UVM scored early to open a 1-0 lead, one they would hold on to for the remaining 55 minutes of regulation, going on to defeat Dartmouth, 1-0. With the loss, the Big Green fall to 4-11-2 overall.
Just under five minutes into the first period, Vermont took it’s lead, jumping on a loose puck in the Big Green’s defensive zone. Despite the one goal, the two teams played a pretty even first period, as the Catamounts outshot the Big Green 9-8.
Vermont continued to pressure in the middle frame, putting 11 shots on net, all of which Michaela Hesová was successfully able to turn away. The Catamounts thought they doubled their lead late in the period, but a goaltender interference call negated the goal and kept it a 1-0 game.
“It’s a little mucky for both teams in the first game back, but it was a really fun game,” Head Coach Maura Crowell said. “That was a track meet back and forth. UVM transitions really well, so you have to get on your horse on the back check. They’re dynamic and creative in the ozone, so good challenges for us to get back to our d-zone structure. A lot of puck battles, lot of races.”
Hear from Head Coach Maura Crowell after today’s 1-0 loss at Vermont. pic.twitter.com/E2d9TNYJXf
— Dartmouth Women’s Hockey (@Dartmouth_WIH) January 3, 2026
Down 1-0 headed into the final period, Crowell said the message to her team was to just keep going. “It’s fun when you’re in games. And we were close many times down there and had good chances.”
The Big Green were able to get six shots on net in the final period, pushing late with the goaltender pulled, but Hesová shined, stopping all 12 shots she faced to keep her team in the game and bring her total to 31.
Dartmouth’s penalty kill was also 2-for-2 on the evening.
“We try to get better every period, end with our best period,” Crowell said. “Then we pulled the goalie and give ourselves a chance. We had some good action down at the net. Would love to see us get to the slot area and find those rebounds because they were there. That’s our goal tomorrow.”
Dartmouth is right back in action against the Catamounts Saturday, January 3, this time at Thompson Arena.
“UVM’s pretty big and strong, so we have to do a better job protecting the puck and continue to get at the net and get into that dirty area,” Crowell said about the focus for Saturday.
Puck drop on Saturday, January 3 is set for 4 p.m. You can watch the game on ESPN+, follow the live stats on DartmouthSports.com, or purchase tickets to the game here. Saturday is also a giveaway; the first 100 fans inside Thompson Arena will receive a free Dartmouth scarf.
