2/5-8/26 - A Hard Fought Playoff Game

In the last game of their season, the UCSD Tritons faced the Washington Huskies in the first round of the Pac 8 Playoffs. The first period of the game was dominated by goalie, Isaac Laddon (#35) saving 17 shots in the first period keeping the Tritons in the game as the Huskies and Tritons went into the first intermission tied at zero apiece. However, the Tritons wouldn’t fare as well in the 2nd period as the Huskies would score three straight goals in the 2nd with the tritons being unable to answer going into the second intermission down 0-3. However, two minutes into period #3, assistant captain Luca Tartiglia (#27) would score the Tritons first goal of the playoffs on the powerplay to put the Tritons within striking distance down 1-3 with 17 minutes left to play in the third. However, that would be the first and only goal the Tritons would score in the Pac 8 playoffs, as the Tritons would end their season losing 1-3 in a hardfought game against the Washington Huskies.

1/31/26 - A Frustrating Loss At Senior Night

For our Triton’s senior night, the UCSD Ice hockey team faced off against SDSU Ice hockey team. Following and opening ceremony celebrating the 8 graduating Tritons, hosted by Clip Santos (#1), the cross town rivalry hit the ice for the final time this season. The Aztecs peppered the Tritons goaltender, senior Isaac Laddon (#32), with consistent shots. The Aztecs scored a little more than halfway through the first period as the lone goal of the period. The Aztecs scored quickly in the second period then take 2 penalties. The Tritons were unable to capitalize on either power play. Late the period an Aztec skater fell onto Isaac Laddon (#32). Standing up for his long-time teammate senior Peter Dukakis (#24) fought the skater and earned an early departure getting ejected. The referees settled on 2 min of 4-4 play were freshman Saku Sekiguchi (#20) picked up a loose puck to score five-hole on a breakaway, cutting the Aztec lead in half. The Aztecs continued their aggressive offense managing to get 2 more past Laddon giving the Tritons a 4-1 loss.

1/30/26 - Lars Abom First Goal Against USC

It was the final regular season game for our Tritons. They were going head to head against the USC Trojans. The Tritons faced a close loss to the Trojans earlier in the season but they were ready to bounce back. The Tritons came out flying and stuck first when Lars Abom (#22) scored an early goal. The Trojans determined to show out on their home ice, they came back scoring 2 goals and taking the lead late in the period. Fighting hard to reclaim their lead the Tritons got an unlucky penalty for slashing for Colm Grieb (#2). On the power play the Trojans secured one last goal to finish off the 1st period 1-3. The second period begins. The Tritons fought hard holding the Trojans off for the first half of the period, but they were able to get another 2 consecutive goals on the Tritons making it (5-1). The Tritons wouldn't let that go unanswered. Not even a minute after the Trojans secured their fifth goal, Alex Tatoian (#28). The Tritons were on a roll now, and with less than a minute left of the period, Nick Goutzioulis (#19) scored, finishing off the period 3-5. In the third Triton Saku Sekiguchi (#20) scores the 3rd consecutive goal for the tritons, and brings them back within a one goal range 4-5. Late in the third the Trojans secured 3 consecutive goals ending the game and beating the Tritons 8-4.

1/23-24/26 - League Matches Against Washington State

Game 2

Coming off a strong win in game 1 of the back-to-back with WSU, the Tritons were looking to keep their momentum rolling. The first period was largely uneventful, with a WSU goal halfway through the period sending the Tritons into the second down 1-0. UCSD came out flying in the second, with Jackson Marlais (#3) getting the Tritons on the board 5 minutes in from Luca Tartaglia (#27). Six minutes later, Jackson Marlais (#3) added another from Saku Sekiguchi (#20) to put the Tritons up 2-1 going into the third. WSU responded with two goals in the first 10 minutes of the third, but Chris Feider (#13) tied it up three minutes later from Luca Tartaglia (#27). After a thrilling but scoreless overtime period, WSU was able to get two in the shootout, and although Alex Tatoian (#28) was able to get one, failed attempts from Saku Sekiguchi (#20) and Chris Feider (#13) spelled the end for the Tritons in this game, falling 4-3 in the shootout.

