WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (November 21, 2024) – The Western New England women's ice hockey team fell in a rare Thursday night game from the Olympia Ice Center, seeing the Nor'easters from the University of New England find the back of the goal with 5:34 remaining in the third period to come away with a Conference of New England (CNE) victory, defeating the Golden Bears by a final score of 1-0. 

Records:

• Western New England: 5-2, 1-2 CNE
• University of New England: 2-4, 2-3 CNE

How it Happened:
An early first shot of the game came off UNE's stick as Jamie Ryan quickly tested Western New England starting goalkeeper Kayla Ireland. However, the junior was square to the shot, keeping the visiting Nor'easters off the board early. UNE took three of the first four shots overall in the game, with Kelsey Joiner taking a shot just over a minute into the game, though the shot was blocked. Western New England's first shot on goal came from Ziya Damas, who got a shot through to UNE's Kaleigh Laurendeau. WNE picked up five quick shots over the next three-minute span, but none found the back of the net as the UNE defense disallowed pucks from getting on goal. The Nor'easters picked up the next five shots of the game, forcing Ireland to make three saves while AnnaBelle Calvanese blocked one shot. Western New England took 25 total shot attempts in the first period, with over half of the shots being blocked by the Nor'easters. Western New England had the lone powerplay of the first period, taking four shots, three of which were blocked. WNE carried much of the momentum in the final ten minutes of the first period but was outshot 10-4 in the period by UNE. Neither team found the back of the net in the opening 20 minutes. Mabel Gerard was a perfect 3-for-3 in the faceoff circle in the opening frame while taking two shots.

The Golden Bears had the first three shots of the second period, all coming within the first minute of the frame. Jenna Lynch took two shots, and Valerie DuVal had the other, though UNE's Kaleigh Laurendeau made all three saves. UNE followed with the next three shots overall, yielding three different results: Kelly McCarthy's shot was saved by Kayla Ireland, Lanie Lemieux's shot went wide of the net, and Julia Weiner's shot was blocked. Five minutes into the second period, the Golden Bears went on their second powerplay of the game, getting four shots on goal, including two from graduate student Alyssa Murphy. Fifty-five seconds into the WNE powerplay, the Nor'easters took another penalty, giving the Golden Bears a five-on-three powerplay for over a minute. Western New England took three more shots during the chance, but Laurendeau made all seven saves on the WNE powerplays, keeping the Golden Bears from scoring. In total, WNE put up ten shots on goal over the four minutes of powerplay but could not find the twine. WNE continued shooting, but UNE's defense remained strong, blocking another 12 WNE shots in the second period. The Nor'easters got their first powerplay chance in the second period, picking up five shots overall during the opportunity, all saved by Ireland. With 1:15 left to play in the second frame, the Nor'easters earned another powerplay opportunity, which carried over into the third period after UNE took three additional shots in the final minute of play. All were saved as the two teams headed into the final frame tied at zero. The teams combined for 70 total shots in the second period, while the University of New England outshot Western New England 18-17 on goal. Ireland and Laurendeau made all the saves in the frame and in the game.

The first minute of the final period featured two shots on the UNE powerplay as Danielle McCarthy and Mackenzie O'Leary attempted to break the scoreless draw. However, Ireland continued to stand tall for the Golden Bears. Western New England sustained its offensive pressure, registering nine shots in a two-minute span, though only two made it on goal, both saved. UNE scratched for the first goal midway through the third period, taking three consecutive shots that went wide of the net. The Nor'easters eventually broke through with just 5:34 remaining when Hannah Humes took a clearing attempt off the boards, skated the puck down the left wing, and roofed a shot over Ireland's glove to give UNE a 1-0 lead. That shot proved to be one of the last for UNE as the Golden Bears, now trailing, pressed hard to find an equalizer. WNE took 17 shots in the final four minutes of the game, but only three were on target, all saved by Laurendeau, who preserved the shutout and secured a 1-0 road victory for the University of New England.

Inside the Lines:

• Western New England women's ice hockey attempted 97 total shots in the game but put only 30 on goal, all saved by UNE's Kaleigh Laurendeau.
• Hannah Humes scored her first goal of the season and eighth career goal, securing the win for UNE with just over five minutes remaining. It was her third career game-winner.
• Kayla Ireland made 38 saves on 39 shots, achieving a .974 save percentage.
• UNE blocked 42 of Western New England's shots, led by Humes with nine blocks. Every UNE skater except one (non-goalie) recorded a blocked shot in the game.
• WNE excelled in the faceoff circle, winning 37 of 51 faceoffs. Valerie DuVal led the way, winning 15 of 17.
• The Nor'easters defeated the Golden Bears for the first time in four meetings and earned their first road win against WNE since 2022.

Up Next on the Schedule:

• Western New England will travel to Alfond Forum on Saturday, November 23, for a 4:00 PM rematch with the Nor'easters.