STORRS, Conn. – The No. 9 UConn women’s hockey team (8-3-1, 3-1-0 Hockey East) is riding a wave of momentum as the Huskies prepare to host Vermont for a critical two-game Hockey East series this weekend at Toscano Family Ice Forum.
After a strong 8-3-1 start to the 2025-26 season, UConn has established itself as a legitimate national contender and the team to beat in Hockey East. The Huskies were voted to finish first in the Hockey East Preseason Coaches’ Poll and currently sit at No. 9 in the national rankings—their highest ranking in program history at this point in the season.
Season Summary: Building a Championship Foundation
The Huskies opened their campaign with a challenging test against No. 11 St. Cloud State during Hockey Night in Storrs on Sept. 26-27. UConn dropped the opener 2-1 but bounced back the following day with a 2-1 victory during Family Weekend, showcasing the resilience that would define their season.
A road trip to face No. 10 Clarkson on Oct. 3-4 produced mixed results—a 2-0 loss in the opener followed by a statement 3-2 victory over the ninth-ranked Golden Knights the next afternoon. The split demonstrated UConn’s ability to compete with elite programs and adjust on the fly.
The Huskies found their rhythm in mid-October, sweeping No. 15 Princeton at home during Breast Cancer Awareness and Pink The Rink weekends. UConn won 2-1 on Oct. 17 and followed with a dominant 3-0 shutout on Oct. 18, building confidence heading into a challenging stretch.
A road series at Mercyhurst on Oct. 24-25 tested the Huskies’ mettle. After a 1-1 tie (UConn won the shootout) in the opener, the Huskies held on for a 4-3 victory the following day, extending their unbeaten streak to four games.
Hockey East Play: Establishing Dominance
UConn opened Hockey East play with authority, sweeping Holy Cross in a home-and-home series on Nov. 1-2. Senior captain Kyla Josifovic delivered a dramatic overtime winner in the home opener, a 4-3 thriller on Nov. 1, before the Huskies traveled to Worcester and secured a 3-2 road victory the next day.
The Huskies’ toughest test came against Boston College on Nov. 7-8. UConn traveled to Chestnut Hill and completed a stunning comeback, defeating the Eagles 3-1 on Nov. 7. The following day at the Toscano Family Ice Forum during Junior Husky Club Day, Boston College delivered a gut-wrenching 2-1 victory with a goal in the final seconds, handing UConn its first Hockey East loss of the season.
Despite the heartbreaking defeat, the Huskies remain 3-1-0 in Hockey East play and have positioned themselves as the conference’s top team.
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Josifovic Leading the Charge
Senior captain Kyla Josifovic has been the catalyst for UConn’s success, leading the team with six goals and six assists for 12 points through 12 games. The veteran forward has recorded points in three of her last four games and has been the Huskies’ most consistent offensive threat.
“Kyla has been phenomenal for us all season,” head coach Chris MacKenzie said. “She leads by example every single day in practice and in games. Her overtime goal against Holy Cross was a perfect example of her clutch gene and her ability to elevate her game when we need it most.”
Josifovic’s leadership extends beyond the stat sheet. As a senior captain, she has set the tone for a young roster that features several key contributors in their first or second seasons with the program.
Balanced Scoring Attack
While Josifovic leads the way, UConn’s success has been built on balanced contributions across the lineup.
Meghane Duchesne-Chalifoux has emerged as a playmaking force with seven assists, while Brooke Campbell has chipped in with timely goals and strong two-way play. Megan Woodworth has provided secondary scoring with three goals, including a crucial tally in the series sweep of Holy Cross.
Freshman Julia Pellerin and sophomore Claire Murdoch have also made significant contributions, demonstrating the program’s depth and the development of younger players under MacKenzie’s system.
Goaltending Stability
Between the pipes, UConn has received solid goaltending throughout the season. The Huskies’ netminders have kept the team competitive in every game, making key saves in critical moments and giving the offense confidence to take calculated risks.
The goaltending tandem has posted a shutout (3-0 vs. Princeton on Oct. 18) and has consistently given UConn a chance to win, even in games where the offense has struggled to generate sustained pressure.
Vermont Preview: Keys to Sweeping the Series
The Vermont Catamounts (5-7-2, 2-3-1 Hockey East) enter Storrs struggling to find consistency. Vermont is coming off a series split against New Hampshire last weekend and sits in the middle of the Hockey East standings.
The Catamounts are coached by Jim Plumer, who is in his 14th season in Burlington. Vermont was voted to finish seventh in the Hockey East Preseason Coaches’ Poll and has struggled on the road this season with a 1-2-1 record away from home.
Offensively, Vermont has been led by junior forwards Kaylee Lewis and Stella Retrum, who each have nine points this season. The Catamounts have scored 28 goals while allowing 35, indicating defensive vulnerabilities that UConn will look to exploit.