Game 1

With just a couple games left to go before playoffs, the Tritons came into this game hungry for a win. The first period was back-and-forth, with UCSD killing off two penalties before Tristan Lee (#10) scored unassisted in the dying stages of the first. The Tritons struggled to keep up with WSU for much of the second, surrendering two goals. Then, another late goal by Alex Tatoian (#28) from Zach Fleming (#26) left the game tied at two going into the third. A goal by senior Peter Dukakis (#24) from Jackson Marlais (#3) put the Tritons ahead five minutes in, and then a power play goal by Saku Sekiguchi (#20) gave UCSD a two goal lead. Another goal and a late push by WSU was not enough, as the Tritons held on to take a 4-3 victory.

1/18-19/26 - League Matches Against Huskies

Game 2

After a tough loss the night before the Tritons prepared to put up a strong fight against the Huskies for round two. However the Huskies refused to slow down, scoring in the first minute of play and ending the first period with a 4 goal lead. The Tritons kept the pressure and Alex Tatoian (#28) put the Tritons on the board with a breakaway goal skating the puck all the way from the Triton zone. The Huskies scored a short handed goal not long after regaining their 4 goal lead. Despite 4 different power plays the third period remained scoreless. Special teams on both teams got to see plenty of ice as the teams totaled 20 PIM, 18 by the Huskies and 8 by the Tritons. The Tritons fell to the Huskies once again for 5-1 loss.

Game 1

Following a split series with the Eagles the Tritons laced up to meet the next school from Washington State, the University of Washington Huskies. This was the third game of the weekend for the Huskies and the Tritons woke them up early in the first. After a fearless blocked shot and pass by Madden Marlais (#18), Ken Rolnick (#56) took off with a break away and tucked the puck in to open scoring for the Tritons. The Huskies then scored 3 unanswered until an untimely penalty gave Freshman Saku Sekiguchi (#20) the chance he needed to score a power play goal assisted by Alex Tatoian(#28) and Luca Tartaglia (#27). The Huskies top line proved to consistently be a problem for the Tritons with the game ending as a 9-2 loss to the Tritons.

1/9-10/26 - League Matches Against EWU

Game 2

The night after defeating the Eagles 6-4, your UCSD tritons played the Eastern Washington Eagles in the second game of their two game series. The Eagles came out swinging, scoring three straight early in the first period putting them up 0-3. However halfway through the period Jonathan Adrian (#21) scored two straight to cut the lead to 2-3 and put the Tritons within striking distance of the Eagles. However the Eagles quickly pulled away scoring three more finishing the 1st period up 2-6 and the game would never become close with the tritons being unable to score another goal. However the game will be most remembered by the 15 penalties that were called on the Tritons, including a 10 min misconduct to Sean Miller (#16) and defensemen Colm Grieb (#2) being ejected for a high sticking penalty. The Eagles went on to five more goals and ended up splitting the series defeating the Tritons 2-11.

Game 1

After Winter Break, the Tritons faced Eastern Washington Eagles in an important league matchup. The Tritons started off hot in the 1st period with goals from Alex Tatoian (#28) and Saku Sekiguchi (#20). Ending the 1st period 2-0, the Tritons made another push in the 2nd, adding 2 more goals to their total from Jackson Marlais (#3) and Luca Tartaglia (#27), while conceding one. The Tritons ended the 2nd period with a commanding 4-1 lead. The lead faltered, as the Eagles shortened the lead to 4-3, but timely goals from Triton captain Sean Miller (#16) and Jonny Adrian (#21) extended the Triton lead. The Tritons defeated Eastern Washington in a convincing 6-4 result, earning their first league victory of the season.

