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The Colorado Mesa University Hockey team ended their away season playing against heated rivals Western State College. Both were high scoring games and the Mavs managed to keep the lead in the first game 13-10 after giving up 3 goals in the first period. Notching 10 goals in the first game were the teams leading scoring line known as the “Littleton” line. With a hat trick each, Phillip Flink and Cole Sweeny managed to provide offensive pressure needed to keep the Mavs on top with the third man Chris Buck scoring two.
“We have looked at our lines to find chemistry, and I think it's safe to say this line has just that considering all three players now have two hat tricks each in four games.” Forward Coach Ben Guska
Not only do they have chemistry, but they have more hockey to play at CMU considering all of them are freshmen this year.
“They are not just great players, they are hard workers. The fact that they are freshmen and are contributing to the team on the score board is a positive sign for the future of the team,” Guska said.
CMU's second game focused more on defense. With a high scoring first game, the team made defensive changes and managed to give goalie Zack Green his first ice hockey win with a third period shutout. Winning 12-5, the Mavs stepped up the defensive pressure by some open ice checks at the blue line.
Captain Matt Meiring broke his scoreless streak with a top shelf goal late in the third. Senior Josh Flategraff captured his last goal of his college career to contribute to the win.
With a short season this year, the team was happy to end 3-2-0. For next year, the team hopes to join the American Collegiate Hockey Association Division III league and build on the foundation established this year.
“We have told our players that this year would be a building year, and they stuck in their by working hard at every practice and even harder at every game,” said Defensive Coach Cody Cooper.
“We have said it in the past. We must stay positive and focus on the things we have. We believe the future of the team is only going to get better. They have managed to weather the storm,” he said.
The team was able to maintain a practice schedule this year with the support of Ice Skating Inc, which brought a smaller ice rink to Grand Junction in the fall of 2011. “We have ice, it's not a full sheet but it allows us to maintain the basic skills needed to play a competitive season. We wouldn't be where we are at without it,” Meiring stated.
