By Ryan Carlson (@RyanCarlson88):
The Spartans produced more shots than the previous two games, but run into a hot Utah State goalie and fell short in last game on road trip losing 7-1.
In the first two games the Spartans had a combined total of 20 shots, yet registered 24 in the final game alone, only to get one on the board.
The Aggies were by far the most physical team the Spartans faced this weekend, and for the most part, the Spartans were able to match their physical play.
The lone goal was scored by senior defenseman Wiliam Hoffmann who was moved up to offense for the game. It came from a shot from the blue line by captain defenseman Corey Semmelmayer and was tipped in by Hoffman.
“I feel the line I was put on tonight clicked well and got some good chances,” Hoffman said.
The game also involved the most penalties by both teams out of all the games.
The Spartans were able to get some quality chances while on the power play, just weren’t able to put them on the board.
“I feel we stuck with them more than the 7-1 score showed, we had some good chances,” said freshman defenseman Ryan Ellis.
Ellis was a key piece on the power play by getting some quality shots to the net. He also mentioned how the weekend felt like a “scramble” with all the line changes and missing players.
Overall the Spartans kept it all on the ice as they kept a good morale when at the hotel and on the bus. They now head back home for the first time in a long time to face some other talented teams in San Diego State and Weber State.
Now 2-12-2 and the season being just about halfway over, the Spartans are determined to get some wins before the winter break.