
The ASU men’s hockey hadn’t lost to UA in 24 straight matches heading into their double header this past weekend.
The streak continued to 26 after back-to-back victories over the Wildcats on Friday and Saturday.
The Sun Devils entered the series ranked No. 3 — moving up a spot after their victory over Texas A&M — and proved they deserve to be there.
The No. 19 Wildcats couldn’t seem to figure out ASU on the ice, as the Sun Devils dominated on all facets of the game.
Oceanside Arena was packed Friday night to see ASU skate to an 11-3 victory.
Junior forward Kale Dolinski proved to be a threat to UA scoring four goals and three assists between both games, with a hat trick on Friday night.
“It was great,” Dolinski said. “It was a team effort, my line played unbelievable and I owe it (performance) all to them.”
Two of ASU’s youngsters — sophomore Ben Findlay and freshman Stephen Collins — both tacked on two goals apiece Friday night.
Coach Greg Powers was very happy with his team’s effort and game play, but did address some concerns.
“I love the effort, I love the result, but the penalties sour it,” Powers said.
Penalties were the cause of each of UA’s three goals, which were scored when ASU had only four men on the ice — two goals while on a power play.
“We can’t play like that this year, and we’re too good to play like that,” Powers told his team.
Junior goaltender Joseph D’Elia seemed to cement his spot as the Sun Devil goalie saving all but four shots in the double-header — along with an assist.
“Right now (D’Elia) is that guy,” Powers said.
As a team, the Sun Devils were physical and kept the puck in the offensive zone for the majority of the game.
UA seemed frozen against the tempo and the high intensity ASU brought to the ice, as the Sun Devils won game two 4-1 Saturday.
ASU’s two victories were not the main storyline of the weekend, however.
It was about a team and organization rallying around a player who showed a lot of heart.
Dolinski — who played in his first games of the season — lost his father this past month.
His teammates and coaches rallied around him, supporting his family with his father’s initials on the back of their helmets.
“These guys are great and they’ve had my back from the beginning,” Dolinski said.
“To come out and play like he (Dolinski) did tonight was an unbelievable effort,” Powers said.
Reach the reporter at msterrel@asu.edu