USU hockey continues to win big
The Utah State hockey team also defeated Brigham Young University last weekend with a strong third period Friday night, 9-3. The matchup in Provo was the Aggies’ fourth meeting with the Cougars this season.
“At this point against BYU it’s been 56 goals to six,” USU head coach Jon Eccles said. “It’s tough for the guys to get excited and go up against that, but they have done really good.”
The Aggies took some time to settle into their gameplan, getting caught up with chippy play early on.
Tempers flared in the first two periods, but after 40 minutes of play Utah State gained some composure and played a solid third period.
“In the second period, there was a lot of individualism and a lot of penalties,” Eccles said. “In the third period we came back out and got five goals. We were playing as a team again.”
The Aggies returned home for their second matchup of the weekend when the Weber State Wildcats traveled north to Logan. The Aggies rebounded from a less-than-adequate showing the night before to win 17-1.
“Comparing last night’s game to tonight’s game,” Eccles said. “Two different teams showed up.”
Aggie goaltender Bryce Scherschel got his first outing of the season. The sophomore returned to his spot between the pipes after a hip injury kept him on the bench.
“He’s so excited about trying to get back in,” Eccles said. “He’s been practicing and trying to get some playing time.”
In his first start the goalie picked up 22 saves and only allowed one goal.
“He’s been working so hard. He is one of the hardest working players on the team,” Aggie forward Jeff Sanders said. “It’s good to see him back there.”
Sanders continued a strong season with a big performance of his own — he added five points on the night, scoring two goals and notching three assists.
“I couldn’t have done it without Brian Gibbons, Brendan MacDonald and Tyler Mistelbacher,” Sanders said. “When I play on the power play with them, they are just so easy to play with.”
The offensive trio of Gibbons, Mistelbacher and MacDonald continued in its success this season, creating opportunities all night long. Utah State center Brian Gibbons got a hat-trick on the night and added two assists as well.
The Aggies return to action with the Beehive Showcase beginning Thursday, Nov. 17 against San Jose State University in Logan.
— meredith.kinney@aggiemail.usu.edu