(Hanover, NH) In the series opener, Sun Devil Hockey acquired a 5-1 victory over No. 8 Dartmouth led by five different goal-scorers Saturday night at Thompson Arena.
The Sun Devils (9-9-1, 4-5-1 NCHC) earned their fourth win over a top-10 opponent this season and their fourth straight victory on a Saturday, handing the Big Green their first home loss of the season with four unanswered goals in the final two periods.
Sophomore forward Noah Powell helped the Sun Devils jump out to a 1-0 lead with his third goal of the season in the first period. Dartmouth (11-2, 6-0 ECAC) tied the game at 1-1 as the score remained unchanged following the opening period.
Senior defenseman Tucker Ness scored his first collegiate goal of his career to give the Sun Devils a 2-1 lead in the second period, where ASU would hold the lead into the intermission as the Sun Devil defense was relentless on Dartmouth’s offensive attack, allowing 14 shots on goal in the final 40 minutes.
Sophomore forward Cullen Potter scored his seventh goal of the season, making it 3-1. Then, sophomore forward Logan Morell iced the game to give the Sun Devils a 4-1 lead. Freshman defenseman Justin Kipkie scored with 0.6 left in the game, to solidify the 5-1 win.
Senior goaltender Connor Hasley recorded his third win over a top-10 opponent with 22 saves on 23 shots and keeping Dartmouth, who has the third best scoring offense to a season low one goal.
Period Breakdown:
First Period
Following the rebound off of sophomore defenseman Brasen Boser shot, sophomore forward Noah Powell gave the Sun Devils a 1-0 lead with 11:50 in the first period on ASU’s second shot on goal. Junior forward Logan Morell was credited with the primary assist as Boser obtained his fourth assist of the year.
The Sun Devils killed a Big Green power play later in the period to hold their 1-0 lead. Dartmouth would later tie the game at 1-1 with 6:21 remaining, as the score remained tied heading into the intermission with the Sun Devils on the power play.
Second Period
Beginning the period on a man-advantage, ASU managed three shots on the power play the game remained tied with 18 minutes remaining. The Sun Devils were on the power play halfway through the period but was unable find the back of the net.
Four-year Sun Devil Tucker Ness gave the Sun Devils a 2-1 lead with 5:21 in the second period, assisted by Cruz Lucus and Cullen Potter. The Sun Devils would hold onto a one-goal lead heading into the intermission and outshot the Big Green 12-9 in the frame.
Third Period
The Sun Devils managed to neutralize a Big Green power play to keep their 2-1 lead to open the final period. The ASU defense limited the Big Green offense halfway through the frame as Potter slotted the Sun Devil’s third goal of the night, giving ASU a 3-1 lead with 7:55 in regulation. Morrell solidified the win with a goal to make it 4-1 with 2:21 in the game and Justin Kipkie made it 5-1 at the buzzer to give the Sun Devils their fourth win over a top-10 opponent.
Game Notables:
The victory for the Sun Devils marks their their first win against Dartmouth in program history and the team’s fourth top-10 win of the season.
The win gives Dartmouth its first home loss of the season, snapping their 10-game home winning streak dating back to Feb. 22, 2025, against Union.
The win by ASU is their second straight win over a top-10 opponent on the road since sweeping No. 1 Denver on Nov. 22-23, 2024.
The 5-1 victory over Dartmouth is the largest margin of victory for the Sun Devils this season.
Up next:
ASU will return for game two of the series and their final game in 2025 against Dartmouth tomorrow at 1 p.m. MST.
Press Release courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics – Zach Wargo
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