ASU hockey (1-1-0) struggled to keep up with the Minutemen throughout the game. UMass (1-1-0) found ways to play physical, crash the net and make plays.
“At the end of the day, we didn’t deserve to win that game. It’s that simple,” ASU head coach Greg Powers said. “UMass outplayed us. They played harder and they got rewarded. That’s how this game works.”
UMass freshman forward John Leonard buried the eventual game-winner just over nine minutes into the third period. Niko Rufo had the assist, and he also put in the empty net goal for UMass in the last minute of the game.