After a long layoff since their last game on December 4, the Sacred Heart University AAU D3 Men's Ice Hockey Team returned to action with three tough opponents to close out their regular season. 

Sacred Heart 5 UAlbany 12
The first period was a testament to the team's resilience and ability to compete at a high level. Despite limited game action over the past several weeks, Sacred Heart came out with energy, battling hard and keeping pace with a strong Albany squad. By the end of the opening frame, the Pioneers trailed 4-2, but they were very much in the game.

The second period proved to be a challenge, as Albany took advantage of their well-seasoned schedule. However, true to their character, the Pioneers never quit. They regrouped and delivered an impressive third period, winning the final frame 2-1 and closing out the game on a high note.

Offensively, Sacred Heart had several standout performances. Forward #9 Nick Rochefort led the charge with two goals, showcasing his scoring ability. #28 Benjamin Hepler, #13 Scott Podstupka, and #27 Joey Letizia each found the back of the net, contributing to a well-rounded attack that kept Albany on their toes throughout the game.

Sacred Heart 5 Fairfield 4 (OT)
The opening period was a showcase of great goaltending and relentless intensity. Both teams matched each other's pace, delivering thunderous hits and creating scoring opportunities at both ends. The physicality was undeniable, as the teams combined for 12 minutes in penalties. After a hard-fought 20 minutes, the game remained scoreless.

The second period was just as frenetic. Both teams took the ice determined to gain the advantage, and at the 10:33 mark, #7 Tim Ouellette struck first for Sacred Heart with a close-range finish, igniting SHU players. Fairfield responded on the power play later in the period, tying the game at 1-1 as the teams headed into the second intermission deadlocked.

The final frame continued the high-intensity, physical battle. Fairfield struck first to take a 2-1 lead, but Sacred Heart answered immediately. #7 Tim Ouellette delivered once again, scoring his second of the game on the power play and shifting all momentum in the Pioneers' favor.

With their confidence soaring, Sacred Heart took full control. #20 Benjamin Bajzath found the back of the net at the 13:41 mark, followed by a clutch power-play goal from #10 Zach Donahue at 11:47, giving Sacred Heart a commanding 4-2 lead.

Fairfield, however, refused to back down. They stormed back with two late goals, forcing the game into overtime.

Overtime, played in a thrilling 3-on-3 format, provided plenty of open ice for Sacred Heart's skilled skaters to shine. And shine they did. At the 2:58 mark, #28 Ben Hepler forced a turnover at center ice, pressuring a Fairfield defenseman into coughing up the puck. Hepler pounced on the opportunity, streaking in alone on a breakaway and burying the game-winning goal blocker side, securing an unforgettable victory for Sacred Heart.

Sacred Heart 3 St. John's 4
Despite playing their third game in as many days, the Pioneers battled hard from start to finish. The opening period saw a slow start as the visitors jumped out to a 4-2 lead, but the Pioneers refused to back down. Rallying behind their seniors, the team clawed their way back into the game, cutting the deficit to 4-3 by the end of the second period.

The third period was a showcase of defensive grit and resilience, as both teams locked in, trading scoring chances but ultimately keeping the scoreboard unchanged. When the final buzzer sounded, Sacred Heart fell just short, closing the season with a 4-3 loss.

Sacred Heart's offensive efforts were led by #7 Tim Ouellette, #13 Scott Podstupka, and #10 Alex Kurowski, each netting a goal in the battle.