UConn forward Carlin Dezainde (24) keeps the puck from UMass defenseman Owen Murray (26) during the NCAA hockey game in Amherst, Mass., Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (Daniel Jacobi II/Daily Hampshire Gazette via AP)
UPDATE: The UConn men’s hockey team faces a surprising fallout from a bizarre incident during a game against UMass on April 1, 2023. What should have been a thrilling overtime turned into a lights-out controversy that has captured national attention.
As the game reached overtime and was tied at 3-3, a critical moment occurred when UConn defenseman Kai Janviriya brought the puck across center ice. Just as UConn seemed poised for a scoring opportunity, the arena lights unexpectedly shut off, and the horn sounded as if a goal had been scored. Officials were forced to halt play due to the confusion, ultimately resulting in a tie game, with UMass winning in a subsequent shootout.
Coach Mike Cavanaugh expressed his disbelief at the media coverage following the incident during a weekly Zoom call with reporters. “I can’t believe all the play it’s getting,” he said. “I like to think it was just a mistake.” Although no injuries were reported, the incident raised questions about game protocols and safety.
In response to the controversy, Hockey East has swiftly issued a directive banning “the use of any theatrical lights, dimming, or strobe effects after goals are scored” for the remainder of the season. This decision aims to prevent any further mix-ups that could endanger the game’s integrity.
This unexpected twist comes at a critical time for UConn, which currently holds a record of 17-10-5 overall and 11-8-3 in conference play. The Huskies are fighting for a coveted spot in the NCAA Tournament, sitting on the bubble as they prepare for two crucial games against New Hampshire on April 6 at 7 p.m. and Providence on April 8 at 4 p.m.
Cavanaugh emphasized the importance of focusing on performance rather than distractions. “We have a senior-laden group with a lot of experience,” he stated. “It’s how we’re playing this time of year that’s more important than the results.”
UConn’s recent struggles, including two regulation losses and a shootout defeat to Boston College and UMass, have heightened the pressure on the team. The conference’s overall performance in non-conference games has also been underwhelming, winning only 60.1 percent of games this season, a trend that could affect multiple teams during tournament selections.
Additionally, Joey Muldowney has made headlines by setting a new UConn record for goals during the program’s Hockey East era, netting his 50th goal last season. Cavanaugh praised Muldowney, noting, “He’s driven not only by goals but also by the legacy he wants to create here at UConn.”
As the Huskies gear up for their next match, all eyes will be on how the team responds to the recent controversy and whether they can secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Fans are eager to see if UConn can overcome this bizarre chapter and demonstrate their resilience on the ice.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
