Aggie hockey bucks Broncos 5-3
USU played their first of two games this weekend at George S Eccles Ice Center in North Logan. Coach Rob Girard and the Aggies defeated the Boise State Broncos 5-3 in a very physical matchup from the opening horn. Whenever these teams play against each other, the tension could melt ice.
When asked about the intensity on the ice going up against a rival team like Boise State, USU captain Ben Carlson said, “The intensity is fun, the boys love it and it’s hockey at its finest.”
The first 10 minutes of the match saw both teams getting a fair share of attempts but neither team found the back of the net.
Utah State struck first with 6:30 left in the first period as Zach Pires found Jackson Ferry drifting off to the left of the goal and took a one-timer that found the goal. This goal would see the Aggies into the first intermission.
Three minutes into the second period, the floodgates looked to open up, after Boise State defenseman Brian Greer was sent to the penalty box for a cross-checking penalty against Maison Mulneaux. USU racked up six great chances during the power-play, but they were sent away by Broncos goaltender, Logan Hensley.
The Broncos made some adjustments and leveled the scoreline at the 10:25 mark as Forward Justin Helash was able to sneak past the Aggie defense and find Justin Jones who slotted home the Broncos’ first goal.
Boise State took control of the match after forward Josh Hyden scored the Broncos second goal with a good skill check that got around two Aggie defenders, the goal was assisted by forward Micah Crum.
The Aggies earned a penalty that sent Jake Nikolaisons to the box for slashing. USU tried hard to capitalize on the penalty, but ultimately went into the second intermission down a goal in their own barn.
Utah State went on the power play again after defenseman Koby Martin was caught holding. Less than a minute later Broncos Captain Dustin Truex ended up in the box after tripping Ferry, giving the Aggies a 5-3 man advantage for just over a minute.
As the first penalty expired at the 14:16 mark, Zach Pires tied the game with a screamer of a shot that was passed to him by defenseman Brogan Young. This play brought the crowd back into the game.
Jackson Ferry tallied his second goal of the night less than three minutes later due to a brilliant piece of skill, skating past two Bronco defenders and the goaltender to make the scoreline 3-2 with the Aggies in the lead with just over 11 minutes left to play.
Pires found himself in the penalty box for slashing at the 4:26 mark. Boise State took the man advantage and winger Nick Lippman scored Boise’s third goal of the match with 3:43 left, leveling the score 3-3, with the assist going to Justin Jones.
USU took a strategic time out to calm the nerves after an icing call. Once the puck was dropped however, the Aggies wasted no time as Ferry returned the favor to Pires just outside the crease who converted the go-ahead goal with a backhand shot with 3:07 left.
The Aggies were relentless as Boise State called out their goaltender to give themself an extra skater. But it was freshman Caleb Sandborn who made the Broncos pay for that decision by scoring USU’s fifth on an open net from center ice making the scoreline 5-3.
“Boise State is always intense and physical,” Anderson said. “But the boys were ready, and we are happy to get the win in front of this crowd.”
The defense proved this by becoming a brick wall that did not allow anything through. Boise State took a strategic timeout but could not find purchase behind Anderson and defenseman Josh Girard to close out the game.
“This one feels like the real home opener,” Carlson said calmly, but proud of his team
USU takes on the UVU Wolverines in their second game this Saturday at 7:00 p.m. USU previously beat UVU handily 13-2 back on Sept. 22.
When asked what adjustments need to be made in preparation for the game, Anderson said, “No adjustments need to be made, we just need to make sure to rest.”
Carlson seemingly echoed this when he said, “We are a well-rounded team, all four lines can score. He added, “It’s all about finishing our chances.”