STORRS, Conn. — For the first time in program history, the Sacred Heart University women's ice hockey team will participate in the 17th annual Nutmeg Classic on November 26-27, set to be hosted by UConn. The Pioneers will join the Huskies, Quinnipiac and Yale.

"The team is really happy to have been invited to play in the Nutmeg Classic against three of the premier programs in the country," head coach Thomas O'Malley said. "We are going to give everything we have to compete and win this year's tournament."

The tournament between the four in-state institutions begins at 3 p.m. when SHU takes on UConn followed by QU and Yale's matchup at 6:15 p.m. On Saturday, the losers of the first games will play in the consolation game at 3 p.m. while the winners face off at 6:15 p.m. in the championship game.

At the summation of the two-game road excursion, there will be a trophy presentation and an All-Tournament Team announced.

Pioneers Breaking Ground

The Red & White is ranked 23rd in the NCAA standings with an 8-5-1 overall record and 6-2-1 amongst NEWHA opponents.

SHU is coming in hot off a four-game win streak including three shutouts against Saint Anslem, Saint Michael's and Post. Prior to the undefeated stretch, the team secured two wins against the Eagles with a tie against the Hawks separating the current victory run.

Sacred Heart is nationally ranked eighth in goals with 49, 10th in assists with 67 and 10th in team points with 116.

Veterans on the ice, Anna Klein and Sophie Lupone, are tied for ninth in the NCAA in short-handed goals with one each. Both Paige McNeil and Klein posted a hat trick on November 19 against SMC in the 10-0 shutout. 

Goaltender Frankie Sanchez nabbed her fourth shutout of the season on Tuesday against Post in SHU's 4-0 victory.

Scouting the Huskies

In the NCAA standings, the host school sits at 21 with an 11-3-2 overall record and 6-3-2 in the Hockey East. The Huskies are tied for 16th with 41 goals in 16 games, 13th with 63 assists and sit 14th with 104 team points.

Scouting the Bobcats

The reigning 2019 Nutmeg Classic champions hold the highest NCAA ranking amongst the quartet at 10 with an 13-1-2 overall record and are 7-1-0 in the ECAC. In 16 games played, QU is fifth with 55 goals, 91 assists and 146 team points.

Scouting the Bulldogs

Yale is 16th in the NCAA standings with an 8-2-1 overall record and 5-2-1 in the ECAC. The Bulldogs sit behind the Pioneers in goals at nine with 48, seventh in assists (84) and tied for seventh in points (132).

Nutmeg Classic Schedule

Storrs, Conn. | Mark Edward Freitas Ice Forum | Live Stats

Friday, November 26

Game 1: UConn vs. SHU at 3 p.m.
Game 2: Quinnipiac vs. Yale at 6:15 p.m.

Saturday, November 27

Consolation Game: Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2 at 3 p.m.
Championship Game: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 at 6:15 p.m.