One last hurrah for Hockey team
In Wednesday night’s Rocky Mountain Collegiate Hockey Association playoff game pitting the USU men’s hockey club against the University of Utah, the Aggies found out just how much damage an ex-teammate can do.
Down 4-3 at the end of the first period, the Utes inserted ex-Aggie goalie Eric Moldenhauer into their lineup. Moldenhauer proceeded to shut down the Aggie attack, and Utah used a strong third period to pull away, 11-4 at the Weber County Ice Sheet.
As a result, USU will close its season Friday at 8:30 p.m. when it plays the loser of Thursday night’s Weber State University/University of New Mexico matchup in the RMCHA consolation game. The Utes will face off against the winner of the WSU/UNM in the championship game Saturday at 8:30 p.m. Both games will be held at the Ice Sheet.
“Utah stepped up its level of play,” said forward Ryan Froerer. “Moldenhauer made a big difference.”
After being outshot by the Aggies 17 to 13 through two periods of play, the Utes took control of the third period, out-shooting USU 20 to five. By the time the smoke had cleared, the Utes were able to turn a manageable 6-4 lead into a 11-4 route.
“We had some individual players come out strong, but as a team, we didn’t play that well,” Froerer said.
One of the players who came out sizzling was forward Chad Linville. Following a goal by Aaron Burrell, Linville scored to give the Aggies a 2-0 lead. Linville’s second goal of the period snapped a 3-3 tie, returning the momentum in the Aggies’ favor as the second period started.
Unfortunately for the Aggies, it didn’t last for long as Moldenhauer stopped all 15 shots he faced.
Although disappointed they won’t be playing in the championship game, Froerer said the Aggies are confident they will end the season on a positive note Friday.
“We’re just going to try to play the best game we can to end the season,” he said. “We are going to give it our all.”