Wolf Pack Announce Player Moves

Forward Jake Elmer has been called up to the Wolf Pack from
the team's ECHL affiliate, the Maine Mariners.

HARTFORD—The Hartford Wolf Pack, the American Hockey League affilliate of the New York Rangers, announced today that the Rangers have reassigned forward Jake Elmer to the Wolf Pack from its ECHL affiliate, the Maine Mariners. In addition, the Wolf Pack signed forward Connor Bleackley to a professional tryout agreement (PTO).

Elmer has skated in two games with the Wolf Pack on the season, going scoreless with one minor penalty. The rookie out of the Western Hockey League, who was signed as a free agent by the Rangers March 15, 2019, has registered 12 goals and 11 assists for 23 points in 36 games with Maine, while serving 43 minutes in penalties. He ranks fourth on the Mariner team in goals.

Bleackley, a fourth-year pro out of the Western Hockey League, has seen action in ten AHL games this year with the Texas Stars, notching three goals and two assists for five points, along with six penalty minutes and a +1. In 15 ECHL games with Maine, the 6-0, 199-pound High River, Alberta native has five goals and five assists for ten points, plus 14 PIM, after having registered four goals and nine assists for 13 points, along with four PIM, in 18 games with the Idaho Steelheads.

The 24-year-old Bleackley spent last year with the San Antonio Rampage of the AHL, skating in 57 games and chipping in five goals and 11 assists for 16 points and posting 35 penalty minutes. He was a first-round pick (23^rd overall) by the Colorado Avalanche in 2014 and then re-entered the draft two years later and was selected in the fifth round (144th overall) in 2016 by the St. Louis Blues.

Prior to turning pro, Bleackley played 259 games over five seasons with the Red Deer Rebels of the WHL, amassing career totals of 80 goals and 103 assists for 183 points, plus 180 penalty minutes.

On Monday, the Wolf Pack signed Mike O’Leary to an AHL contract. A 6-1, 200-pound forward from Notre Dame, O’Leary played four years for the Fighting Irish. As a senior, the 22-year old winger scored nine goals and added 14 assists for 23 points, while serving 20 penalty minutes, finishing third on the team in points and goals.

In 151 career games at Notre Dame, the Halifax, Nova Scotia native amassed 20 goals and 37 assists for 57 points, along with 102 PIM. He helped lead the Fighting Irish to the NCAA Frozen Four twice (2016-17 and 2017-18), including an appearance in the championship final in 2018. O’Leary’s pre-college experience included two seasons (2013-14 and 2014-15) of action at Salisbury School in Salisbury, CT.

The Wolf Pack will host the Providence Bruins tonight at the XL Center. First puck drops at 7 p.m., and it “Click It or Ticket Hat Trick Packs will be available—two tickets, two sodas and one large popcorn for $40. Tickets are available at the XL Center box office or by calling 860-772-9425. For more information, visit www.hartfordwolfpack.com.

—Staff Reports

#hartfordwolfpack / @WolfPackAHL / #AHL / @TheAHL / @hartford_wolfpack / #hartford / #wolfpack / #wolfpackhockey /#hartford-wolf-pack /@NDHockey / #NotreDame

Sound Tigers Announce New Season Ticket Plan

BRIDGEPORT—The Bridgeport Sound Tigers, the AHL affiliate of the New York Islanders, announced today that their season ticket program will be revised beginning with the 2020-2021 season. According to the team, the new program will be “completely focused on improving the fan experience and rewarding the team’s most loyal supporters.”

The Sound Tigers will be moving to a membership-based program, which will include a simplified seating chart that’s centered around sitting wherever you want at Webster Bank Arena for the same price. There will be two options to choose from:

Base Membership ($500)

Become a member for less than $42 per month (12-month payment plan)

• Opportunity to sit wherever you want (one ticket to all 38 home games)
• Merchandise discounts throughout the 2020-21 season
• Concessions discounts throughout the 2020-21 season
• Two (2) exclusive team events with the Sound Tigers’ players and coaches

Premium Membership ($750)

Become a member for less than $63 per month (12-month payment plan)

