Photo courtesy of YSM Media.

The men’s hockey team advanced to the UCHC Championship game and is set to face the Stevenson Mustangs on Saturday, March 2 at 7 p.m. at the  Adirondack Bank Center.

This weekend’s big game comes after a 4-0 victory over Alvernia University on Feb. 24 in the UCHC Semifinals for their third consecutive conference tournament title and their fifth in seven years. The Pioneers remain number 2 and won 16 consecutive games.

During the semifinal game, Chris Carroll, Matt Wood and Aiden Hughes scored goals for the Pioneers during the game’s power play. To help complete the score, Alexander Gullichsen added an empty net goal. Brian Scoville and Jakob Breault each had two assists, and Khristian Acosta provided an additional assist.

With 30 saves, goalie Ethan Roberts recorded his second straight postseason win. 

In the opening period, Utica had a 1-0 lead, thanks to Carrol’s first goal of the postseason. The lead was immediately extended at the start of the second period after Wood’s goal just three minutes in. A few minutes later, Hughes scored his own power play goal on the rush, extending their lead. 

In leading the Pioneers to their seventh conference final in nine years, dating back to their time as members of the former ECAC West, Gullichsen finished the job with an empty net goal in the third period. 

“It definitely felt great being able to seal the deal,” Gullichsen said. “The team was pumped up.”

Stevenson defeated Wilkes University 4-3 in overtime. In the tournament games this year, the higher seed is 6-0.

“We are a young team this year. It wasn’t like the last two years where we could rely on our maturity to win games,” Wood said. “So I think the challenge of winning a three-peat with such a young team is what motivates us.”

The Pioneers have won eight consecutive conference tournament games. 

Carrol said the team is happy to win but is not satisfied yet.

“We’re hungry to get back and play for a championship this weekend in front of the best fans in college hockey,” Carrol said. “We deserve to play in this game and we are going to show everyone on Saturday why.” 

Gullischsen added: “We have what it takes to win this, we have a great close knit team full of potential. It goes without saying that we want this win but we are aware that our job remains unfinished, so for now we’re going to continue our preparation and focus on business.”