Box Score

STORRS, Conn. – The American International College men's ice hockey team dropped a 2-1 Atlantic Hockey contest at the University of Connecticut Friday night, dropping its record to 7-21-1 overall and 7-18-1 in league play. Senior forward Tom Mele (Bronx, N.Y.) netted his ninth goal of the season for the Yellow Jackets.

Freshman forward Jordan Sims (Fort Wayne, Ind.) buried his 10th goal of the season at 7:51 of the second period to break a scoreless tie and give the Huskies (12-17-4, 12-12-2 AHA) a 1-0 lead. Senior forward Andrew Olson (Alexandria, Minn.) later gave UConn a 2-0 lead at 4:59 of the third frame, which would prove to be the game-winner.

Mele pulled AIC back within one with 2:44 remaining in the game off a feed from his younger brother, sophomore forward Steve Mele (Bronx, N.Y.). Sophomore blue liner Chris Markiewicz (Calgary, Alb.) also assisted on the play.

The Yellow Jackets had a number of other quality scoring chances in the game, but sophomore goaltender Garrett Bartus (St. Charles, Ill.) was up to the task as he registered 28 saves to give the Huskies the win. Equally impressive in ne was AIC freshman goalie Ryan Kerpan (Saskatoon, Sask.), who made 35 saves in taking the loss.

The Yellow Jackets were outshot 37-29 in the game, which included a 16-8 shot advantage for UConn in the second frame, and were 0-5 on the power play. The Huskies went 0-4 with the man advantage.

The two teams will meet again Saturday night as the regular season will come to an end at the Olympia Ice Center. The puck will drop at 7:05 p.m.