• Opportunity to sit wherever you want (one ticket to all 38 home games)
• Guaranteed ticket to see the New York Islanders at NYCB Live
• Free parking all season ($380 value)
• Exclusive ticket member gift
• Free ticket to all home games during the first and second rounds of the 2021 Calder Cup Playoffs (if applicable)
• Two (2) exclusive team events with the Sound Tigers’ players and coaches
• Merchandise discounts throughout the 2020-21 season
• Concessions discounts throughout the 2020-21 season

“Our team has been carefully listening to the requests of Sound Tigers’ ticket holders and based on their feedback, we realize there is a tremendous opportunity for growth, and that will be a major focus moving forward,” President of Business operations Brent Rossi said. “The game-day experience has significantly changed in the last five years and we are committed to making the necessary investments and improvements to create unforgettable memories and experiences our most loyal fans.”

In the upcoming weeks, the Sound Tigers will be hosting three (3) Select-A-Seat events in which all new members may claim their seats for the 2020-21 season. These events will take place prior to home games on Mar. 15, Mar. 21 and Apr. 5. Those interested in attending should contact Brad Dworin at 203-345-4813 via email at  brad.dworin@harboryardse.com.

Each membership option will include the opportunity for a 12-month payment plan. In addition, any fan that renews or purchases a new full-season ticket package by April 5, 2020 will receive a free season ticket member jersey.   

“I want to make it very clear that we as an organization are committed to the Bridgeport community and we’re excited for what the future holds for our organization as a whole,” Rossi added. 

The Sound Tigers will return home to the Webster Bank Arena tomorrow to open a five-game homestand. On Wednesday, they will entertain the Toronto Marlies. First puck drops at 7 p.m. The remainder of the homestand will be:

• Sat., March 14 vs. Hartford, 7 p.m.
• Sun., March 15, vs. Springfield, 3 p.m.
• Fri., March 20, vs. Providence, 7:30 p.m.
• Sat., March 21, vs. Charlotte, 7 p.m.

Tickets are available at the Webster Bank Arena box office, or by calling 203-345-2300. For more information on the Sound Tigers’ various ticket options, click HERE.

—Staff Reports

Coronavirus KOs ECAC, Ivy Tournaments

The Ivy League announced today that its men's and women's postseason
tournaments have been cancelled because of the coronavirus outbreak.
As a result, the Yale men and Princeton women's teams, the regular-season
champs, have secured NCAA Tournament bids.

PRINCETON, N.J.—It was just a matter of time until the coronavirus affected sports in the Nutmeg State. Today, the CIAC announced that all high school winter sports state championship tournaments would be cancelled for this season. And then, the Yale men’s basketball team got word that there would be no Ivy League tournament compliments of COVID-19. Both men’s and women’s basketball are affected.

Instead of playing a postseason tournament, the Ivy League’s regular season champions, the Princeton women and Yale men, are the automatic qualifiers to the NCAA Tournaments. The decision has been made in accordance with the guidance of public health and medical professionals to discourage and limit large gatherings on campuses in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation.

“We understand and share the disappointment with student-athletes, coaches and fans who will not be able to participate in these tournaments,” Ivy League Executive Director Robin Harris said. “Regrettably, the information and recommendations presented to us from public health authorities and medical professionals have convinced us that this is the most prudent decision.”

Effective immediately, the League is also implementing highly-restrictive, in-venue spectator limitations for all other upcoming campus athletics events. The League is also canceling all out-of-season practices and competitions.

“Following a number of league-wide discussions throughout the last several weeks, we have decided to exercise caution in the interest of student-athletes, fans and the general community,” Harris said.

All policies regarding athletics activities are subject to change based on the ongoing review of circumstances.  Further details regarding the impact of coronavirus on Ivy League campuses will continue to be shared through institutional websites.

All tickets for the Ivy League Basketball Tournaments will be refunded in full. Ticket holders with any questions should contact the Harvard ticket office. Postseason competition may continue for winter teams in accordance with institutional policies.

—Staff Reports

Dangerfield Named Lieberman Award Finalist

Crystal Dangerfield (5) puts up a short jumper against USF in the
American Athletic Conference semifinals. Dangerfield was named one
of five finalists for the Nancy Lieberman Award, given to the top point
guard in Division I women's college basketball. (Photo by Bill Harper)

SPRINGFIELD, Mass.—Crystal Dangerfield has been selected as one of five finalists for 2020

Nancy Lieberman Award, as announced by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association. Now in its twenty-first year, the award recognizes the top point guard in women’s NCAA Division I college basketball. To be considered for this prestigious award, candidates must exhibit the floor leadership, play-making and ball-handling skills of Class of 1996 Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman.

