The Arizona State men’s hockey team continued their winning streak against the cross-state rival Arizona Wildcats on Friday, with a new record of 12-0.
This also happens to be the team’s 27th consecutive win over their rivals from down south.
The maroon and gold displayed their talent on the ice, and arguably played their most disciplined game of the season, with only three penalties the entire game. ASU stayed out of the box and won the game 7-1.
Last time the Sun Devils faced the Arizona Wildcats, ASU racked up 38 minutes of penalties between the two games, and Arizona committed 36 minutes worth. Forwards Brian Slugocki and Andrew Murmes combine for 9 out of the 10 Arizona power play goals so far this season, and it was no secret that the key to ASU’s success was in their control.
Going into today’s game, assistant captain Danny McAuliffe commented that the aim was to “Just play our game and kind of embrace the rivalry and have fun.” Discipline was certainly a factor, and overcoming the rivalry and environment was huge.
The discipline was certainly tested in one of the hardest arenas to play in, and Arizona State came out firing.
The depth was unquestionably displayed throughout the team’s depth. Veteran Kale Dolinski had a hat trick, his second of the season, and freshman Stephen Collins had two goals.
In the not-so-positive news, star freshman defenseman Jordan Young had to leave the game at the end of the second period due to injury. Defensemen Kyle Hughes and Sean Ritchie saw more ice time after Young’s departure, and Ryan Clark took a couple of his power play shifts.
Going into tomorrow night, the Sun Devils look to do more of the same. Staying out of the box and using their killer instinct are the main objectives.
“We won 27 against UofA, but ultimately we want to win 32,” McAuliffe said. Arizona State takes on Arizona for game two of the series on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. for a Wildcat white-out game.