Close but not victory for Hockey vs. CSU
Call it the game that was promising, yet discouraging at the same time.
Aided by a strong start and finish, Colorado State University escaped the Weber County Ice Sheet with a 4-2 victory over the USU men’s hockey team Saturday night.
“I definitely think CSU is walking away thinking that they got away with one,” said assistant captain Deryk Anderson.
Backed by a boisterous home crowd, the Aggies used stifling defense and crisp passing to rally from an early 2-0 deficit to knot the game at 2-2 early in the third period. USU refused to roll over after CSU’s fast start as they manhandled the Rams in the second period, outshooting them 17-4.
“In my mind [the second period] was the best period this team has played this year,” said assistant coach Nate Anderson. “The team really played well together, which is something they were really lacking last week.”
Unfortunately for the Aggies, the Rams also refused to wilt under pressure, scoring two power-play goals in the third period. The second goal, scored by forward Gavin Hartman on a mad scramble in front of the Aggie goal, helped secure CSU’s fourth victory over the Aggies this year.
CSU jumped out of the gates quickly, taking a 1-0 lead just more than a minute into the game on a rebound shot by Scott Heinbuck. After CSU’s Matt Wartenbe found the back of the net five minutes later, USU stepped up its defensive intensity.
During recent practices, the Aggies made it a goal to limit CSU’s transition game by properly positioning themselves on defense.
It paid off.
Not only were the Aggies able to shut down the Rams’ attack, they were able to frustrate them. CSU was guilty of eight penalties in the second period alone, including a roughing penalty on its goalie.
“We got a lot of good offensive shots that came off of turnovers because they just had nowhere to go,” Deryk Anderson said.
Forward Aaron Burrell started the comeback at the 15:39 mark, scoring on an assist from Tony Haughey. The Aggies appeared to tie the game about 10 minutes later on a breakaway opportunity set up by Greg Sneed, but the goal was called off because the Ram goal had been dislodged.
USU started the third period where it left off. Less than three minutes into the period, Haughey took a pass from Anderson, cut to his right and split two defenders to knot the score at 2-2.
However, Ben Peal’s game-winning goal ultimately shifted the momentum back in CSU’s favor.
Although the loss was disappointing, the team played well together and did a good job executing its game plan, said Nate Anderson, assistant coach. They also did a good job frustrating the Rams and forcing them into stupid penalties, he said.
“It’s always a physical game when we play CSU,” he said. “They’re the type of team that encourages that sort of play.”
USU is home against the University of New Mexico this weekend.