Arizona State Sun Devils men's ice hockey
The Arizona State Sun Devils men's ice hockey team is the college ice hockey team that represents Arizona State University. It plays its home games at the ASU Multi-Purpose Arena in Tempe, beginning in the 2022-23 season.
| Arizona State Sun Devils men's ice hockey | |
|---|---|
 Current season | |
 | |
| University | Arizona State University |
| Conference | Independent |
| First season | 2015–16 |
| Head coach | Greg Powers 8th season, 90–119–18 (.436) |
| Arena | ASU Multi-Purpose Arena Capacity: 5,000 |
| Location | Tempe, Arizona |
| Colors | Maroon and gold[1] |
| NCAA Tournament appearances | |
| 2019 | |
| ACHA Tournament championships | |
| 2014, 2015 | |
The Sun Devils initially competed in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA). Since the 2015–16 season, it has competed as an independent in NCAA Division I—one of only three teams to do so. Arizona State also maintains both WCHL Club Level teams with the WCHL D-1 Sun Devils, and the PAC-8 D-2 Sun Devils, respectively.
History
Hockey began as a sport at Arizona State in the fall of 1983 with ASU students gathering at Tower Ice Plaza in Central Phoenix to play pick up hockey amongst each other. As collegiate club hockey evolved throughout the country, so did hockey at Arizona State. By the late 80s ASU was fielding a full-fledged ice hockey team competing in Division II of the American Collegiate Hockey Association. In 1993, General Manager Mike Hoffarth led the program to achieving ACHA Division I status propelling the Sun Devil hockey program into the national spotlight by qualifying for the ACHA Division I National Tournament just two years later in the 1995–96 season. Then Head Coach, Gene Hammett would lead the program to three straight National Tournament appearances from 1995 to 1998.[2]
ASU qualified for 10 ACHA Division I National Tournaments since competing at the Division I level in the American Collegiate Hockey Association, and developed 12 ACHA Division I All-Americans. In the 2013–14 season, the team won its first ACHA National Championship, defeating Robert Morris University-Illinois.
On November 18, 2014, Arizona State athletic director Ray Anderson announced that the Sun Devils would move to NCAA Division I ice hockey. The transition was funded by a $32 million donation by multiple parties (including former ASU hockey players). As a transitionary season, the Sun Devils played a split schedule between ACHA and NCAA games during the 2015–16 season, before migrating exclusively to NCAA play the following season. The Sun Devils were expected to begin as an independent, but pursue conference membership in the future.[3]
In the 2018–19 season, Arizona State received an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament for the first time in school history, in only its third season as a Division I team. They were defeated by the Quinnipiac Bobcats in the regional semifinals.[4][5]
On October 6, 2020, the Sun Devils announced that for logistical reasons related to the COVID-19 pandemic, it would enter into an agreement to play all of its games as non-conference away games against Big Ten opponents, playing each of its seven hockey members four times in a 28-game season. This would assure the team a full season schedule, and avoid conflicts with the Coyotes at Gila River Arena due to the delay of the 2020-21 NHL season. The team still played as an independent, and were not eligible to qualify for the conference tournament.[6]
