CreditDeanna Alejandra Dent for The New York Times
TEMPE, Ariz. — Before every game, Jordan Young, a senior defenseman on the Arizona State hockey team, stands at the entrance of the dressing room like a bouncer — only instead of throwing people out, he draws each of his teammates into his embrace. It is a warm scene from a squad that shows few outward signs of softness, as symbolized by the hard hat awarded to the most valuable player after each victory.
A hockey uprising of geography against tradition is gathering force as Arizona State settles into its first year competing in Division I after abundant success at the club level.