SDSU ice men knock off top 25-caliber Sun Devils, 3-2, for first win of season

After being swept and out-scored 11-1 in a two-game series against Arizona State University Sept.. 4-5 at the Kroc Center Ice Arena, SDSU’s men’s ice hockey team earned some payback as the teams shifted their rivalry to Arizona.

The Aztecs earned a split in the two-game return engagement, winning 3-2 in a landmark effort last Friday and coming home with a 5-1 setback on Saturday.

“The kids played awesome,” SDSU head coach Dean Wilson said. “They were excited to get a win against a top 25 program.” 

All the scoring came off one line: the “fast” line with Mason Brown, Cameron Ferraz and Patrick Fast each picking up one goal.

Brown and Ferraz scored 19 seconds apart late in the second period to snap a scoreless deadlock. Each assisted on the other’s goal.

The Sun Devils scored twice in the third period but not before the Aztecs could extend their lead to 3-1.

“They scored and all the momentum seemed to be going to them,” Wilson recounted. “Patrick went down the right wing and did a toe-drag around a defenseman and beat the goalie glove side.

“We needed to keep pressuring their defense and be consistent. Being consistent was the main thing. We had to stay aggressive on the fore-check and put pucks on the net.”

The Aztecs were out-shot 62-31 but still won. SDSU starter Brody Hsiao was credited with 60 saves.

“The next day, the game was 1-1 through the first period and scoreless in the third period. The difference was four goals by them in the second period,” Wilson noted.

“The second game is always a little harder to play, especially after winning the first game and wanting to avoid a let-down. I was very proud of the effort.”  

Drew Gunderson, assisted by Brandon Grant, scored the Aztecs’ lone goal in rematch. ASU out-shot SDSU 60-21, with Liam Dee credited with 55 saves.

Next up is a road trip this weekend to the University of Alabama, which the Aztecs will be playing for the first time. 

“I’m looking for us to build on that first win of the season,” Wilson said.

Photo Gallery by Phillip Brents