Storrs, Conn. – The Sacred Heart University women's ice hockey team is set to compete in the Nutmeg Classic this weekend. The tournament features four Connecticut programs: Sacred Heart, UConn, Yale, and Quinnipiac. The Pioneers will open play on Friday, November 28, at 6:30 p.m. against Yale, with their second game coming the following day against either Quinnipiac or UConn, depending on Friday's results.
 
Top Headlines

• Sacred Heart enters the Nutmeg Classic with a 5–8 record. While the season has had its challenges, the Pioneers have shown glimpses of strong potential. Some nights they explode for five or more goals, and other nights they're limited to just one or none. They haven't fully found their stride yet, but if they do, they have the talent to get hot and make a run.
• The Nutmeg Classic is a four-team tournament featuring programs all based in Connecticut. The Pioneers will be tested, as UConn and Quinnipiac both rank inside the national top 10, while Yale sits just outside the top 15 and is receiving votes. Sacred Heart will open the tournament against the Bulldogs in game one, and the result will determine who they match up with on Saturday.
• The Pioneers' leading goal scorer added to her totals this past weekend against LIU. Sophomore Ella Holm scored on Saturday, bringing her season point total to nine. She now has four goals, five assists, and 26 shots on the year. Holm has been generating offense at a high rate all season, and she'll look to continue that momentum heading into the weekend.

 
Last Time Out vs Yale

• The Pioneers and the Bulldogs last faced off two seasons ago during the Nutmeg Classic. The Bulldogs dominated, winning the game 10-0. 
• The Pioneers did their best to hold their own. After the first period, they trailed 2–0—a tough deficit, but still manageable. However, the Bulldogs pulled away in the second, doubling their lead with two more goals. In the final frame, Yale added six additional goals, sealing a 10–0 final.
• The Pioneers did not have a chance to play Yale last season during the Nutmeg Classic, so this season they will look to bounce back massively after the loss in 2023

History vs Yale

• This weekend will mark the seventh time these two Connecticut programs have met. Sacred Heart is still seeking its first win against the Bulldogs, and they are hoping this Friday can be the first.
• Before the 2023 Nutmeg Classic, Sacred Heart and Yale last met during the 2021–22 season, playing three times. In those matchups, the Pioneers were outscored 17–1. Before that season, the teams hadn't faced each other since the 2014–15 campaign.

On Yale

• Yale brings a highly talented roster into the tournament. Earlier this season, the Bulldogs were ranked inside the top 15, and although they now sit just outside that mark, they continue to receive national votes. They remain a strong, competitive team capable of making noise against any opponent.
• So far this season, Yale has scored 32 total goals while allowing 24. They've also outshot their opponents by a wide margin, firing 422 shots compared to the 254 they've faced. Much like the Pioneers, the Bulldogs generate a high volume of shots but don't always capitalize as often as expected. Yale has also been strong in the faceoff circle, winning just under 55% of their draws. Their success on faceoffs allows them to control possession at a high level and dictate the pace of play.
• Senior Carina DiAntonio has been Yale's top offensive threat this season. Through 11 games, she has racked up 13 points, scoring eight goals and adding five assists. She also leads the Bulldogs with 56 shots. DiAntonio is a dynamic playmaker and scorer, and containing her will be a key focus for the Pioneers.
• Junior goalie Anna Phillips has had a phenomenal season thus far for Yale. Through nine games played, she has a goals-against average of 1.64 and a stellar save percentage of .927. She has made a total of 179 saves and has already tallied three shutouts on the season.