Hockey drops series finale against #8 Dartmouth

Hanover, N.H. – Sun Devil Hockey dropped game two of the weekend series against No. 8 Dartmouth, 4-1 (EN), on Sunday afternoon at Thompson Arena. 

Arizona State (9-10-1, 4-5-1 NCHC) picked up the series split against a top-10 ranked team, but its hopes of the road sweep ultimately fell short. Dartmouth (13-2-0, 6-0-0 ECAC) sealed things with a late-game empty net goal, which put ASU in a three-goal deficit that it couldn’t overcome. 

Sophomore forward Cullen Potter netted the lone goal for the Sun Devils, his third-consecutive game with a goal. Additionally, Potter has now found the back of the net in six of the last seven games to increase his season total to eight goals. 

Senior forward Bennett Schimek tallied his 60th career assist on Potter’s goal. The assist increased his team-best point total to now 29 (9G, 20A).

The Sun Devils will open the new year hosting the annual Desert Hockey Classic starting Jan. 2, 2026, with Michigan Tech, Air Force and Alaska Anchorage heading to Mullett Arena. ASU will begin by facing off against Alaska Anchorage on Friday night at 7 p.m. MST. Fans can tune in via NCHC.TV or over the radio on Fox Sports Phoenix 910AM.

Period by Period Breakdown:
First Period
After 12 minutes of scoreless action, Dartmouth found the game's first goal of the afternoon to open the scoring at 1-0. Just 70 seconds later, Cullen Potter drove to the crease and snuck one past the Dartmouth goaltender on a play in which the net came loose and triggered a video replay. After a lengthy review, the officials signaled a good goal which officially gave Potter and the Sun Devils the equalizer. The two sides traded further chances but went to intermission knotted at 1-1. 

Second Period
The Sun Devils and Big Green continued to play one another closely in every phase of the game. Dartmouth registered 12 shots on goal in the period which included its second goal of the day to make things 2-1. The Sun Devils later got their first power play chance, but were unable to convert which kept the score at 2-1, Dartmouth. 

Third Period
The Big Green extended their lead to 3-1 with 15:38 remaining in regulation. The Sun Devils pulled goaltender Connor Hasley with 3:30 remaining in favor of an extra attacker to put them in a 6-on-5 scenario. Dartmouth was able to find the empty net goal and put ASU behind for good.