Player Hall of Fame Inductees
Steve Hammett, Forward 1994–1998: Inducted 2009
Greg Powers, Goaltender 1995–1999: Inducted 2009
Adam Blossey, Defense 2001–2005: Inducted 2009
Tony Bonacorso, Defense 2004–2008, Inducted 2010
Ian Smith, Forward 1999–2003, Inducted 2010
Executive Hall of Fame Inductees
Gene Hammett, Head Coach 1992–2000: Inducted 2008
Mike Hoffarth, General Manager 1988–1999: Inducted 2008
Don Mullet, Donor: Inducted 2008
John Wold, Head Coach, General Manager, Oversight Committee 2001–present: Inducted 2009
Wayne Reid, Assistant Coach, Director of Hockey Ops, Oversight Committee 1992–present: Inducted 2009
Doug Maire, Video Coach, Projects Manager Executive Hall of Fame Inducted 2013, Lifetime Service Award 2014
National Tournament Appearances
1995–96, 1996–97, 1997–98*, 2000–01*, 2003–2004, 2006–07, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–15
Final Four appearances: 2013, 2014, 2015
Awards and honors
All-Americans
AHCA Second Team All-Americans
- 2018–19: Joey Daccord, G
ACHA Division I All-Americans
Steve Hammett, Forward: 1997–98
Greg Powers, Goaltender: 1996–97, 1997–98, 1998–99
Ian Smith, Forward: 2000–01, 2001–02 (Team USA, World University Games 2002)
Nils Satterstom, Forward: 2000–01
Adam Blossey, Defense: 2003–04, 2004–05 (Team USA, World University Games 2005)
Tony Bonacorso, Defense: 2006–07, 2007–08 (Team USA, World University Games 2008)
Joe Schweiger, Forward: 2008–09 (Eastern Michigan), 2009–10, 2010–11
Mark Schacker, Goaltender: 2010–11, 2011–12
Kale Dolinski, Forward: 2012–13
Colin Hekle, Forward: 2012–13
Ryan Clark, Defense: 2012–13
Joe D’Elia, Goaltender: 2012–13 [7]
Arena
Prior to 2022, the Sun Devils played most of their home games at the Oceanside Ice Arena in Tempe. Selected games each season were played at Glendale's Gila River Arena, former home of the NHL's Arizona Coyotes.[8] With the move to NCAA Division I, Anderson stated they planned to pursue an on-campus arena in the future.[3] In the meantime, Oceanside underwent a renovation for the 2015 to bring its facilities to NCAA standards.[9]
In November 2020, the Arizona Board of Regents' finance committee approved plans to construct a new 5,000-seat indoor arena on-campus near Desert Financial Arena, which is expected to house the school's hockey, gymnastics, and wrestling programs among others.[10][11][12] Construction is slated to finish in the fall, and the Sun Devils will begin play there effective for the 2022-23 season and onwards.[13]
Season-by-season results
All-time coaching records
As of March 15, 2021
| Tenure | Coach | Years | Record | Pct. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015–Present | Greg Powers | 7 | 90–119–18 | .436 |
| Totals | 1 coaches | 7 seasons | 90–119–18 | .436 |
Team
Current roster
As of January 26, 2022.[15]
| No. | S/P/C | Player | Class | Pos | Height | Weight | DoB | Hometown | Previous team | NHL rights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
Bronson Moore | Senior | G | 5' 11" (1.8 m) | 161 lb (73 kg) | 1997-11-004 | Tri-Cities, Washington | Minnesota (USPHL) | — |
| 4 |  |
Jacob Wilson (C) | Graduate | D | 5' 11" (1.8 m) | 185 lb (84 kg) | 1997-02-27 | Ballwin, Missouri | Sioux City (USHL) | — |
| 5 |  |
Ty Murchison | Freshman | D | 6' 2" (1.88 m) | 190 lb (86 kg) | 2003-02-02 | Corona, California | USNTDP (USHL) | PHI, 158th overall 2021 |
| 7 |  |