11/22/25 - Exhibition Win Against Chapman

After years of not playing each other the Tritons laced up to face the Panthers from Chapman for an exhibition game. Sean Miller (#16) opened scoring for the Tritons and Jackson Marlais (#3) scored one of his own to round off the first period. During the second period Sean Miller (#16) and Jackson Marlais (#3) each doubles their goals for the game. Additionally freshman Keira Shin (#8) scored her first goal and was immediately surrounded by proud teammates. The Panthers managed to score 2 of their own in the second period. During the third period Jonny Adrian (#21) scored and additional goal for the Tritons before Sean Miller (#16) netted his third of the game. The hat trick was celebrated by teammates and fans as a hat made its way to the ice. The Tritons ended the game with a 7-2 win.

11/15/25 - Bringing back the UCLA Exhibition Game!

Facing UCLA for the first time since 2021, the UCSD Ice Hockey Team faced the UCLA Bruins. Unlike the night before, the Tritons were missing some players, specifically five defensemen, which was a considerable loss in their game plan. Before the game even started, rookie Chris Feider (#13) and senior Alex Tatoian (#28) volunteered to play defense to fill in the gaps in the lineup. This kind of behavior is typical of the Triton bunch, which is always ready to step up for the team and sacrifice for one another. Unfortunately, before the Tritons could find their stride, the Bruins struck twice, both from the same UCLA player. Once this was noted, UCSD was able to stop the bleeding and cut UCLA off for the rest of the period.

In the second, more Bruin offense followed with two more unanswered goals, until, finally, UCSD netted one of their own from senior Sean Miller (#16), assisted by freshman Saku Sekiguchi (#20).

UCLA dominated most of the third period, unfortunately for our Tritons, with four more goals. Alex Tatoian (#28), assisted by Sean Miller (#16), scored the second and final goal from the Tritons, stemming from a successful power play and some tic-tac-toe passing.

Although the Tritons were unable to secure the win, they had a good time. And isn't that what matters most?

See your Tritons again next week, taking on the Panthers and then the SDSU Aztecs the first week of December for the final two games of the calendar year!

11/14/25 - Last League Game of 2025

The UCSD Ice Hockey Team entered their Friday night matchup against the USC Trojans with a full roster, the photography crew, and coaching staff all present and ready for what was hopefully going to be the first league win. As has been common lately, UCSD's captain, Sean Miller (#16), struck first, scoring the only goal of the first period unassisted and shorthanded. Then, the second period saw head-to-head action as the Tritons and Trojans alternated goals. Despite Alex Tatoian's (#28) goal assisted by Sean Miller (#16) and Jackson Marlais's (#3) (his first of the year), assisted by Jonny Adrian (#21) and Ken Rolnick (#56), it was not enough to counter the five goals that USC was able to put up in the same period—most of the third period remained scoreless as the Tritons tried to battle their way back, even scoring the first of the period with a goal by Luca Tartaglia (#27) assisted by Saku Sekiguchi (#20), another shorthanded.

Some positives were that this was the second consecutive close league game, representing the Tritons' improvement and resilience as the season progresses. Additionally, the Tritons kept to four penalties in the game and successfully killed every one. With another game on the same weekend, the UCSD Ice Hockey Team looks to build on these positives and secure a win against UCLA.

11/7/25 - Washington Trip: Onto Bigger and Better and Further North

In game one of two for the Washington trip to Bellingham, WA, the UCSD Tritons faced the Western Washington University Vikings. The Tritons wanted to come out hot, and luckily, captain Sean Miller (#16) scored the opening goal, assisted by Alexander Tatoian (#28). The Tritons also successfully killed a penalty towards the end of the first and went back to the locker room in high spirits. However, in the second period, the Vikings were able to recalibrate their strategy and scored three unanswered goals. The third was much of the same, with another two goals by WWU, including one on the power play after a Triton penalty. The Tritons returned to the hotel, motivated to get some rest and try to replicate their first-period success for the entire game, aiming to secure a win.

