TEMPE, Ariz. - St. Cloud State took on Arizona State University at Mullet Arena, sweeping the series with a 4-3 win on Saturday.
“We have to find a way to complete 60,” senior forward Bennett Schimek said.
ASU showed vengeance after Friday's loss. The team moved faster and more aggressively than in past games.
“We were really good in the forecheck all weekend,” head coach Greg Powers said. “ We were really hunting pucks and finishing checks.”
Just 21 seconds into the third period, Arizona State's very own sophomore forward Noah Powell took it upon himself to tie the game 2-2.
“They are managing pucks better than they have all year,” Powers mentioned.
That goal would have put the Sun Devils ahead, but was taken away during the second due to offside.
The tie did not last long. Huskies senior left winger Noah Urness was able to make contact with the net, with help from freshman center Nolan Roed and junior right winger Daimon Gardner.
The goal was deemed good, despite a failed attempt by ASU to overturn it for kicking the puck, which put the Huskies ahead 3-2.
With just 3:55 remaining, Arizona State tied the game. Freshman forward Carmelo Crandell scored his sixth of the season, assisted by sophomore defenseman Joel Kjellberg and freshman forward Ben Kevan.
Tensions rose as the time ticked down and scores ticked up to 3-3. The Sun Devils played the remainder of the game with a man advantage as Urness had a penalty for hooking.
With 37 seconds left on the clock, ASU freshman goaltender Samuel Urban left the crease for a one-on-one against St. Cloud's junior center Tyson Gross. Urban skated halfway to the neutral zone, allowing Gross to score the winning, unassisted, and shorthanded goal.
“You can’t pin it on your goalie,” Powers responded to the play. “My heart goes out to Urbs tonight; that sucks for him.”
Powers has played Urban the past three games, showcasing his trust for his netminder.
“His compete level,” Powers said when asked about Urban. “ He gives us a chance to win.”