Pennsylvania State University hockey made its transition to the NCAA back in 2013, carrying a 13-14 record its first year. Now, the Lions find themselves as the No. 16 team in the country.
As ASU goes through a similar pattern of first year struggles, head coach Greg Powers continues to put his players through the process, gaining experience through the occasional win and many losses.
ASU Offense
ASU came out on top multiple times within the first few months of the season, beating two Division I teams in the process. However, a weekend against the Division I team Clarkson University in late November initiated the start of what would be a 16-game losing streak for the Sun Devils.
That wasn't the only undesirable streak ASU went through. In four games from Jan. 8-16, they did not score a single goal. They finally lit the lamp against Ohio State University (an ACHA team) on Jan. 22. Head coach Greg Powers recognized that the goal and the victory was in part due to the lighter competition.
“The goaltending at the Division I level is so good,” Powers said. “The time and space is so slim that when we’re back to playing club and Division III teams, there was more time and space because the goaltending wasn’t as good and things opened up.”
Throughout the season, Powers continually reminded his team of the “process” and that playing Division I teams will pay off in the end. While it may not be enjoyable, junior forward Ryan Ostertag agrees that the results from facing the tough competition is already showing.
“You have to be faster and you have to be smarter for the level of game that the NCCA brings,” Osterag said. “(The offense) has had to make decisions way faster than we used to.”
Making quick decisions is vital; however, Powers currently drills his offense on giving the goaltender room to make a mistake.
“I think in a lot of games that we don’t score, we don’t put the puck on the net and test the goalie as much as possible,” Ostertag said, who holds ASU’s best shot percentage of .188. “So, they won’t always be nice, but try to get in as much pucks as possible.”
By playing in the dirty areas, the offense has found more success in getting to the puck. Jordan Masters has worked with a trainer and nutritionist throughout the season to improve upon this ability. This regiment contributed to his team-high 22 points.
“Before I got to ASU, I was underweight and not nearly as strong as I should have been,” Masters said. “Now, I can hit and get to the dirtier areas a lot more due to my weight.”
ASU Defense
Over the past few weeks, ASU has taken on an ACHA team and a Division III team. While the offense was finally able to rack up points, ASU's defense did not catch a break.
“(Teams) don’t come all the way here to get their teeth kicked in,” Powers said. “They’re trying to make history. Just because you’re a club team doesn’t mean you can’t knock off an NCAA team.”
This proved true when ASU tied Wisconsin-Eau Claire (Division III) 3-3 both nights last weekend.
“Our defense struggled offensively by showing possession in the (offensive) zone and getting shots through and making plays on the offensive blue line, which led to turnovers,” Powers said.
With six goals scored on ASU’s goaltenders last weekend, team captain and junior defenseman Drew Newmeyer commented on what the defense strives to improve as the season begins to wrap up.
“We’re working a lot on just shooting and getting good shots from the blue line,” Newmeyer said. “It’s something you can never be too good at.”
As the team likely will transition to a full slate of Division I games next season, Powers took baby steps for a reason.
“We played a hybrid schedule this year to get a taste of both and give our guys some confidence and most importantly, the experience of playing against Division I teams,” he said.
Reach the reporter at ncorr@asu.edu or follow @natalieorr19 on Twitter.
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