Club hockey dominates 49ers – final USU game played in Ogden
In their final home game at the Ogden Ice Sheet, the Utah State University club hockey team went out with a bang against Long Beach State University Saturday.
Captain Paul Amidon said the game was a lot more than just playing Long Beach. Going into it, the team was looking to end their home season at the Ice Sheet with a win. That’s what they got.
The game opened with USU picking up a quick point against Long Beach when Ian Tracy slipped a goal in after only three minutes of play.
This was followed by a blast from the left, point by Aaron Sutliff.
With the momentum growing, the Aggies were able to get another point from a high shot by Nick Thiros.
The assault continued, though no other goals were picked up in the first period.
Coming out of the first intermission, the game was rather timid. Aaron Burrell was able to pick up the first of his three for the game.
He then passed to Tracy who sent the puck to Dave Moore who took the Aggies to a 5-0 lead over the 49ers.
The Aggies picked up the first penalty of the game on a holding call, then picked up three more for roughing, facemasking and high sticking, putting three guys in the box.
Just as the players left the box, Long Beach was able to put themselves on the board with a power play off a rebound.
The Aggies put the pressure on in the third period. Greg Howard was able to pick a short-handed goal on a one-timer just a minute into play.
Sutliff made a blast from the point tipped in by Burrell taking the Aggies up 7-1.
Long Beach was able to score one more point in the game, but was unable to stop the Aggies.
Burrel wrapped up a hat trick with his third goal. Deryk Anderson scored the final point for the Aggies.
Amidon said the team felt confident they would be able to pick up the win against Long Beach, but said they were glad the game marked the end of their stay in Ogden.
“The USU hockey team has spent seven years traveling down to the Ogden Ice Sheet to practice and play, but that’s over,” he said. “We’re excited about the new rink. It’s a dream come true for us.”
With the new rink, Amidon said he expects the tempo of the team will increase. Without having to drive to Ogden to practice and play, he said the team should be able to focus more and become a better team.
He said the games should see an increase in fan attendance. The team has been able to sell out the Ice Sheet in the past, and should be able to do the same in Logan.
“We’ll sell out every game, no problem,” he said.
Recruiting efforts should also be easier for the team Amidon said. Often guys are not willing to spend the time to travel to Ogden.
“I’m just real excited about the second half of the season. We have a good chance at a run with nationals,” he said.