USU and Weber battle for hockey supremacy
Big match-ups make for exciting games. Exciting games attract a lot of fans.
This weekend, No. 1 ranked Weber State University faces off against the undefeated Utah State Aggies on Friday and Saturday at the Ogden Ice Sheet.
Both games start at 8:30 p.m., and Friday the Aggies play as the home team. The next night they play the part of the visitor even though both games will be played at the Ice Sheet.
Pre-season rankings put Weber State at No. 1 in spite of a 3-3 deadlock exhibition game with the Aggies on Sept. 21.
“Our No. 1 goal is to go to nationals as the No. 1 ranked team in the west,” team captain Paul Amidon said.
In their first game, the Aggies knocked off last year’s No. 2 ranked team, Colorado State University. Now, the Wildcats stand in the way of a No. 1 ranking.
“We’re working on implementing some new systems,” Amidon said.
The hockey team runs systems on the Ice Sheet similar to plays a basketball team would run in a game. When these systems are executed well, the sticks of any players are lethal to the opponent.
The Wildcats’ biggest threat to the Aggies is Brett Fuller, who was the leading scorer in the nation last year. The Wildcats also boast one of the best power plays in the league.
“If we stay out of the penalty box, we have the advantage,” assistant captain Deryk Anderson said.
Injury wise, the Aggies aren’t looking so hot. Nick Thiros sustained a knee injury and it’s questionable if he will play. Greg Sneed will be back for Friday’s game. Clint Stosich, however, may not be ready but the decision won’t be made until game time.
“I feel we’re ready for any team we’re going to play,” Amidon said.
Following its games against WSU, USU won’t return to play on its own ice until Nov. 3 when San Jose State visits the Ice Sheet for the second straight year.