Hosting Division I home games for the first time in its history, ASU hockey faced a reality check as it failed to score a single point against Yale or UConn in the Desert Hockey Classic last weekend.
Looking to redeem themselves from 11 consecutive losses, the Sun Devils (5-17) make their debut in Bemidji, Minnesota, against the Bemidji State Beavers (8-9-4) on Jan. 15.
After getting three power play advantages last weekend and ultimately not using those six minutes to their full potential, ASU head coach Greg Powers has begun drilling his players on the basics.
“We need to get to dirty areas,” Powers said. “We need to get in the goalie’s eyes. You know, some garbage goals. We’re doing everything we can to manufacture more offense. If we can do those things, we give ourselves a chance.”
With these objectives in mind, Powers recognizes Bemidji’s strengths in comparison to ASU.
“We’re trying to pride ourselves in outworking everyone we play and if we don’t, we’re not even going to come close to winning,” Powers said. “Bemidji is known as one of the hardest-working teams in college hockey."
As one of ASU’s younger programs, Powers shared how these difficult matchups provide unequaled experience for the group.
“I don’t think anyone expects us to beat those teams, but we’re doing that to learn and gain valuable experience,” Powers said. “That was by design. In a couple of years, all these kids that are young will be better for it.”
Praised recently by Powers as bringing a “spark” to the team, junior forward Eric Rivard emulates an optimistic attitude and a strong work ethic in the locker room.
“We’re kind of in a slump and if we’re going to get out of it, we’re going to have to be positive and work hard," he said.
However, Rivard commented on the reality of ASU’s current situation as a budding program.
“We need to play with a little more passion,” he said. “We have to want it more. We’ve been close in games, so I think we’re going to get better as this program develops."
Last weekend at University of Alaska Anchorage, Bemidji sophomore goaltender Michael Bitzer saved a total of 45 goals in the two games, maintaining a .905 save percentage on the season. However, while ASU lacked victory compared to Bemidji, freshman goaltender Ryland Pashovitz sparked conversation with his 36 saves against Yale and 26 against UConn.
Based on his unparalleled performance last weekend, Pashovitz proves to be a threat with a .912 save percentage.
“I’ve just worked hard at practice this week,” Pashovitz said. “I feel good and I feel confident that we can get some wins up there (in Bemidji).”
Related Links:
10 ASU games to watch this semester
ASU hockey outplayed by elite schools in first Division I season
Reach the reporter at ncorr@asu.edu or follow @natalieorr19 on Twitter.
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