men’s hockey (16-4-0-2) defeated Lehigh University (16-11-1-0), 5–3, at Hatfield Ice Arena. The Wildcats bounced back from a one-goal loss the night before to NYU, earning their second win over the Mountain Hawks this season.

Villanova struck first midway through the opening period when sophomore forward Jonathan Nawrocki scored on the power play at the 5 minute mark. Nawrocki’s ninth goal of the season came off assists from Dylan Anderson and Jack Fidacaro, giving the Wildcats an early 1–0 lead.

Lehigh responded early in the second period, as Maxim Myagkov tied the game at 3:07. The score remained tied, 1-1, heading into the third period. The ‘Cats struggled to finish on their 25 shots in the first two periods.

Despite the slow start, Villanova found another gear in the final frame.

“We struggled in the first two periods but really turned it up in the third once we found our stride,” sophomore defenseman Davian Peretti said. “Our ice hockey team has had a tremendous season so far.”

The Wildcats regained momentum just over a minute into the third period when Brendan

O’Brien found the back of the net at 1:05, assisted by Charles Davis and Jack Fidacaro. Lehigh quickly answered, as Myagkov scored his second goal of the game just 23 seconds later.

Villanova then seized control with three goals over the final 11 minutes. Davis gave the Wildcats the lead at 9:11 with an unassisted goal. Defenseman James Reagan extended the lead on the power play at 17:04, scoring what proved to be the game-winning goal.

After Lehigh cut the deficit to one with just over a minute remaining, O’Brien sealed the victory with a short-handed insurance goal at 19:25, his second of the game and 16th of the season.

Special teams played a key role in the win, as Villanova finished 2-for-2 on the power play while also adding a short-handed goal. Peretti credited the unit as one of the team’s strengths.

“It’s one of the best power plays in all of ACHA Division I hockey,” Peretti said.

Goaltender Dmitrii Kapranov earned the win in net, stopping 29 of 32 shots. O’Brien led all Wildcats with two goals, while Davis recorded a goal and two assists.

With just a few weeks remaining in the regular season, Villanova is focused on finishing strong.

“We’re looking to make a strong playoff push,” Peretti said.

The ‘Cats return to Hatfield Ice Arena this Friday, Feb. 6, against George Mason University.