Arizona State University Game 1...
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Arizona State University Sun Devils (5) VS. Texas A&M University Aggies (6)
The Texas A&M Aggies hosted the Arizona State University Sun Devils in a rare Thursday/Friday doubleheader at the Arctic Wolf Ice Center. As hosts, the Aggies were looking to post a win following their California road trip, while the Sun Devils were looking to find their travel legs following a long 21 hour bus ride.
Regardless, the fans were treated with two solid hockey games from two very evenly matched teams.
A&M carried the play to the visitors from the first shift with multiple scoring opportunities, but the Aggies could not convert until 12:28 of the first period. Justin Cooley and Jeff Diltz cycled the puck low in the ASU zone. Defenseman John Rortvedt pinched into the slot and poked a quick backhand over the out-stretched leg pad, 1-0.
Five minutes later, the Aggies go ahead 2-0. Brian Young carried the play by rushing the puck into the Sun Devils zone to create a two-on-one situation. A nice move committed the ASU defender and allowed Nathan Banks to hit the 5-hole.
A lapse by the Aggies’ focus and ASU scored 2 goals within the final three minutes of the period to tie the game at 2-2.
At 13:42, ASU continued their scoring to take a 3-2 lead.
Eight seconds later, we all witnessed a great individual effort. Eric Engelking took the center ice face off, skated through two Sun Devil defenders and deked the goalie to score un-assisted, 3-3.
With 6:54 remaining, ASU again took the lead, 4-3.
Thirteen seconds later, A&M tied the score. Upon a dump and go into ASU territory, Diltz regained possession and offered Young a soft pass on the point. An accurate, low shot was tipped by Engelking, and the period expired, 4-4.
Both teams entered the third period with a fire and a will to win. The tempo continued un-abated; pressure, physical and flowing.
The scored remained tied through the first half of the period until ASU opened the scoring with 9:51 remaining.
Two minutes later, the Aggies again tied the score. On a power play opportunity, A&M established control in the ASU zone. Effective passing allowed Young to spot Engelking elusive on the back door to bury the puck between the goalie’s legs, 5-5.
Both teams continued to battle for possession and a game winner. Fortune smiled on the Aggies to finish the game.
With 2:30 remaining, the Aggies again forced the play deep into ASU territory. Diltzy gained control down low from the corner and slid a pass to well-positioned Justin Cooley as a one timer finished the game scoring, 6-5.
Truly, an entertaining hockey game.
Game Notes:
Minor Penalties: ASU 6, A&M 3 (least penalized game of the season to date)
Hat Tricks: ASU 1 (Cory Clem), A&M 1 (Eric Engelking)