Series History Favors UConn
UConn swept all three games from Vermont last season in the regular season, winning each contest by a single goal. The three-game sweep marked the first in the series’ history since the 2015-16 season and the sixth time overall that the Huskies have swept the regular-season series from the Catamounts.
UConn leads the all-time series 36-16-8, establishing clear dominance over its Hockey East rivals.
Keys to Success: What UConn Must Do
1. Establish Offensive Pressure Early
UConn has been at its best when dictating the pace from the opening faceoff. The Huskies must use their speed and skill to generate quality scoring chances early, putting Vermont’s goaltending and defense under immediate pressure.
With Vermont allowing 35 goals in 14 games (2.5 goals per game), the Catamounts’ defensive struggles present an opportunity for UConn’s balanced attack to capitalize.
2. Win Special Teams Battles
Special teams have been a difference-maker for UConn all season. The Huskies must stay disciplined to avoid giving Vermont power-play opportunities while capitalizing on their own chances with the extra skater.
Josifovic and the top power-play unit have been effective when given opportunities, and converting on the man advantage could be the difference in tight games.
3. Defend with Structure
While UConn’s offense has been potent, defensive structure and discipline will be critical. Vermont’s top players—Lewis and Retrum—are capable of creating offense in transition, so the Huskies must limit odd-man rushes and maintain gap control in the neutral zone.
Solid defensive-zone coverage and strong goaltending will be essential to keeping Vermont’s offense in check.
4. Capitalize on Home Ice
Playing at the Toscano Family Ice Forum has been a significant advantage for UConn this season. The Huskies are 5-1-1 at home and have fed off the energy of their passionate fan base.
Friday’s game features a $2 Miller Lite promotion (while supplies last), while Saturday’s contest is Huskies and Heroes Day, honoring military members and veterans with free admission for those who show their Military or Veteran ID at the box office.
The home crowd will be a factor, and UConn must use that energy to set the tone early in both games.
Climbing the Rankings: What’s Next
With an 8-3-1 record and a No. 9 national ranking, UConn is positioned for a potential rise in the polls with strong performances down the stretch. The Huskies’ only losses have come against ranked opponents (St. Cloud State, Clarkson, and Boston College), and they’ve shown the ability to bounce back quickly after setbacks.
To continue climbing the rankings and solidify their status as a national championship contender, UConn must:
- Sweep Vermont to improve to 10-3-1 and 5-1-0 in Hockey East
- Win the Nutmeg Classic on Nov. 28-29, which features No. 7 Quinnipiac and another top opponent
- Dominate the remaining Hockey East series against Boston University, Providence, Maine, Merrimack, Northeastern, and New Hampshire
A strong finish to the first half of the season would position UConn for a top-five national ranking and a potential No. 1 seed in the Hockey East Tournament.
MacKenzie Building a Powerhouse
Head coach Chris MacKenzie has transformed UConn into a perennial Hockey East contender and a program with legitimate national championship aspirations. The Huskies’ balanced roster, strong leadership, and disciplined system have made them one of the most dangerous teams in the country.
“We have a special group this year,” MacKenzie said. “The leadership from our seniors, the development of our younger players, and the buy-in from everyone in the locker room has been incredible. However, we know we have a target on our backs as the preseason favorite in Hockey East, but we embrace that challenge. We want to prove we belong among the elite programs in the country.”
Game Details & Promotions
- Friday, Nov. 21 – 6:00 p.m.UConn vs. VermontToscano Family Ice Forum, Storrs, Conn.
- Promotion: $2 Miller Lite Night (while supplies last)
- Streaming: ESPN+
- Parking: $10 cash only in I-Lot
- Doors Open: 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 22 – 2:00 p.m.UConn vs. VermontToscano Family Ice Forum, Storrs, Conn.
- Promotion: Huskies and Heroes Day (free admission for Military/Veterans with ID)
- Streaming: ESPN+
- Parking: $10 cash only in I-Lot
- Doors Open: 1:00 p.m.
The Road Ahead
Following the Vermont series, UConn will host the Nutmeg Classic on Nov. 28-29, welcoming No. 7 Quinnipiac and another top opponent to Storrs for a showcase weekend. The Huskies then face No. 15 Boston University in a home-and-home series on Dec. 5-6, followed by Hockey East matchups with Providence, Maine, Merrimack, Northeastern, and New Hampshire.
With a favorable home schedule and momentum on its side, UConn has an opportunity to establish itself as the team to beat in Hockey East and a legitimate threat to win the program’s first national championship.
The Huskies’ combination of veteran leadership, emerging young talent, and a proven coaching staff has created a championship culture in Storrs. Now, it’s time to prove it on the ice.
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Go Huskies! Beat Vermont! 💙❤️🏒
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