We’re back and ready to get you caught up on all the games from around the Mountain West Conference!

Air Force (7-7)

The Falcons swept their weekend series against RIT.

Game One (AF: 3 RIT: 1)

This game began with a scoreless first period. RIT struck first in this game, taking a 1-0 lead 2:14 into the second period, scored by Dan Willett. Air Force would respond late in the second, with F Kieran Durgan scoring at 18:57 in the second. Knoted up at 1-1 going into the third period, we were set up for an exciting finish. Air Force would control the third period, scoring twice in the frame to cruise to a 3-1 victory. Evan Feno and Matt Pulver both tallied the goals for the Falcons. Net-minder Billy Christopoulos stopped 17 of 18 shot on goal.

Game Two (AF: 3 RIT: 0)

Air Force shut out RIT in their second meeting, beating them 3-0. The Falcons got goals scored by Evan Feno, who found the net twice in the contest, and Evan Giesler. Goalie Billy Christopoulos stopped all 31 shots he faced and kept the puck out of the net all game long.

Boise State University (16-5-1)

The Broncos were able to sweep their weekend series against BYU.

Game One (BYU: 4 BSU: 6)

Though the score might indicate something different, this game was never really that close. Boise’s staple this season has been goal scoring, and the formula hasn’t changed here. The first period was scoreless, but things would change in the second. Boise dominated the second period, scoring a total of 5 goals in the 20 minute frame. The period began with 4 straight from BSU, scored by Cameron Benson, a hat trick by Eric Pinksky (who managed to score all 3 in a row) and Brandon Benson. BYU scored one goal of their own, but it didn’t make much of a difference. BYU would outscore the Broncos in the third, 3-1, but they were unable to catch up. There was too much separation. Cameron Benson would score again in the third for his second goal of the game. BSU goal Kyler Ayers stopped 24 of 28 SOG in the winning effort

Game Two (BYU: 1 BSU: 2)

From a high scoring affair one night, to close and gritty the next. BSU proved that they don’t just need to simply out score you to win. They can’t play tight games and still find a way to come out on top. For the second night in a row, the first period was played to a scoreless draw. In the second, BSU finally broke through with a goal from Zachary Biebuycky. There was not other goals in the second, and the Broncos took a 1-0 lead into the third. The Broncos were able to add on their lead quickly in the third, scoring 40 seconds into the period. Brandon Benson was responsible for the goal and they now had a two goal cushion. BYU would finally get on the board themselves midway through the third, but wouldn’t be able to find the net again, and lost 2-1. BSU Kyler Ayers was a star for the Broncos, stopping 24 of 25 SOG.

Colorado State University (5-13)

CSU had a busy weekend as they played three straight days against three different opponents. They played Friday against The University of Colorado, Saturday against The University of Wyoming and Sunday in a single game contest against MSU-Denver. They went 1-2 over the weekend.

Game One (CU: 5 CSU:4)

CSU found themselves in a shootout against UC, and came up a bit short. The game featured a comeback of sorts from the Rams, who found themselves down 3-1 after a period of play. The lone CSU goal in the first belonged to Sean Patten. The second period came and went and ended with a scoreless frame. CSU went into the final period staring down a 2 goal deficient. But in a blink of an eye, they tied the game up with two quick goals in the first minute of the third. Sean Patten who scored his second of the game, and Reid Goodman were the two responsible for the goals. UC would respond with a goal of their one 9:05 in to the third to reclaim the lead. CSU would mount one final comeback to tie the game up at 4, thanks to Nathan Morris. But unfortunately, their surge would not be enough, and CU would take the lead a final time late in the third, and hold on to it to secure the win. CSU goalie Ted Bunton would stop 31 of 36 SOG.

