ASU avoids scare against D2 Colorado State

The second-ranked Sun Devil Hockey team grinded out a 4-1 victory over Division II Colorado State University on Friday night to improve to 11-0 on the season.

ASU’s offense, which averaged about seven goals per game coming into the game, was not as proficient as it had been in previous games. However, the team was still able to dominate the Rams (6-4) by outshooting them 37-23 and by scoring two goals on the powerplay. Goaltender Kyle Dietrich was also extremely effective in net for the Sun Devils by saving 22 out of 23 shots.

Just six minutes into the game, forward Brian McGinty put the Sun Devils on the board by scoring through the five-hole of CSU goaltender Alex Stiedler. The Rams quickly answered back a couple of minutes later when defenseman Jamison Wicks scored a 5-on-3 powerplay goal. The first period ended tied 1-1 with the game being closely contested.

In the second period, ASU tacked on two more goals. Forward Stephen Collins scored off of a rebound from a Collin Hekle shot at 13:13. Less than two minutes later, forward Kale Dolinski capitalized on the powerplay by deflecting a rebound into the net for the goal.

Late in the third period, Colorado State called a timeout in an attempt to scrap their way back. Dolinski put the game away by scoring a shorthanded goal with less than a minute to play. Dolinski had a breakaway, and shot the puck to the top shelf of the net to give ASU the 4-1 victory.

ASU will take its undefeated record to Tucson next weekend as they face off against rival U of A for a two game series.

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