ASU D2 Hockey: Goaltender depth factor in dominant season

(Photo: Alexis Ramanjulu/WCSN)

One goal has been the deciding factor between a shutout and typical game for the Sun Devil goaltenders on multiple occasions throughout the season. Arizona State found itself in numerous situations that resulted in being plagued with the “one goal curse,” as veteran goalie David Aman puts it.

Eight separate occasions saw the opposing team score just one goal against the Sun Devils, keeping them from reaching a shutout. Aman managed to keep the puck out of the net against Denver University to break the curse.

As ASU’s first game against Northern Arizona University is on the horizon, the Sun Devils are finally able to walk into a matchup with the confidence of a shutout under their belts.

When preparing to face a more challenging team, goalie Ryan Seltenreich stesses “Practicing at full speed, and not playing down to [the opposing team’s] level.”

Depth at the goaltender position and a reliable set of goalies gives the Sun Devils a big advantage in front of the net. Alex Taylor has the most playing time this season with seven games played, followed by Aman’s four and Seltenreich’s two. Taylor is ranked 7^th in the American Collegiate Hockey Association with a 1.26 goals against average, and 127 saves.

Arizona State’s depth isn’t limited to the goalies, as the wealth is distributed among the lines. Ryan Francis and Brady Morgan lead the pack with 21 points each, but many teammates follow close behind.

The Sun Devils prepare to enter their biggest match of the season to date, and before heading into a Friday game NAU boasted an 11-1-1 record. A tie is the only thing that separates the team’s record from ASU’s. This game will affect the rankings too, as the No. 3 Lumberjacks look to prevent falling to No. 4 Arizona State.

Friday night, Northern Arizona faced the University of Arizona before heading to Tempe. This Saturday’s game will begin at 6:45 p.m. and can be seen live at cronkitesports.com.

You can reach Megan Plain on Twitter @MeganPlain or by email meganplain@hotmail.com