Sports

Seawolves hockey falls to Arizona State in a high-tension match

Multiple fights break out between UAA and ASU in the first Seawolf home game since January.

Seawolves battle for possession of the puck. Photo by Justin Cox.

The Seawolves were unable to connect with the net as they faced off against the Arizona State University Sun Devils on March 3 at the Seawolf Sports Complex. The opposing team skated off the ice with a 5-0 blowout win against the hosts. 

The Seawolves won the first face off and quickly set up a play on offense. Tough defense by the Sun Devils kept the puck out of the goal, though. 

Both teams played impenetrable defense for the first 11 minutes of the game, but the Sun Devils found their way to the net with several fast-paced passes. Arizona State led 1-0 with just over 10 minutes left in the first period. 

The Sun Devils found themselves in the penalty box three minutes later for slashing. With a 5-4 player advantage over the visitors, the Seawolves played aggressive offense, taking several shots in just a few minutes. However, Arizona State's penalty ended before the Seawolves could connect with the net. 

The rest of the first period featured multiple shot attempts by both teams, but neither were able to score. The Seawolves entered the second period with a 1-0 deficit. 

After winning the first face off of the second period, the Sun Devils made a series of quick passes to make their second goal of the game. UAA trailed 2-0.

The Seawolves found themselves in a tough spot two minutes later after they were penalized for slashing and roughing. Arizona State began a 5-3 power play. 

With only three players on defense, the Seawolves managed to lock down the Sun Devils. Their impressive defense helped them steal the puck and make a run for a goal of their own.

After securing the puck, Caleb Hite skated his way to Arizona State's goal. With no one in front of him, he set up a shot and fired. However, Sun Devils goalie Ben Kraws was able to block the shot, and the Seawolves remained scoreless. 

Back at full strength, the Seawolves played aggressive offense. Within 40 seconds, they took four shots, but Kraws saved the puck each time. 

With ten minutes left in the second period, the Sun Devils found their way to the goal and gained a 3-0 advantage over the Seawolves. The rest of the second period remained scoreless.

The final period featured several fights between the two teams. As each fight broke out, the crowd cheered for the Seawolves and screamed profanities at the Sun Devils. The referees spent the final 20 minutes forcing their way between punches. 

Arizona State seemed unfazed by the aggregation, though. Five minutes into the third period, they scored their fourth goal of the game. 

The Sun Devils were soon penalized for hooking, and UAA entered a power play. The Seawolves were able to fire several shots, but Kraws continued to make saves. When the Sun Devils returned to full strength, they were still leading by four points.

Carson Kosobud was then penalized for hooking, and Arizona State entered a power play. One minute later, they found their way to the goal yet again and gained a 5-0 advantage over the Seawolves. 

The Sun Devils' fifth goal concluded the scoring for the game. The Seawolves skated off the ice with a 5-0 defeat. 

The Seawolves return to the Seawolf Sports Complex on March 10 and 11 to take on Lindenwood University in the final home games of the season. Head to ice at 7 p.m. Alaska Standard Time on Friday and 6 p.m. Alaska Standard Time the following day to cheer on the pack.