By Abby Doperak · SAVANNAH, Ga. – Tennessee went 1-1 in the Savannah Classic this weekend. The Ice Vols opened tournament play against Florida on Friday at 4 p.m., fal…
SAVANNAH, Ga. – Tennessee went 1-1 in the Savannah Classic this weekend.
The Ice Vols opened tournament play against Florida on Friday at 4 p.m., falling 5-4 despite outshooting the Gators 37-22
Tennessee controlled play early, outshooting Florida 16-3 in the first period while maintaining a steady pace with crisp passing and a strong puck possession.
At 9:01 of the opening period, Ice Vols forward Will Hurlburt scored the game’s first goal with assists from Matthew Pavek and defenseman Tyler Rose to give Tennessee a 1-0 lead. Pavek later extended the advantage to 2-0, but Florida responded six seconds before intermission when forward Brian Pine slipped the puck past Tennessee goalie Lincoln Simons.
The Ice Vols carried a 2-1 lead into the second period and quickly stretched it to 3-1 when Henry Cohen scored with an assist from defenseman Jack Ahne. Florida answered with back-to-back goals from Evan Edwards and Michael McCoy to tie the game at 3-3.
The equalizer sparked increased urgency and physicality from Tennessee. With three minutes remaining in the period, both teams committed their first penalties – a two-minute minor for Tennessee and a five-minute major for Florida – allowing the Ice Vols to start the third period on a power play.
Florida defenseman Jack Fortesque scored one minute into the final period to give the Gators their first lead at 4-3. Forward Kegan Lampinen added another goal shortly after, extending Florida’s lead to 5-3.
Tennessee struggled to regain momentum, though defenseman Bryce Cooper scored late to cut the deficit to 5-4. Despite outshooting Florida 8-6 in the third period, the Ice Vols could not complete the comeback.
“It’s a bummer when our goal was to win the classic,” Pavek said. “So, it was kind of tough to bounce back, but I thought we responded well.”
Tennessee rebounded Saturday with a 7-1 win over Georgia Tech, who defeated Florida State 7-6 the previous night.
The Ice Vols dominated early as Stanley Bright scored his first goal with the team just 30 seconds into the game. Cooper added another goal, followed by Cohen five minutes later to make it 3-0. Kyle Oakley scored with assists from Ahne and Jake Premo before Georgia Tech’s Sawyer Howe put the Jackets on the board. Kyle Stober scored with two seconds left in the period to give Tennessee a 5-1 lead after one.
Pavek opened the second period scoring with an assist from Rose to make it 6-1. Ice Vols captain Connor Frazer followed with his first goal of the weekend, extending the lead to 7-1.
Tennessee maintained control throughout the third period while starting on a power play. An on-ice altercation between Cooper and Howe resulted in both players being ejected. No goals were scored during the final period, resulting in a final score of 7-1.
“It was good to get a win after losing yesterday,” Bright said. “The guys have been awesome with me being new, coming in halfway through the year. I’m proud to be here and excited for the rest of the season.”
Tennessee returns to Knoxville next weekend to face Oklahoma State.
“We have to be a little more structured out on the ice,” Pavek said. “Play more consistently all three periods.”
The Ice Vols will play Friday at 10:30 p.m. and Saturday at 1:15 p.m. at the Knoxville Coliseum, with senior recognition scheduled before Saturday’s game. Tickets are available online or at the door.