Written by: Mickey Gonzalez

The UCF Knights took to the ice for their annual Thanksgiving Showcase, and last games of the fall semester.

On Friday, UCF faced off against the Wentworth Tech Leopards. Wentworth snagged the first goal of the game, two minutes into play. UCF followed with a goal of their own, scored by Hunter Chard and assisted Gonzalo Ruiz. The Leopards once again pulled ahead with a quick power play goal. The period ended with Wentworth in a 2-1 lead. But UCF didn’t allow that to last long. Just short of halfway through the second period, the Knights reclaimed the crown with two back-to-back goals—first scored by Ruiz and assisted by Christopher Robinson, second scored by Alexander Berg with another assist from Ruiz. Near the end of the period, Kevin Holman, assisted by Tyler Walkinshaw, grabbed another goal for UCF. The Knights kicked off the last period of the game with a power play goal shot by Holman and assisted by Donovan McClellan. Halfway through the period, the Knights furthered their already strong lead with another goal. The rest of the game was a muddle of penalties from both sides, including power plays, special lines, and a disqualified UCF player. Despite intense play, no more pucks found a place in the net. The game ended with a solid UCF win: 6-2.

The Knights skated into play for the last time this semester on Sunday morning. UCF Knights vs. Miami-Ohio Redhawks. Both teams determined to make a solid impression before winter break. Similar to Friday’s game, UCF’s opponents managed the first goal only a couple minutes in. The Redhawks scored once more in the first period in the last few minutes. Holman, assisted by Ruiz and Johnny Brockman, got UCF on the board with a power play goal. A series of penalties left the Knights in another play, though nothing came of it. Miami scored again with one minute let in the period, and UCF followed it seconds later with a goal of their own—scored by Shane O’Donnell and assisted by Walkinshaw. The score sat unchanged for more of the remaining game time. With two and a half minutes left, Miami broadened their lead with one last goal. UCF, desperate to catch up, scored once more a minute later—shot by Ruiz, assisted by Holman and Jake Toale. The Knights pushed full-steam ahead, but there just wasn’t enough time left to catch up. The game ended with UCF behind by one point— 4-3, Miami.

And though the semester didn’t end with the win the Knights wished for, the games definitely still showcased their skill as a team. They’ll return to play next month.

At the end of 2019, UCF’s current overall record is 8-9-3-0. The team is ranked #4 in the SCHC, with an SCHC record of 3-3-0-0.

We’ll hope to start 2020 off on a high note and work our way up both the conference and regional standings.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, everyone! See you next year!