Saturday Night Ice - Put It In the Books

Apologies for the tardiness of this post, but I was waiting on some of the official stats from ASU's statistician (much appreciated, Will). Don't worry, you didn't really miss anything, as the last ten minutes featured a lot of neutral zone play combined with dump and chase plays by both ASU and U of A. The Wildcats were simply outplayed down the stretch and couldn't muster any sustained pressure on the Sun Devil D. ASU finished off the Wildcats in a much closer yet decisive fashion, 4-1.

The official stats from the game:

1st Period

ASU Goal (PPG) - Colin Hekle - 9:06 remaining, (1-0 ASU)

UA Goal - Jason Effertz - 8:40 remaining (1-1 Tie)

2nd Period

ASU Goal - Kale Dolinski - 15:21 remaining (2-1 ASU)

ASU Goal - David Jantzie - 11:38 remaining (3-1 ASU)

3rd Period

ASU Goal (PPG) - Jordan Young - 15:40 remaining (4-1 ASU)

Shots: ASU - 32 : UA - 18

Goaltenders

(W) - Joe D'Elia - 17 Saves .944 SV%

(L) - Steven Sisler - 28 Saves .875 SV%

This win was ASU's 26th consecutive victory over their rivals to the South. The Wildcats will get a week's reprieve before traveling to Champaign to take on the University of Illinois. The Sun Devils will travel to Ames, Iowa to play a pair with Iowa State on October 5th and 6th.

Saturday Night Ice - Down the Stretch

The third period got off to a chippy start, as an ASU forward took a hard check face first into the boards that went uncalled. After a stoppage, he retaliated against the UA D-man and the ensuing skirmish resulted in concurrent roughing minors. ASU earned a 4 on 3 after a UA defenseman deliberately dislodged the net. Less than 10 seconds later, ASU sent a shot from the left faceoff circle into the net to grab a 4-1 lead. Now down by three, the Wildcats are running out of time to make a comeback. Next update in 10 minutes.

Saturday Night Ice - 2nd Intermission Report

UofA appears to be tiring, as a couple of hustle penalties have put them on their heels. The PK has held so far though, and ASU hasn't been able to extend their lead. While the Sun Devil blueline has been stifling so far, U of A remains much closer tonight than yesterday, and a strong effort, combined with a few lucky breaks could give UofA the boost they need to end their 25 game losing streak to the Sun Devils. Next update at the 10 minute mark of the 3rd. After two periods, 3-1 ASU.

Saturday Night Ice - Halfway Home

We've reached the midway point of the UA-ASU game tonight, and a lot of back and forth to start off. ASU finally capitalized, as a shot by Kale Dolinski bounced off the UA goaltender's glove and over the line to take a 2-1 lead 5 minutes in. ASU seemed to find their groove offensively, settling into the UA zone for about 2-3 minutes, but were unable to add on. ASU would finally net their third goal of the night with 11:38 to go on a centering pass that deflected off of the ASU center past the UA goaltender. With a two-goal lead, ASU will look to impose their will on a Wildcat squad that has played hard so far. Next update at the 2nd intermission.

Saturday Night Ice - 1st Intermission Report

The 1st Period is now in the books here at Oceanside Ice Arena. UA is definitely playing with more speed and intensity compared to last night. ASU has not had much offensive rhythm, as some poor penalties have given UA some sustained forechecking pressure. The Sun Devil penalty kill has done its job though, going 4-4 in the 1st. After 20, we are still knotted at 1-1.

Saturday Night Ice - Midway Through the 1st

We've passed the halfway point in the first period tonight, Lots of puck possession to start for the Sun Devils but UofA is coming out much faster to open the game, as evidenced by three early ASU penalties, including a 5 on 3 eight minutes in. The Sun Devils stood tall though, and came through with a power play goal of their own, scored on a shot from the point by the captain. UofA wasn't down long, as they answered less than 30 seconds later. It's a tight game thus far. Next update at the end of the first.

Good Evening From Oceanside Ice Arena

About 15 minutes away from puck drop, and the building is filling up fast. Tonight was also the Alumni Game for Arizona State University; who took the ice in a close contest just before U of A and ASU took the ice for warmups. The crowd tonight is unsurprisingly Sun Devil heavy but there are more than a few Wildcats fans in attendance too. Next update will come once play gets underway.

Arizona vs. Arizona State Hockey - Previewing Tonight's Match-Up

Tonight we'll have live updates from the 2nd of 2 games between heated in-state rivals the University of Arizona Wildcats and the Arizona State University Sun Devils. Check back here starting at 7pm for more on the action at Oceanside Ice Arena in Tempe.