ANCHORAGE – Despite a new record set by Lukas Sillinger and a standout performance by netminder Gibson Homer, the Arizona State ice hockey team (23-8-6) fell in the final minute of regulation to Alaska Anchorage (15-16-2), 4-3, on Friday night. ASU moves to 7-3-0 all-time against Alaska Anchorage while looking to secure the series split tomorrow night at the Avis Alaska Sports Complex. Puck drop is slated for 7:07 p.m. MST. Fans can watch for free on UAA YouTube or listen on Fox Sports 910, the home of Sun Devil Hockey Radio.
Lukas Sillinger scored the first ASU goal of the night shortly after the four-minute mark in the first period with an assist from Charlie Schoen. Sillinger's eighth goal of the season gave him the point needed to break the program record for most points in a single season set by Robert Mastrosimone in 2022-23. With 43 points this year, Sillinger set the new record, but it wouldn't stand long.
On the next ASU goal, Sillinger assisted Matthew Kopperud's power play goal to reach 44 points on the year and extend his new record. It also bumped Sillinger up to 36 assists this season which ranks second in the NCAA.
The power play goal was Kopperud's 16th of the year and 40th of his career, moving him into sole ownership of the No. 5 spot in the NCAA's all-time career power play scoring. The senior continues to lead the NCAA in power play goals this year.
Gibson Homer made his 14th appearance this season and backstopped ASU with 39 saves - a new career single game high for the sophomore. He was the star of the first two periods, making multiple grade-A plays and notching 29 saves to keep the Sun Devils within striking distance. He is tied for first in the NCAA in save percentage with .931 on the year.
Down one at the end of the second, ASU junior defenseman Ty Murchison tallied the game-tying goal six minutes into the third period. It is the Californian's third goal and seventh point of the season.
UAA outshot ASU by more than double, putting 43 shots on net against Homer to ASU's 20 shots on net through three periods. Both teams enjoyed five power play chances, but only ASU could convert (Kopperud goal).
Junior defenseman and alternate captain Ethan Szmagaj plaayed in his 100th NCAA game. The Michigan native has played his entire collegiate career in the maroon & gold.
Lukas Sillinger scored the first ASU goal of the night shortly after the four-minute mark in the first period with an assist from Charlie Schoen. Sillinger's eighth goal of the season gave him the point needed to break the program record for most points in a single season set by Robert Mastrosimone in 2022-23. With 43 points this year, Sillinger set the new record, but it wouldn't stand long.
ANDDD NEWWW program record for points in a single season ??
— Sun Devil Hockey (@SunDevilHockey) March 9, 2024
Lukas Sillinger tallies number 43 on the year #BeTheTradition pic.twitter.com/KgFaTj6cmJ
On the next ASU goal, Sillinger assisted Matthew Kopperud's power play goal to reach 44 points on the year and extend his new record. It also bumped Sillinger up to 36 assists this season which ranks second in the NCAA.
The power play goal was Kopperud's 16th of the year and 40th of his career, moving him into sole ownership of the No. 5 spot in the NCAA's all-time career power play scoring. The senior continues to lead the NCAA in power play goals this year.
Can't say we're surprised ?????@kopper303 is now the sole owner of the No. 5 spot in all-time @NCAAIceHockey career power play goals (40) pic.twitter.com/53xVLuFUx7
— Sun Devil Hockey (@SunDevilHockey) March 9, 2024
Gibson Homer made his 14th appearance this season and backstopped ASU with 39 saves - a new career single game high for the sophomore. He was the star of the first two periods, making multiple grade-A plays and notching 29 saves to keep the Sun Devils within striking distance. He is tied for first in the NCAA in save percentage with .931 on the year.
Just call him the robber ???? @GibsonHomer1 pic.twitter.com/KI54LRosP6
— Sun Devil Hockey (@SunDevilHockey) March 9, 2024
Down one at the end of the second, ASU junior defenseman Ty Murchison tallied the game-tying goal six minutes into the third period. It is the Californian's third goal and seventh point of the season.
FROM THE POINT ?? @TyMurchison /// #BeTheTradition pic.twitter.com/6aqXxdR9lB
— Sun Devil Hockey (@SunDevilHockey) March 9, 2024
UAA outshot ASU by more than double, putting 43 shots on net against Homer to ASU's 20 shots on net through three periods. Both teams enjoyed five power play chances, but only ASU could convert (Kopperud goal).
Junior defenseman and alternate captain Ethan Szmagaj plaayed in his 100th NCAA game. The Michigan native has played his entire collegiate career in the maroon & gold.