Dangerfield leads UConn with 117 total assists and 4.0 assists per game. She ranks second on the team with 15.0 points per game, which is a career best. Dangerfield is shooting 41.8 percent from three this season.

The winner of the 2020 Lieberman Award will be presented at The College Basketball Awards presented by Wendy’s in Los Angeles on Fri., Apr. 10, along with the other four members of the Women’s Starting Five. Additional awards being presented include the Ann Meyers Drysdale Shooting Guard Award, the Cheryl Miller Small Forward Award, the Katrina McClain Power Forward Award and the Lisa Leslie Center Award, in addition to the Men’s Starting Five. Additional information about the telecast will be released by ESPN in the coming weeks.

A UConn player has won eight previous Lieberman Awards: Sue Bird (2000-02), Diana Taurasi (2003-04), Renee Montgomery (2009) and Moriah Jefferson (2015-16). Dangerfield is joined by Te’a Cooper (Baylor), Sabrina Ionescu (Oregon), Stella Johnson (Rider) and Tyasha Harris (South Carolina).

—Staff Reports

#uconn / #uconnwbb / #uconnhuskies / #UConnNation / @uconnwbb / #bleedblue

Huskies Top Bearcats, Complete Perfect AAC Run

By Bob Phillips

Defense is the Huskies' calling card. Here,
freshman forward Olivia Nelson-Ododa swats
away one of her four blocked shots for the game.

UNCASVILLE—Call it predictable. Call it inevitable. Whatever descriptor you choose, the outcome was the same as it ever was. UConn, the No. 4 ranked team in the country and the No. 1 seed in the American Athletic Conference women’s basketball championship tournament, defeated No. 3 seed Cincinnati, 87-53, at the Mohegan Sun Arena on Monday night. The game was also televised to a national audience on ESPN2.

Megan Walker led all scorers with 26 points. The 6-1 junior forward from Chesterfield, VA, shot 10-for-21 from the field, grabbed seven boards, and was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. Christyn Williams put up 22 points, grabbed eight boards and had two steals, while Crystal Dangerfield chipped in with 14 points and eight rebounds. Angel Rizor led Cincinnati a 16-points, nine-rebound performance and had two steals. Antoinette Miller added 15 points and four rebounds and IImar’I Thomas scored 14 points and pulled down five boards for the Bearcats.

After UConn took an early 7-4 lead, Rizor banged in a 15-foot jumper to cut the Huskies’ lead to one. After a basket by Anna Makurat, the Bearcasts again drew to within one at 14-13 before a trey by Williams staked the Huskies to a 17-13 advantage. Miller knocked down a jumper for Cincinnati at the end of the first quarter to trim the UConn lead to just 19-15 at the first turn.

Defense has been this team’s calling card, and that was apparent in the second quarter as the Huskies held the Bearcats to 18.2 percent shooting from the floor in the period (4-for-22). The offense also started to click. UConn opened the second frame with a 13-3 run, opening up a 32-18 lead. A highlight-reel layup by Dangerfield, and a transition lay-up by Williams after a steal pushed the Huskies’ lead to 48-26 at intermission. The Huskies shot 13-for-20 (65 percent) in the second period.

The third quarter proved to be more of the same more of the same. Four straight hoops and a trey from Walker gave the Huskies what would prove to be an insurmountable 56-32 lead.

But it wasn’t over.

A 9-0 Connecticut run put the Huskies up by 29 points, and UConn led 71-42 at the third turn.

And that, folks, was all she wrote.

THE SKINNY

The Huskies completed the sweep of the conference tournament in each of their seven seasons as a member of the AAC. Including their first stint in the Big East, this was Connecticut’s 15th conference tournament championship in the past 16 years. Overall, Connecticut UConn went 139-0 in the American (regular season and postseason tournament play) since joining the conference when it was formed in 2013, winning all but two games by double-digits.

“It’s not a lot of pressure; it’s more of a pride thing,” Walker said of her team’s amazing run in the AAC. In addition to her Most Outstanding Player honors, Walker was one of four Huskies to be named to the All-Tournament Team. “We wanted to get it done for our coach and the people who came before us. It’s something that we do. It’s understood.”

