Arizona Hockey clinches Cactus Cup following win over ASU

TUCSON, AZ – Taking on rival ASU in a marquee Saturday afternoon ACHA Hockey showdown, Arizona Hockey (15-9-1) clinched the Cactus Cup following their 3-2 win.

Less than three miles away from where No. 3 Arizona Basketball was securing a win over rival ASU, Arizona Hockey also found themselves in a spirited battle, this one also against rival ASU.

Resuming ACHA action on Saturday afternoon inside a sparsely packed Tucson Convention Center, the Wildcats were looking to rebound following their 4-2 loss to ASU on Thursday evening.

And from the drop of the puck, the Wildcats were ready as the electricity washed over a raucous and rowdy crowd.

Arizona would be the first to strike in this one, scoring just minutes into the game after defenseman Cameron Teamor put one right past the netminder to make it 1-0 in the first period.

Holding on to a steady 1-0 lead to enter the second period, ASU would draw a penalty early in the period, tying the game 1-1 with 18:30 left to play.

Luckily for Arizona, ASU would get a few more shots in the second period, but Arizona was able to hold strong, maintaining a 1-1 tie as they ended the second period.

However, an eventful third period would provide a bit of excitement for the fans as Arizona Hockey would eventually come away with the thrilling win.

ASU would unfortunately get things going early in the period, scoring on a power play to make it 2-1 with 16:51 to play.

The Wildcats would put one past the keeper moments later in the game to tie it 2-2, but a late penalty waived the goal, as ASU maintained their 2-1 lead.

Finally, with 9:28 to play in the game, Wildcat winger Alex Johanson would find the back of the net,  tying the game for Arizona, and providing a huge momentum swing.

Just minutes later Arizona would strike again, this time just six seconds into the power play with 7:03 to play as winger George Orfanos put one past the netminder to deliver the 3-2 lead.

ASU would have several attempts late in the game, but the Wildcats’ defense stood strong, holding the Sun Devils scoreless, delivering the 3-2 win, and securing yet another Cactus Cup victory.