Hockey expects blowout games against EWU
The Utah State University hockey team will square off against out-of-state opponent Eastern Washington University at the Ogden Ice Sheet Friday and Saturday nights.
The two games against EWU come after Utah State traveled to Washington Oct. 5 and 6 to play them on their home ice. Those games were both blowouts with the Aggies winning both, 10-1 and 9-1.
Team captain Paul Amidon said, “Be ready to watch Eastern Washington get physically abused. If we don’t blow these guys out we have problems.”
Amidon said that in the previous blowouts when USU traveled to Washington, some bad blood was created between the two teams. He said he expects this will carry over to the games this weekend, leading to what he believes should be very entertaining for Aggie fans. After a long trip, if Eastern Washington does get blown out, there is sure to be some frustration that will be sure to lead to a fight or two, he said.
Amidon has a right to be so confident. The Aggies, ranked first in their region, have compiled an impressive 12-2-1 record. However, despite their record and first place ranking, Amidon said attendance is down from last year when the team wasn’t as impressive.
“We really need fan support. Because we are a club sport we rely on our fans showing up. And I can promise those that show up that they will be entertained. If anyone hasn’t ever been to a hockey game, it’s something that you need to do. Once you see one, you’ll want to come again,” Amidon said.
Attendance is expected to pick up next semester when the Bridgerland Ice Arena opens in Logan.
Until then, the team will continue to play all games at the Ogden Ice Sheet located on the Weber State campus. All games start at 8:30 p.m.