ASU Hockey: Sun Devils drop first ever DI home game to UConn

(Photo: Tyler Paley/WCSN)

The UConn Huskies came into Tempe on Tuesday night and rolled over the Sun Devils, on their way to a 5-2 victory in ASU’s first ever Division I home game.

Arizona State came out strong to start the game, ending the first period in a 0-0 tie, but the Huskies’ size proved to be too much to overcome for ASU.

ASU was plagued by penalties, finding players inside the box five times, including a five minute major and game disqualification from Ryan Belonger in the third period. The disqualification means Belonger is not eligible to compete in Friday’s game against No. 12 Yale.

ASU’s head coach Greg Powers showed frustration when it came to the Sun Devils’ penalties saying “to take four offensive zone penalties, you just can’t do it against any division one team.”

UConn took full advantage of their opportunities, converting on two of its five power play chances.

The power play unit for the Sun Devils was the way they found their two goals in the game, both coming off the stick of leading scorer Jordan Masters.

UConn kept ASU goaltender David Jacobson under constant siege and racked up a total of 46 shots.

“He has to play better for us to win,” ASU head coach Greg Powers said. “For us to beat a good Division I team, we need stellar, really stellar goaltending.”

Opportunities have come at minimum for the Sun Devils in their nine game skid, as Masters seems to be the only hope for the team.

“I don’t want to say he’s doing it all on his own, but I mean, he kind of is,” Powers said.

Masters recently had his point streak end at 11 games, but showed tonight why is one of the premier freshmen in the country.

Arizona State’s next game is Friday night at Gila River Arena as the Sun Devils will take on No. 12 Yale.

You can contact Joseph Constantin via e-mail or on Twitter @JConstantin10

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