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New beginnings were on full display for the Arizona State hockey team on Friday, and by Saturday, they proved it was no fluke.
In the first series under new head coach Dave Hakstol, the Sun Devils completed a road sweep over UMass-Lowell, their first sweep of the season after splitting previous series with Lindenwood and Holy Cross. The two wins also push Arizona State's winning streak to three games as the team appears to be finding its stride ahead of NCHC play.
Game 1: Sun Devils Edge River Hawks 5-4
In Friday's opener, five different players scored and 12 skaters registered a point, powering Arizona State to a 5-4 victory. The balanced attack gave Hakstol a win in his debut behind the bench.
Game 2: Baran Strikes Early, Urban Shines in Net
Saturday's rematch saw the Sun Devils jump out to an early lead when Richard Baran scored his first goal of the season just under four minutes into the game. UMass-Lowell responded in the second period with a goal from Dalyn Wakely that beat ASU netminder Samuel Urban. However, Urban was stellar the rest of the way, allowing just one more goal and finishing with a career-high 42 saves.
Before the second period ended, Arizona State regained control with goals from Nathan Behm on the power play and Phillip Nordberg. Behm's tally was his fourth of the season, which leads all freshmen nationally. The Blackhawks draft pick has been dominant, scoring in all three series this season for the Sun Devils. Noah Beck and Daniel Schlaine continued their hot starts with assists in the game; they lead the team in points with seven and six, respectively.
UMass-Lowell cut the deficit to one early in the third period, but shortly after, Ben Murthersbaugh was set up by Cade Littler for his third goal of the season, securing the 4-2 win. Ten different Sun Devils recorded a point, with Murthersbaugh being the only multi-point scorer, adding an assist as well.
Commitment to Excellence
Hakstol, a former North Dakota and NHL head coach, was brought in to stabilize the program and raise its floor. Through two games, he has done exactly that. He and his staff arrived just days before the series and came away with two victories. Now, they will have time to fully analyze the team with two full games of film to review.
"We wanted somebody to come in and really lead the room, provide stable leadership to these young men experiencing a very unique moment in their career," said ASU Athletic Director Graham Rossini.
What Comes Next?
Hakstol's real work begins now. After winning the first two games of his tenure in Lowell, he will have a modified training camp over the next two weeks to fully assess the team and prepare for upcoming NCHC play. The Sun Devils have a bye week, which aligns perfectly with Hakstol's takeover.
Arizona State will next face St. Cloud State on the road. The Sun Devils played inside Herb Brooks National Hockey Center for the first time as NCHC members in 2024-25, sweeping the Huskies. However, St. Cloud State got revenge last season, sweeping Arizona State inside Mullett Arena.
Conference play will be in full swing after the bye as Arizona State hosts Denver in Tempe at the beginning of November, followed by a trip to Minnesota-Duluth after another bye week.