Utica University hosts their annual Teddy Bear Toss game vs SUNY Geneseo on 12/7/24. (Photo by Scott Kinville – CNYHockeyReport.com)
Two UCHC titans will clash against each other in a home-and-home series. This weekend, the #3 ranked Utica Pioneers (9-1-0) will face off against the #4 Geneseo Ice Knights (9-0-0). These are the first two games these teams will meet this season out of their four regular season matchups, but it’s likely they’ll also face off against each other in the UCHC playoffs for a fifth time later this season. Both teams have a little bit more to fight for while they’re at home, for Geneseo, it’s their whiteout night game for their fans, while for Utica, it’s their annual Teddy Bear Toss. The Pioneers have drawn about 4,000 fans each of the last few years for their Teddy Bear Toss night, this year is no different, it’s a sellout crowd. This game-theme tradition has become a staple across D-III hockey. Expect great hockey from both of these teams looking to renew a rivalry.
Take a look at this video clip from Utica’s 2022 Teddy Bear Toss vs Oswego State, a crowd of nearly 4,000 fans rain bears onto the ice. (Video by @DIIIHockeyNews)
This is the fourth time these times have faced off and the first since 2021 when Geneseo won 3-0 in Utica. Prior to that game in 2021, these two hadn’t seen each other since ’02 & ’03. The Pioneers lead the all-time series 2-1-0. These two are tied for first in the UCHC with perfect records of 6-0-0 each. Overall, they’re #3 and #4 in the DIIIHockeyNews.com poll, respectively. Utica’s been tested more so far, they faced (at the time) #2 Adrian on a road trip in Michigan, splitting that series which is their only loss of the season. They also defeated Univ. New England who’s been in and out of the polls. Meanwhile, Geneseo’s best opponent thus far has been Wilkes University (7-1-0), who just became ranked this past week coming in at #12. Look for them to want to show why they’re ranked #4 against the top-tier opponent Utica.
The Pioneers have a couple of standout players, they have eight players who’re at a point-per-game pace to start the season. One player to really have a look for on the ice is #24 Jakob Breault. Breault is tied for the team lead of goals with six, while shooting at an extremely high percentage of .273% and has two powerplay goals as well. Another player to look out for is #26 Anthony Bax who leads the UCHC in +/- with a +17 and is in fourth place in the UCHC for assists with nine, only behind three of his teammates. As for the Utica goaltenders this weekend, it’s tricky to predict who will get the starting nod. As, Ethan Roberts, who’s gotten a majority of the games this season, was pulled against UNE and Bryan Landsberger came in, steering away all 10 shots he faced. Then, against Stevenson, Landsberger only let in one goal on 28 shots.
Geneseo hosts Utica this Friday 12/6/24. (Photo via SUNY Geneseo Athletics)
The Knights this weekend are looking to turn some heads and show that they’re a legit contender this year and deserve the #4 ranking and hype that comes with it. Their star forward #55 Peter Morgan is who they’ll be looking for to generate offense. Morgan, a senior from Sarasota, FL, has accumulated 111 points in just 89 games in his collegiate career and made a name for himself as one of the best D-III players year-in and year-out. He’s also one of, if not the fastest player on the ice at the D-III level, if you haven’t seen him skate, you should make it a point to tune in this weekend. So far, he’s off to a slow start for his standards, so look for him to turn things up this weekend especially against the new rival as this is Geneseo’s first season in the UCHC, previously a longtime SUNYAC member. Morgan scored the winning goal back in 2021 vs Utica. As for the Geneseo goaltenders, Adam Harris is looking to continue his stellar year with a record of 5-0-0, including two shutouts. He boasts an intimidating .940 SV% and a 1.78 GAA.
Both games will be played at 7pm ET Friday and Saturday. Friday’s game will be hosted at the Ira S. Wilson Ice Arena in Geneseo, NY and can be watched on https://www.empire8network.com/geneseo/. As for Saturday’s game, it’ll be hosted in Utica, NY at the Adirondack Bank Center and can be streamed on https://www.empire8network.com/utica/ and listened to on the radio via station WPNR 90.7.
