Arizona State University’s ice hockey team, ranked 12th, embarked on their second away game of the season to compete against Colorado College, resulting in a 2-2 draw on Friday and a 2-0 win on Saturday. The Friday game extended into overtime, with the subsequent shootout resulting in a victory for the Sun Devils in accordance with NCAA Men’s Division I Ice Hockey regulations, giving them a 1-0-1 record for the series. Their road record for the season now stands at 1-1-2.
The Arizona State versus Colorado College game on Friday was a physical battle, with 14 penalties totaling 28 minutes of a one-man advantage over the three periods. Despite a strong performance by the Sun Devils, Colorado College managed to even the score in the third period. The game ended in a tie, with Arizona State securing victory in the shootout. The rules of the game dictated that the match be counted as a tie, despite the success of the Sun Devils in the shootout. However, the Sun Devils’ spirited performance on the ice was reflected in the scores, with senior forward Benji Eckerkle and graduate student forward Tyler Gratton making standout plays to secure goals for their team.
The game on Saturday saw an outstanding performance by junior goaltender TJ Semptimphelter, who faced 38 shots and successfully secured a shutout for the team. Despite being outplayed in several aspects of the game against Colorado College, Semptimphelter’s exceptional performance was a key factor in Arizona State’s victory. The team’s defence held strong against Colorado College’s pressure, with Semptimphelter making 18 saves in the final period alone. The Sun Devils’ limited offensive opportunities were maximized, with only 14 shots on goal resulting in two successful goals by senior forward Alex Young and sophomore forward Ryan Alexander.
Semptimphelter’s standout performance on Saturday was his third shutout of the season and his eighth in his career, tying the program record. This victory brings the Sun Devils’ record to 11-3-2 for the season, setting the stage for their upcoming home games against Dartmouth.
Arizona State University’s success on the ice is a testament to their skill and determination. As they return to Mullett Arena to face off against Ivy League opponent Dartmouth, fans can look forward to another exciting series where the Sun Devils aim to extend their winning streak.