In their final matchup at Oceanside Ice Arena, the Sun Devils wrap up their first NCAA season against the US National Team Development Program (USNTDP) U-18 team, resulting in a 2-2 tie, their fifth of the season.
Within 30 seconds of the first period, USNTDP slammed two at junior goaltender Robert Levin, continuing to lead shots on goal.
The teams proved equal in talent as not a single goal passed by goaltenders junior Robert Levin and U-18’s Joseph Woll throughout the first period. Recognizing this, aggression took over, resulting in a total of 6 power plays.
After a penalty on U-18 forward Clayton Keller, the Sun Devils failed to give Levin a break. Within the next two minutes, U-18 Kieffer Bellows’ penalty gave ASU another chance, but the Sun Devils wouldn't convert.
When U-18 defenseman Chad Krys headed to the penalty box at 2:21, it seemed as though the USNTDP’s aggression put them at a disadvantage, as ASU pushed back the urge to retaliate. However, ASU quickly lost the advantage when freshman forward Jordan Masters fought back, evening the playing field.
“That’s the way we have to play,” ASU head coach Greg Powers said. “We have to play physical against a team like that and take away their time and space. And if we don’t, we won’t have a chance.”
The power play opportunities continued at the start of the second period when junior forward Ryan Belonger and Krys both received penalties in the first 10 minutes. However, after seven total power plays, freshman forward Joe Lappin lit the lamp in ASU’s fourth power play, assisted by Stevens and Masters.
“Both teams were on a power play roll,” Powers said. “I thought our power play gave us some good chances and our kill did really well.”
Soon after, another two penalties were called on junior forward Ryan Ostertag and U-18 forward Graham McPhee. Sophomore defenseman Edward McGovern widened the gap, scoring the second goal of the night at 9:06.
However, the two-point lead lasted shortly. As soon as Stevens joined junior forward Ryan Ostertag and U-18 forward Garrett Wait in the penalty box, U-18's Bellows scored on a power play at 11:20.
The fact that ASU headed into the second period with a man down and less shots on goal could have foreshadowed a rough period. However, ASU wrapped up the period in the lead, 2-1, and outscored USA with only 11 shots taken, compared to its 15.
The Sun Devils lost their lead early in the final period. After letting the puck slide by multiple players, U-18 forward Patrick Khodorenko evened up the score.
The intensity stepped up as the score remained tied, leading to constant back and forth plays and players piling up in front of goaltenders. In the end, the game that saw 21 power plays ended with an exhibition shootout, favoring USTDP.
“We played hard,” Powers said. “No complaints. That’s obviously a really good team we went toe-to-toe with and it could’ve gone either way. Hopefully tonight will give our guys the confidence they need going into tomorrow and get a win.”
ASU will play its final game of the season Sunday at Gila River Arena against USTDP at 7:00 p.m.
Related Links:
Lappin's hat trick, Levin's shutout leads ASU hockey to 6-0 win over U of A
ASU hockey's 'go-to guy' Ryland Pashovitz reflects on debut season
Reach the reporter at ncorr@asu.edu or follow @natalieorr19 on Twitter.
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