Umass Lowell skates to tie with Holy Cross

But River Hawks win the shootout, 2-0

LOWELL >> A goal by Filip Fornaa Svensson in the third period allowed the Umass Lowell hockey team to salvage a 2-2 tie with Holy Cross during a non-conference game Friday night before 4,782 fans at the Tsongas Center.

Neither team could score during a five-minute overtime. Though the game officially goes into the books as a tie, Umass Lowell (69-2) won the shootout, 2-0.

While goaltender Henry Welsch stopped both Holy Cross shooters, former Holy Cross player Alex Peterson and Svensson both scored to send the fans home happy.

Welsch was terrific in relief of Luke Pavicich, stopping all 19 shots he faced. Pavivich played the first period, stopping three of five shots. UML has still only won one game at the Tsongas Center this winter.

Jason Grande turned aside 28 shots for the visitors. It was the first meeting between the schools in 13 years.

Holy Cross took a 1-0 lead on a Matt Guerra goal. UML tied it on a goal by sophomore Scout Truman, the team’s leading scorer. Defenseman Mark Cooper and Pavicich picked up assists on the play, as the play featured an unusual goalie assist.

But Holy Cross took a 2-1 lead into the first period intermission when Liam Mclinskey scored with just 57 seconds left in the opening period.

Svensson’s tying goal at 9:43 of the third period was set up by Jake Stella and freshman defenseman Sean Kilcullen. It was Kilcullen’s first collegiate point.

UML is now 21-4-1 alltime against the Crusaders. Holy Cross hosts the rematch Saturday (7 p.m.) in Worcester. It is the final game for Umass Lowell before the Christmas break.

PHOTO BY LEANNA PUCCIO — UMASS LOWELL Umass Lowell’s Scout Truman, second from left, is congratulated after scoring Friday night against Holy Cross. The teams played to a 2-2 tie at the Tsongas Center in Lowell.

PHOTO BY LEANNA PUCCIO — UMASS LOWELL UML sophomore Scout Truman tries to slip a backhand shot past Holy Cross goaltender Jason Grande, who made 28saves in a 2-2tie.