Tyler Muszelik questionable for UMass series

UConn men’s hockey goaltender Tyler Muszelik is questionable for the upcoming weekend series against UMass, head coach Mike Cavanaugh said on Wednesday. The junior net-minder missed the Huskies’ most recent contest with a lower body injury.

Muszelik returned to practice on Tuesday, but the team is still waiting to see how his body responds after being back on the ice.

“We're hoping to (have him),” Cavanaugh said.

Freshman Tommy Heaney was thrust into starting duty against No. 3 Boston University on Friday and held his own between the pipes. He stopped 25 of 29 pucks that came his way and kept the Huskies in the game. If Muszelik can’t go against UMass, Heaney will get the nod again since he’s the only available goalie left on the roster.

UConn has been thin at net-minder all season. Freshman Callum Tung hasn’t dressed in a single game, leaving the Huskies with just two goalies in the best of times. There’s currently no timetable for his return.

With depth being tested, UConn added a practice goaltender: Nico Gamarra. A native of Weston, Florida, he began his collegiate career at Division III SUNY Potsdam but joined the Huskies’ club team this fall. He’s not eligible to suit up for game action.

“He had reached out to Vince Stalletti, our goaltending coach, earlier in the year and we told him at the time we didn't have room for him,” Cavanaugh said. “We kept his information and we've had to use it. I mean, it came in handy. He's been able to help us out quite a bit, which is nice.”

In other injury news, defenseman John Spetz is day-to-day after dislocating his shoulder against Boston University. He received a five minute major and game misconduct after colliding with Matt Copponi along the boards.