TEMPE - A Night to Remember for Sun Devil Hockey Seniors
Sun Devil Hockey celebrated its seniors in style with a commanding 6-3 victory over Omaha at Mullett Arena. The game was marked by a thrilling third-period surge, where Arizona State netted three unanswered goals, sealing the win in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.
Senior Night Spotlight
Before the puck dropped, the Sun Devils honored their four seniors: Connor Hasley, Cruz Lucius, Tucker Ness, and Bennett Schimek. These players didn't just receive recognition; they delivered standout performances in their final home game.
Hasley was a wall between the pipes, stopping 33 of 36 shots. Lucius and Schimek were dynamic on the ice, combining for an impressive seven points.
Ness made his presence felt at the faceoff circle and through his physical play.
Cruz Lucius was the star of the night, tying the program’s single-game point record with five. His four assists were a career best, marking his fourth game this season with three or more assists.
Fresh Faces Shine
Freshman Lincoln Kuehne opened the scoring, netting his first collegiate goal to give ASU an early lead. Kuehne continued to impress, assisting on Justin Kipkie’s game-winning goal in the third period. Junior Kyle Smolen added to the tally with his seventh goal of the season, putting ASU ahead 2-0 in the first.
Sean McGurn, another junior, had a career night with three assists, two of which came during the pivotal third-period rally.
Game Breakdown
- First Period: Kuehne got the Sun Devils on the board, assisted by Lucius and McGurn. Smolen capitalized on a power play to extend the lead to 2-0.
- Second Period: Omaha clawed back, taking advantage of a 5-on-3 power play to cut the lead.
Brasen Boser responded for ASU, but Omaha managed to pull within one goal before the period ended.
- Third Period: Omaha tied it up early, but Kipkie quickly restored ASU’s lead. Schimek and Lucius added goals to secure the victory, with six different Sun Devils finding the back of the net.
Milestones and Records
Schimek reached his 30th assist of the season, joining an elite group of Sun Devils. Lucius’s five-point game was his second career highlight, matching a previous performance against Notre Dame. The first line of Schimek, Lucius, and McGurn was dominant, boasting a combined +12 in plus/minus.
Coach and Player Reflections
Head Coach Greg Powers praised the team’s resilience and highlighted Lucius’s leadership in the third period. Powers emphasized the significance of the senior class, particularly Lucius and Schimek, for their contributions to the program.
Lucius reflected on his journey, emphasizing the importance of staying present and overcoming challenges. Schimek expressed gratitude for the program, noting the bright future ahead with the growth of younger players.
Looking Ahead
The Sun Devils (14-19-1, 7-14-1 NCHC) will wrap up their regular season on the road against Denver. With a mix of seasoned leaders and promising newcomers, ASU is poised for an exciting finish to the season.