Arizona State hockey has won seven straight games since Nov. 16, capped off with two big victories at the annual Desert Hockey Classic. The Sun Devils downed Robert Morris and No. 16 Cornell on Friday and Saturday respectively to lift the tournament trophy for the second consecutive year.
The latter win reinforces the momentum ASU has demonstrated over the last month or so. In the midst of their current winning streak, the Devils also swept No. 1 Denver to catapult themselves into the national spotlight.
Fans can rest assured that ASU will likely find itself moved up a couple spots in the next USCHO Top 20 poll. If the program wants to have its second-ever crack at the NCAA title, it'll need to be in the top 16 at the very least to be considered for the bracket.
ASU hockey sweeps Desert Hockey Classic including big win over No. 16 Cornell
The Sun Devils handled business Friday with a 7-3 drubbing of Robert Morris. Senior Ryan Kirwan scored a hat trick, one tally in each period, as three others got on the score sheet for head coach Greg Powers' squad.
That's ✌️ for 92!@ryan44kirwan doubles the @SunDevilHockey lead and is on hatty watch 👀
— The NCHC (@TheNCHC) January 4, 2025
📺: https://t.co/ZyUdpPaF0J#NCHChockey // #BeTheTradition pic.twitter.com/IdLhguGdYP
Kirwan added another two points to his impressive weekend with a goal and assist in the 4-0 upset shutout of No. 16 Cornell. That effort earned him tournament MVP honors.
ASU next hosts North Dakota on Jan. 10 and 11 at Mullett Arena, looking to extend its winning streak and continue climbing the NCHC standings - of which the program is in its inaugural year as a member.
Currently the Sun Devils sit third and will attempt to leapfrog the second place Fighting Hawks when they arrive in Tempe. With 16 games remaining on the schedule, ASU will need to be near perfect to be considered amongst the best in the country and convince voters its deserving of a postseason berth.