DeAngelo’s Double Lifts UMass Hockey to Overtime Victory Over Providence
A thrilling overtime goal by sophomore Mikey DeAngelo propelled the #17/18 Massachusetts Minutemen to a 2-1 victory over #16 Providence College on Thursday night at Schneider Arena. The win improves UMass’s record to 8-6-0 overall and 2-4-0 in Hockey East play,while Providence falls to 5-5-2 and 3-3-1 in league action.
Minutemen Secure Hard-Fought Road Win
The contest was a tightly contested affair, with both teams battling fiercely throughout. According to the UMass head coach, “It looked like a UMass hockey team out there,” a sentiment reflecting a much-needed strong performance. “Some nights this year it hasn’t looked that way. Tonight, we did.It was a hard-fought game, they always are here.I’m very proud of the guys. They followed the game plan well, and they competed for 60 minutes and earned a win in a tough place to play.”
DeAngelo Breaks Deadlock in Second Period
After a scoreless first period, where UMass’s best opportunity came from a denied partial breakaway by DeAngelo, the sophomore forward finally broke the deadlock late in the second. At the 15:15 mark, a sequence initiated by freshman Justin Kerr – who collected the puck behind the net and passed to senior Lucas Ölvestad – culminated in DeAngelo capitalizing on a rebound for a crucial goal.
Friars Respond, Setting Stage for Overtime
Providence answered back with just under three minutes remaining in regulation. Julius Sumpf and Will Egler won a corner battle, setting up Roger McQueen for a one-timer that leveled the score at 1-1 at 17:13 of the third period.
Overtime Heroics Seal Victory for UMass
UMass dominated the extra period, outshooting Providence 3-0 and winning 5 of 6 faceoffs. DeAngelo secured the win at 4:15 of overtime,receiving passes from freshmen Václav Nestrašil and sophomore Francesco Dell’Elce,skillfully maneuvering through the Friars’ defense,and finishing with a backhander past goaltender Philip Svedebäck.
Statistical Highlights and Goaltending Standouts
Providence finished the game with a notable 49-30 shot advantage. Despite the shot disparity, UMass’s penalty kill proved effective, going 3-for-3, while their power play struggled, converting only 1 of 4 opportunities. The Minutemen controlled faceoffs, winning 40 of 62 (55.6%), led by freshman Jack Galanek‘s impressive 19-for-35 performance (54.3%).
Junior goaltender Jackson Irving delivered a stellar performance, making a career-high 48 saves for UMass. Svedebäck, in net for Providence, stopped 28 shots.
Next Up: Rematch at Mullins Center
The two teams will conc
