FINAL SCORE: Vermont 3, No. 9 Providence 1
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Conor O'Neil scored the eventual game-winning-goal with 3:31 remaining in the third period and Derek Lodermeier added an insurance goal 1:24 later as Vermont knocked off ninth-ranked Providence Friday night at Schneider Arena.
 
The Catamounts win their third straight game and move to 11-13-1 overall and 4-10-1 in Hockey East play. The Friars drop to 15-8-4 overall and 8-6-1 in conference play.
 
RELATED LINKS
Box Score | Postgame | Highlights
 
COACH'S QUOTE
 "It's a tough place to play and we were certainly under pressure almost every shift of the game. The guys did a good job of handling it," head coach Kevin Sneddon said. "We capitalized on our opportunities for the most part when we had them," Sneddon said. "It was a gutsy performance from Stef on out and we know (Saturday) will be even tougher so we'll enjoy this, rest and recover and get ready."
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• Stefanos Lekkas (33 saves) was the difference in the first period and throughout the game. The junior made 10 first period saves, including a stellar sprawling save in the opening minutes to keep a one-timer out of the net.
• Following the scoreless first, sophomore Max Kaufman struck on UVM's second power play chance 1:40 into the second period. He fired a one-time shot from Matt O'Donnell past PC goalie Hayden Hawkey (15 saves) just 11 seconds into the man advantage. Christian Evers picked up the secondary assist on the power play goal.
• The Friars tied the game late in the second as Vincent Desharnais fired a blue line shot into heavy traffic that made its way past Lekkas and into the net.
• Vermont's penalty kill held Providence's potent power play in check in the third period as the Cats took back-to-back penalties. On the first penalty kill, Lekkas made six saves over the advantage. During the second Providence chance, UVM held the Friars without a shot.
• O'Neil tallied his fourth goal of the season at 16:29 of the third to put the Cats up 2-1. Sophomore Bryce Misley found the senior near the left faceoff dot for the quick shot and goal. Just over a minute later, Lodermeier fired UVM's third goal of the night home on a Catamount rush to seal the game.

GAME NOTES

• Kaufman added an assist on Lodermeier's goal for a multi-point night, his fifth multi-point game of the season. He leads the Catamounts in goals (8) and points (17).
• Lekkas' 33 saves marked the 13th time this season he has made 30 or more stops in a game.
• Kaufman, Lodermeier, and O'Neil each pushed their point streak to three games in the win.
• Friday's win over ninth-ranked Providence is the second Cat win against a top-10 opponent this season. UVM beat fourth-ranked Michigan to open the season at Yost Arena.
• Vermont and Providence wore beads to support Dropping the Mitts for Drew Brown and Beads of Courage in memory of Drew Brown. Click here for more information on the Beads of Courage foundation.
• With the victory, the Cats Win, Community Wins campaign and Vermont Mutual Insurance Group will donate $100 to Make-A-Wish Vermont; bringing this year's total to 21 wins and $2,100.

UP NEXT
The Catamounts and ninth-ranked Friars take the ice at 7:05 p.m. tomorrow night at Schneider Arena. Tomorrow night's game will broadcast on NBC Sports Boston.
 
Handy Toyota is the presenting sponsor of the 2018-19 men's hockey season