ASU Men’s Hockey: Confident Sun Devils embracing increased pressure amid strong start to season

(Photo: Kylee Meter/WCSN)

In 2015, the Arizona State men’s hockey team officially made the jump to NCAA Division I level, earning a small number of first-achievements while constructing a solid foundation with coach Greg Powers at the helm.

Fast forward to their fourth Div. I season, Powers and the Sun Devils are starting to reach serious milestones at the beginning of the 2018-19 season. Off to a program-best 7-3-0 start, putting ASU in early-season discussion for the NCAA Tournament, expectations are higher than ever before.

However, even with the pressure around the program rising, the Sun Devils believe they can handle the heat, currently burning with confidence that has been passed down from a dependable group of veteran leaders to the highly-touted rookie class. Powers emphasizes “a game-by-game philosophy, focusing on what’s only in front of us,” but the confidence gained from a series split at then-No. 6 Penn State last week has given his team an extra dose of belief.

“Our guys know they can skate with anyone. The expectation every night is to go in and get a win, no matter playing here or wherever. They’ve proven they can do that,” Powers said. “That’s the expectation. It was there prior, but to have that validated and be more realistic in our minds is a big step for us.”

For the guys that have been here the longest in ASU’s short history as a Div. I program, this season has been a different experience. For the first time, they’ve shown a legitimate ability to compete for consistent victories, even against the best programs in the nation. The Sun Devils’ 4-3 overtime win, in which sophomore forward Johnny Walker became the hero, was the latest example, giving the program its first win over a top-10 opponent.

With the roaring success from Walker, freshman forward Demetrios Koumontzis, and many of the budding stars within the organization, some weight has been lifted off of the shoulders of the juniors and seniors that have gone through tough seasons with losing records before. Now, the right mix of talent, chemistry and determination is helping the Sun Devils’ veterans find success. They’ve become role models and offensive producers on a nightly basis.

Senior forward Dylan Hollman is riding a five-game goal streak and notched four points against the Nittany Lions. Hollman is second on the team with six goals behind Walker’s NCAA-leading 11. It’s been a big change for the senior who, in the first two seasons with ASU, tallied just six combined goals. He’s doubled his total in his final season, his confidence rising in the process.

“It’s hard not to put some pressure on yourself, obviously to produce as a leader on this team,” Hollman said. “This year, I didn’t really have any expectations for myself. I wanted to come in, play my game and not worry about my points or goals. I’m feeling confident and it’s great to find the back of the net. Any offense we can add is a bonus, so there’s a little bit more offensive weight off of our shoulders.”

Powers on Tuesday pointed out one notable difference to Hollman’s performance that has shaped his recent stretch of success.

“He is having fun with it. He’s relaxed. The pressure is off of him,” Powers said. “He’s going out, having fun, and playing hard. He’s reaping in the rewards and I think he will continue to.”

Alongside Hollman on the third line, senior forward Anthony Croston’s offensive production has been boosted this campaign. Croston has two goals and six points in nine games this season, putting the alternate captain’s on-pace to fly by his career-high of 16 points set during his sophomore season. Croston credits his success to the new and improved group mindset.

“We have a strong group of guys,” he said. “It’s a huge difference from freshman year to now. We expect to win games now. Before, as a freshman and sophomore, we just hoped to win games. This season, the right mindset and group of guys has really helped.”

Hollman and Croston have taken freshman forward PJ Marrocco under their wings on the third line, helping the trio establish great playmaking chemistry and coordination in all three zones.

Passing on confidence to the newcomers has helped the Sun Devils to fight off the pressure that’s accompanied their start strong. Junior defenseman Brinson Pasichnuk, who has found a strong partnership with freshman forward Josh Maniscalco on the Sun Devils’ top blue line pairing, entered the season with high expectations. More than a month into the year, his lofty goals don’t seem quite so far away as they used to.

“Our expectations every year are making the tournament,” Pasichnuk said. “My freshman and sophomore year was a bit of far stretch. This year, we are confident and that is truly our expectation to be one of the top 13 teams in the country after the season ends and get a bid into the tournament. We’re going to continue to prove everyone wrong, like we are doing already. Our confidence is there. We are having fun We’re buying in and that’s what it takes for us to win.”

For the first time, the Sun Devils have given themselves something to lose. This weekend’s visit of Michigan State, the team’s third straight series against a Big Ten opponent this season, will be another test. As their receiving-votes position in the USCHO Poll suggests, ASU is being included in the sport’s national discussion this year. It will have to keep winning to stay there.

“We’re going to have to be more than ready,” Power said. “Their top line is one of the best in college hockey, hands down. It doesn’t get any easier for the rest of the season. It’s going to continue to get harder and harder. Teams are going to get better, so we have to continue to evolve and get better every week as well to win.”

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