Game Two (UW: 1 CSU: 4)

The second game wasn’t so tightly contested. CSU had firm control of this game from the opening period. They took a 1-0 lead in the first, thanks to a goal by Mario Facinelli. They got the lead first and never let it go. They took a 1-0 lead into the dressing room after 1 and looked to build off of it. And they did just that, they scored twice in the second, with goals from Derek Nead and Sebastian Wilson to pad their lead. UW would score a goal of their own, but still found themselves looking up at CSU, and the score after 2 was 3-1. The Rams would score an insurance goal in the third to lock up the 4-1 victory. CSU goalie Ted Bunton rebounded from the first game and stopped 38 of 39 SOG in a stellar performance.

Game Three (CSU 0 MSU-Den 9)

Sometimes, it just isn’t your night. For the Rams, this was that night. They were unable to solve MSU goal Hampus Akesson, who stopped all 24 shots CSU threw his way. On the flip slide, CSU goal Davis Kitagawa struggled and was only able to stop 22 of 30 shots that he faced. They even brought in Ted Bunton to replace him, and we would end up giving up a goal of his own. When it was all said and done, the Rams were blown out and when 1-2 over the weekend.

San Diego State University (9-4-1)

SDSU was able to sweep their two game series against The University of Washington

Game One (SDSU: 5 UW: 4 OT)

A close game all the way through. Both teams brought their A game to this one, and SDSU was able to get the win over Washington in overtime. Goals were scored in every period of this contest. In the first, San Diego was able to score twice, with Steven Plante and Derian Theberge finding the back of the net after Washington scored the first goal of the game. SDSU took a 2-1 lead into the second. The two team traded goals in the second, with SDSU’s Elisha Reece finding the net at 5:53 of the second period. Washington would score a goal of their own, and the second would end with the score 3-2. San Diego added another goal to their lead about 6 minutes into the 3rd to take a two goal lead. But a two goal lead is the most dangerous in hockey, and with a span on 15 second at the end of the third, UW was able to tie the game. Scoring two goals at 19:28 and 19:43 of the 3rd frame. This game would require overtime. Luckly, Devyn Taras was able to score the game winning goal for the Aztecs, and they came away with the 5-4 win. SDSU goalie Nick Ilvento stopped 30 of 34 SOG.

Game Two (SDSU: 4 UW: 1)

Luckly, the second game in the series would not require either team to have to put in overtime. Both squads scored once in the first period to draw even at 1-1. Patrick Miller was the trigger man for SDSU in the first. The second period was scoreless, which set the stage for another trilling third period between these two teams. But this game lacked the excitement of the final period like the game the night before had. SDSU scored three unanswered goals in the third to cruise to the finish line. Patrick Miller and Aaron Mayer both found the net twice to account for the 4 goals scored by San Diego. Aztec goalie Austin Hathcoat stopped 17 of 18 SOG.

University of New Mexico (9-8-2)

UNM traded a win and loss with Northern Arizona State this past weekend.

Game One (NAU: 6 UNM:3)

UNM managed to keep this game close until the end. The first two period were played very evenly. With UNM and NAU trading goals back and forth. They each scored 1 in the first, and ended that period tied up. Graeme Chasson scored for the Lobos in the first. In the second, there was not shortage of offensive firepower on display. NAU scored 3 times in the frame, while UNM was right there with them, putting two pucks in the net themselves. Graeme Chiasson was responsible for both Lobo goals in the second and completed the hat trick in the process. But NAU would prove to be too much on this night, and they took their 4-3 lead into the third and secured the win with two more goals in the 3rd. UNM net minder James Bostian stopped 35 of 41 SOG.

Game Two (NAU: 2 UNM: 5)

One night later, and the roles were reversed for the two team. On this night, the Lobos would assume the role of the team with the overwhelming offensive display. UNM scored once in the first and twice in both the second and third. With contriubtions coming from Mackenzie Smith, Chance Shanks, Graeme Chiasson, and Jarrod Ronquillo (who found the net twice). UW struggled to keep pace and were eventually buried by the deficient. UNM goalie James Bostian stopped 27 of 29 SOG.

A Look Ahead

As the teams take a break for December, so will we. But we’ll be back mid-January to keep you informed about the MWC on Ice!