Sun Devils rout Seawolves in Friday night tilt

It was a night to remember for Cullen Potter and Ty Nash as they combined for 5 goals in the Sun Devils' 7-2 win over Alaska-Anchorage to advance to Saturday's championship game of the Desert Hockey Classic.

Potter's first career hat trick extended his goal scoring streak to 4 games dating back to December 13th at Minnesota-Duluth, bringing his season total to 11. That last goal in the final minute also surpassed his points output from last season, giving him 23 points on the season.

Ty Nash enjoyed his breakout game with two goals and an assist, equaling his point total for the season to this point. Getting involvement from the offense outside the top line has been a focus of head coach Greg Powers in recent weeks, and Nash's two goals plus Kyle Smolen's goal in the third period show signs of life from the second line.

The revival of Cruz Lucius has been something special to watch this season. After an injury plagued 2024-25 season, he now sits one goal and four points shy from tying his career highs in both categories. He recorded a 4 point night with a goal and three assists, his second four point effort of the season. Dating back to the start of the series with Ohio State, he has recorded multiple points in 5 of his last 7 games, sitting at 12 G-18 A-30 P through 21 games.

Samuel Urban was not heavily tested by the Seawolves but stopped 22 of 24 shots on the way to his second consecutive win. The early power play goal by Karter McNarland caused a brief panic that this would become a trap game for the Devils, but he settled down, giving up an even strength goal to Tye Spencer late in the third for the only other blemish on the night.

Air Force/Michigan Tech

In the matinee game at Mullett, Air Force took everyone by surprise by routing Michigan Tech 8-2 to secure their spot in the Desert Hockey Classic championship. Four goals in the opening 8:30 of the game chased Huskies starting goaltender Owen Bartoszkiewicz, and six Falcons enjoyed multi-point nights, led by Sam Stitz and Nick Sajevic with 4 points each.

Saturday Preview

Michigan Tech will face Alaska-Anchorage in the consolation game at 3:00pm Arizona time from Mullett Arena, and the Sun Devils will play the Falcons at 7:00pm looking to take home their third straight Desert Hockey Classic title. Coach Powers stated in his postgame remarks that Connor Hasley will get the start for the championship.

Saturday's game will stream nationally on NCHC.tv (subscription required). Tyler Paley and Alex Coil will man the mics as always on Fox Sports 910 Phoenix.