The Forecheck: UConn's new arena reaches another milestone

Welcome to the revamped UConn Hockey Hub newsletter, which catches you up on all the stories, trends, and anything else you might have missed, along with some quick takes and leftover notes from the weekend.

UConn tops off new arena

The new hockey arena in Storrs reached another milestone last week when the final beam was placed into the frame during a ceremony on Friday. The structure of the facility is now complete and construction is on schedule according to UConn women’s hockey head coach Chris MacKenzie.

It’s still hard to believe the arena is even being built. For years, the project hit various obstacles and delays. While some aspects of the building are disappointing (the capacity and price tag, mainly), the location couldn’t be much better.

Sitting on Jim Calhoun Way — alongside every other on-campus sports facility — it’ll be the first thing people see when they drive into campus from that direction. Not only that, it’ll stand out to anyone coming over the hill next to the Burton Family Football Complex and be a landmark building.

It’s also far better than the proposed alternatives in the past — on South Eagleville Road where Mansfield Apartments currently stand, the Depot Campus, or a renovated Freitas Ice Forum.

This is the final season UConn won’t play on-campus at all. By this time next year, there’s a real chance the new arena will be completed and hosting games.

Week in review

News

• UConn hockey arena’s frame is complete — Our story from UConn’s topping off ceremony, plus an update from Mike Cavanaugh on the team’s COVID situation.

• Photo gallery: Final beam placed on new UConn hockey arena

• UConn men’s hockey’s upcoming series with AIC postponed — UConn’s first half ended earlier than expected as the COVID situation forced the team to miss its final two series.

• What we know about UConn's COVID outbreak — Everything we’ve been told about the outbreak, written before we spoke to Cav last Friday.

• Ep. 39: UConn Hockey Hub Podcast

• Former UConn goalie Adam Huska makes NHL debut with New York Rangers — Huska became the third player from UConn’s Hockey East Era to make it to the NHL.

• Ryan Tverberg cut from Canada’s World Juniors’ Camp — He faced long odds to make the team regardless. It’s still an impressive accomplishment for him to get an invite.

Three stars

While UConn didn’t play this past week, we’ll highlight the team’s three stars from the first half.

First star: Ryan Tverberg (9-7—16)

Not only is Tverberg UConn’s biggest breakout player from the first half, he’s been the team’s best player through the first 14 games, full stop. The sophomore has played in exactly as many contests as he did last season but increased his point production by nearly 130 percent. The Huskies have a bonafide star on their roster who should continue to get better as the year progresses.

Second star: Marc Gatcomb (5-7—12)

Tverberg was UConn’s best player but Gatcomb has been the most consistent. He’s recorded a point in all but four games and has the second-most goals, assists, and points on the team. Gatcomb also leads the way with 46 shots and has been a 200-foot forward with eight blocks. The senior isn’t the flashiest player but he’s showed up for the Huskies every time out.

Third star: Darion Hanson (2.35 GAA, .923 SV%)

While Hanson’s performance can be debated, the results have been undeniable. He’s given UConn a chance to win every single night aside from the Providence loss and held a monopoly on the position in the first half. Hanson has made some spectacular saves and while he hasn’t single-handedly won the Huskies a game, he’s been a steady, consistent presence between the pipes.

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Sights and sounds from UConn’s topping off ceremony: