Breaking:ators’ Sebastian Törnqvist Scores Three-Point Night, Catamounts Come Back to Defeat No. 16 Northeastern in Thriller
In a nail-biting comeback, the Vermont Catamounts routed the No. 16 Northeastern Huskies 3-2 at historic Gutterson Fieldhouse. Sebastian Törnqvist led the charge with a trio of points, including the game-winning goal, lifting the Catamounts to their first victory this season when allowing the first goal.
The Huskies struck first, capitalizing on a fortunate bounce that created a rapid two-on-two down low. Joe Connor’s backhand pass took a deflection and found the back of the net for Northeastern’s eighth goal of the season. However, Vermont refused to go down without a fight. Törnqvist tied the game with just 24 seconds remaining in the first period, roofing a snapshot after receiving a pass from Colin Kessler and Aiden Wright.
The Catamounts continued their momentum in the second period, scoring two more goals for a 3-1 lead heading into the final frame. First, Jens Richards faked out Northeastern’s Lawton Zacher, beating him to the post with a beautiful backhand finish. Then, Törnqvist struck again, juking a Northeastern defender and firing a wrist shot past Zacher to give Vermont a commanding lead.
Despite Northeastern clawing back to make it a one-goal game with Amine Hajibi’s fourth goal of the season, the Catamounts held firm, preventing the Huskies from registering a single shot on net during the final 2:37, thanks in part to a crucial blocked shot by Philip Törnqvist.
In a touching post-game moment, Vermont Mutual Insurance Group has donated $100 to the Ronald McDonald House through their ‘Cat’s Win, Community Win’s initiative,’ bringing their total contribution to over $6 million since 2014. Community Bank, N.A. also chipped in, donating $150 to Special Olympics Vermont.
Up next, the Catamounts will host the Huskies once again tomorrow night at 7 p.m. for ‘Green Out the Gut presented by Casella,’ with the first 500 fans receiving a free co-branded beanie and long sleeve shirt.
Catamounts Claw Back, Topple No. 16 Northeastern in Thriller
BURLINGTON, Vt. – Sebastian Törnqvist authored a three-point night, leading the Vermont Catamounts to a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over the No. 16 Northeastern Huskies at historic Gutterson Fieldhouse Friday.
Törnqvist’s Heroics Spark Vermont’s Comeback
In a back-and-forth contest, it was Törnqvist who spearheaded Vermont’s offense. The junior forward tied the game at one apiece late in the first period and tallied the eventual game-winning goal in the third. His three points extended his team lead in scoring, bringing his season total to an impressive 15.
“If we didn’t have Sebastian Törnqvist, I don’t know what we’d do,” Vermont head coach Eric Wiedler said postgame. “He’s been our best player all season, and tonight was no different.”
Rapid Response Gives Catamounts the Lead
After Törnqvist’s first goal tied the game, the Catamounts wasted no time taking their first lead of the night. A swift transition, orchestrated by Törnqvist and Jack Malinski, sent Jens Richards in alone on Northeastern’s Lawton Zacher. Richards made no mistake, beating Zacher to the post and putting Vermont up 2-1 heading into the second intermission.
Törnqvist Does It Again
Two minutes into the final frame, Törnqvist struck again, beating Zacher with a wrist shot from the point. Massimo Lombardi earned the primary assist, while Cédrick Guindon finished the play off.
Northeastern Responds, Catamounts Hold Strong
The Huskies refused to go quietly, pulling within one just 88 seconds after Törnqvist’s second goal. Amine Hajibi’s snipe cut the Vermont lead to 3-2, setting up a tense finish.
With the goalie pulled in the final 2:37, the Catamounts locked down. Törnqvist’s younger brother, Philip, preserved the victory with a key blocked shot with 51 seconds remaining.
Inside the Box Score
- Colin Kessler extended his team lead in assists to 12 with a helper on Vermont’s first goal.
- The Catamounts won for the first time this season when allowing the game’s first goal.
- Vermont has now scored 10 goals over their last three games.
Vermont Mutual & Community Bank Donate to Local Charities
In addition to the win on the ice, Vermont Mutual Insurance Group will donate $100 to the Ronald McDonald House through their Cat’s Win, Community Win’s initiative. For every Catamount goal, Community Bank N.A. donates $50 to Special Olympics Vermont.
Up Next
The Catamounts continue their series against Northeastern Saturday night at 7 p.m. in a Green Out the Gut presented by Casella. The first 500 fans receive a free co-branded beanie and long sleeve shirt, courtesy of Casella.
Rally Before the Rink – Feb. 6 at Boston College
Join the Catamounts in Chestnut Hill, Mass. before their Feb. 6 matchup against Boston College. RSVP today at go.uvm.edu/mihtbc.
FAQ
Q: Who leads Vermont in goals this season?
A: Sebastian Törnqvist leads Vermont with 7 goals this season.
Q: Which Vermont Catamount has the most assists this season?
A: Colin Kessler leads the Catamounts with 12 assists this season.
Q: How can I watch tomorrow’s game?
A: Catch the action on ESPN+ in the US and internationally via Stretch Internet ($).
Pro Tip: Stay Engaged with Catamount Hockey
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