COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Following the 3-0 shutout of Air Force on Friday, Sun Devil Hockey cruised to a 5-2 victory in game two on Saturday, sweeping the two-game road series over the Falcons at Cadet Ice Arena.
"Any win on the road in college hockey is hard, let alone a sweep in altitude against a team that plays hard," Coach Powers stated postgame. "We got some bounces and breaks and finishes our opportunities. It was a great road win and a great road sweep."
ASU (3-3-0) combined to outscore the Falcons 8-2 on the weekend with the team clicking in all phases of the game. The Maroon & Gold got an outstanding performance out of sophomore goaltender Evan DeBrouwer, who made a career-high 38 saves -- several of the highlight-reel variety. Johnny Walker dished out a career-high three assists to lead the offensive charge. Five different Sun Devils found the back of the net with the power play striking on two-of-four chances on the night.
"He is a great goalie," Coach Powers mentioned in reference to Evan DeBrouwer. "This is a great step in the right direction for Evan. He is certainly building confidence."
The Sun Devils top line set the tone early and often in the contest, as the three forwards -- Johnny Walker, James Sanchez and Demetrios Koumontzis -- combined for two goals and four assists. They were a big factor in the Sun Devils three-goal effort in the third period that sealed the victory. For the second consecutive evening, the toughness of the team was on display as they once again blocked 21 shots.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
GAME FACTS:
NEXT UP
A much-deserved weekend off awaits the Sun Devils before they return home to host Quinnipiac in a two-game series taking place Nov. 1-2, with both games scheduled for 7:05 PM MST at Oceanside Ice Arena.
"Any win on the road in college hockey is hard, let alone a sweep in altitude against a team that plays hard," Coach Powers stated postgame. "We got some bounces and breaks and finishes our opportunities. It was a great road win and a great road sweep."
ASU (3-3-0) combined to outscore the Falcons 8-2 on the weekend with the team clicking in all phases of the game. The Maroon & Gold got an outstanding performance out of sophomore goaltender Evan DeBrouwer, who made a career-high 38 saves -- several of the highlight-reel variety. Johnny Walker dished out a career-high three assists to lead the offensive charge. Five different Sun Devils found the back of the net with the power play striking on two-of-four chances on the night.
"He is a great goalie," Coach Powers mentioned in reference to Evan DeBrouwer. "This is a great step in the right direction for Evan. He is certainly building confidence."
The Sun Devils top line set the tone early and often in the contest, as the three forwards -- Johnny Walker, James Sanchez and Demetrios Koumontzis -- combined for two goals and four assists. They were a big factor in the Sun Devils three-goal effort in the third period that sealed the victory. For the second consecutive evening, the toughness of the team was on display as they once again blocked 21 shots.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Anticipating a desperate opponent still seeking their first win, the Sun Devils answered the call and quieted the crowd with a quick start to the game.
- Air Force forward Max Harper was sent to the box for slashing just 49 seconds into the contest, giving ASU an early power play opportunity. Following a near-goal by Demetrios Koumontzis that required a great save from Falcons' goaltender Zach LaRocque, he cashed in on power play opportunity thanks to a perfect feed from Johnny Walker to put the Sun Devils up 1-0 with only 1:14 elapsed in the game.
- Coming off his first collegiate shutout last night, Evan DeBrouwer received the start again and saw an increased volume of rubber. He kept the Falcons off the board through the first 20 minutes, making 10 crucial saves to keep his team in the lead after one.
- James Sanchez continues the hot start to his Sun Devil career, extending the lead to 2-0 with a goal with 15:30 left in the second period. Walker picked up his second assist of the game, showcasing his vision by finding a wide-open Sanchez after maneuvering around his defender.
- Air Force finally got on the board for the first time in the series, with forward Luke Manning beating DeBrouwer with a backhand whack with 3:01 remaining in the second. In similar fashion to last night, Arizona State would enter the final period with a one-goal lead.
- A relentless forecheck, quick decision making, and excellent execution lead to forward Logan Jenuwine's first goal as a Sun Devil. Austin Lemiuex forced a turnover deep in the Air Force zone and immediately found Jordan Sandhu, who delivered a perfect pass to Jenuwine would beat LaRocque with a perfect shot.
- The Falcons pulled back within one thanks to a power play goal with 11:51 left in the game. DeBrouwer bounced back with a huge third period performance, making 11 saves to give him a career-high 38 on the game.
- The play of their goaltender motivated the Sun Devils to provide him some cushion. Putting the Falcons on their heels and forcing them to take a penalty led to an important power play opportunity.
- Josh Maniscalco came through when his team needed him, converting on the power play to push the lead to 4-2. The top line caused havoc and created chances all night long, as Johnny Walker and James Sanchez picking up the assists on the insurance goal.
- Willie Knierim added an empty-net goal for the second consecutive night, giving the Sun Devils their second consecutive three-goal victory.
GAME FACTS:
- Sophomore goaltender Evan DeBrouwer was on top of his game, recording a career-high 38 saves.
- Arizona State combined to block 43 shots over the past two nights after holding a 21-8 advantage in block shots tonight.
- The Sun Devils neutralized the Falcons' power play, as they were only 1-for-11 this weekend.
- Johnny Walker dished out a career-high three assists and now has six assists on the year.
- James Sanchez continues to make an immediate impact, totaling seven points (two goals and five assists) over his first six games.
- Jordan Sandhu and Austin Lemieux each recorded their first assists of the season on Logan Jenuwine's first career goal.
NEXT UP
A much-deserved weekend off awaits the Sun Devils before they return home to host Quinnipiac in a two-game series taking place Nov. 1-2, with both games scheduled for 7:05 PM MST at Oceanside Ice Arena.