UConn's Murtagh Leads Huskies in NCAA Tournament

0:00It's March 26th. This is Hartford News today, your AI-powered local news. Yukon Hockey sophomore Mike Murder had a quiet freshman year appearing in 27 games with just one assist. This season, he's exploded offensively with seven goals and 14 assists, making him the Huskies top scorer outside their star-first line. At 5-11, he sharpened his centering skills in the offseason, and now anchors a potent second line alongside Ethan Garjola and Ethan Wickome. After a slow start, Coach Mike Kavanaugh gave him a confidence boost, and Murder responded with two goals in a key win over Merrimack on November. First, that sparked his breakout, turning him into a reliable shift that changes the team's dynamic. The Huskies earned an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament after beating Boston University and Boston College in Hockey East Play, despite a tough conference final loss. Last year as a freshman, Mertaz watched them claim their first-ever tournament win before falling in overtime.

1:00Now as the number 4 seed, Yukon faces top-seated Michigan State Thursday at 1.30pm in Worcester, Massachusetts on ESPN 2. The Spartans boasted a strong attack led by Porter Martones, 24 goals and 23 assists. To advance past Michigan State and into the Frozen 4 in Las Vegas, the Huskies will rely on depth from all lines, with Mertaz embracing the chance to lead Yukon deeper than ever before.