UConn Huskies Win Back-to-Back CT Ice Championship with Third-Period Rally

The University of Connecticut men’s hockey team just showed up big time on the state stage, grabbing the CT Ice Championship with a dramatic 4–2 win over No. 6 Quinnipiac. Fans across Connecticut had plenty to cheer about as the Huskies rallied in the third period, mixing resilience, timely scoring, and clutch goaltending for their second straight title.

UConn Claims Back-to-Back CT Ice Championships

The crowd was buzzing, packed with fans from Storrs, Hamden, Hartford, and honestly, probably everywhere in between. UConn came in fired up to defend its crown, while Quinnipiac wanted those bragging rights back after climbing so high in the national rankings.

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The Huskies struck first and last. But the middle? It was anything but a stroll. This matchup just keeps fueling the rivalry between two programs that draw eyes from New Haven to Bridgeport, Danbury to Waterbury.

Heaslip Sets the Tone Early

Senior forward Tabor Heaslip got the party started with a short-handed breakaway in the first period. That goal put UConn up 1–0 and fired up the whole bench, while Quinnipiac fans from Hamden suddenly got real quiet.

Senior goalie Tyler Muszelik wasted no time getting dialed in. UConn’s defense clamped down, kept the Bobcats off the board all period, and set up a physical, fast-paced game.

Quinnipiac’s Second-Period Surge

The Bobcats answered in the second, and you could see why they’re ranked sixth in the country. Two deflected shots snuck past Muszelik, flipping the momentum and giving Quinnipiac a 2–1 edge.

Right at the buzzer, Quinnipiac took an interference penalty. UConn didn’t cash in on the power play to open the third, but that sequence definitely helped tip the ice back their way.

Freshmen Spark the Comeback

UConn’s tying goal came from a pair of freshmen who sure didn’t look like rookies. Alexandre Blais battled at the blue line and sent a perfect pass to Carlin Dezainde, who tipped it in for a 2–2 game.

The crowd went wild—alumni in New London, fans in Stamford and Norwalk, everyone was feeling it.

Percival Delivers the Championship Moment

Connecticut native Jake Percival delivered the moment of the night. After a rebound from Tristan Fraser, Percival crashed the net and slammed it home, giving UConn its first lead since the opener.

Quinnipiac pulled its goalie and threw everything forward, but Joey Muldowney iced it with an empty-netter under two minutes left.

Muszelik Anchors the Title Run

Muszelik racked up 28 saves and looked rock-solid all night. His calm presence made the difference as UConn held off Quinnipiac’s late push and finished off the championship.

What the Win Means for Connecticut Hockey

This victory really shows UConn’s rise as both a statewide and national contender. It also turns up the heat on one of Connecticut’s top sports rivalries.

From Storrs to Hartford and all along the shoreline, the Huskies’ repeat championship gives fans across the state something to brag about.

For Connecticut hockey supporters, the CT Ice Championship brought drama and talent again. It’s a sharp reminder that some of the country’s best college hockey lives right here at home.

Here is the source article for this story: Huskies Score 3 in 3rd Period, Defeat Bobcats for Back-To-Back CT Ice Championship – University of Connecticut Athletics

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