Hockey falls to St. Cloud State in series finale

The Arizona State Sun Devils hockey team suffered a 4-3 defeat against St. Cloud State on Saturday night at Mullett Arena, failing to secure a series win. Despite a strong offensive showing with three different players scoring, the Sun Devils were unable to overcome the Huskies.

A Resilient Effort Falls Short

Junior forward Sean McGurn, sophomore forward Noah Powell, and freshman forward Carmelo Crandell each contributed a goal for Arizona State. Powell’s goal marked the first time in his career he’s scored in consecutive games, while Crandell registered his sixth goal of the season.

A Game of Shifts in Momentum

The game saw several lead changes. Sean McGurn opened the scoring with a power play goal in the first period, but St. Cloud State responded later in the period. St. Cloud took the lead in the second period with another power play goal.

The third period proved to be a dramatic affair. Noah Powell quickly tied the game at two apiece just 20 seconds into the period. However, St. Cloud regained the lead four minutes later. A late feed from sophomore defenseman Joel Kjellberg to Carmelo Crandell briefly leveled the score again, but a final goal from the Huskies sealed the 4-3 victory.

Did You Know? Noah Powell recorded goals in both games of the series against St. Cloud State.

Arizona State Head Coach Greg Powers highlighted the team’s strong forecheck throughout the weekend, noting they created numerous scoring opportunities. He also praised the improved puck management of the team’s rookies, stating they are “better than they are all year.”

Senior forward Bennett Schimek emphasized the team’s resilience in the third period, stating they “showed a lot of resilience” and “took a step tonight.” He believes the team is “right there” but needs to find consistency and complete a full 60-minute performance.

Expert Insight: The Sun Devils’ ability to tie the game multiple times demonstrates a capacity for responding to adversity, but the inability to maintain a lead suggests a need for greater consistency and defensive solidity.

Arizona State (13-15-1, 6-10 NCHC) will return to action on Friday, February 13, against Western Michigan, with puck drop scheduled for 5 p.m. MST. The game can be viewed on NCHC.tv and heard on Fox Sports 910AM.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score of the game?

The final score was St. Cloud State 4, Arizona State 3.

Who scored for Arizona State?

Sean McGurn, Noah Powell, and Carmelo Crandell each scored a goal for Arizona State.

When is Arizona State’s next game?

Arizona State’s next game is on Friday, February 13, against Western Michigan.

Given the team’s resilience despite this loss, what adjustments do you think could help the Sun Devils achieve more consistent results in their upcoming games?