News Summary
Arizona State University (ASU) hockey triumphed at the Ice Breaker Tournament, defeating Notre Dame and Alaska Fairbanks. The team rebounded from earlier losses, showcasing a strong power play and impressive performances from both goaltenders. Freshman Samuel Urban made a notable debut, while senior Cruz Lucius’s hat trick sealed the championship win. This victory not only earned ASU the trophy but also valuable experience as they look ahead to upcoming matches.
Tempe, Arizona – ASU Hockey Claims Ice Breaker Tournament Trophy
Arizona State University (ASU) hockey captured the annual Ice Breaker Tournament trophy after impressive victories over Notre Dame and Alaska Fairbanks. This triumph marks a significant rebound for the Sun Devils, who had faced two losses to No. 4 Penn State at the start of the season.
In the tournament opener on Friday, October 10, ASU faced Notre Dame, securing their first victory of the season with a score of 5-3. Freshman goaltender Samuel Urban made his debut for ASU, recording 36 saves and allowing two goals against the Fighting Irish. Despite experiencing cramps during the game, Urban managed to persevere through the challenge.
Junior forward Kyle Smolen started the scoring for ASU with a power play goal, taking advantage of a major penalty assessed to Notre Dame’s William Belle. Sophomore forward Noah Powell and freshman forward Carmelo Crandell, who netted his first collegiate goal, followed up with additional scores, putting ASU ahead by three goals. Although Notre Dame managed to score twice in the second period, ASU maintained their lead as freshman forward Ben Kevan tallied two more goals for the Sun Devils.
The championship game on Saturday, October 11, pitted ASU against Alaska Fairbanks, who had recently upset No. 8 Quinnipiac. Head coach Greg Powers anticipated a challenging matchup. ASU’s Logan Morrell opened the scoring with another power play goal, stemming from a tripping penalty by Haden Kruse of Alaska Fairbanks. The second period witnessed both teams continuing to score on power plays, with Chase Dafoe bringing the Nanooks within one goal.
However, senior forward Cruz Lucius delivered a standout performance in the third period, scoring a hat trick with three power-play goals, securing the victory for ASU with a final score of 5-2. Connor Hasley contributed to the win by making 34 saves in his first victory as a Sun Devil goaltender. During the tournament, ASU’s power play proved to be highly effective, converting five goals across nine attempts against Alaska Fairbanks.
Throughout the game against Alaska, ASU led in shots with 40 compared to Alaska’s 36. The victory not only awarded ASU with the tournament trophy but also provided valuable experience early in the season, as noted by coach Powers.
Following the Ice Breaker Tournament, ASU is set to continue their season with upcoming games against Augustana on October 17 and 18. The team’s next home games are scheduled for November 7 and 8 against Colorado College.
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Additional Resources
- NCAA: ASU Wins Ice Breaker Tournament
- State Press: Ice Breaker Tournament Coverage
- NDSMC Observer: Irish Hockey Falls
- Wikipedia: Ice Hockey
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ice Hockey
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
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