What's Happening?
Sun Devil Hockey experienced a 2-1 defeat against Holy Cross in their home opener at Mullett Arena, marking the first game of a weekend series. The Sun Devils' sole goal came from sophomore forward Daniel Shlaine, who scored 15 minutes into the third
period, assisted by senior forward Sean McGurn. Despite Shlaine's goal giving ASU a temporary 1-0 lead, Holy Cross responded with two goals just 11 seconds apart late in the final frame to secure the victory. The game remained scoreless through the first two periods, with both teams battling defensively. The Sun Devils maintained a perfect penalty kill record for the season, successfully neutralizing all 13 power-play opportunities faced, including two from Holy Cross in this game, one of which was a 5-on-3 advantage. The second game of the series is scheduled for Saturday at 3 p.m. MST.
Why It's Important?
This loss in their home opener is significant for Sun Devil Hockey as it sets an early tone for their performance at Mullett Arena and within the season. While the team's perfect penalty kill record demonstrates strong defensive discipline, the inability to convert offensive opportunities and maintain a lead highlights areas for improvement. For Holy Cross, securing a road victory against a Division I opponent is a crucial confidence booster and contributes positively to their season record. The tight nature of the game, decided by two quick goals late in the third period, underscores the fine margins in collegiate hockey. The outcome of this series will influence both teams' standings and momentum as they progress through their respective schedules, impacting their potential for postseason play and overall program development.
What's Next?
The Sun Devils are set to play the second game of their series against Holy Cross on Saturday at 3 p.m. MST. Fans can watch the action on FOX 10 and NCHC.tv, with a radio broadcast available on Fox Sports 910 AM. The FOX 10 television broadcast will air on a two-hour tape delay, starting at 5 p.m. MST. For Sun Devil Hockey, the immediate focus will be on making adjustments to secure a win in the second game and avoid a series sweep at home. Assistant Coach Mike Corbett acknowledged the challenges of a home opener but expressed optimism, noting the team's strong play despite the loss. The team will aim to capitalize on offensive opportunities and maintain their strong penalty kill performance in the upcoming match.
Beyond the Headlines
The performance in home openers often carries psychological weight for collegiate sports teams, influencing player morale and fan engagement throughout the season. For Sun Devil Hockey, a new team with many new players, navigating the excitement and emotions of a home opener presents unique challenges. The team's ability to kill penalties, including a 5-on-3, indicates a resilient defensive structure, which is a valuable asset. However, the struggle to score goals, as noted by senior forward Kyle Smolen, points to a need for offensive refinement. The quick succession of goals by Holy Cross highlights the importance of maintaining focus and defensive integrity throughout the entire game. This early-season experience will be crucial for the team's growth and development as they learn to convert opportunities and close out games.
