University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
18-4-2, 11-2-1
Merrimack
4-17-3, 1-12-1
No. 5 UConn falls to Merrimack in Overtime
1/16/2026 6:36:00 PM | Women's Ice Hockey
NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. – No. 5 UConn women's hockey lost to Merrimack, 2-1 in overtime on Friday afternoon at Lawler Arena. UConn moves to 11-2-1 in Hockey East play and 18-4-2 overall this season.
The first period commenced with UConn's Brooke Campbell winning the opening faceoff. Both teams exchanged offensive attempts in the opening period with shots favoring the Huskies, 13-6. Taylor Belchetz and Adreanna Doucette, the respective goalies for UConn and Merrimack, each made several key saves, keeping the period scoreless.
UConn forward Ashley Allard opened the scoring seven minutes into the second period marking her sixth goal of the season, giving UConn a 1-0 lead. The Huskies pressure was evident with forward Julia Pellerin hitting the pipe twice during the period and several other shots on goal, but Merrimack's goaltender Doucette kept the UConn attack at bay with several key saves. Despite Merrimack's attempts to level the score, Belchetz denied their chances, maintaining UConn's 1-0 lead at the end of the period. Shots were in favor of the Huskies in the second period, 13-7.
UConn continued to control much of the puck possession in the third period, limiting Merrimack to just three shots on goal in the final 20 minutes of regulation. Despite having limited chances, the Warriors managed to find an equalizer with five minutes remaining in regulation, knotting the game at 1-1. The game remained tied, forcing a five-minute sudden-death overtime period where Merrimack found the game-winner, handing UConn its first loss since November 8.
The Huskies outshot Merrimack 37–17 and controlled the faceoff circle, winning 36 of 61 draws. UConn went 0-for-1 on the power play, while Merrimack did not capitalize on either of their two chances. UConn also blocked 15 shots compared to Merrimack's 13.
Up Next
UConn returns to the ice on Saturday, January 24 as the Huskies welcome No. 6 Northeastern to Toscano Family Ice Forum. Puck drop is set for 3:00pm. TICKETS
