The Arizona State ice hockey team is preparing to face the formidable No. 9 Providence Friars in an anticipated match on Friday, Nov. 24 and Sunday, Nov. 26. With the Sun Devils holding an impressive 9-2-1 record, this highly anticipated clash presents an opportunity for both teams to secure a pivotal victory. The games are scheduled for 7 p.m. MST on Friday and 2 p.m. MST on Sunday, and will be available for viewing via the ASU Live Stream on Friday and Pac-12 Arizona on Sunday. Additionally, fans can tune in to Fox Sports 910, the esteemed home of Sun Devil Hockey.
The upcoming series represents a significant moment in the history of the two teams, as they have only met once before at the Three Rivers Classic in Pittsburgh on Dec. 29, 2017. However, the Friars emerged victorious with a score of 6-0, resulting in ASU’s all-time record against Providence standing at 0-1-0. As the curtain falls on a four-week homestand at Mullett Arena, the Sun Devils aim to maintain their winning momentum following an impressive 5-1-0 record against opponents such as Stonehill, No. 2 Denver, and Alaska Anchorage.
In their most recent showdown, ASU secured a commanding victory, clinching their fourth sweep of the season by defeating Alaska Anchorage with scores of 4-3 and 3-0. Notably, junior goaltender TJ Semptimphelter earned his seventh career shutout, placing him just one shutout away from equalling the program record held by ASU alumnus Joey Daccord. Furthermore, Lukas Sillinger has demonstrated stellar performance, leading the team with 16 points after a remarkable four-point weekend, an achievement that ranks him tied for 13th in the nation.
This season has welcomed several notable milestones for the Sun Devils, including three players achieving their first points. Ryan Alexander and Brandon Tabakin netted their first goals, while Cade Alami notched his first assist. The team’s scoring prowess has placed them at a commendable seventh position in the NCAA, boasting an impressive average of 3.6 goals per game. Additionally, ASU boasts a record of 17-20-1 against Hockey East opponents and is set to face UMass and UMass-Lowell later in the season—a testament to their competitive spirit and determination.
The Sun Devils have demonstrated exceptional performance in the special teams division, securing several top-ten spots in NCAA stat rankings. Notably, they rank fourth in the nation for power play percentage at 29.1 and seventh for goals scored this season. Their prowess was exemplified in the recent games, where they scored three power play goals, further solidifying their dominance. Moreover, standout player Matthew Kopperud achieved his 29th career NCAA power play goal, marking his fifth goal this year, while Lukas Sillinger continues to lead the team in power play points with two goals and nine assists.
Lukas Sillinger has emerged as a pivotal player for the Devils, leading the team in points and achieving an impressive scoring streak. Notably, Sillinger has enjoyed a six-game point scoring streak from Oct. 14 to Nov. 3, followed by a four-game point streak with a total of nine points. His exceptional performance is reflected in the team’s record, with a 2-0-0 season tally when Sillinger achieves a three-point night and an unbeaten 6-0-0 all-time record. His current streak has seen him amass nine points, registering a staggering 2.25 point-per-game average.
ASU’s commendable performance has also been reflected in the national polls, with the team maintaining its sixth-straight week in the top rankings. Notably, they soared two spots to land at No. 14 after a series split against then-No. 2 Denver and further moved up a spot to secure the No. 13 position following a series sweep against Alaska Anchorage. The team’s highest-ever national poll ranking was No. 9 in the 2019-20 season, illustrating their consistent upward trajectory and competitive standing.
In the midst of ASU’s remarkable achievements, goaltender TJ Semptimphelter has emerged as a formidable force, recording two shutouts in the first six weeks of play and boasting seven wins in nine appearances. His stellar performance has bolstered the team’s position and marked a .778 winning percentage, tying him for fourth in the nation in this regard. The team’s roster features several standout players, including Matthew Kopperud, Ryan Alexander, Dylan Jackson, Brandon Tabakin, and Cade Alami, each contributing their unique strengths to the team’s success.