Four more forwards have committed to becoming Sun Devils.

One of the biggest and most recent recruits of the offseason is 21-year-old forward Eric Rivard.

In the NAHL last year, Rivard scored 24 goals and 39 assists in 58 games. He’s also had three straight seasons with 40 or more points.

But the thing that stands out the most about Rivard is his physicality on the ice.

“Eric is exactly the kind of player I was in search for to put us over the top,” Powers said. “He’s a big, mean, aggressive and hardworking kid who can really move the puck and put the puck in the net. His size, toughness and just overall work ethic is really going to be a huge asset to our program for the next four years.”

That aggressiveness on the ice racked up 109 penalty minutes last season alone — nearly double any Sun Devil player in 2012.

Rivard plans to use more than just his physicality on the ice at ASU.

“I will depend on my quick hands and tough wall play,” Rivard said. “I will also use my size to bring a net presence to challenge goalies.

He’s also looking forward to getting away from the cold in northern Michigan.

“It’s very exciting and I’m thrilled to be a part of a well established program — to play with some good hockey players, and the climate change,” Rivard said.

Powers is also excited about the potential of 20-year-old forward Chris Burkemper from Missouri.

At 6-foot-2, Burkemper has played one season in the NAHL and the last two in the EJHL.

“He can really get up and down the ice and score the puck,” Powers said. “He’s a big body up front and chose us over NCAA D-I options that he had … He’s going to light it up.”

The St. Louis-native scored 13 goals with 16 assists through 40 games last year with the Boston Jr. Bandits.

ASU wasn’t an unthinkable option for Burkemper either.

“I have loved the idea of playing hockey for ASU for as long as I can remember,” he said. “Coach Powers helped make my decision a lot easier … I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

But everyone has personal reasons for choosing a school as well.

“The girls, isn’t it obvious,” Burkemper laughed. “No, I’m just grateful for the opportunity to play for a championship caliber team. I’m going to strive to become a better player, and also strive to do well in the classroom.”

His new teammate, forward Chris Blessing, also comes in with some experience after playing two years in the BCHL, a year in the NAHL and one year at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls — an NCAA D-III school.

“Chris came on our radar very late and is close friends with Brett Blomgren,” Powers said. “He is an incredibly gifted hockey player who was very successful in both the BCHL and NAHL, and had a great start to his college career at River Falls.”

Blessing said both leagues have prepared him for different styles of play, from an offensive heavy BCHL league to the physicality in the NAHL.

Now he just wants to experience a winning style of hockey.

“The deciding factor in choosing ASU was the commitment to winning,” Blessing said. “They have a great track record for the D-I team and everyone wants to be involved in a winning program and possibly make a run for a championship every year.”

Also coming from the NAHL is Colorado native Patrick Yudez.

The 21-year-old forward has played in 141 games over three years for the Wichita Falls Wildcats recording 19 goals and 22 assists.

Yudez heard of the program and arrived on Powers’ radar through recent recruit Alex Temby.

“They are very close friends and the more I spoke to Yudez, the more I liked him,” Powers said. “He battled injury some in his last year, but he also was a captain in the NAHL.”

Yudez feels that experience in juniors has prepared him for college hockey.

“I think playing for so long at that level should allow for a more smooth transition into college hockey,” Yudez said. “I definitely learned a lot playing juniors and it was a great experience.”

However, college brings several different factors into play, but that’s another reason Yudez is happy with his decision to join his friend at ASU.

“I look forward to being on a team that’s dedicated to winning and being the best,” he said. “I’m also looking forward to being a part of the big school type of atmosphere.”

These three new forwards continue to add talented depth to Powers and the Sun Devils roster.

The road to Delaware is clearly on the mind of coach Powers and his new recruits flocking to the Valley of the Sun.

Reach the reporter at msterrel@asu.edu and follow on Twitter at @ASUreporter_MT

With an already stellar cast in the front lines, coach Greg Powers is attempting to make the great greater.
Pennsylvania native Tom Cooney has been targeted by Powers for quite some time, and for good reason.

“He had a very presitigous U18AAA career in Philadelphia and thought hard about coming to ASU last season,” Powers said. “He made the right decision to go play in the NAHL and get a year of development under his belt.”

While playing for the Springfield Blues in the NAHL, Cooney took the ice in 48 games, recording six goals and 10 assists.

