By Ryan Carlson — Insider
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif.- The San Jose State club hockey team is ready to face off today at 1 p.m. against the reigning Pacific 8 Intercollegiate Hockey Association champs, the University of Oregon (11-3).
This will be the second consecutive season the Spartans (7-7) have made the tournament after joining the PAC-8 in the 2018-2019 season.
The Spartans secured the fourth seed in the south division and the eighth seed overall.
“It’s definitely a privilege to play the reigning PAC-8 champs,” said senior forward Manny Tonna. “We got a good taste of what they’ll be bringing earlier in the season, both games were dominated by special teams. We just have to play our game.”
Last year, the top eight teams in the PAC-8 met in South Lake Tahoe for the conference’s playoff tournament.
The Spartans fell to the Eastern Washington Eagles in a single-elimination game, while the Ducks went on to the championship game and defeated the California Bears to be crowned champions.
This season, the Spartans and Ducks met back on Jan. 10 and 11. The Ducks won both games and the total goal differential was 13-2.
“Anything can happen,” said Spartan Assistant Coach Vaughn Reuter. “We have a great opportunity here to play one game, winner take all and at the end of the day, it’s the team that works harder will be successful.”
Injuries have plagued the Spartans all season. Junior defenseman Ryan Ellis and defenseman junior transfer Brendan Tydingco will be absent from this weekend’s action.
The top eight teams in the PAC-8 make the playoffs and will be in action today. The championship game will be held on Sunday.
Coming off an exciting win against Santa Clara University, SJSU will look to carry the momentum into today’s contest.
Photo courtesy of Keith T Photography
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