UPPER VALLEY HOCKEY LEAGUE

Tuck Looks to Harpoon Whalers.

It's crunch time in the UVHL, and the Tuck Turduckens (2-4-1) are waddling into Whale territory to take on the Whalers (6-3-0). Both teams have plenty on the line as the playoff race heats up. The Whalers are fighting to secure second place and home-ice advantage, while Tuck desperately clings to hopes of sneaking into the postseason. Will the Whalers' offense roll over the Tuckies, or can the law school lads cook up an upset?

Head-to-Head

Series Record: Whalers lead 12-9-3
Last Matchup: Tuck edged the Whalers 4-3 on February 8, 2024, in a game featuring three lead changes and enough turnovers to stock a bakery.

Keys to the Game

For the Whalers:

• Top Line Dominance: The trio of Ezra Mock, Ean Small, and Ben Rouillard has combined for 43 points this season. They’ll need to stay hot against a Tuck defense that struggles with speedy forwards.


• Condon Must Be Better: Jered Condon (3.75 GAA, 0.881 Sv%) hasn’t exactly been a brick wall. He’ll need to step up if the Whalers want to avoid a trap game.


• Stay Disciplined: The Whalers’ penalty kill ranks dead last in the UVHL (or at least it feels that way). Staying out of the box will keep Tuck from gaining momentum.

For Tuck:

• Feed the Defense: Maclean Lalor and Nicholas Sullivan are the offensive heartbeat of this team, with a combined 23 points. Getting them involved early is critical.


• Goaltending, Goaltending, Goaltending: Jenkins Marshall (4.14 GAA, 0.856 Sv%) has been about as reliable as a 1993 Ford Pinto. He’ll need a career performance to keep the Turduckens afloat.


• Capitalize on Chances: Tuck doesn’t generate many high-danger scoring opportunities, so when they do, they’ll need to bury them. This isn’t rocket science—it’s men’s league hockey.

Players to Watch

Whalers:

• Ezra Mock: The league’s fourth-leading scorer (15 points) is a nightmare to defend. Expect him to light the lamp.


• Ben Rouillard: Rouillard’s silky passing (10 assists) could carve up Tuck’s blue line like a Thanksgiving turkey.


• Dan VeNard: The veteran defenseman can stabilize the Whalers’ back end—or cough up the puck at the worst possible moment. Stay tuned!

Tuck:

• Maclean Lalor: His cannon from the point is Tuck’s best offensive weapon. Keep an eye out for his slap shot—just don’t get in the way.


• Nicholas Sullivan: A setup machine with 10 assists, Sullivan is the engine that drives Tuck’s offense.


• Jenkins Marshall: The embattled goalie will either steal the game or end up as a meme. There’s no in-between.

Odds & Predictions

Moneyline: Whalers -180, Tuck +150
Over/Under: 6.5 goals
Prediction: The Whalers’ top-end talent will overwhelm Tuck in a fast-paced game. Final Score: Whalers 5, Tuck 2.

Final Word

The Whalers are gunning for a strong finish to the season, while Tuck hopes to keep their playoff dreams alive. Will the Whale dominate the deep or will the Turduckens soar into the unexpected? Find out at 9:20 PM!

Whalers Start Quick, Tuck Rallies Too Late!