By Abby Doperak · KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Ice Vols swept the Auburn Tigers in a double shutout weekend series at the Knoxville Coliseum. Coming off a 6-4 loss to Middle…
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Ice Vols swept the Auburn Tigers in a double shutout weekend series at the Knoxville Coliseum.
Coming off a 6-4 loss to Middle Tennessee State, Tennessee took the ice determined to turn things around. Major changes were made to the lineup and overall roster as the team welcomed back former defenseman Chris Kelly. Several key members of Tennessee’s Division III team were also called up.
“It’s club hockey, so we are used to the change,” alternate captain Kyle Stober said. “We all love having Kelly around, so it was a good thing to have him back.”
Impactful forward Henry Cohen was placed on injury reserve prior to Saturday evening’s game, followed by several other Ice Vol injuries throughout the weekend. Despite the roster adjustments, Tennessee secured two consecutive shutouts against Auburn.
With old teammates reunited, the Ice Vols appeared to play with ease. There were plenty of smiles and even some joking around on the ice, as if the team was simply happy to be back together. What they quickly realized was that playing for fun seemed to pay off.
“Everyone just decided to have fun this weekend and not be mopey on the ice,” Kelly said. “Everybody enjoyed coming to the rink, being out, and playing hockey.”
On Saturday, Oct. 25, the Ice Vols entered the game with high energy and positive spirits. During the first period, forward Mitchell Spranklin found the back of the net, securing an early 1-0 lead.
The second period brought two more goals for Tennessee - from forwards Dylan Updike and Matt Pavek - increasing the lead to 3-0. With heavy enforcers such as captain Connor Frazer and defenseman Finn DeStefano taking smart penalties, the Ice Vols were able to hold Auburn scoreless heading into the third period.
The final frame resulted in a goal from forward Will Schneider, creating a final score of 4-0. Goalie Patrick Green secured his second shutout of the season, and spirits were high as Tennessee improved to 5-5.
Sunday, Oct. 26, brought the same rhythm and chemistry for the Ice Vols as they looked to continue their momentum. Early in the first period, Stober scored for yet another early Ice Vol lead of 1-0.
Strong communication and puck movement carried into the second period, when Pavek scored his second goal of the weekend, followed by forward Will Hurlburt to make it 3-0 heading into the third.
Stober was able to find the back of the net for the second time in the game, extending the lead to 4-0. Forward Grant LaGreca quickly followed his alternate captain’s lead with another goal. Late in the final period, defenseman Tyler Rose scored the weekend’s final goal, securing a 6-0 victory and the sweep of the Tigers.
Tennessee demonstrated both offense and defense strength throughout the weekend, showing their ability to control play as a unit. Goaltenders Green and Lincoln Simons combined for the shutouts, holding Auburn scoreless all weekend. The defense also benefited from the return of the active and physical Kelly.
“I missed it,” Kelly said. “Coming back and taking a couple of big wins was good for the guys. It was fun.”
Offensively, improved communication and puck control led to Tennessee outshooting Auburn 67-30 over the series. By creating more shooting opportunities in the zone, the Ice Vols saw not only a significant increase in shots but more goals on the board as well, creating a new record of 6-5.
“This was the first weekend we played all 60 minutes of the game,” Stober said. “We played hard, gritty Tennessee hockey.”
Tennessee has extended practice time this week, with no games scheduled for the weekend of Oct. 31. The Ice Vols will return to the ice in Knoxville on Saturday, Nov. 8, and Sunday, Nov. 9, against the South Carolina Gamecocks.