TEMPE, Ariz. - For the second time in as many nights, the San Diego State Hockey Club (1-2; 1-0 West) was outmatched by Arizona State's Division I team (2-0). An aggressive forecheck kept the Aztecs in the game early, but two three-goal Sun Devil flurries proved to be the difference in an 11-1 SDSU loss.
Despite consecutive losses in the desert, SDSU players took the outcomes in stride.
"Playing against a talented group of guys like ASU is a great way to see where we are," senior forward Eric Stelnick said after the game. "They compete in a division above ours and play at a high level that we weren't able to match, but we can take away things that will help us win a Division II title. We'll be a better team because of this weekend."
Head coach Chris Migliore called the weekend a gelling exercise and valued the insight he received on his players.
"Everyone here understands that this weekend was about more than wins and losses," he said. "We were able to clearly identify our weaknesses and which things we do a good job at. That's invaluable for a coaching staff. We'll address those things in practice and keep it moving."
SDSU maintained an offensive pressure in the opening minutes that they lacked on Friday night, but it was Arizona State's quick-strike offense that again got the upper hand, putting three shots past O'Brien in a span of seven minutes midway through the period. A strange case of deja vu then went to work for the Aztecs when Stelnick scored on the breakaway to cut ASU's lead to two.
The Aztecs benefited from ASU sitting their seniors this game, a testament to their team depth. Still, the Sun Devils were able to put a stronghold on the game, putting an outstanding 74 shots on net to 17 by SDSU. The Sun Devils would use a five-goal second period to pull away from the Aztecs, then sealed their victory with three more tallies in the third.
The Aztecs will now return home briefly before heading to Long Beach on Saturday for a rematch with the 49ers. Ironically, the game will serve as Long Beach State's home opener and will be their first game since SDSU ran away with an 8-2 season-opening victory at Kroc Ice. The ACHA Division II - West matchup is slated for a 9:30 p.m. PT start at Lakewood Ice in Lakewood, Calif.
"Playing against a talented group of guys like ASU is a great way to see where we are," senior forward Eric Stelnick said after the game. "They compete in a division above ours and play at a high level that we weren't able to match, but we can take away things that will help us win a Division II title. We'll be a better team because of this weekend."
Head coach Chris Migliore called the weekend a gelling exercise and valued the insight he received on his players.
"Everyone here understands that this weekend was about more than wins and losses," he said. "We were able to clearly identify our weaknesses and which things we do a good job at. That's invaluable for a coaching staff. We'll address those things in practice and keep it moving."
SDSU maintained an offensive pressure in the opening minutes that they lacked on Friday night, but it was Arizona State's quick-strike offense that again got the upper hand, putting three shots past O'Brien in a span of seven minutes midway through the period. A strange case of deja vu then went to work for the Aztecs when Stelnick scored on the breakaway to cut ASU's lead to two.
The Aztecs benefited from ASU sitting their seniors this game, a testament to their team depth. Still, the Sun Devils were able to put a stronghold on the game, putting an outstanding 74 shots on net to 17 by SDSU. The Sun Devils would use a five-goal second period to pull away from the Aztecs, then sealed their victory with three more tallies in the third.
The Aztecs will now return home briefly before heading to Long Beach on Saturday for a rematch with the 49ers. Ironically, the game will serve as Long Beach State's home opener and will be their first game since SDSU ran away with an 8-2 season-opening victory at Kroc Ice. The ACHA Division II - West matchup is slated for a 9:30 p.m. PT start at Lakewood Ice in Lakewood, Calif.
Game Summary
Saturday, Sept. 21
Oceanside Ice Arena, Tempe, Ariz.
SDSU 1, ASU 11 (Final)
RECORDS
SDSU (1-2, 1-0 West), ASU (2-0)
W: ASU - Robert Levin (1-0)
L: SDSU - Connor O'Brien (1-1)
Oceanside Ice Arena, Tempe, Ariz.
SDSU 1, ASU 11 (Final)
RECORDS
SDSU (1-2, 1-0 West), ASU (2-0)
W: ASU - Robert Levin (1-0)
L: SDSU - Connor O'Brien (1-1)
GOALS
1 2 3 F
SDSU Aztecs -------1------0-------0-------1
ASU Sun Devils ----3------5-------3------11
SHOTS ON GOAL
SDSU Aztecs - 17
ASU Sun Devils -74
1 2 3 F
SDSU Aztecs -------1------0-------0-------1
ASU Sun Devils ----3------5-------3------11
SHOTS ON GOAL
SDSU Aztecs - 17
ASU Sun Devils -74