By Abby Doperak · KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Ice Vols opened their season with a sweep of the Auburn Tigers at home. The weekend began Friday night at the Knoxvi…
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Ice Vols opened their season with a sweep of the Auburn Tigers at home.
The weekend began Friday night at the Knoxville Coliseum, where fans anxiously awaited the debut of this season’s roster and new coaching staff. Tennessee took the ice, showcasing not only its new players but also new dark-mode uniforms.
This season began much like the last ended, with Patrick Green in goal for the Ice Vols. Green now sports a captain’s “C” on his jersey. Eddie Boime started in goal for the Tigers.
The game began at a slow pace, but things started to click halfway through the first period when Tommy Carroll found the back of the net, putting Tennessee on the board, 1-0. A few minutes later, Kieran Crossan followed with a goal of his own, extending the lead to 2-0.
The urge to be aggressive was evident throughout the first period, with the Ice Vols having delivered several big hits. Both teams, however, remained cautious and careful.
The Ice Vols entered the second period dominating possession and keeping play in the offensive zone.
The second period belonged to the rookies, as Alekss Simanovics, Brett Strick and Jacob Kulas each scored their first goals as Ice Vols, extending Tennessee’s lead to 5-0. As Tennessee continued to find its chemistry, tensions were released on the ice, leading the Ice Vols to begin the final period on a power play.
Will Scheinder quickly found his groove in the third period, adding to the lead just four minutes into the period to make it 6-0.
Tennessee found the time and pace to be intentional with its passes and plays, creating an opportunity for Mitchell Spranklin to score his first goal of the season. Kulas then added his second goal of the night and his second as an Ice Vol, making the score 8-0.
The end of the game left room for the Ice Vols to really show off their skill and work on the special teams as they ended the game on a five-minute power play.
Tennessee won its first game of the season 8-0 against Auburn, outshooting the Tigers 53-5.
The victory marked not only the Ice Vols’ first win of the season, but also a shutout for Green in goal.
“An 8-0 win is a pretty good way to start the season for the guys,” Kulas said. “I think we got off to a bit of a slow start, but we found our legs in the second and third periods, and it was a pretty good result.”
The victorious momentum carried into the second game of the weekend, Sunday, for Tennessee’s Salute to Service game. A ceremonial puck drop was performed by Lt. Col. Michael Wellock of the Army and Lt. Col. Kelly Womble of the Air Force, along with the presentation of colors by the US Army ROTC Rocky Top Battalion.
Charlie Donoghue made his debut in goal for Tennessee, while Gregory Politis started in goal for Auburn.
There was no hesitation as the Ice Vols asserted an early lead when captain Marius Angelin scored just five minutes into the game, marking his first goal as an Ice Vol. His efforts were followed by Kulas’ third goal of the weekend and Crossan’s second, ending the first period with Tennessee leading 3-0.
With the Ice Vols comfortable in their lead, the Tigers scored their first goal of the weekend halfway through the second period to cut the lead to 3-1. Tennessee responded quickly with two goals, one from Kulas and one from Spranklin, ending the second period with a score of 5-1.
Just one minute into the final period, Spranklin scored his third goal of the weekend, securing the final score of 6-1. Tennessee outshot Auburn again, 45-17.
While it was not back-to-back shutouts, this marked the second consecutive year the Ice Vols have swept Auburn at home.
“I think that our guys are up for the challenge,” head coach Rod Simmons said. “I am happy with what I saw, and we got exactly out of the two games what we expected to get.”
This season’s rookies stood out, as half of the weekend’s goals were scored by newcomers. One player in particular made a notable impact: Kulas.
“He’s a great power forward,” Green said. “He can shoot the puck, but he’s also going to make plays and hits, so we feel really good about him. He’s a great addition for this year.”
Tennessee will hit the road for its first away trip of the season next weekend.
“Nothing changes even though we are away,” Spranklin said. “Same compete level, same everything, and let’s win both games on the road.”
The Ice Vols will be playing Ole Miss on Friday and Saturday in Mississippi at Mid South Ice House. Games can be streamed on the Ole Miss Hockey Youtube Channel.