“Tommy can flat out fly up and down the ice and has incredible vision and playmaking ability,” Powers said.

The 18-year-old forward is excited to relish this opportunity on the west coast.

“It feels great,” Cooney said. “I know coach Powers puts everything into this team, and I’m positive we will be the team to beat next year.”

Powers expects Cooney to bare a hand in that success in 2013.

“I see Tommy as a huge impact guy for ASU over the course of the next four years, and he absolutely has the drive and natural ability to make an immediate impact.”

One of Cooney’s new teammates, forward Zack Holstrom, will also be coming in with something to prove on an already championship-proven team.

“I feel honored,” the California native said. “It’s a solid reputation and I can’t wait to help and do my part to hold ASU at such a high standard when it comes to a top team in the ACHA.”

Powers is looking forward to having not only the physical side of Holstrom on the ice, but also the other side of his game.

“He’s a heady kid who plays with a nice swagger, which we always like here at ASU,” Powers said. “His offensive ability is really high and he has a chance to be a big-time player at this level … I have no doubt he’ll fit in right away.”

Holstrom also played in the NAHL for both the Minot Minotauros and the Fresno Monsters in the 2012-13 season. He recorded six goals and 17 assists through 46 games.

But Holstrom isn’t the only player coming over from California.

Michael Cummings is the Sun Devils third and most recent signee. The 20-year-old forward may not be from the Valley of the Sun, but he’s very familiar and excited to call ASU his new hockey home.

Cummings played with the Phoenix Knights of the WSHL in the 2012-13 season.

“It just reminded me how much I loved Arizona and when I talked with coach Powers about the team it was a done deal,” Cummings said. “He sold me on the team, and one look around the campus sold me on the school.”

Powers said recruiting out of the WSHL isn’t a common occurrence, but he’s glad he made an exception.

“Michael is a physical specimen of a kid and uses his body incredibly well,” Powers said. “The main thing I really loved about how he plays is just how hard he drives and gets the net. He will bring us a level of size, strength and a knack for getting to those dirty areas in front, opening things up for those around him.”

Cummings played in 18 games with the Knights this season, scoring 15 goals with 10 assists.

Most of all, Cummings appreciates and respects what is going on in Tempe and can’t wait to see what the upcoming season holds.

“It’s a bit nerve racking knowing that I am joining a team with expectations of winning a championship … but it’s very exciting and will only make me a better player.”

Reach the reporter at msterrel@asu.edu and follow on Twitter at @ASUreporter_MT

With the offseason officially in full swing, the Sun Devils are beginning to welcome new recruits to the program in their hunt for the 2014 National Championship.

Three recruits have officially signed within the last week, and with the loss of two of ASU’s top defenseman in Brian Parson and Ryan Clark, coach Powers filled in that gap nicely right off the start.

The first of the three new Sun Devils is defenseman Alex Temby. The 20-year-old has played in the NAHL for the last three years, acquiring the Robertson Cup with the Texas Tornado.

“Alex was a huge get for us,” Powers said. “He will be a stand-out defenseman for us for four years. Players with his ability coupled with tremendous character and leadership ability do not come around often.

“We are very fortunate he chose to be a Sun Devil.”

In 2012, Temby played in 31 of the Tornado’s 60 games, three goals and nine assists before suffering his injury halfway through the season.

Temby is looking forward to the opportunity of playing for a championship-caliber team.

“I am really looking forward to becoming part of well-rounded university, a very strong hockey program and such a supportive fan base,” Temby said. “I want to contribute to the team in any way possible and hope to add to a strong defensive corps.”

Also added to the Sun Devils back end is defenseman Troy Hoban from the Neepawa Natives in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League.

“Troy is a tremendous skating, puck-moving defenseman who also has great leadership ability,” Powers said. “I have been recruiting Troy for about a year and his ability to rush the puck and move it quickly will really help us transition from the back-end.”

Becoming a Sun Devil is a high point in Hoban’s career according to him, and he’s looking forward to arriving in Tempe.

“It is a great feeling knowing I am going to be joining one of the top teams in the country,” Hoban said. “I hope to be a solid two-way defenseman. I want to contribute consistent and hard-working play, game in and game out.”

During his season with the Natives, he played in 56 games, scoring four goals and 19 assists.

Along with Temby and Hoban, the Sun Devils acquired a goaltender in 20-year-old Robert Levin.

At 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, Levin comes from the Eastern Junior Hockey League and the South Shore Kings.

