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Tournament Preview: #1 Minot State (Round 2)

By UA Hockey, 03/04/16, 12:00PM MST

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Match Up:

Last night, the WIldcats entered the National Tournament seeking their first tournament victory since 2003. After a very rough start, the WIldcats went down 2-0 quickly, off of what appeared to be a very rusty, Austin Wilson.

"We have only had 4 practices in the last month, said Coach Berman. "Every team we play has had that many this week. Its a major disadvantage for our program but its something we have to overcome. The lack of practice time effects the goaltenders more then any other position, there is no other way to simulate game-time shots on goal. I have no doubt that we will get the best version of Austin Wilson in game two."

The Wildcats showed tremendous character responding with two quick goals of their own. The Power Play, which has struggled nearly all season long, got hot at the right time. Two of the next three Wildcat goals came on Power Play opportunities from Matthew Armenti and Toppie Hogan. Additionally, Ryan Cigile was able to slam home his first goal of the season as a Wildcat, sending the game into overtime . 

In the opening seconds the Wildcats were on their heels as the Bronco's came out with a flurry of quick opportunities. Less then a minute into overtime the Wildcats were able to quickly transition and fire off three quick opportunities of their own, eventually leading to the game-winner by Junior forward, John Hogan.

"It was so great to see Big John get that goal," said Coach Berman. "John takes a lot of flak out there about his skating but the truth is he does a ton of little things that go unnoticed. He is the smartest player on the ice, and an even better person. I couldn't imagine a more deserving moment for a kid of his quality. This win was huge for our program and the entire fan base back home. We could practically hear the roar all the way from Tucson. It was a special experience, we hope to have many more to come."

With the overtime victory the WIldcats have advanced to the second round of the tournament and will face #1 Minot State University on Friday at 4 pm (AZ Time).

 

Scouting #16 UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA WILDCATS (9-16-4):

Arizona is lead up front by junior forward Toppie Hogan with 16 points (9-7-16) in 29 games played. Following Toppie is junior forward Alex O’Dea (4-10-14), sophomore defensemen Matthew Armenti (2-9-11), and tied with 10 pts each are Junior Forwards John Hogan (3-7-10) and Robbie Wilkinson (8-2-10). Between the pipes, the Wildcat’s have been riding red-hot sophomore goaltender, Austin Wilson (2.47 GAA, .931 SV%).

 

Scouting #3 MINOT STATE (31-2-2):

MINOT STATE has arguably the most offensively skilled duo in the ACHA; Jeremy Johnson has 47 points (28-19-47) in 32 games, and Brett Nespor with 27 points (18-23-41) in 31 games. Leading the workload for the Beavers in the net is Connor Beauchamp (2.06 GAA, .922 SV%).

 

Previous Match up(s):

ARIZONA 2 - Minot State 3 (SOL)

ARIZONA 1 - Minot State 2

ARIZONA 0 - @ Minot State 1

ARIZONA 1 - @ Minot State 2

 

Upcoming Broadcast:
 
- National Tournament-Round 2
- Friday, March 4 pm AZ Time vs Minot State