GLENDALE, Ariz.– Sun Devil Hockey completed the inaugural Desert Hockey Classic Sunday in front of 3,798 at Gila River Arena, dropping the defensive battle 3-0.
“It was nice to play at home," head coach Greg Powers said. "It was nice to get some home games here without having to worry about flying after the second game. It will hopefully keep us a little fresher going to Bemidji next week against a really good team. Every game we get we have to use as valuable experience as we are building this program.”
Freshman Ryland Pashovitz started at the goalie and for the second time in as many games in the tournament, gave the Sun Devils a chance to win. He finished with 26 saves, his three goals being on a deflection, a power play tally and a turnover in front of him.
“Pash was awesome," Powers said. "He was back to where he was about a month and a half ago. He was great. I don’t think he let in a bad goal all weekend. Tonight he did what he had to do in order for us to have to beat a Division I team. He held us in the game.”
The Sun Devils have played a tough schedule as of late, with their last seven games coming against No. 6 Omaha, No. 5 St. Cloud State, No. 12 Yale and UCONN twice.
“We are playing some of the best teams in the country every weekend," captain Jordan Young said. "We are kind of understanding what level we need to get to. Always having the top talent come up against us is kind of letting us know where we need to be and reminding us we need to get there somehow.”
The Sun Devils return to the ice next week for a two-game series at Bemidji State. Their next home game is Jan. 22 for an exhibition game against ACHA Ohio.