Sun Devil Hockey Falls to St. Cloud State, 4-1, Despite Strong Forecheck and Standout Performances
TEMPE - Arizona State came into Friday night’s matchup against St. Cloud State looking to build momentum, but a sluggish start offensively and a pair of empty-netters down the stretch handed the Sun Devils a 4-1 loss at Mullett Arena. The Huskies capitalized when it mattered most, while ASU was left to rue missed opportunities in a game that felt closer than the final score suggests.
The lone goal for ASU came off the stick of sophomore forward Noah Powell, who broke through late in the second period to briefly level things. He was set up by freshman Sam Alfano and sophomore Logan Morrell, both of whom continued to flash the kind of consistency and development that coaches love to see.
Let’s break it down period by period, and then dive into some of the key takeaways from a game that had its fair share of bright spots, even in defeat.
First Period: Even Ice, No Finish
The opening 20 minutes saw both teams get a look on the power play, but neither could find the back of the net. It was a tightly contested period, with St.
Cloud State narrowly outshooting ASU 10-8. The Sun Devils’ forecheck was active early, generating pressure and forcing turnovers, but the finishing touch just wasn’t there.
Second Period: A Shorty and a Response
The second period started with ASU on the man advantage, but it was the Huskies who struck first - and in deflating fashion. A shorthanded goal gave St. Cloud State the 1-0 edge and momentarily quieted the home crowd.
ASU didn’t let the momentum shift linger too long. With under three minutes left in the frame, Powell drove hard to the net and buried a much-needed equalizer.
It was a gritty, determined play - the kind of goal that can swing momentum. The game went into the second intermission tied at one apiece, and the Sun Devils looked poised to make a push.
Third Period: One Mistake, Then the Floodgates
With just under seven minutes remaining in regulation, St. Cloud State broke the tie and took a 2-1 lead. From there, ASU tried to mount a late-game surge, but the Huskies held firm defensively.
The Sun Devils pulled their goalie in the final minutes in a last-ditch effort to tie it, but the Huskies made them pay - twice. Two empty-net goals in the final 1:36 of play stretched the scoreline to 4-1, a harsh finish to what had been a closely contested game.
Key Performances and Notables
Sam Alfano Keeps Rolling
Freshman forward Sam Alfano extended his point streak to six games, matching Josh Doan for the second-longest streak by a freshman in ASU history. In that span, Alfano has put up three goals and five assists - a sign that he’s not just finding his footing at the college level, but thriving.
Noah Powell Finds the Net Again
Powell’s goal was his first since January 10 against Miami, and his fifth of the season. It was a strong effort in tight, showcasing his ability to finish when given the chance.
Samuel Urban Stands Tall
Freshman goaltender Samuel Urban turned in another strong performance between the pipes, registering 30+ saves for the ninth time this season and finishing with a .938 save percentage. He continues to be a steadying presence in net, even when the scoreboard doesn’t reflect it.
Logan Morrell Dominates the Dot
Sophomore forward Logan Morrell had a monster night on faceoffs, winning 16 of 19 draws - an 84.2% win rate, his best mark of the season. That kind of dominance at the dot is a huge asset, especially in tight games like this one.
Inside the Locker Room: Postgame Reactions
On the Forecheck and Missed Chances
“We created a lot off the forecheck tonight,” the coaching staff said postgame.
“We just didn’t finish. Their goalie was really good.
After two periods, we felt like we could’ve been up a few. It was a winnable game.”
The staff also highlighted a key moment in the third - a turnover Alfano forced with his forecheck that nearly led to a go-ahead goal. “He made a great play. We just didn’t capitalize.”
On Alfano’s Growth
“He’s just working.
He’s going to be so good,” the coaches said. “He’s developed a B-game - he doesn’t have to score to be effective.
He plays 200 feet, he’s big, he’s got a good stick, and now he’s adding confidence. He’s going to be a monster for us.”
On the Young Core Stepping Up
With injuries thinning the lineup, ASU leaned on its younger players - and they responded.
The coaching staff pointed to defensemen Lincoln Kuehne and Richard Baran as guys who stepped up and played hard. “Lincoln pushed the pace, used his feet, defended well.
The young guys are developing incredibly well.”
Logan Morrell on the Team’s Effort
“We had some really good stretches,” Morrell said.
“We were driving the offense, making plays, keeping them hemmed in. But one bad play, and we couldn’t bounce back.”
He also echoed the importance of the forecheck. “It’s huge, especially for my line.
We’re all big guys. That’s how we’re going to play at the next level, and that’s how we need to play here.”
What’s Next
The Sun Devils will get a chance to bounce back quickly, with the series finale against St. Cloud State set for Saturday night at Mullett Arena.
Puck drops at 5 p.m. MST, and fans can catch the action on NCHC.tv or tune in on Fox Sports 910AM.
Friday’s loss stings, but the effort was there. If ASU can clean up the details and finish the chances they’re creating, Saturday could look very different.