Johnny Walker (C) | Graduate | F | 6' 1" (1.85 m) | 185 lb (84 kg) | 1996-08-21 | Phoenix, Arizona | Chicago (USHL) | — |
| 8 |  |
Tanner Hickey | Junior | D | 5' 10" (1.78 m) | 170 lb (77 kg) | 1999-04-30 | Leduc, Alberta | Alabama Huntsville (WCHA) | — |
| 9 |  |
Sean Dhooghe | Graduate | F | 5' 3" (1.6 m) | 150 lb (68 kg) | 1999-03-09 | Aurora, Illinois | Wisconsin (Big Ten) | — |
| 10 |  |
Michael Mancinelli | Sophomore | F | 5' 9" (1.75 m) | 185 lb (84 kg) | 2001-06-28 | Northville, Michigan | Des Moines (USHL) | — |
| 11 | |
Benji Eckerle | Sophomore | F | 5' 9" (1.75 m) | 175 lb (79 kg) | 1999-09-24 | Northville, Michigan | Tri-City (USHL) | — |
| 13 |  |
Chris Grando | Senior (RS) | F | 5' 10" (1.78 m) | 171 lb (78 kg) | 1998-08-22 | Islip, New York | Boston College (HEA) | — |
| 16 | |
Ethan Szmagaj | Freshman | D | 6' 0" (1.83 m) | 194 lb (88 kg) | 2001-09-18 | Canton, Michigan | Waterloo (USHL) | — |
| 17 | |
Jacob Semik | Junior | D | 6' 0" (1.83 m) | 180 lb (82 kg) | 2000-03-10 | Canton, Michigan | Dubuque (USHL) | — |
| 18 |  |
Jack Jensen | Freshman | F | 6' 2" (1.88 m) | 205 lb (93 kg) | 2000-08-31 | Eden Prairie, Minnesota | Omaha (USHL) | — |
| 19 |  |
Jordan Sandhu (A) | Senior | F | 5' 7" (1.7 m) | 155 lb (70 kg) | 1999-05-13 | Richmond, British Columbia | Vernon (BCHL) | — |
| 20 | |
Jackson Niedermayer | Freshman | F | 6' 0" (1.83 m) | 200 lb (91 kg) | 2001-03-11 | Newport Beach, California | Penticton (BCHL) | — |
| 21 | |
Peter Zhong | Junior (RS) | F | 5' 11" (1.8 m) | 175 lb (79 kg) | 1998-07-30 | Orland Park, Illinois | Philadelphia Rebels (NAHL) | — |
| 22 | |
Jack Judson | Junior | D | 6' 0" (1.83 m) | 180 lb (82 kg) | 2000-02-26 | White Rock, British Columbia | Vernon (BCHL) | — |
| 23 | |
Demetrios Koumontzis | Senior | F | 5' 10" (1.78 m) | 183 lb (83 kg) | 2000-03-24 | Scottsdale, Arizona | Edina (USHS–MN) | CGY, 108th overall 2018 |
| 27 |  |
Tim Lovell | Sophomore | D | 5' 8" (1.73 m) | 150 lb (68 kg) | 2002-02-08 | Hingham, Massachusetts | Boston College (HEA) | — |
| 28 |  |
Matthew Kopperud | Sophomore | F | 5' 11" (1.8 m) | 170 lb (77 kg) | 1999-08-04 | Denver, Colorado | Dubuque (USHL) | — |
| 33 |  |
Ben Kraws | Junior | G | 6' 4" (1.93 m) | 175 lb (79 kg) | 2000-08-02 | Cranbury, New Jersey | Miami (NCHC) | — |
| 34 |  |
Cole Brady | Sophomore | G | 6' 5" (1.96 m) | 180 lb (82 kg) | 2001-02-12 | Pickering, Ontario | Fargo (USHL) | NJD, 127th overall 2019 |
| 39 |  |
Ryan O'Reilly | Sophomore | F | 6' 3" (1.91 m) | 205 lb (93 kg) | 2000-03-21 | Southlake, Texas | Green Bay (USHL) | DET, 98th overall 2018 |
| 44 | |
Tim Theocharidis | Graduate | D | 6' 1" (1.85 m) | 183 lb (83 kg) | 1998-06-28 | Scarborough, Ontario | Bowling Green (WCHA) | — |
| 63 | |
Colin Theisen | Graduate | F | 6' 0" (1.83 m) | 187 lb (85 kg) | 1997-04-24 | Monroe, Michigan | Notre Dame (Big Ten) | — |
| 72 | |
Jack Becker | Graduate | F | 6' 3" (1.91 m) | 192 lb (87 kg) | 1997-06-24 | Dellwood, Minnesota | Michigan (Big Ten) | BOS, 195th overall 2015 |
| 91 | |
Josh Doan | Freshman | F | 6' 2" (1.88 m) | 176 lb (80 kg) | 2002-02-01 | Scottsdale, Arizona | Chicago (USHL) | ARI, 37th overall 2021 |
Head coach
Coach Powers has been on the Sun Devil Coaching Staff for 12 years, and enters his fifth year as Head Coach of ASU's NCAA Division 1 Hockey Program. Coach Powers was a finalist for the 2019 Spencer Penrose Award, which is awarded to the NCAA Division 1 Coach Of The Year.
