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Freshman Shines in Net Despite Shutout at #12 Michigan

by thesundevils.com
Nov 15, 2020
Photo by Jonathan Knight/Knight Photography LLC

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Sun Devil Hockey was shutout by No. 12 Michigan and Mike Richter finalist Strauss Mann Sunday night on the Big Ten Network, 3-0, at Yost Ice Arena. 

For a second consecutive night, it was a member of the freshmen class that sparked some energy for the Sun Devils, as freshman goaltender and New Jersey Devils' draft pick Cole Brady posted a .936 save percentage on 47 shots faced. His 44 saves were the most by an ASU goaltender in a game since Evan DeBrouwer on Dec. 21, 2019, and the most by a freshman goalie in his collegiate debut in program history. 

"Honestly that is the best team I've seen from a pure talent, skill and speed since we've been Division I, and it's not even close," said head coach Greg Powers. "They're a really special group. Mel and his staff have done an unbelievable job. What do they have, seven potential first rounders on a college roster? That's incredible. I thought our guys competed well tonight. Cole (Brady) was tremendous.

"They're a fun team to watch. Not play against though."

The Sun Devils now remain in Michigan and prepare for another primetime game against Michigan State Thursday, Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. MT on the Big Ten Network. 

Game Notes:

  • Freshman goaltender Cole Brady made 44 saves in his NCAA debut, setting a program record for most saves by a goalie in his first collegiate start. Former Sun Devil and current AHL goaltender Joey Daccord held the previous record of 42 in his debut against then-No. 9 Notre Dame. 
  • Brady's 44 saves tied the season-high of saves in a game set by Evan DeBrouwer twice during the 2019-20 season. It ties for the most saves made in a game since Joey Daccord made 45 against No. 17 Cornell on Jan. 11, 2019. 
  • The Sun Devils were shutout for the first time since a 1-0 overtime loss at then-No. 18 Michigan State on Dec. 15, 2019.
  • ASU couldn't find a chink in the armor of Mann, firing 17 shots on goal.
  • Another freshman made his collegiate debut as forward Benji Eckerle entered the lineup as the fourth-line center. 
  • Michigan finished 1-for-6 on the power play, while ASU went 0-for-3. 
  • The Sun Devils never lost more than two games in a row during the 2019-20 season, and were only swept twice (at #3 Minnesota State, at Wisconsin). 

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