(Denver, CO) Arizona State ice hockey (8-8-0) went toe-to-toe with the reigning national champions and No. 1 University of Denver (11-4-0) in a game that came down to TJ Semptimphelter’soutstanding performance in net and a last minute controversial goal which eventually gave the Pioneers the 3-2 victory on Friday night at Magness Arena.
Semptimphelter made a monumental 53 saves to steal the NCAA lead in saves with 491 this season. Semptimphelter tied the single-game record for saves at 53 set by Joey Daccord vs. Quinnipiac in January 2017. It’s also a career record for the sophomore goaltender.
Meanwhile, DU’s third goal, and eventual game-winner, was initially called a no-goal in-play. DU then challenged the no-goal call, and after a long review by National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) officials, it was overturned. ASU then challenged the overturning of the no-goal but to no avail. Watch the game-winner and decide for yourself.
Tim Lovell scored the introductory goal for ASU when the Sun Devils were down 1-0 in the second period. After several bounces that left the puck loose near the crease, Lovell swept in and gave the loose puck a poke past the Pioneers goaltender to tie the game, 1-1. Robert Mastrosimone and Ryan Alexander assisted the defenseman.
Ryan Alexander netted his third goal in as many consecutive games to give ASU the 2-1 lead a little over three minutes into the third period. ASU won a battle in the corner of its own zone, and Robert Mastrosimone shoveled the puck across to Matthew Kopperud, who handed it off to Alexander in the neutral zone. Alexander carried the puck and made a nifty move to dance the puck forehand to backhand for a top-shelf goal.
ASU looks to have the final word against No. 1 Denver on Saturday, December 3, at 6 p.m. MST. Listen to the game live on Fox Sports 910.
GAME NOTABLES
With his third goal of the season tonight, Tim Lovell extended his point-scoring streak to five games (2G, 3A). Lovell moved up the ranks of ASU’s point scorers to tie for third with Lukas Sillinger at 11 this season.
Ryan Alexander extended his goal-scoring streak to three games. He also tallied an assist on Lovell’s introductory goal.
TJ Semptimphelter tied a single-game record for saves at 53 set by Joey Daccord vs. Quinnipiac in January 2017. It’s also a career record for the sophomore goaltender.
ASU was held to the fewest shots on goal all season at 20. The Sun Devils were also quieted to 20 SOG at Bemidji State on October 7, 2022
Robert Mastrosimone notched 6 points in the last two games with his two assists against DU on Friday night.
Press Release courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics – Paige Shacklett
Click on Logo