The Huskies, who also have won all seven AAC regular-season titles, kept their celebration subdued after the final buzzer sounded, trading hugs and dousing each other with confetti from a drink bucket. There are, after all, bigger fish to fry in the NCAA Tournament.

UConn, of course, is leaving The American and will re-join the Big East in all sports for the 2020-21 school year. (That’s except for football, which the Big East does not participate in. While Villanova plays in the Colonial Athletic Conference (CAA) and Georgetown is a member of the Patriot League in football, UConn will participate as an independent next season—and for the foreseeable future.

“They understand how hard it was,” added Geno Auriemma, who built UConn women’s basketball from scratch into one of the premier programs in college sports history. “This wasn’t easy at all. Sometimes we make it look easy, but it wasn’t easy at all. This one took a lot of work.”

2020 American Women’s Basketball Championship presented by Air Force Reserve

Most Outstanding Player

• Megan Walker, F, UConn

All-Tournament Team

• Megan Walker, F, UConn
• Christyn Williams, G, UConn
• Crystal Dangerfield, G, UConn
• Aubrey Griffin, F, UConn
• IImar’I Thomas, F, Cincinnati
• Angel Rizor, F, Cincinnati

—With Staff Reports

#uconn / #uconnwbb / #uconnhuskies / #UConnNation / @uconnwbb / #bleedblue

Huskies Rout USF, 79-39

Crystal Dangerfield (5) gets greeted by her Husky teammates during
UConn's rout over USF in the American Athletic Conference tournament
semifinals. Dangerfield had 13 points and six rebounds.
(Photo by Dustin Satliff/AAC)

By Bob Phillips

UNCASVILLE—It should surprise no one that the University of Connecticut Huskies won their semifinal match-up in their bon voyage to the American Athletic Conference tournament. After all, UConn has never lost a game—regular season or championship tournament—since joining the conference. Nor should it surprise anyone that the top-seeded Huskies won convincingly. Connecticut had beaten USF, the tournament’s No. 4 seed, by an average margin of 30.5 points, including an 80-39 rout at Gampel Pavilion just last week. Yesterday, the Huskies matched that margin, running roughshod over the Bulls by a score of 79-38 at the Mohegan Sun Arena, which has been the tournament’s home for the past several seasons.

Megan Walker led the way for the Huskies. The 6-1 junior forward from Chesterfield, Va., led all scorers with 21 points and grabbed seven rebounds for Connecticut, with two steals. Christyn Williams popped in 15 points and grabbed four boards, while Crystal Dangerfield added 13 points and six rebounds, and Aubrey Griffin contributed 10 points and four boards for the Huskies.

The Husky defense, meanwhile, did not allow a single USF player to reach double digits in scoring. Elena Tsineke led the way for South Florida with nine points, Sydni Harvey added seven points for the Bulls.

UConn led straight out of the gate, opening up an early 9-3 lead at the game’s first media time-out, holding the Bulls to 1-for-9 from the field and forcing six USF turnovers.

The Huskies’ lead reached double figures for the first time when Olivia Nelson-Ododa’s offensive rebound and put-back upped the Connecticut advantage to 11 points (14-3). After Dangerfield converted a steal into a layup, the score was 16-3 Connecticut, and the Huskies were off to the races. Literally. By the end of the first half, UConn had built a 38-17 advantage, and USF’s chances were about the same as any of the thousands of Husky fans in attendance hitting the lottery.

The second half became a rendition of the lyric “Second verse, same as the first!” made popular by Peter Noone and Herman’s Hermits in the classic song Henry the Eighth. The Huskies opened the third quarter with a 13-0 run, and led by 34 points at the third turn (56-22).

With the Huskies’ foot off the pedal (it would be nearly impossible to go all-out for 40 minutes in a rout of these proportions), USF went on a  7-0 run early in the fourth period, but the Huskies quickly routed the ship and cruised to an easy victory.

