Hockey bests Weber in regular season finale
The Utah State club hockey team finished regular season play with a big win over rival Weber
State Saturday night at the Eccles Ice Center. The Aggies beat the Wildcats 8-2.
“We just beat the No. 1 seed by, how many goals?” said USU defenseman Chase Allington about the team’s performance. “What was the score, like 8-2, 8-1, something like that? So, I thought we played well. I thought we put on a statement just now that we’re going to see them at ‘natties’ (American Collegiate Hockey Association Nationals), and we’re not worried about them.”
Saturday was senior night for the team. Allington had an assist and fellow senior Sean Erwin scored a goal in the second period to close out their time at the Eccles Ice Center with their heads held high.
Senior goalkeeper Bryce Scherschel had a solid night in the net, allowing two goals and recording 16 saves.
“It’s our last game here with the home crowd, with all the boys in our own locker room and what not, and we crushed them,” Allington said. “That was a good statement for us, and I’m happy to leave off on that.”
USU notched a regular season record of 22-7 with two ties and two overtime losses. The Aggies split the season series with their Ogden-based rival 3-3, which includes a shootout win in October.
USU head coach Jon Eccles said the seniors played a great game against a tough team.
“These guys know that all the sudden it’s winding down, and ‘How many more games are left?'” Eccles said. “So I think it really kind of sinks home. I think Sean takes it to heart to do everything he can. I know (senior defenseman) Ty (Johns) felt bad that he couldn’t get out there and play. Bryce had a phenomenal game, Chase played well, so they really played up to their level. They’re great team leaders, on and off the ice.”
Johns has been sidelined with injuries, but Eccles hopes to have him back in time for regional playoffs.
“That’d be a huge boost to us,” he said.
The Aggies have a bit of a break until regionals in on Feb. 22-23 in Flagstaff, Ariz. Eccles said the team will practice small-game situations in the meantime.
ACHA Division II Nationals takes place March 21-25 in Marlborough, Mass.
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Twitter: @JungblutEric