UConn Men's Hockey News and Notes

UConn goalie Rob Nichols received another accolade for his performance against Maine. The NCAA named Nichols its weekly first star after turning away 82 of 83 shots against the Maine Black Bears this weekend. Nichols managed to stop a career-high 44 shots in Friday's win. His performance helped UConn earn three points on the weekend and moved the team to sixth in the Hockey East standings.

On Tuesday, two current Huskies and one future Husky were named to the NHL's 2016 Central Scouting mid-term draft rankings. Freshman forward Tage Thompson, currently with 18 points and tied for the lead nationally with 8 power play goals, is ranked 24^th among North American skaters. Thompson will likely be a second-round draft selection. Freshman defenseman Joe Masonius, who has registered 12 points on the year, is ranked 105^th. He was eligible for the 2015 draft but was not selected. Defenseman Adam Karashik, a 2016 or 2017 UConn commit, is ranked 162^nd. He has 10 points in 12 games playing at Avon Old Farms this season.

On WTIC's Coach's Show, Mike Cavanaugh revealed that sophomore forward Kasperi Ojantakanen will miss at least another three weeks with an MCL sprain. The injury occurred in the January 5^th win against Arizona State. A constant in the lineup his first two years, Ojantakanen has recorded a goal or an assist in 19 games this season.

Mike Anthony of the Hartford Courant reported sophomore Will Golonka has left the program. He intends to transfer to another program. In his two years at UConn, Golonka has struggled to crack the lineup. He only played in 3 games this season while recording 0 points. During his freshman year, he only played in 10 games and did not record a point.

The Huskies will be hosting Vermont this Friday at the XL Center. Tickets will be $8 at the door if you are wearing Whalers gear. The Huskies will then travel to Boston for a matchup with BC on Saturday. Earlier today BC Interruption shared a few thoughts on the positive direction of the UConn program.