The Arizona Icecats flew into Colorado early Friday morning riding the momentum of a Weber State sweep on the last road trip, and that frame of mind carried throughout the weekend.
The Icecats (14-12-1) defeated the Division-II, No. 3-ranked Colorado State Rams (21-9) twice during the weekend, by scores of 4-3 and 5-4 (OT).
“”These were huge victories, and the guys who made the trip stepped up,”” said Icecats head coach Leo Golembiewski. “”They are a tough team to beat in their barn. We haven’t played well there in awhile, and it was nice to go in, play well and get the sweep.””
Freshman goaltender Steven Sisler made 60 saves over the weekend, including six saves during the overtime period in game two, in which the Icecats were shorthanded due to a penalty. He was awarded the game puck for both of the games.
“”Sisler played really well, and we are proud across the board with everyone’s performance.”” Golembiewski said of his team that’s now won four in a row on the road.
In game one, the Icecats fell behind early before Brady Lefferts tied the game at one a piece. Brian Slugocki followed up with two goals of his own in the second period, and another in the third, giving him a hat trick.
The Icecats were ahead 4-1 in the middle of the third period when the Rams made their push for a comeback. They scored two quick goals, only two minutes apart, but were unable to score the equalizer as the Icecats defense held strong.
In game two, the next night, the Icecats went down early once again, but this time it was a two-goal deficit before freshman Eric Watters scored to cut the Rams lead to one.
CSU retaliated with another goal to pull ahead by two once again. The Icecats were facing a 3-1 deficit going into the third period, before senior Icecat captain Jordan Schupan punched one into the back of the net before the second period ended.
CSU struck first blood in the third period, once again pulling ahead by two goals. It seemed to be the dagger as the players and fans celebrated the goal to get ahead by two in the final period.
The Icecats then made a push for a comeback of their own, Schupan and Lefferts scored late in the game to tie it at four, where it stayed through overtime.
They entered a shootout, and defeated the Rams 2-1, with Slugocki and Watters scoring in the shootout. Goaltender Sisler only allowed one goal in the shootout, which was also critical in the Icecat victory.
“”It was really great to see players step up and live by the team concepts,”” Golembiewski said. “”We are very proud and it guarantees us our 30th winning season in (the program’s) 32 years.””
The Icecats will close out their season this weekend against No. 8 ASU and say goodbye to Jordan Schupan, Nick Taylor and Micah Kneeshaw on Saturday’s senior night.
