The University of Arizona men’s hockey team lost 6-1 to Minot State University on Thursday night, Dec. 12 in Tucson Arena. The Wildcats now sit with four wins and seven losses in their last 10 matchups. 

The Wildcats started this game with Hadyn Gould in net. Gould has been the main goalie for the team this season with a 7-5 record coming into the game.

Minot State led 1-0 after the first period with a goal made by Logan Rands just three minutes into the game.

The second period saw plenty of action from Minot State as the Beavers doubled their lead only a minute into the frame. Forward Michael Pizzo was able to get Arizona on the board with his 5th goal of the season. 

This was the last of the scoring for the Wildcats. Minot State took control of the game, scoring three more times in the second period. Arizona found no answer as the Beavers took a 5-1 lead heading into the third period.

Minot State was able to score once more, ultimately winning the game by a score of 6-1.

Team leaders

Through the first half of the season, forward Riley Ruh leads the team in goals with 10. Ruh has been a standout player offensively for the Wildcats in just his first year on the team. 

Defenseman Nichola Chiocca has recorded 10 assists, leading the team. Notably, this is the same number he had for Arizona all of last season. Chiocca is tied with forward Justin Hughes for the team lead in points with 17. Hughes is second on the team in goals and assists with eight and nine respectively. 

Looking ahead

Arizona remains No. 7 in the WCHL standings with 17 points on the season. The team will now be off for the next month with the Wildcats next game will be on Jan. 10 against GCU.

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