GLENDALE, Ariz. – Sun Devil Hockey opened the inaugural Desert Hockey Friday against No. 12 Yale, dropping a 4-0 decision in front of 5,028 at Gila River Arena.
"Three great programs that we are thrilled are here to share this weekend with us," head coach Greg Powers said. "We thank them all for coming. We are looking at it as a great opportunity on Sunday and hopefully the third time's the charm against UCONN.”
Freshman goaltender Ryland Pashovitz played well for the Sun Devils, making 36 saves. Two of his goals allowed were on the power play and the other two were turnovers in front of him.
ASU opened the game strong, outshooting Yale 5-3 in the early goings despite allowing a goal on the Bulldogs' first shot. The first period was good, and in the second Powers said that Yale "started playing like the 12th-ranked team in the country," and started pulling away.
"Throughout the course of the season we have played in some really nice rinks so I am kind of used to big rinks and big crowds," Pashovitz said. "It is always fun playing in something like this for sure.”
The Sun Devils return to the ice Sunday in the consolation game of the Desert Hockey Classic at 3:00 p.m. MT against UCONN. It is the third time ASU has met the Huskies on the ice this season.