TEMPE, Ariz. – Sun Devil Hockey settled in against Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, thumping the Canadian college, 4-1, in the exhibition match-up on Saturday night at Oceanside Ice Arena.
The Devils were led by their top line of freshman Johnny Walker and sophomores Tyler Busch and Brett Gruber, who combined to total two goals and two assists on the night.
"That's what we want out of those guys," said head coach Greg Powers. "There are some things we think they could be a lot better at too. We expect a lot of those guys. They gave us some support on the scoreboard. I didn't like the penalty that Brett Gruber took that cost us the goal against, but he got one back. That's the most important thing. They're off to a good start."
Walker, a Phoenix-native, buried the first goal of the 2017-18 season on a one-timer from the left circle for his first collegiate goal and 1-0 lead.
"I have been chomping at the bit for a while to play a game," said Walker. "It's been since May; long summer, with lots of workouts. Everyone was excited to see the work they have put in and see the results right away. I don't think it was just me. I think everyone was ready to go tonight."
Four minutes into the second period, Walker assisted fellow freshman Filips Buncis on his first NCAA goal and eventual game-winner. Walker's two points on the night earned him the first star of the game.
"Johnny's just a great player," said Powers. "He brings more than just his skillset to the table. He takes a tremendous amount of pride in putting that jersey on because he's from here and it's where he's wanted to go. From when we announced we were Division I, he was literally one of the first guys to contact me. He literally wanted to be here that bad. He had a lot of options. He played like it meant something to him tonight and that's what we like to see."
Between the pipes, sophomore Joey Daccord and junior Ryland Pashovitz split time, combining for 15 saves on 16 shots. The lone goal came on a bouncing puck that got over the pad of Daccord in the second period.
"One of the really shining moments was how both of our goalies played," said Powers. "They both looked sharp and steady. Dacs made some big saves early and Pash came in cold and didn't allow a goal. We're happy with the effort."
The Sun Devils now turn their attention to the start of the regular season, as they kick off NCAA play against UMass-Amherst this Friday and Saturday at Oceanside Ice Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. each night and tickets can be purchased here.
In 2016-17, ASU traveled to Amherst and swept the Minutemen, but this year's team features the No. 4 overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft and several new faces.
The Devils were led by their top line of freshman Johnny Walker and sophomores Tyler Busch and Brett Gruber, who combined to total two goals and two assists on the night.
"That's what we want out of those guys," said head coach Greg Powers. "There are some things we think they could be a lot better at too. We expect a lot of those guys. They gave us some support on the scoreboard. I didn't like the penalty that Brett Gruber took that cost us the goal against, but he got one back. That's the most important thing. They're off to a good start."
Walker, a Phoenix-native, buried the first goal of the 2017-18 season on a one-timer from the left circle for his first collegiate goal and 1-0 lead.
"I have been chomping at the bit for a while to play a game," said Walker. "It's been since May; long summer, with lots of workouts. Everyone was excited to see the work they have put in and see the results right away. I don't think it was just me. I think everyone was ready to go tonight."
Four minutes into the second period, Walker assisted fellow freshman Filips Buncis on his first NCAA goal and eventual game-winner. Walker's two points on the night earned him the first star of the game.
"Johnny's just a great player," said Powers. "He brings more than just his skillset to the table. He takes a tremendous amount of pride in putting that jersey on because he's from here and it's where he's wanted to go. From when we announced we were Division I, he was literally one of the first guys to contact me. He literally wanted to be here that bad. He had a lot of options. He played like it meant something to him tonight and that's what we like to see."
Between the pipes, sophomore Joey Daccord and junior Ryland Pashovitz split time, combining for 15 saves on 16 shots. The lone goal came on a bouncing puck that got over the pad of Daccord in the second period.
"One of the really shining moments was how both of our goalies played," said Powers. "They both looked sharp and steady. Dacs made some big saves early and Pash came in cold and didn't allow a goal. We're happy with the effort."
The Sun Devils now turn their attention to the start of the regular season, as they kick off NCAA play against UMass-Amherst this Friday and Saturday at Oceanside Ice Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. each night and tickets can be purchased here.
In 2016-17, ASU traveled to Amherst and swept the Minutemen, but this year's team features the No. 4 overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft and several new faces.