The University of Arizona men’s hockey team swept a two-game home series against ASU in the teams final regular season series of the season. The Wildcats won the first match 5-4 and went onto win the second game 3-2 to complete the series played in Tucson Arena on Feb. 20 and Feb. 21.
Game 1: Arizona vs ASU – Feb. 20
Arizona started the first game with Hadyn Gould in net. Gould has been the team’s primary goalie throughout the season, starting 21 games with a 15-8 record.
ASU jumped out to a 1-0 lead less than 3 minutes into the game. However, the Wildcats found a way to respond as defenseman Nicholas Chiocca evened out the game at 1 on the main advantage. With 7:10 left in the first period ASU gained back the advantage to lead 2-1. The scoring in the period was not finished as forward Justin Hughes scored his 10th goal of the season, leveling the game at 2 apiece. This score remained moving into the second period.
Shortly into the second period, Arizona took a 3-2 lead on a goal scored by forward Jack Kurrle. The impressive period continued for the Wildcats as forward Dylan Walker added 2 goals, giving Arizona a 5-2 lead going into the final 20 minutes.
ASU made a comeback and was able to cut the lead 5-4 with back-to-back goals but it was not enough as Arizona held control of the score to win game 1 of the series. Walker finished the game with 4 points to lead the Wildcats.
Game 2: Arizona vs. ASU – Feb. 21
Gould started once again in game 2 of the series, looking to help the Wildcats secure a series sweep over their rivals.
Arizona was first to get points on the board with a power play goal by forward Carter Hanrahan, taking the early 1-0 lead. Moving into the second period with an advantage, ASU responded to tie the game at 1. This would remain the score going into the third period.
Arizona was able to get onto the power play early into the period and came through with Chiocca getting his second goal of the series, giving the Wildcats the 2-1 lead. ASU was able to respond however, with a goal that tied the game just minutes later. Both teams were scoreless in the final 10 minutes of the game as the match headed into overtime.
After no goals in the overtime period the game was headed to a shootout.
The shootout lasted 8 rounds with Trystan Swiger winning the game for Arizona to sweep the series against ASU.
Looking ahead
Arizona has wrapped up its season as the No. 5 team in the WCHL standings, collecting 36 points on the season. Despite a great end to the season, the team was unable to qualify for the WCHL playoffs, however, the Wildcats will find out who they will take on in the ACHA M1 National Tournament during the Nationals Selection Show tomorrow night, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. MST.
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