“Robert comes to us with some serious pedigree as a two-year starter in a very good league for South Shore in the EJHL, where this year he played more minutes than any other goalie in that league,” Powers said. “He put up some very impressive numbers and won a lot of games. Robert had some big time offers and chose to be a Sun Devil, and we couldn’t be happier about that.

“He has a great future in front of him without a doubt.”

Levin looks forward to the potential of playing behind his teammates and doing whatever it takes to win if he’s called upon.

“Winning is never an easy thing, and with this team, every year we will have the opportunity to reach our goals,” Levin said. “Just knowing that makes me wish the season started tomorrow. I’m excited to see what things this team can do and I’m ready for this journey to begin.”

The initial three recruits of the 2013 Sun Devil recruiting class is proving to be a boost on the depth chart, along with tough decisions from coach Powers.

But the recruiting class isn’t finished. Keep watch for the next article releasing more signees for the upcoming 2014 season.

Reach the reporter at msterrel@asu.edu

To order:

STEP 1: Go to lidsteamsports.com by 04/14/2013.
STEP 2: Click on “Team Shop”
STEP 3: Type in SPKDZ and click “Go to Form”
STEP 4: Select team merchandise and add to shopping cart.
STEP 5: Once shopping is complete, click on “Checkout” and either register as a new customer or log in with previously registered information.

*PLEASE NOTE – Orders must be completed on or before 04/14/2013.

To see a full page of Women’s Attire available and prices CLICK HERE.

To order:

STEP 1: Go to lidsteamsports.com by 04/14/2013.
STEP 2: Click on “Team Shop”
STEP 3: Type in SPRKKDZ and click “Go to Form”
STEP 4: Select team merchandise and add to shopping cart.
STEP 5: Once shopping is complete, click on “Checkout” and either register as a new customer or log in with previously registered information.

*PLEASE NOTE – Orders must be completed on or before 04/14/2013.

Having the team leaders set to make sure the team remains focused and staying in shape is the first step in that offseason process.

The Sun Devil players selected their captains over the weekend with Captain Canada Colin Hekle keeping his nickname, and Danny McAuliffe and Kale Dolinski keeping their ‘A’. But with former assistant captain Brian Parson graduating, a spot needed to be filled.

Sophomore defenseman Jordan Young was selected by his teammates to bare the third patch on his uniform, and he says it’s an honor.

“It’s an awesome feeling being supported by the team and to get an opportunity to play a little bigger role in the room with the guys,” Young said.

Prior to his injury towards the end of the season, the freshman was putting up top-notch numbers. Young was also a part of the ASU front line for a majority of the time.

Through 29 games last season, Young had seven goals and 15 assists, and all seven of those goals were scored in the first 10 games.

But Young doesn’t see his youth and short-spent time on the ice in a Sun Devil uniform as a negative.

“Being younger, I feel I can bring a more laid back presence and just stand as an example on and off the ice,” Young said. “We’re all here to do the same thing.”

After losing in the semi-finals, Young says having that experience early is something he’ll keep in his back pocket as a young captain.

“For next season, I need to make sure that we don’t accept anything but winning our last game,” Young said. “It’s good to have a successful season and be a good team, but it’s time for us to bridge the gap from being a top team in the league to being league champs and creating that identity for us.”

For the first time in team history, ASU hockey will be a part of its own league. The Western Collegiate Hockey League will experience its first season as a league, with UA, Central Oklahoma, University of Colorado, Colorado State and the University of Oklahoma all in the conference.

The letters have been handed out, and the 2013-14 hunt back to the ACHA National Tournament is officially underway.

Reach the reporter at msterrel@asu.edu

Summer Camp Dates will be July 12th, 13th, & 14th

Due to increasing demand, Sun Devil Hockey is excited to announce the dates of the Summer Prospect Camp in July. This camp is open to any skaters who are also in the April Camp as well for additional ice over the summer.

