The University of Georgia Ice Dawgs traveled to Pelham, Alabama on Friday, February 14th, to take on the University of Alabama’s ACHA M1 hockey team.
The Ice Dawgs are currently in the AAU but will be moving to join the ACHA starting in the 25-26 season.
Game 1:
The first game took place on Friday, February 14th, at 10:30 pm CST.
The game began with a scoreless first period, as both teams were unable to put anything past either goalie.
The Ice Dawgs wasted no time in the second period. Junior Declan Conway (29) scored just 1:15 in, giving Georgia a 1-0 lead
Senior Ryan Bailey (13) followed suit by scoring back-to-back goals, making the score 3-0. His two goals were assisted by Conway and senior Lleyton Poole (10).
Sophomore Evan Moore (18) joined in on the frenzy by scoring a goal of his own, putting Georgia up 4-0.
The Frozen Tide managed to get one back to make it 4-1.
On their goal, Georgia goaltender, Ryan Testino, said, “After I get scored on, I usually just keep the same routine I have during the game to try and get back into the flow and put the goal behind me. If I keep thinking about it, it tends to negatively impact the rest of my game.”
Bailey completed his hat trick with a third goal, assisted again by Conway to bring the score to 5-1.
Bailey’s three-goal performance marked his second hat trick of the season, with his first coming in the Ice Dawgs’ home opener against Tennessee.
On the chemistry between linemates, Conway said, “Bailey and I play complementary game styles. We’re able to focus on playing to our strengths while benefiting from having a little more time and space to make plays.”
Neither team scored in the third period, as Georgia held on to win 5-1.
Testino had 31 saves on 32 shots. He has started 16 games for Georgia this season and was recently named College Hockey South Goalie of the Year.
Game 2:
The two teams were back in action the following night on February 15th, at 8:00 pm CST.
The first period was a lot more thrilling than the previous night with the two teams combining for seven goals.
Georgia took an early lead as sophomore James Hedquist (22) scored the opening goal, assisted by assistant captain Josh Mesaros (26) and Moore.
Bailey quickly followed up with a goal of his own, putting the Dawgs up 2-0.
Freshman Brandon Ng (5) secured his first point of the weekend by scoring Georgia’s third unanswered goal in the period 3-0.
Alabama eventually got one past goaltender Isaac Haugen (40), but Conway responded with his second goal of the series, pushing their lead to 4-1.
Moore added his second goal of the weekend, increasing the score to 5-1.
To cap off the first period, assistant captain Evan Parente (3) scored Georgia’s sixth and last goal of the game to bring the game to 6-1. The assists came from Conway, who had six points over the weekend, and freshman Graham Baird (9).
The Frozen Tide began to rally in the second period, scoring not only one but two goals to cut Georgia’s lead down to 6-3.
“We got away from our game a little bit in the second period,” said captain Robby Witwer (14). “(In the locker room) I tried to emphasize doing the little things right in the third.”
Alabama continued to fight back in the third, adding another goal to make it 6-4.
However, Georgia was able to hold on to secure their second win of the weekend and sweep the series against this ACHA M1 team.
“I was happy with our finish to get the sweep,” said Witwer.
Haugen stopped 41 of 45 shots faced in net. This win marked his 10th victory of the season.
Upcoming Games:
The Ice Dawgs will take on the South Carolina Gamecocks in Irmo, SC on Saturday, February 22nd at 8:30 pm for the last time in the regular season.