TEMPE, Ariz. - With the Desert Hockey Classic on the horizon, the Arizona State Sun Devils (14-6-0) closed out their 2018 home schedule on the highest possible note with a 4-0 shutout of Colorado College Tigers (7-9-2). The win marked the sixth-straight home win for the Sun Devils and the second consecutive series sweep overall.
Junior netminder Joey Daccord was the story, as he has been so many times before, stopping all 31 shots he faced - including 11 in the third period. The shutout was Daccord's fifth on the year - with four of the five coming at Oceanside Ice Arena.
"It was a great team win, fortunate enough to get a shutout," said Daccord. "Any night that the guys are doing what they are doing, blocking shots in front of the net they are making my life easier. It gives me a good chance to be successful personally and gives our team a good chance to win."
Johnny Walker scored twice for his second-straight multi-goal performance, but freshman forward PJ Marrocco got the scoring started, putting home his own rebound to give the Devils the lead early in the second after yet another scoreless first frame.
Austin Lemieux added one more in the middle frame, finishing off a pretty passing play from Marrocco before Walker took over in the third. Walker's two goal night matched his season total of 17 from last season when he finished second in the nation among freshmen.
"He is just too smart," said head coach Greg Powers. "He knows where to go to get the puck and he finds more areas than anyone in the country and that's why he is leading the country in goals."
Both special teams units shined for ASU, as the power play converted on two of five opportunities while the penalty kill canceled out all seven of Colorado College's chances.
The win continued a trend of dominance at home for coach Powers' squad, moving their record to 8-2 at home and giving them four home sweeps on the season.
They have been aggressive on the offensive end but stout defensively as they currently boast a +21 goal differential on home ice.
ASU now shifts its focus to the Desert Hockey Classic on Dec. 28-29 at Gila River Arena where they will first face No. 19 Clarkson, followed by either No. 3 Minnesota State or No. 4 Minnesota Duluth.
Tickets are still available at ArizonaCoyotes.com, by calling 480-563-PUCK (7825) or via ticketmaster.com.
Junior netminder Joey Daccord was the story, as he has been so many times before, stopping all 31 shots he faced - including 11 in the third period. The shutout was Daccord's fifth on the year - with four of the five coming at Oceanside Ice Arena.
"It was a great team win, fortunate enough to get a shutout," said Daccord. "Any night that the guys are doing what they are doing, blocking shots in front of the net they are making my life easier. It gives me a good chance to be successful personally and gives our team a good chance to win."
Although Daccord stole the show, the offense had yet another solid night in front of him, tallying at least four goals for the 12th time this season.Make it a hat trick of UNREAL SAVES by @Jdac35 (he had two in close there)! ???? pic.twitter.com/GZGBUFvVhz
— Sun Devil Hockey (@SunDevilHockey) December 16, 2018
Johnny Walker scored twice for his second-straight multi-goal performance, but freshman forward PJ Marrocco got the scoring started, putting home his own rebound to give the Devils the lead early in the second after yet another scoreless first frame.
Austin Lemieux added one more in the middle frame, finishing off a pretty passing play from Marrocco before Walker took over in the third. Walker's two goal night matched his season total of 17 from last season when he finished second in the nation among freshmen.
"He is just too smart," said head coach Greg Powers. "He knows where to go to get the puck and he finds more areas than anyone in the country and that's why he is leading the country in goals."
Both special teams units shined for ASU, as the power play converted on two of five opportunities while the penalty kill canceled out all seven of Colorado College's chances.
The win continued a trend of dominance at home for coach Powers' squad, moving their record to 8-2 at home and giving them four home sweeps on the season.
They have been aggressive on the offensive end but stout defensively as they currently boast a +21 goal differential on home ice.
ASU now shifts its focus to the Desert Hockey Classic on Dec. 28-29 at Gila River Arena where they will first face No. 19 Clarkson, followed by either No. 3 Minnesota State or No. 4 Minnesota Duluth.
Tickets are still available at ArizonaCoyotes.com, by calling 480-563-PUCK (7825) or via ticketmaster.com.