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Special Teams Prove Dangerous in Hockey's Close Game at #12 DU

by thesundevils.com
Oct 9, 2021

DENVER, Colo. -- Sun Devil Hockey's (1-3-0) special teams popped off at No. 12 Denver (2-0-0) on Saturday night, scoring three power play goals and killing six DU man-advantage opportunities. The Sun Devils eventually fell to the Pioneers, 3-4. 

Freshman forward Jackson Niedermayer initiated ASU's scoring run and tied the game in the first frame with his first collegiate career goal. It was the eighth power play goal for ASU in 10 periods of hockey this season. 

Less than five minutes later, hometown hero Matthew Kopperud scored his fifth goal in four consecutive games to give ASU the 2-1 lead. 
 

DU chased the lead early in the second period and tied the game at 2-2. The first collegiate goal from Josh Doan on another Sun Devil power play gave ASU the lead once again. With only 20 seconds left in the frame, the Pioneers tallied another one to even the score, 3-3, heading into the second intermission. 
 

Seven minutes into the third period, DU stole the lead and held it. ASU goaltender Cole Brady started for the second time this season and finished the night with 41 saves. 

SUN DEVIL NOTABLES

  • Matthew Kopperud scored his five goal in four consecutive games. His nine points lead the team. 
  • A night of firsts: Josh Doan, Ethan Szmagaj, and Jackson Niedermayer all got their first collegiate starts. Doan and Niedermayer went on to score for the first time in their college careers. 
  • Special team success: the Sun Devils scored 11 power play goals in 12 periods of play against UMass-Lowell and Denver. On Saturday night, ASU's penalty kill squad smothered all six DU power play opportunities. 
  • Tim Lovell finished the weekend with four points (4A), two assists in each game. Kopperud completed the weekend with four points (2G, 2A), one goal and one assist on each night. 
  • Tim Theocharidis notched his first two points as a Sun Devil with an assist in each game at Denver. Fellow transfer Colin Theisen has four points in four games played with a goal and assist over the weekend. 

UP NEXT
ASU returns to the desert for a series against New Hampshire on Oct. 15-16 at Oceanside Ice Arena. 

 

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