Hockey looks to Boseman trip

Jason Turner

Jason Turner

Looking to build on a 4-2-1 record over its last seven games, the USU men’s hockey team will begin the second half of its season tonight and Saturday nights on the road in Boseman, Mont. to take on Montana State University.

The Aggies were originally slated to take the ice against the University of Montana, but it doesn’t matter to USU who they play as forward Deryk Anderson said they are just eager to get back on the ice.

It’s been a couple of years since the Aggies have faced off against the Bobcats, with USU winning both games they played. However, they have faced similar opponents this year as the Bobcats lost to the University of Utah by two goals and were hammered by Weber State University.

“They’re a team we should and need to beat, especially if we want to maintain our momentum,” Anderson said.

USU will turn to some familiar faces to help it begin the semester with a bang. Defenseman Paul Amidon, along with Ryan Frorer and Todd and Miles Hansen will see their first action of the season against the Bobcats.

When asked about Amidon, Anderson said, “He’s a big asset of the team. When he played here before he was one of the best defensive players in the league.”

Despite the long holiday break, Anderson said the team has looked sharp during recent practices. The team has been playing with a lot of enthusiasm, he said.

Following this road trip, the Aggies will play the rest of their games in the state of Utah. USU’s next home game will take place Jan. 19 against Eastern Washington University.

Anderson said he can’t wait to play in front of Aggie fans. They give the team a huge emotional boost, he said, especially when the Weber County Ice Sheet in Ogden is packed and loud.

“Our fans are incredible,” he said. “There’s nothing quite like the adrenaline you feel when people go nuts. It just makes you want to play better.”