NAU vs. SJSU

December 7, 2013

FLAGSTAFF-- The Division II Ice Jacks hockey team has finally made its way back to 7,000 feet after being on the road for two long weeks. And by being back, that means back to business.

While traveling in sunny San Diego, California, the men had an easy time to get those wins, but once their journey to Utah began, it was a little tougher.

After taking a 3-1 win against Utah State, they struggled getting past Weber State, losing 6-3. Following the WSU loss, the men would take a tough loss against Boise State the following day, losing 5-3. These men wanted another win, and the last day in Utah they got what they were looking for when they beat the University of Utah 6-5.

The Ice Jacks came home to prepare for the first NAU Mountain Showcase against Weber State, ASU, and San Jose State University.

Being back in Flagstaff has made their scoring chances greater for them as they came back for revenge this past Thursday against Weber State.

The Ice Jacks beat the Wildcats 5-4 with Gregory Park scoring the only hat trick for the game, along with the game-winning goal as well.

Last night the Ice Jacks faced rival ASU for the second game of the Mountain Showcase as they would take a tough loss of 6-4. Before the game against ASU, Forward Dylan Blankenship talked about the it by saying, "we're going to have to try and limit their scoring chances and everyone is going to play better team defense the whole weekend."

This strategy worked during the WSU game, but not so much against ASU. For tonight's game against SJSU, Blankenship states, "we're going to have to work on goal scoring."

Forward Ben Russell looks for a win tonight as well, saying, "we're playing all three teams that have beat us at some point during the season...this is going to be a defining weekend...it's going to tell us a lot about our team, so I am looking forward to it."

The Ice Jacks will be going up against the Spartans tonight at 7:00 at Jay Lively Ice rink, and with another win in mind, Blankenship feels confident in a win.

"7,000 feet, you definitely feel it in your lungs when you come back up from a road trip so hopefully we can surprise them an wear them down in the third period when it gets later."