Utica University Men's Hockey Team Wins UCHC Championship

Pioneers defeat Geneseo 4-1 to advance to NCAA Tournament

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Utica University Men's Hockey Team won their 6th UCHC Division III men's hockey championship on Saturday night in front of a full house at the Adirondack Bank Center. Utica defeated Geneseo by a score of 4-1 to advance to the NCAA Tournament.

Why it matters

Utica University's men's hockey team has a strong tradition of success, having now won 6 UCHC conference championships. This latest title win positions the Pioneers well to make a deep run in the upcoming NCAA Division III tournament, further cementing the program's status as a regional powerhouse.

The details

Utica opened the scoring in the first period when John Gutt found the back of the net. The game remained tied 1-1 until late in the third period when junior forward Nicholas Rogers scored the go-ahead goal for the Pioneers. Utica then sealed the victory with a pair of empty-net goals in the final minutes.

  • The championship game was played on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
  • Utica will play Williams College in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 7 p.m.

The players

John Gutt

A player for the Utica University men's hockey team who scored the opening goal in the championship game.

Nicholas Rogers

A junior forward for the Utica University men's hockey team who scored the go-ahead goal late in the third period to give the Pioneers the lead.

Drake Morse

A player for the Utica University men's hockey team who scored an empty-net goal to seal the championship victory.

Aidan Hughes

A player for the Utica University men's hockey team who scored an empty-net goal to extend the Pioneers' lead late in the game.

Jacob Torgner

The goaltender for the Geneseo Ice Knights who was pulled late in the game in an attempt to tie the score.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Utica will play Williams College in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 7 p.m. at the Adirondack Bank Center.

The takeaway

Utica University's men's hockey team has cemented its status as a regional powerhouse, winning its 6th UCHC conference championship and earning a spot in the upcoming NCAA Division III tournament. The Pioneers' success reflects the strength of the program and the dedication of its players and coaching staff.