University of Providence Men's Hockey Defeats Utah State 5-3

The University of Providence men’s hockey program defeated Utah State 5-3 Thursday night in a game where the Argos fought back from an early first-period deficit to secure a home victory.

Early Momentum Shifts in Great Falls

The Aggies opened the scoring quickly when they netted the game’s first goal just 25 seconds into the contest. Utah State held a 6-7 record entering the matchup, but the Argos (6-3) found an answer midway through the opening period. Junior Kage Yellowfly intercepted a pass in the offensive zone and located senior AJ Belanger, whose one-timer went top corner to tie the match at one.

One early name to look out for to succeed Kim English at Providence: Utah State coach Jerrod Calhoun. Was an assistant early in his career with Bob Huggins at Cincinnati and West Virginia. On the verge of taking the Aggies to their second straight NCAA Tournament.

— https://x.com/SethDavisHoops/status/2029675828582437122

Yellowfly struck again minutes later, driving the net to beat the goaltender one-on-one and put the University of Providence ahead 2-1. Utah State responded before the intermission, however, locking the score at two heading into the second period.

Special Teams and Depth Scoring Extend the Lead

Both sides traded chances through the first ten minutes of the middle frame until an Argos power play broke the deadlock. Belanger found senior Chavez Constant at the top of the point, and Constant’s wrist shot beat the goaltender to make it 3-2.

University of Providence Men's Hockey Defeats Utah State 5-3

The University of Providence added to its advantage shortly after. Belanger put a puck toward the net that was tipped to freshman Devante Pratt-Fry, whose back-handed chip squeezed past the goaltender to establish a 4-2 lead ahead of the third period.

Defensive Resilience Seals the Win

Utah State cut the deficit four minutes into the final period, but the Argos answered with six minutes remaining on the clock. Junior Jamal Shaw directed a puck toward the crease, where it bounced around until senior Jamal Kalaf sent a wrist shot into the back of the net, pushing the lead to 5-3.

Instagram

The Aggies pressed hard down the stretch, utilizing a 6-4 advantage with their goaltender pulled, but the Argos defense held firm to close out the victory. The University of Providence returns to the ice on Friday, Oct. 30, to host the University of Utah in Great Falls at 7:30 p.m.