(Photo: Nicholas Badders/WCSN)
The Arizona State women’s hockey team sets out for a rematch against No.11 Midland on this Friday and Saturday in Tempe, as they seek their first win over a ranked opponent in program history.
The two teams faced each other on Nov. 4 in the WWCHL Pre-League Tournament, where the Sun Devils kept the game close, but lost 2-1.
Head coach Lindsey Ellis admitted that a lack of energy contributed to the loss against Midland in the showcase.
“That was our third game in Colorado and they were a little tired; that was their second game of the day on Saturday against Midland.”
An important aspect to game winning is being able to get goals and to make sure the team is getting shots on net, both things the Devils have struggled with at times this season.
“Definitely shots on net, that net front presence. That seemed to be a problem for us when we were in Colorado so moving into this weekend … you know definitely getting those shots on net, crashing the net, being able to get those pucks in the net is definitely our goal for this weekend,” Ellis said.
Top players to keep an eye for on both teams are captain and forward Amber Galles from Arizona State and forward Isabelle Uhl Chmiel from Midland University.
Galles has put up five goals in the 10 games she has played and Uhl Chmiel has 10 goals in the 14 games she has played and one of those comes from the game against Arizona State.
Saturday will be Military Appreciation Night and the ASU’s uniforms will be camouflage to support active and retired military men and women. The team and coaches will be making and sending off care packages to troops and will have a donation box by the entrance for fans who are also wanting to donate.
This weekend, like during the showcase, winning will be extra important, as the Sun Devils are only one game away from clinching a playoff spot and look to secure their spot while playing against Midland.
“They’re very important,” Ellis said about the games against Midland. “Obviously one of our goals this season was to make it to the playoffs. So being able to win that game is just that icing on the cake per say. We can’t give up after one win, we need to keep going on the season. Just because we win one game doesn’t guarantee us anything.”
Not only will a win against Midland give Arizona State a playoff spot, but it will also be the programs first win against a ranked team. Puck drop tonight is at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday’s game starts at 6:30 p.m.
