Varsity Ice Hockey 2026: Trent lose their winning streak with UoN dominant 7–1 win

Monday 2nd of February marked the biggest night of the year for Nottingham student sport as the Pink and the Green went head-to-head once again at the Motorpoint Arena for ice hockey Varsity now in its 21st year.

Reigning champions Nottingham Trent University came into the contest looking to extend their winning streak, but the University of Nottingham arrived with unfinished business after last year’s dramatic 7–5 defeat. This time, there was no late drama, just Green and Gold dominance.

University of Nottingham started brightly, putting NTU goalkeeper Sam Wooster under early pressure. That pressure paid off in the seventh minute when Poon Harchaipibulgul opened the scoring, assisted by Harvey Smith, to give UoN a deserved 1–0 lead. UoN doubled their advantage midway through the first period as Josh Chan finished confidently from a captain Brandon Chard assist, making it 2–0.

NTU showed signs of life early in the second period and finally found a breakthrough as Canadian player Ben Krbavac scored. However, for the Tigers, any momentum was short-lived. Penalties littered the second game, with Trent’s Marius Blazart earning himself TWO penalties for interference. UoN’s Jasper Wright and Charlie Owen also received penalties. Charlie Owen bounced back afterwards and restored UoN’s two-goal cushion moments later with a powerful strike, before Harrison Meier extended the lead further late in the period to make it 4–1 heading into the final break.

NTSU’s Sports Officer Jasmine Smith won the puck off shootout during the second break and was supported by the iconic Trent Tiger.

Any hopes of an NTU comeback were quickly shut down in the third period. By this time, supporters on the Trent side were emptying their seats knowing victory this year wasn’t theirs…Charlie Owen struck again early on, continuing a standout performance, before Brandon Chard added UoN’s sixth goal with a calm finish. The scoring was capped off by Chard once more, his second of the night, as UoN cruised to an emphatic 7–1 victory.

Despite flashes of resilience from NTU and several impressive saves from Sam Wooster, UoN were the more composed throughout, regaining the Varsity title in convincing fashion.

A tough night for NTU, but a statement win for UoN as Varsity bragging rights return to the Green and Golds.