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ASU Hockey: Devils host Nebraska-Omaha looking to build off strong start

By Ryne Redd

TEMPE, AZ - OCTOBER 10: Arizona State Sun Devils mascot Sparky performs on the field during the fourth quarter of the college football game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Sun Devil Stadium on October 10, 2015 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
TEMPE, AZ - OCTOBER 10: Arizona State Sun Devils mascot Sparky performs on the field during the fourth quarter of the college football game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Sun Devil Stadium on October 10, 2015 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) /
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ASU hockey swept Alabama-Huntsville on the road last weekend, improving the team’s record to 4-2-0 heading into a matchup against Nebraska Omaha.

The Sun Devils head into Friday and Saturday’s games with the intention of keeping their best start in program history alive.

“We’ve just got to keep pressing,” head coach Greg Powers said. “There’s areas where we can improve.”

This week, the team received it’s first ever vote in the USCHO poll.

Coach Powers reiterated his goals for the program, keeping all eyes on the future.

“Honestly… whatever,” Powers said. “We’re not aiming to get one vote. We’re not aiming to get votes. We’re not aiming to be in a top 20 position. We’re building this program to eventually become an elite college hockey program.”

A large testament to ASU’s success this season has been goalie Joey Daccord.

Daccord, a junior, is 4-2 with a 1.18 goals-against-average and .956 save percentage.

“I think it’s been a team effort honestly. For myself personally I’ve put in a lot of effort in the gym and on the ice,” Daccord.

Daccord will face off against a Nebraska Omaha squad that has just a .090 shot percentage and a record of 0-3-1 to start the new campaign.

“We’re only six games in and we’ve got a lot of work left to do this season and there’s a lot more competition coming our way,” Daccord said. “We’re gonna have to keep it up if we want to keep winning.”

Key players for Nebraska Omaha include senior forward Fredrik Olofsson (leads the Mavericks with six points) and a barrage of goalies, as the team has had struggles in goal.

Senior goalie Alex Blankenburg, senior goalie Evan Weninger and junior goalie Matej Tomek are responsible for 20 goals over four contests.

This weekend holds significance for ASU hockey, as the team could receive more votes in the USCHO poll.

Another game changer for the Sun Devils this season is sophomore Johnny Walker, leading ASU with eight points.

“We’re not satisfied,” Walker said.

Walker has put up a staggering 32 shots already this year and has been a playmaker for ASU offensively.

ASU hockey will look to stay hot on the offensive end against a Nebraska Omaha team that has been inconsistent in goal.

Next. ASU Hockey: Sun Devils sweep Alabama-Huntsville. dark

The Sun Devils open the series Friday evening at 7:05 p.m. PT at Oceanside Ice Arena.

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