The Huskies now move on the AAC championship game on Monday night when they will face Cincinnati, the No. 3 seed. The Bearcats topped the No. 2 seed, UCF, 57-51 in the other semifinal on Sunday. And for anyone expecting anything resembling a close game, consider this: In the two games played between UConn and Cincinnati this year, the Huskies won both games with a 38.5 average margin of victory. In their last meeting two weeks ago, UConn walloped Cincinnati  by 47 points, 105-58, on the Bearcats home court.at the Mohegan Sun Arena is at 7 p.m., and the game will be televised on ESPN2. For full coverage of this week’s American Athletic Conference Women’s Basketball Championship, visit theamerican.org/wbb and follow @American_WBB on Twitter.

—with staff reports

#uconn / #uconnwbb / #uconnhuskies / #UConnNation / @uconnwbb / #bleedblue

Huskies Pull Out 80-76 Win at Tulane

Senior guard Christian Vital poured in a game-high 28 points to
lead UConn to an 80-76 victory over Tulane. It was the Huskies’
eighth victory in their last 10 games.

NEW ORLEANS—Christian Vital scored 28 points and Isaiah Whaley chipped in with a double-double (10 points, 10 rebounds) to lead UConn over Tulane, 80-76, at Devlin Fieldhouse on Sunday. It was the final regular-season game for both teams—who will meet again in the first round of the American Athletic Conference tournament, which starts Thursday in Fort Worth, Tex. Brendan Adams scored 12 points, while Josh Carlton Alterique
Gilbert and Whaley each added 10 points for the Huskies. Of Whaley’s 10 boards, six came off the offensive glass.

Christion Thompson led Tulane with 21 points, while Hightower scored 14 and Jordan Walker and Kevin Zhang chipped in with 12 points apiece.

The Green Wave led 41-39 at halftime. Eighteen seconds into the second half, Whaley converted a three-point play and the Huskies never looked back after that. Vital and Teshaun Hightower each made a pair of foul shots with 25 and 16 seconds left respectively, and Adams made 1 of 2 with 15 seconds remaining in regulation to give Connecticut its final margin of victory.

The Huskies, who have made a late-season surge, winning eight of their last 10 games, are now 19-12 overall (10-8 in the ACC), and are seeded fifth in the tournament. Tulane (12-18, 4-14) is the tourney’s No. 12 sees.

—Staff Reports

#uconn / #uconnwbb / #uconnhuskies / #UConnNation / @uconnmbb / #bleedblue

Sound Tigers Earn Comeback Shootout Win

The Sound Tigers came back from a third-period, three-goal deficit on the
road and captured a 6-5 shoot-out victory over the Lehigh Valley
Phantoms on Sunday.

ALLENTOWN, PA—The Bridgeport Sound Tigers, rallied from a three-goal deficit in the third period on Sunday to earn a 6-5 shootout win against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms before 8,500 fans at PPL Center on Sunday. It was the Phantoms’ 100th sell-out since moving to Allentown six years ago.

Newcomer Terry Broadhurst, who was acquired in a trade with Charlotte last Monday, scored once in regulation and ended the two-round shootout in just his third game with Bridgeport. Nic Pierog and Robert Carpenter also converted in a span of less than six minutes to turn a 5-2 deficit into a 5-5 deadlock, which forced overtime.

Travis St. Denis opened the scoring just 4:05 into the first period when he capitalized for the 11th time this season, tying Andrew Ladd for the second-most goals on the team. Nick Schilkey crossed the blue line at the left point and sent a diagonal pass to Jordan Schmaltz in the slot, who touched the puck to the right circle for St. Denis’ one-timer. It was his 63rd career goal with Bridgeport, tying Steve Bernier for fifth place on the team’s all-time list. In addition, Schmaltz logged his first point (assist) with the Sound Tigers.

The Phantoms responded with three straight goals to take a 3-1 lead into the final minutes of the first. Gerry Fitzgerald finished off a wraparound at the 10:19 mark, narrowly filtering a forehand shot under Christopher Gibson’s pads for his seventh goal. Reece Willcox followed with a one-time slap shot from above the right circle to give Lehigh Valley the lead and Isaac Ratcliffe scored a shorthanded goal at 17:38. Ratcliffe’s sixth goal of the season was knocked home on a two-on-rush led by Mikhail Vorobyev, who finished with a game-high three points for the home team (one goal, two assists).