In the second game, the Tritons traded blows with the Vikings throughout the game in one of the highest scoring games for UCSD all year. The Vikings potted the first goal, but the Tritons responded with one of their own with a goal from Alex Tatoian (#28), assisted by Luca Tartaglia (#27) and Colm Grieb (#2). This was rookie Colm Grieb’s first point as a UCSD Triton. Unfortunately, the Vikings struck again with 3 seconds left in the first period, sending UCSD into the locker room down one again. Shortly after the beginning of the second period, the Vikings struck again. Still, the Tritons were not far behind, with senior Hudson Gehrke (#7) and his first goal of the season, assisted by Alex Tatoian (#28) and Jackson Marlais (#3). Another goal from captain Sean Miller (#16), assisted by Luca Tartaglia (#27), tied the game at 3-3. Rookie Saku Sekiguchi (#20) scored to give the Tritons their first lead of the game, and the UCSD team was invigorated, thinking they might have a chance at their first league win of the season. Unfortunately, the Vikings responded with another score before the end of the second quarter, which tied the contentious game. In the third quarter, WWU scored first, reestablishing its lead, but remained undisciplined, with double the penalties as the Tritons. One such penalty led to another goal from rookie Saku Sekiguchi (#20), assisted by Jackson Marlais (#3) and Alex Tatoian (#28). The game was tied again until the Vikings scored two more. Arick Collander (#25) scored his first of the season, assisted by Sean Miller (#16) and Jackson Marlais (#3), but the Vikings scored one more. Despite the empty net with a 6-4 opportunity on the power play, UCSD couldn’t find the back of the net. This was a disappointing loss, but the Tritons focused on the positives. They are very excited to have gone head-to-head with a high-ranking team in their division. Additionally, Colm Grieb (#2) and Jackson Marlais (#3) had their first and first three points, respectively, of the season, and, importantly, the goal from rookie Arick Collander (#25) earned him the game puck, despite the loss. Next weekend, UCSD will face its So-Cal rivals, the USC Trojans, in surely another hard-fought battle. See you there!

10/23/25 - Annual Bay Area Trip: A Mixed Bag

The annual Bay Area Trip for the Tritons was not for the faint of heart, facing a daunting lineup with two games against SJSU, known as one of the most physical and penalized teams in the league, and UC Berkeley, the runner-up for the Pac-8 Championship for the 2024-2025 with an undefeated regular season that same year.

For the first game, UCSD was severely understaffed, which they referred to as a “skeleton crew”, starting the game with only eight skaters and two goalies. The first game did not begin as the Tritons had hoped, as they saw a goal from a potent SJ offense within the first two minutes of the game, and another at the halfway point. Despite potting one of their own with a goal from senior Alex Tatoian (#28) assisted by Ken Rolnick (#56) after killing the first penalty of the game, the Spartans quickly responded with another of their own. The second period was a much more evenly played period, with Alex Tatoian (#28) scoring an unassisted goal and the Spartans responding immediately. The second period also saw the transformation of goalie Isaac Laddon (#32) into winger Isaac Laddon (#32). Forever the team player, Isaac volunteered to play an unfamiliar position after seeing his teammates exhausted after the first period, never backing down when he was called upon. Luckily, in the second period, “the cavalry” arrived in the form of rookie Tristan Lee (#10), who provided another set of much-needed fresh legs. In the third, however, the wheels fell off, and the Spartans hammered away at the net, scoring another six unanswered goals. Given the difficult odds the Tritons faced, they put up a valiant effort, especially Alex Tatoian (#28) with the only two Triton goals for the night, and goalie Matthew Mahlow (#86) with another admirable performance. Hopefully, they can create more offense tomorrow with a full squad.

With a good night’s rest and more than double the players, the Tritons prepared to tackle the Spartans again. The bench erupted when junior Alex Nakashima (#8) buried the first goal, assisted by Alex Tatoian (#28) and Arick Collander (#25). Goaltender Isaac Laddon (#32) played an incredible first period until a Spartan player tried to take off his glove while he was making a save. The resulting scrum that ensued resulted in Isaac being removed from the game, and Matthew Mahlow (#86) subbing in for him. Unfortunately, SJSU scored two quick ones before the end of the period, putting UCSD down a goal going into the second. Unfortunately, the second and third periods were a hometown show in San Jose, with SJSU controlling the scoreboard and the Tritons mainly controlling the penalty box. Although it was a frustrating game against a beatable team, UCSD hopes to bounce back with two more games this weekend.

