Period Recap
UConn started out with a strong offensive possession in the opening minutes, holding the puck in Union's zone for a solid chunk of minutes but getting only one shot on net and a couple others that flew wide of anything. Then Union began their attack – a peppering of shots on Rob Nichols ending in a shot that by first glance caught the top corner but instead ricoheted off the post and on the line, allowing Nichols to snowman on the puck for to kill the attack.
Soon thereafter, the first penalty of the game was called, favoring the Huskies. Sebastien Gingras was called for tripping, but UConn couldn't make too much out of it. When Gingras got back on the ice Union launched a shot from the left slot that pinged off the left post under Nichols' blocker. Another followed soon after that sailed high and UConn was able to regain their composure and garnered another penalty, this time on Daniel Clampini.
This power play was a bit more eventful, and the crowd finally found itself into the game. UConn took four shots on the power play and all were decent attempts at goal. With every bounce of the puck the crowd reacted. It seems fairly evenly-split between Union and UConn fans, with UConn holding a 60/40 split. A few UConn chants were followed by taunts, but the crowd has been mostly families and generally interested casual fans. The penalty ended unceremoniously but UConn brought the crowd to their feet with a fantastic goal by Kirtland a few minutes later at 16:35.
Not too soon after the Huskies were done celebrating did Union get called for another trip – this one given to center Eli Lichtenwald. UConn seemed to be draining clock early, but snuck in a few chances late in the power play to keep Union on their toes. The penalty ended with about one minute left, just enough time for Union to push forward once more. Union's Ryan Scarfo had two really good chances, one stopped by Nichols right leg and one stopped by the side of the net. Union's leading goal scorer Mike Vecchione got off one more shot but it too was saved. The period ended with UConn taking a one-goal lead into the locker room.
Goals
UConn
16:35 - Patrick Kirtland. Assisted by Jacob Poe.
Union
NONE
Penalties
UConn
NONE
Union
6:04 – Sebastien Gingras; TRIPPING
11:21 – Daniel Clampini; TRIPPING
17:02 – Eli Lichtenwald; TRIPPING