Sebastian Aho got one back for Bridgeport with the afternoon’s only power-play goal, despite 13 combined opportunities in a penalty-filled affair. With Nate Prosser in the box for tripping, Aho settled Oliver Wahlstrom’s pass at the blue line and directed a long-range shot through traffic and past the blocker of Kirill Ustimenko. It was Aho’s third goal of the season and his team-leading 13th power-play point. St. Denis also logged another point with the secondary assist.

Lehigh Valley bounced back and extended its lead to a game-high three goals with the crowd cheering loudly in the background. Vorobyev registered his 12th goal of the season with a backhand shot from the right circle that found a hole on Gibson. More than a full period later, Greg Carey banked the puck ahead and sprung David Kase on a breakaway that he finished for his seventh goal of the year. It put the Phantoms on top 5-2 at 5:07 of the third.

A resilient Sound Tigers team, that scored six times in Lehigh Valley on Friday, bounced back with the next three goals in a span of 5:26 to tie the contest. Broadhurst made it 5-3 with his first goal of the season at 9:35, finding daylight just inside the left post and Ustimenko’s reaching glove. Less than three minutes later, Pierog settled Hutton’s pass and wheeled through the slot before beating Ustimenko with a wrister for his third goal of the season and second of the weekend. It was also his sixth goal against Ustimenko this season between the AHL and ECHL.

Carpenter completed the rally and tied the game at 15:01 of the third period with his fourth goal of the season and also his second of the weekend. Hutton fired a long-distance shot from the blue line that was deflected down in the low slot and Carpenter muscled it home.

Following a scoreless five-minute overtime session, Wahlstrom and Broadhurst each scored in a brief two-round shootout, while Gibson didn’t allow a single goal on two Phantoms’ opportunities. Wahlstrom improved to 3-for-4 in shootout attempts.

Gibson (9-8-5) made 20 saves on 25 shots against, while Ustimenko (1-3-1) turned aside 25 chances in his fifth AHL appearance. Bridgeport finished the game 1-for-8 on the power play and 5-for-5 on the penalty kill.

THE SKINNY

With the shootout victory,the Sound Tigers improve to 22-33-5-2, while the Phantoms slip to 24-28-2-7. The Sound Tigers ended their six-game season series with Lehigh Valley at 3-2-1-0 and won both games against the Phantoms on the weekend. The final three meetings in the series included 34 combined goals (17-17).

—Staff Reports

#soundtigers / @TheSoundTigers / #AHL / @TheAHL

Lillibridge’s Goal in 2nd OT Sends Union Packing

Sophomore defenseman Graham Lillibridge's goal in the second overtime
gave Yale a 2-1 win over Union. 

NEW HAVEN—Graham Lillibridge’s goal with 16:50 left in the second overtime gave the Yale Men’s Hockey Team a 2-1 win over Union in the finale of the best-of-three ECAC Hockey Series at Ingalls Rink. Lillibridge intercepted a clearing attempt on the left point, skated to the top of the circle and then released a shot that sailed over the glove of Dutchmen goalie Darion Hanson. That tally was the 52nd shot on target for Yale, which had 31 more of those than the visitors.

Lillibridge almost didn’t have a chance to be a hero. The Dutchmen put the puck in the net 1:43 into the second extra period, but a referee waved his arms to signal goalie interference as the Union players jumped on the ice to celebrate. The play was reviewed and confirmed as interference on Yale senior goalie Corbin Kaczperski, who had 20 saves and another fine performance.

“Their guy tried to clear it and he fanned on it a little,” said Lillibridge, a sophomore defenseman. “He put it on my tape. I had some time to walk it in with my head up. A guy came out and I was able to get around him and beat the goalie.”

Both teams had third-period and first-OT advantages that could have ended the game, but Kaczperski and Hanson kept coming up with the stops. The ice, tilted in favor of the Blue most of the game, was really a down-hill race for the home team as it out-shot the Dutchmen a combined 25-4 over those two frames.

Union found the net at 14:06 of the first period, and Yale answered at 5:15 of the second. Brett Jewell’s re-direction of a Jack St. Ivany shot from the top of the right circle evened the score at 1-1. St. Ivany shot it as Jewell was passing through the low slot and the puck glanced off the sophomore forward’s stick past Hanson, who finished with 50 saves.

“I really loved the way we were playing all game long, and it’s really hard to fight the frustration when you’re not getting the results you’re supposed to be getting,” Yale head coach Keith Allain said. “My emotions were about making sure their emotions were in check so we would be able to get the job done, and we did.” 

