News Summary
The Arizona State University Sun Devils achieved a historic milestone by defeating the University of Minnesota Duluth 6-5 in overtime. This victory in the NCHC quarterfinal series propels them into ‘The Frozen Faceoff’ in St. Paul. ASU, now No. 11 in the USCHO poll, has completed its first season in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference with an impressive record and aims for a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Their resilience was highlighted as they overcame a three-goal deficit to secure the win, with Ryan Kirwan scoring the decisive overtime goal.
Arizona State Hockey Makes Waves, Advances to “The Frozen Faceoff”!
What an exciting time for hockey fans in Tempe, Arizona! The Arizona State University Sun Devils just made history by pulling off a thrilling 6-5 overtime victory against the University of Minnesota Duluth. This win wraps up a spectacular sweep in their best-of-three quarterfinal series, propelling the Sun Devils into “The Frozen Faceoff” in St. Paul, Minnesota!
A Historic Achievement
This journey marks the first season for ASU competing in the illustrious National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC). After spending seven seasons as an independent NCAA Division I program, their transition has truly taken off! They managed to snag an impressive second place finish in the NCHC during the current season, and they are eyeing a chance at the NCAA Tournament.
For those who may not know, ASU has come a long way since shifting to Division I hockey. They made it to the NCAA Tournament in 2019 and have consistently found themselves hanging around in the Top 20 rankings over the years!
Climbing the Ranking Ladder
Following their remarkable win over Minnesota Duluth, the Sun Devils have jumped into the spotlight and currently stand proud at No. 11 in the USCHO poll. This performance sets them up for a colossal showdown against the NCHC’s three-seed, No. 6 Denver. Mark your calendars for Friday at 4 PM CT at the Xcel Energy Center, where the game will be broadcasted on CBS Sports Network.
Denver earned their spot by clinching a thrilling Game 3 victory against Colorado College. The winner of this exciting matchup will then face either fourth-seeded North Dakota or top-seeded Western Michigan in the prestigious NCHC Championship Game.
Path to the NCAA Tournament
Winning the NCHC championship not only earns the title but guarantees an automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament. As of now, ASU is also ranked No. 15 in the PairWise Rankings, a critical metric for securing a spot in the NCAA tournament where only 16 teams can compete.
In their nail-biting match against Minnesota Duluth, ASU showcased their resilience by clawing back from a three-goal deficit. They came back to tie the game three times, culminating in Ryan Kirwan delivering the game-winning goal in overtime—what a moment for the fans!
Game Highlights
The action was intense right from the start, as Minnesota Duluth jumped ahead with a 3-0 lead in the first period, prompting a goalie change for ASU. After Luke Pavicich struggled and allowed those early goals, Gibson Homer stepped in and turned the tides wonderfully with an impressive 34 saves!
ASU found their footing in the second period, netting three goals to draw even at 3-3. In the final moments of the game, with palpable tension in the air, Bennett Schimek managed to score a crucial power-play goal, bringing the score to 5-5 and setting the stage for Kirwan’s heroic overtime strike.
Reflecting on Success
Wrapping up their season with a record of 21-13-2, ASU’s triumph is a compelling testament to their hard work and dedication. Minnesota Duluth finished with a record of 13-20-3. With standout performances from players like Max Plante, who contributed a goal and two assists, and Jayson Shaugabay, who scored twice, it’s no wonder why fans are buzzing about this unforgettable game.
Overall, ASU’s ascent this season isn’t just about victories; it’s a significant boost for the program’s trajectory and recruitment efforts. So as the Sun Devils gear up for their next challenge, Arizona fans are left hoping for even more exciting hockey ahead!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Sun Devil Football Fan Festival Set for April 25 in Tempe
Additional Resources
- AZ Central: Arizona State Hockey Eliminates Minnesota Duluth
- Sun Devils: Ice Hockey Trek to the X
- USCHO: This Week in NCHC Hockey
- Wikipedia: Hockey
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hockey
