Cambridge University produce rousing display to beat Oxford in 102nd Ice Hockey Varsity Match at Cambridge Ice Arena
Lucas Maddalena scored three goals as Cambridge University demolished Oxford University 8-0 in the 102nd Ice Hockey Varsity Match, held at the Cambridge Ice Arena for the first time.
It was a polished and accomplished display from the Light Blues, who spent around 90 per cent of the game in the attacking zone.
Oxford were left chasing shadows for large parts as the stick work of the hosts kept them in control of the puck at all times, with their movement and passing crisp.
The team speed and cohesiveness of Cambridge looked far above that of their Dark Blue rivals, so much so that it was difficult to imagine that they are in the same division in the British Universities Ice Hockey Association leagues.
It did not take long for Cambridge to get the first goal, with Hughes Hall’s Evgeny Goncharov finishing from a tight angle after four minutes.
The Light Blues went on to dominate the first period but found Oxford goaltender Mikhail Andrenkov in top form, preventing chance after chance.
It was only in the final minute that Cambridge were finally able to double their lead as Martin Limback-Stokin’s unstoppable hit flew into the net.
Oxford upped the ante at the start of the second period but, with a player sent off, Cambridge went on a goal blitz.
Maddalena deflected in Will Zang’s pass and the Light Blues’ president went clear through and while Andrenkov saved his shot, Maddalena tucked the puck into the net on the rebound.
More great stick work and swift passing created the opportunity for Julian Nappert to get Cambridge’s fifth goal and it was 6-0 when Goncharov shot across the keeper to score.
Cambridge man-of-the-match Limback-Stokin hit a brilliant shot into the top corner to give goalie Andrenkov no chance for the seventh, and Maddalena completed his hat-trick to finish the Light Blues’ scoring in a thoroughly comprehensive performance that makes history in the first Varsity Match on the new ice rink.
It was a double for Cambridge as the women’s team secured a 3-1 win over Oxford, with Lauren Archibald, captain Joa Hoshizaki and alternate captain Emily Berman scoring the goals.