For game three of four, the Tritons traveled further north, deep into Oakland, CA, to take on UC Berkeley. In the first period, the Golden Bears dominated the scoreboard, scoring four unanswered goals. UCSD recuperated in the locker room before the second period, trying to stop the bleeding, which they were more successful at in the second period by adjusting some lines and, significantly, moving defenseman Peter Dukakis (#24) up to the forward position. Most of the second period saw no scoring from either team, with impressive work by Matthew Mahlow between the pipes to keep Berkeley at bay. Finally, after a dropped puck right in the crease by the Golden Bear goaltender and a hard forecheck from Peter Dukakis (#24), the fourth-year Triton was able to capitalize and pot the first Triton goal of the game. The Tritons hoped that this would be the momentum shift they needed, the turning point in the game. Unfortunately, this was not the case, as the Golden Bears scored one just a mere 36 seconds after Peter’s goal, and another one with one second left in the second. The third period saw two more unanswered goals from Berkeley. Although the final score did not reflect the effort put in by the Tritons, they hung their hat on their ability to stop an extremely offensively skilled UC Berkeley team. If they could have a faster start and score a few more, maybe they would have a chance.

The fourth and final game of the travel weekend featured a worn UCSD team that refused to give up, a hallmark of the UCSD playing style over the past few years. But instead, the Tritons were unable to start the offensive bullet train that was the Golden Bears. With thirty unanswered goals throughout the game, the Tritons were at a loss for what to do next. Despite five home team penalties, UCSD could not capitalize on the power play, and actually, Berkeley scored twice while shorthanded. Needless to say, the game fell short of expectations, although much of the blame could be attributed to the scheduling of four consecutive road games. The Tritons, now back home, are rebuilding their lineup, plays, and game plan for better outcomes in the future. They won’t quit, and they won’t back down. We will see how it pans out for them next week against SDSU’s D1 team and then back on the road in Bellingham for two games against Western Washington University.

10/10/25 - Another UCSD Win, Looking Towards The Bay

On Friday night, the UCSD Tritons faced the UC Davis Aggies in their annual exhibition UC matchup. The Tritons had a rougher start than they expected. Although Jonathan Adrian (#21) scored the first goal of the game, a defensive zone fumble in the last minute of the first period resulted in an Aggies goal and a tied game. Although this blunder deflated UCSD a little bit, they were able to recover and attack in the second period.

In the second, again, Jonathan Adrian (#21), a rising star for UCSD, scored another goal for the Tritons, followed by a goal from sophomore Ken Rolnick (#22), his first of the season. Before the end of the second period, Jonathan Adrian (#21) scored his third of the game on the Power Play after a Davis penalty, completing a "hat trick", much to the happiness of his teammates and the fans in the bleachers. The Aggies responded with a goal of their own, but the Tritons still went into the third with a comfortable lead, ready to put away the game.

The third period was more of the same, with a goal from junior Alex Nakashima (#9) and another goal from Ken Rolnick (#22); the third and final goal by Davis did not put enough of a dent into the UCSD lead. Goaltender Matthew Mahlow put on yet another admirable performance in net, keeping the Aggies at bay.

This game marked many successes for the UCSD Tritons. First, this was their second win in a row, a streak they hope to continue as they start their first league games in the Bay Area in two weeks. Also, the Tritons had zero penalties, which is very uncommon in the ACHA league and even more unusual given the formidable reputation UCSD holds. Finally, there were individual successes as well, including from the winner of the "game puck", a tradition in ice hockey given to the MVP of a won game. Vice President Peter Dukakis said in the locker room after the game regarding the game puck, "We all know who this is going to," and, naturally, Jonathan Adrian (#21) was awarded the honor for his tremendous efforts.

