UConn Claims Connecticut Ice Title, Eyes Bigger Goals Ahead

In a region rich with college hockey powerhouses, UConn has often found itself on the outside looking in. The Huskies, long defined by what they haven’t achieved—no NCAA Tournament appearances, no Hockey East titles, and no claim as the best team in their home state—just took a major step forward.

On Saturday night, UConn captain Hudson Schandor lifted the Connecticut Ice Tournament trophy high in the air at Sacred Heart’s Martire Family Arena, marking a symbolic shift. With hard-fought wins over Quinnipiac and Sacred Heart, the Huskies finally asserted their dominance within the state, setting their sights on even greater challenges.

Breaking the Quinnipiac Curse

For UConn, Quinnipiac has been the ultimate roadblock, with the Bobcats taking them down in every previous Connecticut Ice Tournament. Each of the last three years, they entered the third period tied, only to come up short. This year, though, things changed.

“Going into the third period, I told the kids I wanted this,” said head coach Mike Cavanaugh. “To beat a great team like that, you have to be tough, gritty, and full of competitors. I feel we have that in spades.”

The hero of the night? Junior forward Ryan Tattle, who returned to the team Friday morning after a whirlwind trip home to Vancouver for a family matter. Tattle wasted no time making an impact, scoring the opening goal with a pinpoint shot, then drawing a penalty, winning the ensuing faceoff, and netting the game-winner with just 0.5 seconds left in regulation.

“We knew we hadn’t beaten them in a close game like that,” Tattle said. “We weren’t going to hide from it.”

No Fear in the Final

Rolling into Saturday’s championship game against Sacred Heart, UConn carried a quiet confidence. With Mötley Crüe’s “Kickstart My Heart” blaring through the arena halls, the Huskies came in with a swagger that matched their on-ice performance.

Freshman center Filip Sitar opened the scoring early, and it was all the Huskies needed. Goalie Tyler Muszelik turned away 23 shots, defenseman Tom Messineo made a clutch goal-line save, and forward Jake Richard sacrificed his body to block a shot in the dying seconds to secure a shutout victory.

Cavanaugh sees this tournament as more than just a trophy—it’s preparation for the challenges that lie ahead.

“That’s why I love this tournament,” he said. “It’s a dress rehearsal. We hope to be in the Boston Garden for the Hockey East Championship, and this is where you learn to win big games.”

A Team Without Superstars, But Full of Fight

Statistically, UConn doesn’t jump off the page. Sophomore Joey Muldowney leads the team with a modest 23 points, and they don’t rank in the top 15 in major offensive or defensive categories. Yet, facing the nation’s 6th-toughest schedule, they’ve continually risen to the occasion.

Key wins over top-ranked Boston College, UMass Lowell, and Maine have proven the Huskies belong in the conversation. And while this past weekend was a battle for state supremacy, the team isn’t getting caught up in the moment.

“With Providence, UMass, Lowell, BU, and Maine still ahead, you can overwhelm yourself,” Cavanaugh said. “We’re just staying present and focusing on the game at hand.”

Next Man Up Mentality

UConn’s roster has undergone significant turnover, with seven freshmen regularly in the lineup and three key players departing via the transfer portal. But the Huskies have embodied a “next man up” mentality all season.

Sitar’s goal in the final marked his first at the collegiate level, a testament to the team’s depth and willingness to step up when called upon. And in net, Muszelik has anchored the team, allowing just one goal on 60 shots over the weekend.

“Anytime he’s in net, we’re full of confidence,” Schandor said.

Muszelik has shared the crease with freshman Callum Tung, with both goalies stepping in due to injuries and rotation decisions. Even third-string netminder Thomas Heaney has seen action when needed. No matter the challenge, UConn has found a way to adapt and push forward.

Looking Ahead

The Huskies’ journey is far from over. As the postseason looms, their margin for error tightens, but this weekend proved they can deliver under pressure.

“I don’t know if it was our best game from start to finish,” Cavanaugh said. “But we did what we came here to do—win a trophy.”

And with that, UConn’s path to becoming a true New England hockey contender continues.