This past weekend the Ice Dawgs traveled to Nashville, TN to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores for the first time this season. The Dawgs played back to back games Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning against the Commodores, who are currently ranked second in the SECHC East.

Saturday both teams started strong with a scoreless first period at the Ford Ice Center. Vanderbilt got their legs under them early in the second period and got three goals past senior goaltender Nick Carlotto. With just 20 seconds left in the second, David Bakin tapped in UGA’s first goal. The third period saw an impressive push back by the Dawgs with a goal from Zach Flasch to bring them within one. Another goal from Vanderbilt was quickly responded to by Alex Carey and then Eric Mauge and the period ended with a tie, 4-4. Overtime failed to resolve anything, and both teams tried their hand with a shootout. Despite a valiant effort from UGA’s goalie, Vanderbilt pulled out the win in round four of the shootout.

The Ice Dawgs sought a rematch Sunday morning, once again with a strong first period from both teams. The Commodores scored early in the first, but the goal was waived off. After a scoreless set of powerplays from each team, Vanderbilt knocked the puck in on a 4 on 4 opportunity. The first period ended with two for Vandy and one, scored by Tyler Glassman, for UGA. The second period remainder close, but saw Vanderbilt pull ahead 3-1. The third period saw a scoring streak from the top ranked Commodores, and despite a late rallying goal from Zach Flasch, UGA dropped the game with a final score of 9-2.