Sun Devils sweep Riverhawks in East Coast swing
Two games, two wins. The Dave Hakstol Era is off to the most ideal start that Sun Devil Hockey fans could ask for. Arizona State completed a very successful business trip to the Tsongas Center, defeating the UMass Lowell Riverhawks by a 4-2 score on Saturday night.
Just like on Friday night, the opening salvo for the Sun Devils came in the opening minutes, this time from a highly unlikely source. Sophomore defenseman Richard Baran notched the first goal of his collegiate career, ripping a shot from the top of the slot past goaltender Cole Moore. Unlike Friday's game, the Riverhawks didn't allow the Sun Devils the chance to dictate pace of play, ultimately outplaying Arizona State on paper, but never able to sneak a shot past sophomore goaltender Samuel Urban, back for his second consecutive start.
The Riverhawks would tie the game just over a minute and a half in to the second period, and kept the pressure on Urban throughout the period. The turning point would come with just over 5 minutes left before intermission, Dalyn Wakely would be sent off for a double minor on roughing and slashing penalties, followed up by a bench minor for too many men on the ice, giving the Sun Devils a two minute 5-on-3 advantage. Nathan Behm would answer the call with his 4th goal of the season, giving him at least one goal scored in the second game of each series to open the season.
Filip Nordberg would cap off the scoring in the period with yet another first career goal (more on the weekend of firsts later), sending the Sun Devils to the intermission break with a two goal lead for the second straight night.
The Riverhawks never gave up at any point in this series, getting back within a goal on a Josh Mori marker just over three minutes in to the third, but Ben Muthersbaugh's third goal of the season off a faceoff win by Cade Littler would seal the deal on the sweep.
Quick Hits
This weekend's sweep marks the first sweep for the Sun Devils over a single team since November 28-29, 2025 at Mullett Arena over Ohio State, and the first regulation sweep since January 31-February 1, 2025 at Miami (OH).
Five Sun Devils recorded their first career collegiate goals over the weekend: Landon Hafele, Jack O'Brien, and Lukas Sawchyn on Friday night, Richard Baran and Filip Nordberg on Saturday night.
Daniel Shlaine extended his point streak to 6 games with the primary assist on Baran's first period goal.
26 goals scored by the Sun Devils in the first 6 games of the season tie the mark set to open the 2019-20 season.
Upcoming Schedule
The Sun Devils will enjoy an early bye week next weekend before hitting the road for the start of NCHC play at St. Cloud State on October 30-31. They will return to Mullett Arena on November 5th and 7th hosting the defending national champion Denver Pioneers.
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