UMass defeated Cornell 2-1 in a men’s ice hockey matchup on Friday at the Mullins Center, with both Minutemen goals coming on the power play. The game marked the season opener for No. 20-ranked Cornell.
The decisive goal was scored by Václav Nestrašil with less than two minutes left in regulation, redirecting Daniel Jenčko’s shot past Cornell goaltender Remington Keopple just seconds into a late UMass power play. UMass converted both of its man-advantage opportunities during the contest.
UMass opened scoring early in the first period after drawing a penalty just 13 seconds into the game. Larry Keenan’s point shot deflected off Cornell defenseman Hoyt Stanley, setting up Lukáš Klečka to score at 1:43.
Cornell responded midway through the opening frame when freshman forward Gio DiGiulian scored off a rebound from Michael Fisher’s initial attempt, assisted by Jack O’Brien.
Despite outshooting UMass 27-16, Cornell was unable to beat UMass goaltender Michael Hrabal more than once. Hrabal made 26 saves for UMass, while Keopple recorded 14 stops for Cornell.
Casey Jones, head coach of Cornell men’s ice hockey, said: “That was an unfortunate end. I thought we made real good progress from our exhibition games heading into the season with that game. I felt really comfortable with our play. It’s a result probably wasn’t deserved, but it is what it is, we got to get after it tomorrow.”
Friday’s victory was UMass’ first over Cornell since December 2011 and narrowed Cornell’s all-time series lead to six wins, four losses and two ties across their meetings.
DiGiulian’s goal extended a long-standing program streak—Cornell has now scored in its season opener for 68 consecutive years dating back to 1948. He also became the eighth straight freshman and ninth in ten seasons to score in a season-opening contest for the Big Red.
Seven freshmen appeared in their first collegiate game for Cornell: forwards Gio DiGiulian, Caton Ryan, Aiden Long, Reegan Hiscock and Chase Pirtle; and defensemen Xavier Veilleux and Donovan Hamilton.
Cornell will complete its two-game series against UMass on Saturday at 6 p.m., with live streaming available on ESPN+.
