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ASU Hockey: Joey Daccord determined to defend the goal

By Michael Gutnick

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 09: Arizona State Sun Devils mascot Sparky the Sun Devil performs during the team's quarterfinal game of the Pac-12 Basketball Tournament against the Oregon Ducks T-Mobile Arena on March 9, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Oregon won 80-57. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 09: Arizona State Sun Devils mascot Sparky the Sun Devil performs during the team's quarterfinal game of the Pac-12 Basketball Tournament against the Oregon Ducks T-Mobile Arena on March 9, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Oregon won 80-57. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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In his second season at Arizona State, Joey Daccord follows his father’s footsteps and shows gradual growth to guarding the goal.

For the past two years, Joel “Joey” Daccord calls Arizona State “home”. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound goaltender has made a dynamic impact for the new Sun Devils hockey program as the sport revitalizes in the Valley.

From North Andover, Massachusetts, Daccord embraced the ice ever since his early childhood with the support from his mom and dad.

“My parents always tell me they took me to the rink when I was two days old so, I have been around hockey forever,” said Daccord.

Daccord began skating when he was four years old and learned the basics of goaltending from his father, Brian, to follow in his footsteps. Brian played professionally in the National League in Switzerland for seven seasons before transitioning into a goaltending coach for the Deutsche Eishockey Liga and the National Hockey League.

With the inspiration and practice from his dad, Daccord pursued a path manning the crease. Although growing up a loyal Bruins fan, Daccord had an eye on one key New Jersey Devil goalie who has been a major influence on his career.

“My dad coached Cory Schneider, who was at Boston College, and I really like watching him and follow his professional hockey career,” said Daccord.

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Currently, Schneider solidifies the starting position for the New Jersey Devils Vancouver. Over 10 seasons, Schneider has posted a 2.32 goals against average and a .921 save percentage. Scouts compare Daccord to his idol, Schneider, as Daccord continued to develop a similar posture and work ethic.

After gaining more experience in goal and putting up impressive numbers at North Andover High and Cushing Academy, Daccord sought to play hockey at the collegiate level. Then, coach Greg Powers gave Joey a call.

“I definitely knew I wanted to play hockey in college. To be honest, ASU was not on my radar until coach Powers called me,” Daccord said. “Him and I had a good connection and I liked what he was doing with the program, so it was the best decision at that time.”

“Joey has always genuinely cared about coming here and building the program and now he’s taking real ownership,” Powers said. “He’s accountable and responsible and mature and we are really proud of him.”

Daccord has shown drastic improvement over a year and a half as a Sun Devil. During his first year dawning maroon and gold, Daccord split goaltending assignments with Robert Levin and Ryland Pashovitz. In 15 games, Daccord  put up a 4.03 GAA and a .892 save percentage.

Entering his sophomore season, Daccord has stepped up not only as a leader in net, but as a leader for the team. Through 20 games, Daccord gives the Sun Devils a fighting chance in down-to-the-wire matches. His goals against average has significantly dropped to 3.32 and with a high volume of shots received, Daccord records 667 saves, which is the most in the nation, to accompany a .911 save percentage that ranks 29th in NCAA play.

Furthermore, Daccord shows off his flexibility and relentless effort as he has made some highlight reel stops, including this remarkable lunging save to prevent a game-winning goal against Omaha on Oct. 28.

Daccord is glad to represent the Sun Devils and his teammates appreciate the hard work and dedication he has put in as they build the tradition of hockey in the desert. Junior captain Dylan Hollman praises how Daccord embraces the initiative of leading the group of guys every day.

“He’s rock solid. He’s been the backbone of our team,” said Hollman. “It really helps us knowing he’s going to make those key saves.”

Next: ASU Hockey: Sun Devils win inaugural Ice Vegas Invitational Championship

The Ottawa Senators keep watch on their 2015 seventh round pick as Daccord excites the crowds of ASU and matures into a high-caliber netminder. Off the ice, Daccord demonstrates his athleticism and passion of sports by playing golf, soccer, and tennis. However, when standing tall in the paint, Daccord is determined to defend the goal.

All quotes in this article were obtained firsthand by Devils in Detail unless otherwise noted.