Pellerin’s Late Heroics Deliver UConn Nutmeg Classic Championship

Huskies Edge Yale 3-2 on Last-Minute Goal; Josifovic Named Tournament MVP

STORRS, CT – Julia Pellerin scored with 1:35 remaining in the third period to lift UConn to a 3-2 victory over Yale and the 2025 Nutmeg Classic championship Saturday night at Toscano Family Ice Forum.

The dramatic finish capped a tense back-and-forth battle between the in-state rivals before a crowd of 674. Kyla Josifovic earned tournament MVP honors, while Pellerin and Ashley Allard joined her on the All-Tournament team.

Josifovic Powers Go-Ahead Goal

UConn (12-3-1) seized a 2-1 lead at 6:48 of the third period when Josifovic converted a power-play opportunity, assisted by Claire Murdoch. The Huskies capitalized after Yale was whistled for too many players on the ice.

Yale (8-6-0) responded quickly, tying the game at 2-2 when Hannah Weyerhaeuser scored at 9:03, assisted by Carina DiAntonio and Jordan Ray. The goal set up a frantic final 10 minutes.

Pellerin Delivers Championship Moment

With time winding down and the championship on the line, Pellerin found space and buried the game-winner with assists from Julia Stephen and Murdoch. Yale pulled goaltender Anna Phillips in the final minute, but UConn’s defense held firm to secure the title.

Chan Stands Tall in Net

UConn goaltender Tia Chan delivered a stellar performance, stopping 46 of 48 shots to earn the victory. Chan faced constant pressure throughout the night, particularly during a late second-period Yale power play when the Huskies’ defense blocked multiple shots to preserve the 1-1 tie.

Yale outshot UConn 48-42 overall, including a 17-16 edge in the opening period.

First Period: Trading Early Blows

Christina Walker opened the scoring for UConn at 5:38 of the first period, converting an even-strength goal assisted by True Thompson and Maya Serdachny. The Huskies controlled early possession before Yale responded.

Jordan Ray tied the game at 8:54, assisted by DiAntonio and Weyerhaeuser, sending the teams into the first intermission deadlocked at 1-1.

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Second Period: Defensive Battle

The middle frame featured scoreless, defensive hockey with both goaltenders standing tall. Pellerin hit the post midway through the period, narrowly missing a chance to break the deadlock.

Yale earned a power play at 17:48 when Pellerin was called for slashing, but the Bulldogs couldn’t capitalize. UConn’s penalty kill unit blocked four shots during the two-minute advantage, keeping the game tied heading into the final period.

Third Period: Championship Drama

The final 20 minutes delivered championship-caliber intensity. After Josifovic’s power-play goal gave UConn the lead, Weyerhaeuser’s equalizer set up the dramatic finish.

Both teams traded scoring chances in the closing minutes. Offsetting penalties for roughing (Naomi Boucher of Yale) and holding (Maya Serdachny of UConn) at 16:21 kept the game at even strength for the decisive moments.

Pellerin capitalized just four seconds after the penalties expired, beating Phillips from close range to send the Huskies’ bench into celebration.

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Statistical Breakdown

Yale held slight edges in shots (48-42) and faceoffs (22-20), but UConn’s efficiency proved decisive. The Huskies converted one of two power-play opportunities while Yale went scoreless on two chances.

DiAntonio led Yale with two assists, while Ray and Weyerhaeuser each recorded a goal and an assist. Murdoch paced UConn with two assists.

Phillips made 39 saves in the losing effort for Yale, while Chan’s 46 saves earned her the victory.

Tournament Honors

Josifovic’s tournament MVP performance highlighted a strong weekend for the Huskies. The forward’s power-play goal proved crucial in the championship game, and her overall tournament play earned top honors.

Pellerin’s game-winning heroics secured her spot on the All-Tournament team alongside teammate Allard, who contributed throughout the weekend.

Looking Ahead

UConn improved to 12-3-1 overall with the tournament championship and will return to Hockey East action Friday, Dec. 6, when the Huskies host Boston University at 6 p.m. ET at Toscano Family Ice Forum.

Yale dropped to 8-6-0 on the season and will look to regroup as the Bulldogs continue their schedule.

The Nutmeg Classic championship adds another signature victory to UConn’s impressive season as the Huskies build momentum heading into conference play.

Game Summary

• UConn 3, Yale 2
• Date: November 29, 2025
• Location: Toscano Family Ice Forum, Storrs, Conn.
• Attendance: 674
• Officials: Referees: Amanda Tassoni, Tasha Adams; Linesmen: Abbey Torres, Sarah Hickman

Scoring Summary:

First Period

• UCN: Walker, Christina (Thompson, Serdachny) EV, 5:38
• YAL: Ray, Jordan (DiAntonio, Weyerhaeuser) EV, 8:54

Second Period

• No scoring

Third Period

• UCN: Josifovic, Kyla (Murdoch) PP, 6:48
• YAL: Weyerhaeuser, Hannah (DiAntonio, Ray) EV, 9:03
• UCN: Pellerin, Julia (Stephen, Murdoch) EV (GW), 18:25

Goaltending:

• Yale: Anna Phillips (L) – 39 saves on 42 shots
• UConn: Tia Chan (W) – 46 saves on 48 shots

Shots on Goal: Yale 48, UConn 42Power Plays: Yale 0-2, UConn 1-2Faceoffs: Yale 22-26, UConn 26-22

Tournament Awards:

• MVP: Kyla Josifovic (UConn)
• All-Tournament Team: Julia Pellerin (UConn), Ashley Allard (UConn)

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