UTICA, NY - Utica University's women's hockey team is set to return to UCHC action in a two-game road series at Albertus Magnus College. These matchups, set for January 23rd and 24th, mark the first matchups between the two programs. The games will take place at the Ralph Walker Skating Rink, with puck drops set for 5:00 pm on Friday, and 4:00 pm on Saturday.
Gold Ribbon Recap: Utica University women's hockey hosted the program's 10th Gold Ribbon Game on Wednesday afternoon, but a late push by Worcester State resulted in a 2-1 decision at the Nexus Center. After a scoreless opening period, Utica struck first early in the second, but the Lancers answered late in the middle frame and added the eventual game-winner on the power play in the third.
The Pioneers opened the scoring at the 4:22 mark of the second period when
Maddi Vitali (Downington, PA/) capitalized on a net-front scramble during a power play, finishing assists from
Veronica Houk (Richboro, PA) and
Maya Jerome (Belleville, MI/). Worcester State tied the contest with 2:56 remaining in the period on an even-strength goal, before Cailey Ryan netted the game-winner exactly nine minutes into the third on the Lancers' lone power-play tally of the afternoon. Utica finished with a 35–27 advantage in shots on goal and went 1-for-3 with the extra skater, while
Alex Venning (Courtice, ON/) made 25 saves in net. Worcester State goaltender Kelsey Czerniawski stopped 34 shots to secure the victory.
Milestone Monitor: Several Pioneers enter the upcoming UCHC stretch with notable career milestones either already reached or quickly approaching. On the blue line,
Tess Barrett (Tewksbury, MA/St. Mark's) continues to climb Utica's career lists, having appeared in 96 games while totaling 46 assists and 173 shots from the back end. In addition to closing in on 100 games played and 200 total shots, Barrett's assist total puts her in range to potentially break the career assists by a defender, currently held by a Pioneer from last season,
Madison Novotny (Wesley Chapel, FL/Northwood School), who recorded 53 in her career.
Kelsey Elliott (Attleboro, MA/) and
Kaci Ryder (Shrewsbury, MA/) also sit near key plateaus. Elliott has skated in 90 career games and has fired 180 shots, reflecting her sustained offensive involvement, while Ryder enters the week with 87 games played, exactly 50 career points, and 189 shots on goal. Ryder's point total already places her among the program's steady producers, with her shot volume continuing to rise. Elsewhere,
Angelina Garganese (Winter Springs, FL) stands at 49 career games played, while
Maya Jerome (Belleville, MI/) has reached 94 career shots, further illustrating the growing statistical foundation across the lineup as multiple Pioneers continue to add to their resumes.
Up Next: Utica will continue to have a Friday-Saturday two-game series for the remainder of the season, with their upcoming series coming in a home-and-home with #6-ranked and undefeated Nazareth University on January 30th and 31st. The Golden Flyers will host Friday's game at 3:00 pm at the Tim Horton's Iceplex before the Pioneers return to Utica for another 3:00 pm scheduled matchup on Saturday.
