Lines: UConn vs. UVM (Saturday)

The offseason is officially over. Tonight, UConn men’s hockey opens the new campaign against Vermont at 7 p.m. ESPN+ has the broadcast from Gutterson Fieldhouse as the Huskies look to start the new era with a win.

UConn lines

Analysis:

• Tristan Fraser, Jake Percival, Tabor Heaslip and Jake Veilleux earn the final four spots up top, Tom Messineo takes the last spot on defense and Jake Black is the extra skater. That’s the grouping that was anticipated entering the weekend.

• Samu Salminen is a healthy scratch (coach’s decision).

• Ryan Tverberg will play center, a position he hasn’t slotted in at often in his UConn career, as will Ty Amonte. The Huskies’ other two centers (Tristan Fraser and Tabor Heaslip) are both freshmen.

• UConn’s third line of Chase Bradley, Fraser and Nick Capone will pack a punch. Lots of physical play among that group.

• The defensive pairings are well-balanced. The defensive-minded Roman Kinal is with the offensive-minded John Spetz, offensive defenseman Andrew Lucas is next to an all-around blue liner in Harrison Rees, while Messineo and Flynn both lean towards offense.

• Black is the last player in the lineup, beating out Ryan Tattle as the extra skater. Even though Black isn’t in any lines, he’ll still see plenty of ice time.

• Logan Terness will start in goal.

UVM lines