Dezainde Scores Twice, Including Game-Tying Goal in Third Period; Shahan’s Defensive Heroics Preserve Tie in Overtime
STORRS, Conn. – UConn men’s hockey and Stonehill skated to a thrilling 3-3 tie Tuesday evening at PeoplesBank Arena, with sophomore Carlin Dezainde scoring twice to lead the Huskies’ comeback effort. The game remained deadlocked through overtime, with UConn’s Kaden Shahan delivering crucial defensive plays to prevent a Stonehill overtime winner.
The Huskies (7-5-3) controlled the opening period and built an early lead, but the Skyhawks (1-12-1) stormed back in the second period with three consecutive goals to take a 3-2 advantage heading into the third. UConn’s balanced attack and resilience forced overtime in a back-and-forth contest that showcased both teams’ commitment to competing at the college hockey level.
Game Details:
- Date: November 25, 2025
- Time: 6:00 PM ET
- Location: PeoplesBank Arena, Storrs, Connecticut
- Attendance: 4,138
- Referees: Alex Berard, Austin O’Rourke
- Linesmen: Kevin Briganti, Nicholas Briganti
First Period: Huskies Strike Early
UConn came out aggressively from the opening faceoff, with the team’s speed and attack pressuring the Stonehill defense early. The Huskies’ forechecking intensity forced the Skyhawks into an early penalty, and UConn capitalized on the power play opportunity.
With 8:13 elapsed in the first period, Kaden Shahan kept the puck in the offensive zone, collecting it and finding Carlin Dezainde in the slot. Dezainde’s finish gave UConn a 1-0 lead, with assists credited to Mike Murtagh and Anthony Allain Samake. The goal came on the power play and marked Dezainde’s fourth goal of the season.
UConn’s defense held strong for the remainder of the period, with goaltender Tyler Muszelik making several key saves to keep Stonehill off the scoreboard. The Huskies entered the first intermission with a 1-0 lead, controlling the tempo and limiting the Skyhawks’ scoring chances.
Second Period: Stonehill’s Comeback Surge
The second period began with UConn on the penalty kill after Ethan Whitcomb’s hooking penalty just one minute into the period. The Skyhawks capitalized quickly, with Joel Lehtinen beating Muszelik at 1:39 to tie the game at 1-1. Evan Orr and Pat Murphy earned assists on the power-play goal.
UConn responded swiftly, however. Just 37 seconds later, at 2:16, Kaden Shahan found the back of the net on even strength to restore the Huskies’ lead at 2-1. Gustafsson Nyberg and Dezainde assisted on the goal, marking Shahan’s fourth goal of the season.
The momentum shifted dramatically in Stonehill’s favor as the period progressed. The Skyhawks scored twice more to take control of the game. At 11:29, Justin Gibson beat Muszelik on even strength, assisted by Joseph Grainda and Joel Lehtinen, tying the game at 2-2. Minutes later, at 18:51, Justin Mexico scored on the power play to give Stonehill a 3-2 advantage heading into the third period. Evan Orr and Frank Ireland earned assists on Mexico’s goal.
UConn’s penalty kill struggled during the middle frame, allowing two power-play goals as Stonehill capitalized on their opportunities. The Huskies’ defense faced sustained pressure from the Skyhawks’ aggressive forecheck, and the team trailed heading into the final period.
Third Period: Dezainde Ties It Up
The third period became a battle of resilience and determination. UConn looked to mount a comeback while Stonehill sought to protect their one-goal lead. The Huskies’ pressure defense and offensive chances mounted as the period progressed.
Midway through the third period, at 10:15, Carlin Dezainde scored the game-tying goal on even strength, assisted by Alexandre Blais and Kaden Shahan. Dezainde’s backhand shot beat Stonehill goaltender Connor Androlewicz to knot the game at 3-3. The goal marked Dezainde’s fifth of the season and his second of the evening.
UConn had several opportunities to take the lead in the final minutes, including a shot by Kai Janviriya that found its way past the Stonehill goalie but failed to cross the goal line. Despite sustained pressure, the Huskies could not find the go-ahead goal, forcing the contest into overtime.
Overtime: Defensive Heroics Preserve the Tie
The overtime period featured back-and-forth action with both teams searching for the sudden-death winner. UConn controlled the puck early in the extra period but was unable to capitalize on their scoring chances.
Stonehill’s best opportunity came after a missed shot when the Skyhawks had a clear breakaway. Kaden Shahan’s all-out effort to skate back and block the shot prevented what could have been the overtime winner, showcasing the junior’s commitment to both ends of the ice.
UConn’s best chance came with under a minute remaining in overtime when Kai Janviriya fired a shot that found its way past Androlewicz but failed to cross the goal line. Neither team was able to find the back of the net during the five-minute sudden-death period, resulting in a 3-3 tie.
Dezainde’s Two-Goal Performance
Carlin Dezainde was the standout performer for UConn, recording two goals and one assist for three points. The sophomore’s ability to find open ice and finish in the slot proved crucial in keeping the Huskies competitive throughout the contest. Dezainde’s game-tying goal in the third period demonstrated his poise under pressure and his willingness to battle for the puck in critical moments.
Shahan’s Balanced Contribution
Kaden Shahan contributed one goal and one assist for two points while playing a crucial role on both ends of the ice. The junior’s even-strength goal in the second period kept UConn competitive when Stonehill was surging, and his defensive heroics in overtime prevented a Skyhawks overtime winner.
Huskies News
- UConn’s Fudd, Utah State’s Collins Lead USBWA Weekly Honors; Rhode Island Upsets No. 16 NC State
- UConn Men’s Hockey Splits Weekend Series with New Hampshire, Takes Game 1 4-1 Before Falling 4-3 in Game 2
- Fudd Scores 31, Strong Records 20-Rebound Double-Double as No. 1 UConn Survives No. 6 Michigan’s Rally, 72-69
- Pellerin Hat Trick Powers No. 9 UConn Past Vermont in Shutout Victory
Key Takeaways
- Dezainde’s Two-Goal Effort: Sophomore Carlin Dezainde scored twice, including the game-tying goal in the third period, demonstrating his offensive skill and poise in critical moments.
- Shahan’s Two-Way Play: Kaden Shahan contributed one goal and one assist while playing crucial defense, including a game-saving block in overtime.
- Stonehill’s Second-Period Surge: The Skyhawks scored three consecutive goals in the second period to take a 3-2 lead, showcasing their offensive capability despite their overall record.
- Overtime Heroics: Both teams had scoring chances in overtime, with Shahan’s defensive block preventing a Stonehill winner and Janviriya’s shot missing the goal line for UConn.
- Penalty Discipline: UConn took six penalties, including two that led to Stonehill power-play goals in the second period, highlighting an area for improvement.
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