The Lions conference title dreams ended Saturday night in a spirited game against UCLA. The Lions scored first, as Nikita Smolyanoy slashed at a loose puck in the crease and it slid under the pad and in for the games first goal. The Lions would hold that lead through the first. In the second the Lions couldn’t convert on numerous good looks, and UCLA was able to score twice to take a 2-1 lead into the third. In the third the Lions would finally convert after more great opportunities, as Will DeLaForest fired the puck over the net, but got a quick pass back and he fired it past the goalie. With the game tied 2-2, the Lions keep up the pressure, generating many odd man rushes, but couldn’t score. UCLA finally broke the tie after the puck snuck through the pads of John Profaci and the Lions trailed by one. After a set of minor penalties, the Lions generated more chances, shooting until the final whistle, but the Bruins got the win and move on to the WCHC Championship game.
John Profaci was steady in net, making most of his saves feel routine, he turned away 36 of 39 shots in the game.
The Lions now await the final rankings to know where they will play in the Regional tournament, February 23-25 in Logan Utah. It will be the Lions fourth ever trip to regionals.