Ag hockey kicks off second half of season
The last time the Utah State hockey club faced BYU it would be safe to say a small amount of luck was on the Aggies’ side.
It was the last game before the four-week Christmas Break, and USU had a 5-2 lead to begin the third period. That alone was the problem.
BYU wasn’t putting up much of a fight until then, which was the precise time the Aggies had a let down and allowed the Ice Cats to put in three unanswered goals, the equalizer coming with 10:54 remaining.
At the end of regulation, the Aggies thought the game would end as a tie, walking out to center ice to shake hands with the opposing team.
That was until BYU’s Head Coach, Tim Chou, swiftly ran onto the ice to demand an overtime period, even though American Collegiate Hockey Association rules state an overtime period is optional, but must be decided on before the game begins.
USU agreed to continue play, and 30 seconds into the added time Aggie center Nick Thiros sent an accurate pass from the point to Robert Hashimoto, who one-timed the puck from three feet out for a 6-5 win.
Chances are favorable both teams, most likely to appear slightly rusty and sluggish from the break, will need some kind of good fortune as they meet Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the Eccles Ice Center.
USU will travel to Salt Lake City to face the Skatin’ Utes Saturday night.
The Aggies (9-9-1, No. 6 in ACHA Division II West Region) had a difficult time finding consistency throughout the opening 19 games as they were hampered with nagging injuries throughout the team — including Thiros having to sit out five weeks due to a broken index finger.
Every one of the 13 games USU has remaining will be critical for a post-season berth in February to Southern California.
“I’m searching for that elusive answer,” said USU Head Coach Jerry Crossley. “We’ve got to go on a real winning streak, [and] we’ve got to be consistent. We can’t play down like we did [vs. BYU].”
BYU (7-5) is aware of the difficulties competing on the road bring, especially when coming to the Ice Center, Chou said.
“Every line [USU has] out there is one you have to reckon with,” Chou said. “It’s difficult to find openings and opportunities. We have to come ready to play.”
–samhis@cc.usu.edu