After weathering the storm last night in overtime, the Florida Ice Hockey Club was able to produce another victory against the University of Central Florida Knights Hockey Club. This time, off of power plays.
The Gators defeated UCF 4-2 on Saturday night at the Orlando IceDen for their last game of the regular season.
The first period started similarly to Friday night’s game, with the Gators on the Knights’ side of the ice. However, that changed, and the teams neutralized each other’s momentum.
After the first period of Friday night’s game, the Gators had 22 shots on goal, and the Knights had 11. But with 37.7 seconds left in the first period of Saturday night’s game, both teams had 11 shots on goal, seemingly more balanced.
Gators junior goaltender Connor Lee started the game sharp and continued making impressive saves until the end.
Going into the second period with zeros across the board, UCF’s graduate student forward Chris Hill opened the scoring with an assist by junior forward Jacob Graziotti.
With a tripping call on Knights sophomore forward Justin Stirling, the Gators got a power play and returned the favor to UCF. Florida freshman forward Sullivan Swiersz took the assist from junior winger Kegan Lampinen and scored, putting the Gators on the board with 6:30 left in the second period.
Lee’s night turned incredible once again, with a huge block on Knights freshman forward Aidan Lasky transforming a highlight goal into a highlight save.
Entering the third period knotted at one, the Gators went up from there.
While penalties from the in-state rivals were coming throughout the game, a crucial one came in the third period, causing a separation and sending Florida on a spree.
The fifth penalty of the game went to UCF’s sophomore forward Ethan Annexy for high-sticking against Florida’s freshman forward Ronny Kemly. And once again, UF used the power play to their advantage. Noah Horwitz had the quick release that got past Knights senior goaltender Drake Crawford, taking the lead 2-1.
Two more power plays later, the Gators established a three-goal cushion. This was the second time this weekend Florida found itself 4-1 against UCF in the third period.
Attempting to claw their way back again, the Knights could not make the comeback they wanted.
The final goal of the night – and both of UCF’s points this game – came from Hill with just under two minutes left in regulation.
Florida looks to continue its five-game winning streak going into the postseason.
The Gators will compete next against Florida Atlantic University in the College Hockey South Playoffs on Feb. 26 at the Panthers IceDen in Coral Springs.
Contact Nicole Scura at nscura@alligator.org. Follow her on X @NicoleScuraa.
Nicole is a sophomore journalism student in her first semester with the Alligator and she is the beat reporter for the University of Florida Ice Hockey Club. In her free time, Nicole enjoys figure skating, watching football (Go Bucs!), traveling and linedancing.
