ASU Hockey: Croston reaches milestone in 6-3 win over Omaha

ASU hockey continued their hot start to the season Friday night pulling away from Nebraska Omaha for a 6-3 win to improve their record to 5-2-0.

The Sun Devils (5-2-0) defeated the Mavericks (0-4-1) behind strong performances from senior Anthony Croston and junior Joey Daccord.

Croston shined on his historic night becoming the first player in program history to play 100 games. He coupled offensive production – two goals and an assist – with outstanding work on defense and the penalty kill.

“Anybody that plays the game, or has, believes in hockey gods,” ASU head coach Greg Powers said. “The hockey gods were with Anthony Croston tonight because he deserved to win this game. He’s done everything the right way since the day he’s been here. Hopefully, they’ll stay with him for the rest of the season.”

Croston’s first goal came off of a remarkable solo effort. He sprinted out of the penalty box, picked up the loose puck, and raced down the right side. Croston surged past two Omaha defenders, forcing a tripping penalty out of Dean Stewart.

The senior forward buried the ensuing penalty shot to give the Sun Devils a 2-1 lead.

“I knew he was going to score,” Daccord said. “As soon as he got taken out, I made the call. I knew where he was going, he’s going blocker – that’s his money spot.”

Daccord had quite the performance as well. He stood strong in net, finishing the night with 43 saves on 46 shots.

Most of Daccord’s work came in the second period, when he came alive and stopped all 17 shots he faced. While the Sun Devils struggled with rhythm on offense, Daccord turned aside many top-notch opportunities.

But the offense’s hot start also helped Daccord find his groove in the crease. It was one of Arizona State’s better two-way performances in recent memory because everyone contributed at one point.

“The four years I’ve been here, it’s been amazing. Tonight, we played really well,” Croston said. “Everyone was going. A few too many penalties, but we’ll clean that up.”

A few too many penalties would be an exaggeration. Each team sent a player to the box 12 times. In fact, referees handed the Sun Devils and Mavericks four penalties in all three periods.

While Croston himself took a couple turns in the penalty box, Omaha’s Riley Alferd had a game-high three penalties.

The Mavericks kept the game close until two quick goals from Brinson Pasichnuk and Dylan Hollman opened up the third. They refused to back down in the first period, and played a gritty second period.

Steenn Pasichnuk’s early goal was answered by Omaha’s Zach Jordan almost a minute later. Then the Mavericks countered Croston’s penalty shot with a quick three shot assault on a rush that led to a Stewart goal.

The second period would have most likely been a tie game throughout if Austin Lemieux had not shoved a rebound past Evan Weninger midway through the first period.

Omaha even had some hope in the third. Tristan Keck’s crafty backhand squeaked through Daccord to make it a 5-3 game with just over six minutes left.

But Croston’s empty net goal sealed it with nine seconds left to play, putting the final touches on a rollercoaster of a match.

The two sides will return to the Oceanside ice looking to repeat the excitement Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. MST.

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