Prior to becoming an NCAA Division 1 hockey team, Coach Powers helped guide the Sun Devils to their first ACHA Division 1 National Championship.
During the 2018-2019 hockey season, Coach Powers and his staff led the Sun Devils to become the fastest start-up program to qualify for the NCAA Division 1 Tournament in NCAA History. The Sun Devils finished the season ranked 10th in the Pairwise rankings.
Coach Powers was a three time ACHA Division 1 All-American Goaltender while playing hockey for the Sun Devils, and graduated from ASU's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism in 1999. Powers was also inducted into the ASU Hockey Player Hall Of Fame in 2009.
Assistants and staff
- Alex Hicks - Assistant Coach (former 15-year professional career including 5 years in the NHL with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, Pittsburgh Penguins, San Jose Sharks, and the Florida Panthers)
- Mike Field - Associate Head Coach (former Assistant Coach Division I and United States Hockey League)
- Eddie Lack - Volunteer Coach (former 9-year professional career including 5 years in the NHL with the Vancouver Canucks, Carolina Hurricanes, Calgary Flames, and the New Jersey Devils).
- Andrew Matheson - Director of Hockey Operations
- Jon Laughner - Coordinator, Equipment Operations
- Liane Blyn - Head Coach, Olympic Sports
- Rick Covard - Assistant Athletic Trainer
- Chase Drieberg - Equipment Student Manager
Statistical Leaders
Career points leaders
| Player | Years | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johnny Walker | 2017–2022 | 139 | 70 | 53 | 123 | 140 |
| Brinson Pasichnuk | 2016–2020 | 136 | 39 | 68 | 107 | 170 |
| Tyler Busch | 2016–2020 | 131 | 26 | 51 | 77 | 249 |
| Brett Gruber | 2016–2020 | 132 | 23 | 53 | 76 | 48 |
| Anthony Croston | 2015–2019 | 127 | 25 | 41 | 66 | 159 |
| Matthew Kopperud | 2020–Present | 59 | 35 | 24 | 59 | 36 |
| James Sanchez | 2019–2021 | 62 | 15 | 41 | 56 | 32 |
| Josh Maniscalco | 2018–2020 | 71 | 15 | 37 | 52 | 60 |
| Demetrios Koumontzis | 2018–Present | 105 | 15 | 34 | 49 | 89 |
| Jacob Wilson | 2017–2022 | 150 | 9 | 35 | 44 | 184 |
Career goaltending leaders
GP = Games played; Min = Minutes played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; GA = Goals against; SO = Shutouts; SV% = Save percentage; GAA = Goals against average
minimum 30 games played
| Player | Years | GP | Min | W | L | T | GA | SO | SV% | GAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evan Debrouwer | 2018–2021 | 51 | 2737 | 22 | 20 | 4 | 138 | 4 | .908 | 3.02 |
| Joey Daccord | 2016–2019 | 82 | 4685 | 32 | 40 | 7 | 240 | 8 | .913 | 3.07 |
| Ryland Pashovitz | 2015–2018 | 34 | 1703 | 6 | 22 | 1 | 111 | 0 | .894 | 3.91 |
Statistics current through the start of the 2022–23 season.