Rough start on road shows glimpse of light

By Ryan Carlson (@RyanCarlson88): 

The San Jose State club hockey team opened its weekend on the road against an undefeated team in Northern Arizona University.  Despite an 8-1 loss the Spartans showed positive signs as the game continued on.

Before the game even started the Spartans traveled to the Arizona desert missing a few key players, only with eight guys on the bench to the Ice Jacks 15-man bench.

The final shot total from the game was 54-10 in favor of NAU meaning a very impressive performance from Spartans goalie Edward Berlin who was pressured all game.

“From here I want to continue playing the best I can and give the boys a chance for every game,” Berlin said.

Berlin was forced to make some big time saves all throughout the game.    

About halfway through the third period the Spartans had a spark of offense from Jon Rivard who netted one from center ice, the assist was credited to Berlin.

“Missing some top guys, the rest of the team needs to step up and will play some more minutes than they’re used to,” Rivard said.

The shot margin will need to be closer for the remaining two games as the Spartans will look to have more puck possession and help Berlin on the back end by producing some more offense.

The Spartans will try to regroup after some flashes of offense and physical play as they face Williston State on this evening and then Utah State on Saturday.  

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