Martlets Fall to KUA

The Martlets squared off against the Wildcats from KUA in their opening game of the 2024 Flood Marr Tournament, and it was a matchup that had fans on the edge of their seats from the opening puck drop. The Wildcats wasted no time asserting their presence, scoring just 2 minutes into the game off a deflection from the point. The tip beat Martlet netminder Jack Fichthorn '26, who had no chance on the redirection.

Undeterred by the early setback, the Martlets regrouped and played with renewed intensity for the rest of the period. They generated several high-quality chances, but KUA’s goaltender stood tall, denying every attempt and preserving the 1-0 lead heading into the first intermission.

The second period opened with an uptick in energy from both teams, and the Martlets continued to press hard for the equalizer. They had their opportunities, but the puck just wouldn’t bounce their way, as KUA’s goalie turned aside every effort. Midway through the period, a 4-on-3 power play gave KUA a chance to extend their lead, and they didn’t miss—taking a 2-0 advantage.

The Martlets, however, refused to back down. They controlled the play for several minutes, pushing for that elusive goal. But once again, the Wildcats capitalized on a defensive breakdown late in the period, making it 3-0. Just as things looked bleak, Timmy Donohue '27 delivered for the Martlets, getting them on the board with a clutch goal before the period buzzer sounded, cutting the deficit to 3-1.

Now down by two, the Martlets entered the third period with hope, but unfortunately, they found themselves in penalty trouble more often than they would have liked. Despite their relentless effort and another stellar performance from Fichthorn between the pipes, KUA added one more goal late to seal the win, 4-1.

Fichthorn was a standout throughout the game, making key saves to keep his team in it, but the Martlets couldn’t quite find the breakthrough they needed. Their effort and grit were undeniable, and this loss certainly didn’t reflect the quality of their play. The team now shifts focus to their next challenge, as they face Hotchkiss later tonight, hungry for redemption.