Match Up:

The Wildcats (9-16-4) are coming off a long stretch of road games and will return home for their season finale against their rivals, Arizona State. Last weekend they lost two tightly contested battles at #1 Minot State, losing 1-0 and 2-1. After a season filled with ups and downs the Wildcats found themselves finishing #16 in the national rankings, qualifying for the National Tournament, which will take place March 3-9 in Chicago, IL.

Arizona State-NCAA (9-22-4) has been humbled in their first ever NCAA Division 1 season only mustering 9 wins this season, 4 of them coming against ACHA opponents, including an 8-1 victory over the Wildcats back in October. Last weekend they hosted the Liberty Flames-ACHA for a one game series, winning in dominant fashion 7-0. Goaltender David Jacobsen posted the Sun Devil first ever shutout, stopping all 15 shots on goal.

Arizona State-ACHA (31-2-2) had another very successful home and away series, sweeping Northern Arizona University, 5-3 and 6-4. They will be hosting their NHL Alumni fundraising game on Friday night before heading down to Tempe to take on the Wildcats.

Scouting #16 ARIZONA (8-12-4):

Arizona is lead up front by junior forward Toppie Hogan with 16 points (8-7-16) in 29 games played. Following Toppie is junior forward Alex O’Dea (4-10-14), sophomore defensemen Matthew Armenti (2-7-9), and tied with 10 points 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 ARIZONA STATE-NCAA (9-22-4):

ARIZONA STATE’S leading scorer is freshmen Jordan Masters with 22 points (8-14-22), in 27 games played. Following Jordan is freshmen Joey Raats (2-13-15) and Joe Lappin (5-6-11). Ryland Pahovitz (3.77 GAA, .900 SV%) has taken the reigns with a majority of the minutes in net for the Sun Devils.

Scouting ARIZONA STATE-ACHA (31-2-2):

ARIZONA STATE is lead up front by Ryan Mcneely who has 73 points (29-44-73) in 34 games played. Following Mcneely is Austin Ehrlich (21-35-56) and Wilson Housley (22-28-50). Lucas Felbel (1.91 GAA, .923 SV%) has spent the most time between the pipes for the Sun Devils followed by Jordan Gluck (1.68 GAA, .948 SV%).

Previous Matchup(s):

Arizona 1 – ARIZONA STATE (NCAA) 8 (@ Gila River Arena)

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ARIZONA 1 – Arizona State (ACHA) 2

ARIZONA 2 – Arizona State (ACHA) 5 (EN)

Arizona 2 - ARIZONA STATE 4 (EN)

Arizona 1 – ARIZONA STATE 4

Upcoming Game/Broadcast:

Feb 19 – Arizona State (NCAA) @ 7:30 pm

(Broadcast: http://www.arizonawildcathockey.org/page/show/388059-tv-and-radio-coverage)

Feb 20 – Arizona State (ACHA) @ 7:30 pm

(Broadcast: http://www.arizonawildcathockey.org/page/show/388059-tv-and-radio-coverage)

Interesting Notes:

• Friday night may mark the final game ever at the TCC for Head Coach, Greg Powers and his NCAA Division 1 Sun Devils.
• Arizona State’s (ACHA) #17 Ryan Mcneely is second in the nation in scoring at the ACHA D2 level.
• Arizona State’s (ACHA) #7 Wilson Housley is the son of NHL Hall of Famer, Phil Housley.