When: Date: July 12th, 13th, & 14th
Location: Oceanside Ice Arena, Tempe, AZ.
Cost: $329.00/player (includes six, one-hour ice slots with round robin tournament format and camp jersey)

Details:

Friday, July 12: 6-7 PM, 7:10-8:10 PM, 9:20-10:20 PM
Saturday, July 13: 9-10 AM, 10:10-11:10 AM, 11:20-AM-12:20 PM
Sunday, July 14: 9-10 AM, 10:10-11:10 AM, 11:20-AM-12:20 PM (Individual Player Meetings with Coaching Staff immediately after on Sunday)

The sessions will consist of high-paced games with officials. Stats will be compiled throughout camp. This is a great way for prospective and interested players to be evaluated by the Division I, II and III Coaching Staffs. The camp will be limited to the first 60 attendees to sign up and pay above. You must either be playing some level of Jr. Hockey, High School Hockey, or Midget Hockey to attend. This will be a competitive, high-level camp designed to evaluate and locate future players for the top program in the ACHA.

HOTEL INFO:

Out of town players will be extended the $69.00/night rate at ASU’s official host hotel who will also provide shuttle service to and from the rink to each session.

Seniors Brian Parson and Ryan Clark signed professional contracts in the CHL with the Fort Worth Brahmas on Friday afternoon.

The three took the hour and a half drive north to meet up with the team in Prescott, as the Brahmas are currently facing off with the Arizona Sundogs in a three-game series. Both Clark and Parson saw their first professional action on Friday night and looked good from what ASU coach Greg Powers saw.

“They played awesome,” Powers said. “I’m very proud of them and they more then held their own.”

The Brahmas are currently 36-21 at 3rd place in the division, and have also already locked up a playoff spot.

ASU hockey and the community wish the three the best of luck in their new future. Good luck boys and way to represent ASU!

While some would prefer the ending to be at a different point, there’s only so much that can be controlled.

For the ASU hockey team, that ending came on Tuesday night in the ACHA Semi-Final round against No. 9 Lindenwood.

But regardless of the result, the Sun Devils can say they went out swinging.

ASU would take the early lead for the third straight game, as freshman Kyle Bowen made a great play in the Lindenwood zone before getting around a Lion defenseman and burying it top-shelf for a 1-0 lead.

Six minutes would go by before Lindenwood would tie the game at one on a gift by the hockey Gods. Senior Grant Gorczyca would attempt a shot while a Sun Devil was right on him, and after missing the puck it would continue past the ASU defender right in front of net where Gorcyzca would regain control and put it in the five-hole.

It bounced Lindenwood’s way and would for the remainder of the period.

The Lions would put three more on the board to make it 4-1 by the end of the first period.

The Sun Devil crowd grew silent and it seemed ASU was as cold as the storm outside.

But hope wasn’t lost in the locker room, as something would re-spark the Devils.

It would take halfway through the second period, but sophomore Kale Dolinski would revive his team.

Dolinski would score two goals within 30 seconds to make it 4-3 and turn the momentum to the side of the Sun Devils.

Another five minutes later, freshman Stephen Collins would snipe a shot from the slot to tie the game.

The unthinkable happened.

“Our comeback was really special,” coach Greg Powers said. “I love that our players know they are never out of a game no matter the score.”

There was life on the ASU bench.

Sophomore Faiz Khan almost put the Sun Devils up 5-4 with a beautiful shot on the ASU power play, but Lindenwood goalie Linus Ahgren would turn it on.

He wouldn’t see another goal past him for the remainder of the game.

Unfortunately it was not the same for ASU.

Lindenwood would come out and score one right away in the third period, and that seemingly exhausted the Sun Devils.

After rallying from down three in the second, ASU couldn’t battle back for a second time.

The season was slowly ticking away.

The Sun Devils would fall in the Final Four 6-4 to Lindenwood.

But the team is very young, with only a handful of the starters graduating, and Powers is excited at what the future holds.

“We have an incredible core of guys returning and what will again be the best recruiting class in the nation guaranteed,” Powers said. “Our future is brighter than ever, especially now that our guys know what it takes getting to a final four.”

However, Powers isn’t looking past the successful season of 2012 and the players involved.

“We accomplished so much — most ever wins (35), first ever No. 1 ranking, first final four, 32 straight vs. UA and win over an NCAA D-I opponent,” Powers said. “I’m proud of our guys, but I expect each and every one of them to come back hungrier because the new recruits I bring in will know that our goal is and will come in ready to accomplish our ultimate goal.”

ASU’s goal this upcoming season is the same as it has always been, but will only amplify after the results of 2012.

“We have a special core here that we have worked very hard to build, and they are undoubtedly going to win a championship very soon,” Powers said.

“The future is brighter than ever.”

Reach the reporter at msterrel@asu.edu