After celebrating with some In-N-Out, the members of the UCSD Ice Hockey Team are resting up. Next, they will travel in two weeks for their first 2025-2026 trip, going to San Jose and Oakland from October 23rd to 26th, and playing San Jose State University and UC Berkeley. With two wins under their belt, they will continue to brush up their skills in on-ice and off-ice training and travel ready to rock!

10/4/25 - First UCSD Season Win

On Saturday night, the UCSD Tritons faced off again against the Cal State Fullerton Titans in the second game of their double-header opening weekend. Luckily for the Tritons, the game went much more favorably from the very beginning.

In the opening minutes, one of the rookie UCSD players, Jonathan Adrian (#21), scored his first goal as a Triton. The Triton bench erupted with cheers, supporting a new addition and a great start to the game. Little did Jonathan know, at the time, but he set the tone for the rest of the match. This opening drive was quickly followed by a goal by Jonathan's linemate, Alternate Captain Luca Tartaglia (#27), contributing a "beaut" of his own. Not long after Saku Sekiguchi (#78), another rookie, scored his first Triton goal after multiple great scoring attempts missed by inches. Yet again, his newfound team members celebrated this achievement!

Like the last, this game proved a physical one for the Tritons. Expecting the heavy-hitting Titans team to continue pressing forward, the Tritons brought the heat, maintaining their physical presence throughout. A couple of scrums in the second period saw defensemen Jason Wang (#6) and Adrian Chavez (#4) defending themselves and their teammates from some questionable Titan hits. Unfortunately, a slower second period resulted in two Titan goals, leaving UCSD with a smaller 4-2 lead going into the third period, often referred to as "the worst lead in hockey."

Thankfully, before the end of the game, Jonathan and Saku each scored another goal to solidify their contribution to the Triton win over the Titans. Although the Titans tried to climb back, with a late goal three minutes before the final buzzer, Nick Goutzioulis (#19), in his fifth season with the team, put away their dreams of a win with an empty net goal in the final minute of the game.

Needless to say, post-game spirits were high after a first-season win and great efforts from every individual player on the roster. Goalie Matthew Mahlow (#86) played a tremendous game, facing over 60 shots on goal and securing the victory. Rookies Jonathan and Saku were both rewarded with a game puck each, representing their first goals, as well as the prospect of their future contributions to the great UCSD Ice Hockey Team. Finally, coaching staff and players alike recognized defenseman Logan DeFreitas (#11) for his sensational performance, a masterclass in poise with the puck.

The Tritons look forward to what these individual players will contribute moving forward and to what everybody has in store for the coming season. Onto next weekend against UC Davis and Fresno State!

10/3/25 - First UCSD Season Game

On Friday night, the UCSD Tritons played their first game of the 2025-2026 season against the Cal State Fullerton Titans. Unfortunately, they did not have the start they hoped for, going down by three goals in the first period. Even a Powerplay late in the first after a Titan cross-check did not prove fruitful for UCSD.

The second period brought two more goals from Fullerton, but the Tritons were starting to find their stride, working on their chemistry between players in week-old lines. Seven minutes into the second, Alternate Captain Adrian Chavez (#4) defended himself from a blindside hit, reinvigorating the Tritons and reminding them of the "never-back-down" mentality they have become known for throughout the league in past seasons. Goalie Isaac Laddon (#32), throughout the first and second, continued to face endless shots and keep the Tritons in the game.

Motivated by an already better period, UCSD went into the third ready to change the course of their season opener. Their efforts paid off when, halfway through the third period, Captain Sean Miller (#16) breathed life into the UCSD offense with a hard-work goal after a long stint in the offensive zone, his first of the season. Goalie Matthew Mahlow (#86) finished off the game, slowing the Titan effort.

Although the final score is not what the Tritons had wanted, the growth throughout the game, including the significantly better final period, gives players and fans alike hope for a successful season. The UCSD Tritons look forward to their next game against the Titans on Saturday, playing for redemption. With the improvements made throughout the game, victory feels a few plays away.