for a great comeback. I am happy with the points but know this team has more in them."
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Vermont controlled much of the play in the opening period outshooting the Crusaders 12-4 but couldn't solve Holy Cross' Jada Brenon. 3:18 into the second period Corrine McCool got UVM on the board on its second power play of the contest. From below the faceoff dot she one-timed a pass from Maude Poulin-Labelle for her first goal of the season. Natálie Mlýnková earned the secondary assist on the goal.
- At the 7:12 mark of the period Sara Levesque scored her first of the season to double the Catamounts advantage. Off a set faceoff play UVM controlled the play and setup their opportunity. Lily Humphrey fired a point shot and Levesque deflected it in front past Brenon.
- Just 2:24 later UVM struck again to make it 3-0 and chase Brenon from the contest. Mlýnková made a great move on a Holy Cross defender and Brenon was able to make a diving pad save but the rebound went right to Kristina Shanahan who put it home into the empty net for her second goal of the season.
- Holy Cross got one back 3:23 into the third period. Millie Sirum skated in on a breakaway and beat UVM's Blanka Škodová just under the blocker for her first goal of the season.
- Holy Cross' Darci Johal made it a one-goal game with 9:19 left in the third period with her first career goal. Johal intercepted a cross-ice feed and skated in alone on Škodová before going bardown for the tally.
- Hailey Burns reestablished Vermont's two-goal edge with 7:03 left in the third. Shanahan had two defenders on her along the outer hash marks and found Burns alone in the slot. Burns ripped a quick shot past Holy Cross' Madison Beck for her first of the season.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Corinne McCool and Maude Poulin-Labelle were tied for the game-high in shots with six apiece.
- Blanka Škodová made 11 saves in the third period and earned her third win of the season.
- Vermont is now 7-2-1 all-time against the Crusaders.
- With today's win, Vermont Mutual Insurance Group will donate $100 to Vermont Foodbank as part of the Cats Win, Community Wins initiative. Vermont Mutual has committed to donating $15,000 to Vermont Foodbank for the 2021 season. A special thank you to Vermont Mutual Insurance for their support. Vermont Mutual Insurance, protecting Vermonters since 1828.
WHO'S NEXT
Vermont returns home on Sunday at 2 p.m. as they host Merrimack at Gutterson Fieldhouse. As it will be all season the Hockey East action will be streamed live at CollegeSportsLive.com/hockeyeast with Brian McLaughlin on the call.
