Freshman right wing Zach Sampson has been a standout player for the Arizona Icecats club hockey team all season, and this weekend was no different.
Sampson had two goals Friday as the Icecats (6-1) swept the Saint Louis University Billikens (0-8) in dominating fashion, with 12-4 victory on Friday and a 4-1 win on Saturday in St. Louis.
As Sampson lit the lamp in the first game, four different Icecats – junior rightwing Scott Marshall, sophomore center Matt Conover, senior defenseman Evan Marrow and sophomore center Cody Morin – accounted for the four goals Saturday.
“”We need all three lines to score if we want to compete and be considered a part of the top ten this season,”” head coach Leo Golembiewski said.
Sampson’s two goals brought his goal tally to five on the season, which is tied for second on the team with sophomore right wing Robbie Nowinski, and junior center Craig Irwin, who had seven assists in the two games.
Sophomore goalie Nick Boddy, who had been struggling earlier in the season, bounced back on Saturday, stifling the Billikens offense by making 27 saves on 28 shots.
“”The team really needed (Boddy) to play well last night,”” Golembiewski said, “”and he did.””
Sampson, who has five goals and six assists on the young season, has been an “”impact”” player for the team’s success according to Golembiewski, who called the freshman “”an important cog in the wheel.””
Sophomore right wing Robbie Nowinksi, one of the most lethal offensive weapons for Arizona, did not travel with the team, and the team was forced to look to others to fill the gap.
Sophomore center Matt Conover was one of the others as he recorded his first hat trick of the season in Friday’s game where the Icecats completely dominated the Billikens.
Sampson and Morin each recorded two goals apiece as well.
Five other Icecats scored in the contest as well, including Marshall, Marrow, Morin, sophomore left wing John Hansen and senior defenseman Eric Kowalek.
Junior goalie Luke Edwall had 35 saves on 39 shots to improve his record to 4-0 on the year.
Arizona now has a week of practice to tune up for their home debut Friday against ASU.
“”We need people that can execute, and I think we’re starting to find those people,”” Golembiewski said.
