Blades, the game seemed to change when UConn scored to take a 3-2 lead in the 3rd period. Up until that point, Union probably had the edge in play territorially and better scoring chances. That being said, all 3 of UConn goals were spectacular. The first was on a nifty pass to a guy streaking towards goal, the second was an incredible backhanded, off balance slap shot that was perfectly placed, and the third was on a tremendous slap shot pretty point blank by the freshman.
Right after UConn went up 3-2, Union had a breakaway and the Union player got taken down. The refs immediately and properly whistled the UConn guy who took down the Union player who broke away. All of a sudden I see a hockey stick flying towards the ref and it almost hit him! At first I thought the penalized UConn player threw the stick and then I realized the Union player had done it. I don't know if he thought that a penalty had not been called, or if he was just frustrated but I never saw a hockey stick thrown at a ref in a hockey game before this. So Union's player got 2 minutes for "embellishment" and a 10 minute game misconduct which washed out the Union power play, although UConn then picked up another penalty which they killed.
Then with just over 5 minutes to go, right in front of me, a defenseless UConn player with his back to the play got his head smashed into the boards harder than I have ever seen. This ended up being a game misconduct as well, Union player was ejected and UConn had a 5 minute power play basically to end the game. These penalties basically sank Union's chances to tie the game.
The UConn player who got boarded was motionless for a few seconds and honestly I thought the kid was out cold and would have to be stretchered off the ice, that is how hard he was hit. I was also thinking possible neck injury and paralysis because his head looked like it snapped back as he was smashed into the boards. However after being down for a few minutes he skated off under his own power. That kid likely has a concussion at least.
It was an enjoyable game but the crowd was not very big and there was a large group of Union fans in front of me, I would say it was 50-50 between UConn and Union fans at the arena.
I ate some pepperoni pizza ($4.25 per slice) and frozen custard ($6) at the game. My buddy had a cup of Heineken for which they charged him $9. While parking in the garage was $20 for the UConn-Columbia basketball game, it was only $10 for the hockey game. My ticket was $25 and I had a really good seat with good view of the action. My buddy and I both enjoyed the game.
This post was edited on 12/28 11:25 AM by KhalidShockedTheWorld
