Positives To Take Away In Loss To Liberty
By: Brian D’Aguanno
The Tar Heels made the two-and-a-half hour ride from Chapel Hill to Lynchburg Virginia on Friday night to take on the M1 Liberty Flames in front of a sold-out crowd at the LaHaye Ice Center. While this match-up was challenging, it served as a learning curve for the young Tar Heels team as they prepare to join Liberty next season at the M1 level.
The Tar Heels were excited before the game to play in one of the best atmospheres that the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) has to offer.
“We knew it was going to be sold out, so obviously excited to play in front of that many people,” said captain, Patrick O’Shaughnessy.
Liberty took an early lead when Jacob Kalandyk tipped a shot point shot from Nick Pomerleau at the 0:19 mark of the first period. Liberty extended their lead to 2-0 when Tucker Shields scored at the 13:46 mark. The Tar Heels found the back of the net and were able to quiet the Liberty crowd at the 16:45 mark courtesy of O’Shaughnessy. The Tar Heel’s captain skated past both of Liberty’s defenseman and went backhand to forehand firing a beautiful low blocker shot that made the game 2-1.
“It felt really good, nice play by Grady to break up the play,” said O’Shaughnessy. “It was nice to be opportunistic, and for sure that goal felt really good at the time.”
UNC was able to establish themselves in the offensive zone late in the first period. The Tar Heels had Liberty on their heels after the first period when they settled in after the first goal.
Liberty took a 3-1 lead early in the second period when Mac Ratzlaff found the back of the net. Ratzlaff added another one for Liberty in the second period to make the game 4-1. The game was closer in the first and second period than the score indicated. The Tar Heels
were wreaking havoc for Liberty, displaying their toughness in the first two periods. Liberty added three more goals in the third period for a final score of 7-1.
While the result was not what the Tar Heels were hoping for, the team was able to prove they belong at the M1 level.
“We also showed that we can hang with the best of them at times, so definitely a lot of good takeaways and things to work on, but overall we definitely have a positive outlook,” said O’Shaughnessy.
Their play in the first and second period was impressive. The Tar Heels penalty kill looked strong against Liberty’s powerplay, with multiple instances of Liberty failing to generate any offensive chances on their man advantage. Goalie Lucas Brown had an amazing game, stopping 42 of 49 shots.
The Tar Heels will look to rebound when they head to Wilmington for their next game Friday, Sept. 20 at 10 p.m.
You can also catch the Heels when they return home on Friday, Sept. 27th and 28th at 10:15pm with special honorary captains, Brianna Pinto and Kennedy Meeks!
