ASU returns to top form against Rhode Island

The Sun Devil hockey team took care of business tonight against the University of Rhode Island winning 4-0.

The team was led by captain Colin Hekle who had one goal and three assists, and also recorded his 52nd point of the season, which is a career high.

“It’s always nice to make personal bests,” Hekle said. “I thought we played a full team game tonight… we’re still taking another step in the right direction towards nationals.”

The Sun Devils’ first line, led by Hekle, and forwards Dan Styrna and Faiz Khan, combined for seven out of the team’s eight points.

“They just know where each other are at all times,” said head coach Greg Powers. “When they’re confident, and they have that natural chemistry, with support even off the ice, they have everything going for them. Their confidence is just sky high every time they hop on the ice.”

The Sun Devils bombarded the net in the first period but only had one goal to show at the end of it. With 2:10 remaining in the first, Khan found Styrna who one-timed it past Rhode Island goaltender Paul Kenny.

In the second period, the Sun Devils were fortunate to get a goal off of a miscue by URI. With four minutes left to play in the period, defenseman Darcy Charrois’ shot deflected off of the boards behind the net, and then took a weird bounce. The puck then deflected off of URI defenseman Kyle Bodine’s skate past the line for the goal. This gave ASU a 2-0 lead heading into the final period.

In the third period, Hekle continued his standout performance by adding a shorthanded goal at 16:27. Hekle stole the puck near center ice and then flicked it just past Kenny’s glove for the goal. Two minutes later, Khan buried the dagger when he scored after a great backhand pass from Hekle.

The win marked goaltender Joe D’Elia’s second shutout this season, fifth of his career.

Both teams return to the ice tomorrow night at 7:00 p.m.