UConn has an up and down weekend full of surprises

The UConn women’s ice hockey team began their weekend with a matchup against the University of Maine. Little did the Huskies know they were going to have to supply their first opponent of the weekend with the necessary hockey attire.

The Maine women’s hockey team had not packed their uniforms on the trip leaving their jerseys and socks six hours away at home. “I’ve been coaching for 21 years and I’ve never seen anything like that happen, but it happens,” UConn women’s ice hockey head coach Heather Linstad said.

The Black Bears wore various UConn men’s hockey sweaters and socks during the matchup. Some numbers were duplicates, so tape was used to create numbers on some uniforms for Maine.

The new numbers were created so those in the press box who keep stats could identify players. A University of Maine women’s ice hockey roster was also created with the new numbers on jerseys.

UConn played a quality game against the University of Maine women’s team. The game went into overtime and ended in a 1-1 tie.

Freshman goaltender Elaine Chuli was a huge part of the Huskies staying in the game. “The big high note: Chuli saved us, she played well, and she gave us a chance to win the game,” Linstad said.

Chuli faced 45 shots against Maine, allowing only one goal. She also faced 44 shots against third-ranked Boston College, allowing eight goals in an 8-0 loss on Sunday.

Going against 89 shots in two games in two days is a tall task to ask of any goaltender in men’s or women’s ice hockey. Chuli has faced 602 shots on the season in her 19 games played and allowed 62 goals. On average, Chuli has faced 32 shots on goal per game.

“Chuli can keep us in a game,” Linstad said.

UConn had four penalties for eight minutes against Maine, and two penalties for four minutes against Boston College. Chuli faced a barrage of shots in both games. “The best player on your penalty kill usually is your goalie, and Chuli is that,” Linstad said.

UConn went 0-1-1 on the weekend, and will next face Providence at the Mark Freitas Ice Forum at 7 p.m on Feb 2nd.