Division II hockey takes care of business against Long Beach State

(Photo: Amanda Luberto/WCSN)

Arizona State’s Division II Elite faced their California team in two weeks, but this time the fight was not as challenging. ASU dominated the 49ers from California State – Long Beach on Friday night at Oceanside. With Corey Frank in goal and eight different scorers, the Sun Devils took a 10-1 win.

Arizona State brought the heat early on with a goal from Mike Granato with 17:50 remaining in the 1st period. The momentum continued throughout the entire period with a goal from Parker Foltz, his first of the season, and another from Ryan Mohr.

A gear issue brought 49ers goaltender Nic Juister out halfway through the 1st period, with Steven Strother replacing him. The Sun Devils kept the lead for the remaining half of the period, and ended the first with a score of 3-0.

Hot shot Justin Butler continued his (and ASU’s) heat streak in the 2nd period. He hit the back of the net in the first five minutes. Another goal by Foltz and a goal by the captain, Justin Havriliak, kept up the high energy through the period.

ASU brought better passes and more communication to an over all better second period. Another Sun Devil’s first goal of the season came tonight when Jacob Brown passed to Arizona native John Randall for the score. With only 1 period remaining in the game, Arizona State had only allowed 11 shots on net.

The duo that’s been catching everyone’s attention every night, Brady Morgan and Justin Butler, showed up again tonight when Butler found Morgan and set him up to finish with complete ease. The Sun Devils scored another one before Long Beach State got on the board for the first time all game, making it 9-1 with 6:50 remaining in the last period. Coincidental penalties didn’t stop the DII Elite team, as Randall made his single for the night a double with 14 seconds remaining.

Tomorrow wraps up the series against California State – Long Beach. The puck drops at 7:30 at Oceanside Ice Arena Saturday night. Make sure to catch the last home game before the Sun Devils’ 11 game road trip.

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