Ags take down BYU in OT

A record crowd was on hand to watch the Utah State hockey club beat BYU 3-2 in overtime Friday at the Eccles Ice Center.

Jordan Francom scored with 2:07 to play in the extra period to win the game.

“Having that many people here, this was just awesome,” Francom said.

The crowd of 2,006 obliterated the previous record of 1,640 set on Sept. 17 against the same BYU team.

USU also needed overtime to win that game.

Head coach Jerry Crossley said this was a great game to prepare his team for the regional tournament this weekend.

“This was a perfect scenario,” he said. “A packed house, an overtime win – it doesn’t get any better than that. This is a great atmosphere. It’s a lot of fun for anyone who comes out.”

Francom said the Aggies were expecting to win this game easily.

“We were not as prepared for this game,” he said. “We came out and thought we’d skate all over them. The thought never crossed my mind that we would lose this game.”

Aggie Roberto Leo said he wasn’t disappointed the game had to go to overtime.

“I was disappointed that we scored two goals in the first period and none in the second or third. But we pulled it out.

“We saw that we had a sell-out crowd and we thought, ‘Let’s give them a show.'”

Crossley said he also didn’t think the game would be so close, but he’s pleased his team was able to pull through it.

“It was hard fought all game,” he said. “But we kept our composure, didn’t self-destruct and were able to find a way to win.”

Leo said he’s thrilled that USU was able to hold its perfect record in Logan against the Icecats.

“They’ve never beat us here and they never will,” he said.

USU jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period. Dave Kuwada scored his first goal of the season and Josh Groves scored later in the period.

Kuwada said it feels good to finally have a goal this year.

“It’s a good load off my back,” he said. “I just couldn’t put it in all season. I give credit to my whole line.”

He said he couldn’t think of a better game to break his scoring drought.

“It’s the greatest feeling to have 2,006 people here and beat BYU in overtime,” he said.

The Aggies will travel to San Jose, Calif. to play in the American Collegiate Hockey Association West regional tournament Friday and Saturday. The Aggies have been paired with Weber State in its first-round game.

-bhhinton@cc.usu.edu