The win advances the Bulldogs to the ECAC quarterfinals where they will face arch-rival Quinnipiac, the No. 14-ranked team in the nation. Game One of the best-of-three series will be Friday night in Hamden.

—Staff Reports

#yalebulldogs @YaleMHockey @UnionMHockey #YaleHockey #UnionHockey #ECAC #ECACHockey

Black Wolves Foil Philly

The New England Black Wolves ventured to the City of Brotherly Love on
Saturday and came away with a 9-7 victory over the Wings.

PHILADELPHIA—The New England Black Wolves defeated the Philadelphia Wings, 9-7, on

Saturday afternoon and clinched the three-game season series between the teams. The Black Wolves improved to 8-3 overall and 4-0 on the road while the Wings fell to 7-6.

New England jumped out to a 2-0 lead over Philadelphia after scoring two power play goals. Rookie Andrew Kew netted in the first on a Callum Crawford assist and Jordan Durston found the back of the net for the second on assists from Reilly O’Connor and Kew.

Philadelphia also added a power play goal of its own to separate another pair of Black Wolves goals. Joe Resetarits and O’Connor scored two more goals to give New England a 4-2 advantage at the end of the first quarter. The Wings received first quarter goals from Cory Vitarelli and Liam Byrnes.

Kiel Matisz opened up scoring in the second to come within one of the Black Wolves but then Durston and Kew each grabbed their second goal of the contest to go up, 6-3 headed into the break. In between New England’s fifth and sixth goal, Matt Rambo slide one past Doug Jamieson in the net.

The first half proved to be aggressive as seven penalties were called on New England and four on Philadelphia. The Black Wolves converted on two of their four power play possessions and the Wings converted on two of their six opportunities. Across the stat line the Black Wolves were up 24-21 in shots, down 42-24 in loose ball recoveries, up 6-2 in caused turnovers and had committed less turnovers. Jamieson had tallied 17 saves on 21 shots on goal, while Zach Higgins of Philadelphia had recorded 18 saves on 24 shots on goal.

During the third quarter, Philadelphia was the only one to get on the board. Rambo and Vitarelli each put one past Jamieson, tallying their second of the game and tying the score at six apiece.

New England finally found rhythm again early in the fourth. Crawford contributed two goals for the game and Adam Bomberry added one of his own to put the Pack back up 9-6. Brett Hickey closed out the scoring on the day to make the final score 9-7 in favor of the Black Wolves.

The rivals finished the afternoon having committed 24 total penalties. New England spent 46 minutes in the box, 26 of which were spent by Colton Watkinson. Philadelphia spent 36 minutes in the box, 19 due to Ryan Wagner. The Pack executed two of its seven power play opportunities and the Wings converted three of its eight. The Black Wolves tallied 48 shots on goal, 59 loose balls, caused 10 turnovers and Joe Nardella went 9-of-20 on the X. The Wings fired off 51 shots on goal, collected 79 loose balls, caused three turnovers and Trevor Baptiste went 11-of-20 at the faceoff.

Crawford and Kew led the Pack for the second straight game with five and four points, respectively. Tony Malcom continued to lead the team in loose balls and now has 95 total for the season after grabbing a team-high eight on the afternoon. John LaFontaine caused a game-high three turnovers and tied his career-high for the third time in his career. Kevin Crowley led the Wings with three assists and Vitarelli and Rambo led their team with two goals apiece.

The Black Wolves will return to action for a double-header on the weekend of Mar. 14 and 15. The Pack travels to Buffalo to face the Bandits at 7pm on Saturday, Mar. 14 and then will return home to host the Calgary Roughnecks at 3pm on Sunday, Mar. 15. Tickets for the 2019-20 season are on sale now and start at $15 per game. For more information, call 844-LAX-WOLF or visit blackwolves.com.​

Game Leaders:

NE: C. Crawford 2G, 3A, 5P, A. Kew 2G, 2A, 4P, J. Durston 2G, 2P

PHL: K. Crowley 3A, 3P, C. Vitarelli 2G, 2P, M. Rambo 2G, 2P

—Staff Reports

@neblackwolves / #neblackwolves / #BlackWolves / #NLL / @NLL