Dec. 30, 2005

STORRS, Conn. - Mark Matheson's power play goal with eight minutes left in the third period was the difference as Massachusetts ended a three-game losing streak with a 2-1 victory over Army in the consolation game of the UConn/Toyota Classic at Freitas Ice Forum in Storrs, Conn., Friday afternoon.

After a scoreless first period, UMass (6-11-0) drew first blood with a goal by Cory Quirk at 3:40 of the second. Quirk's shot from the top of the left faceoff circle slid past Army goalie Brad Roberts just inside the far post.

The Black Knights (4-11-3) charged back midway through the third period when freshman Zach McKelvie notched his second goal of the season off assists from Chase Podsiad and Bryce Hollweg.

The goal ended a scoreless string of 137 minutes, 18 seconds for the Black Knights. However, Army could not keep UMass at bay for long.

Massachusetts jumped back into the lead 2:23 later. That is when Matheson potted the game-winner for the Minutemen nine seconds after Army's Chris Colvin was sent off for tripping.

Roberts made XX saves for the Black Knights. Gabe Winer stopped XX shots for UMass.

Host Connecticut battled Bowling Green in the championship game of the UConn/Toyota Classic.

Army returns to action Friday, Jan. 6 when it welcomes Atlantic Hockey rival Mercyhurst to Tate Rink for an 8 p.m. contest. The game will be televised live nationally on CSTV as its "Game of the Week."