UPPER VALLEY HOCKEY LEAGUE

It’s a battle for pride, redemption, and a shot at avoiding the league basement as the Tuck Law School Turduckens (2-5-1) host the Mustangs (2-8-0). While this series has been relatively tight (Mustangs lead 3-2), neither team has shown much interest in climbing the standings this season. Still, both squads have a flair for the ridiculous, and we’re expecting fireworks—or at least a couple of bench-clearing arguments over parking lot etiquette post-game.

The History: Ducks vs. Horses

This series has been a coin toss, with each game resembling a completely different sport. The Mustangs took the most recent meeting back in November, a 4-1 stifling where goalie Colin Farr briefly convinced people he might be sober. On the flip side, Tuck has also handed the Mustangs an 8-2 blowout in the not-too-distant past, a game so lopsided the Mustangs considered taking up croquet. The all-time series sits at 3-2 in favor of the Mustangs, but don’t count on history being a predictor—both teams are equally capable of brilliance and disaster.

Players to Watch

• Maclean Lalor (Tuck): With 12 points this season, Lalor has been Tuck’s lone bright spot. Rumor has it he plays better when insulted mid-game, so expect the Mustangs to chirp mercilessly.


• Jamal Sabky (Mustangs): Sabky has quietly put up 8 points and once claimed to have “the hands of Pavel Datsyuk and the knees of a retiree.” Let’s see which version shows up tonight.


• David Husband (Tuck): If Tuck wins, chances are Husband will be in the mix. He’s the league’s leading expert in ugly-but-effective goals.


• Dylan Parker (Mustangs): Known for his ability to clear the puck—and take out his own teammates in the process—Parker’s contributions are unpredictable but always entertaining.

The X-Factor

Goaltending will be key. Can Colin Farr avoid his signature “Oh no, I forgot I’m a goalie” moments? Will Jenkins Marshall hold up against the occasional Mustangs rush? With both teams averaging over 30 shots against per game, expect the goalies to play a major role in deciding who comes out on top.

Odds and Prediction

Odds: Tuck (-115), Mustangs (-105)
Over/Under: 8.5 goals

Our prediction? Tuck takes this one 6-5 in a shootout after a chaotic, penalty-filled slugfest. Lalor gets the winner, and Sabky claims post-game that he “totally had the assist” on all five Mustangs goals.

With playoff implications looming, the Mustangs faced a must-win situation against Tuck on Wednesday night. However, the Tuckies had other plans, dominating early and often en route to a 5-2 victory. The Mustangs, now on life support for a playoff berth, will need a miracle to keep their season alive.

First Period: Tuck Jumps Out Early

Tuck wasted no time setting the tone, controlling possession and peppering Colin Farr with quality chances. The breakthrough came at 6:08 when Nicholas Sullivan absolutely launched a pass at 90 mph across the ice, missing Adam Macsata entirely. Fortunately for Tuck, the puck ricocheted perfectly off the boards to Matt Ouellette, who cut in on Farr. His shot was saved, but Macsata, now back in the play, tapped home the rebound.

Just two minutes later, Maclean Lalor doubled the lead after taking a slick return pass from Sullivan and sniping high glove side on Farr. The Mustangs managed a handful of shots in the frame but generated very little in terms of high-danger scoring chances.

End of First: Tuck 2, Mustangs 0
Shots: Tuck 14, Mustangs 9

Second Period: Trading Blows

Tuck extended their lead to 3-0 when Kyle Lockwood stole the puck and teed up Lalor for his second of the night. However, the Mustangs finally showed signs of life with Greg Dadekian scoring off a rebound from a Brian Geraghty shot.

Tuck quickly responded as Lalor completed the hat trick in bizarre fashion—his initial shot struck Alec Whitman in the ankle, only to bounce right back onto Lalor’s stick for an easy finish past a down-and-out Farr.

Geraghty kept the Mustangs in it, scoring with just five seconds left in the period off a sweet backhanded feed from Jamal Sabky. Despite the late goal, the Mustangs still had a steep hill to climb.

End of Second: Tuck 4, Mustangs 2
Shots: Tuck 10, Mustangs 10

Third Period: Mustangs Stumble, Tuck Closes It Out

With Farr battling a groin injury, the Mustangs needed a strong push in the third. Instead, they only managed eight shots, all of which Jenkins Marshall handled with ease.

Desperate, the Mustangs pulled Farr late, but Sullivan iced the game by completing his four-point night with an empty-netter courtesy of a Matt Goff pass.

End of Regulation: Tuck 5, Mustangs 2
Shots: Tuck 5, Mustangs 8
Total Shots: Tuck 29, Mustangs 27

Playoff Implications

With the loss, the Mustangs (2-9-0) are barely clinging to postseason hopes. They aren’t mathematically eliminated yet, but they’d need to win out while hoping Tuck (3-5-1) drops its final three games. With only two games left, the Mustangs’ chances of making the playoffs are about as good as their defensive coverage in the first period—slim to none.