The Billiken hockey team split a two-game series with the Arizona Wildcats, ranked third in the nation. The Bills lost their Saturday night match-up 5-2, but returned on Sunday with a 2-1 victory, boosting their record to 3-4-0.
“It really was a great weekend. It is a pretty big accomplishment doing what we did this weekend. Arizona is one of the best teams in the nation and we played them well. I am very proud of our team,” said coach John Bosch.
On Saturday night, the Billikens came out with two solid periods. The Bills started the final period with a 2-1 lead, but the squad unraveled late, giving up three unanswered Arizona goals.
Bosch was especially happy with the play of sophomore goalie Casey Martin. The Wildcats fired 50 shots at Martin. Bosch believes that Martin’s performance was a big part of why the Bills stayed in the game.
The Billikens jumped out with two early goals by freshmen Mark Shoreman and Mark Uvodich. A Billiken power play set up Uvodich, who was assisted by Dan Chadakhtzian. But the early lead did not hold up long.
The Billikens slowly deteriorated during the third period. Sophomore Daniel Gauthier left the game in the third period after he was high-sticked by a Wildcat player. This incident provoked senior Chadakhtzian to discuss the situation with the referee; in turn, he was ejected from the game. The Bills were also without senior Jasson Price who was serving a suspension he received last week.
Despite a young and injury-plagued roster, the Billikens found revenge in Sunday’s game by winning, 2-1.
“It is good news to come back after a loss and win with an injured roster, especially against a team like Arizona,” Bosch said.
The Billikens trailed for most of the game after the Wildcats jumped out to an early one-goal lead. But Martin followed up his strong Friday-night performance by coming up big once again. Arizona outshot the Bills 40-31; Martin only allowed one to find the net.
It was a happy birthday for freshman Jordan Janes who took the game in his own hands in the final period by scoring both Billiken goals.
He followed his equalizing goal with the winner in the waning moments of the game. Janes, with 1:20 remaining, sneaked the puck into the upper left corner of the net.
Janes was the third straight freshman to score for SLU. The play of the freshmen continues to impress Bosch.
“The tale of the tape this weekend was the play of the freshmen. They have shown that they want to play. The older players appreciate this. When they play well, it makes the team much more disciplined,” Bosch said. “We have a great, young line with Jordan Janes, Matt McComy and Mark Shorman. They were so crucial to our win on Sunday.”
The Billikens now look to this weekend when they will host the Catholic tournament. The four team tournament brings Mercyhurst, Marquette and John Carroll.
“We came in second last year. Mercyhurst won last year, but we feel since we are at home that we can finish on top this year,” Bosch said.
The Billikens will face John Carroll on Friday at 9 p.m. On Saturday at 5 p.m they take on Mercy Hurst. They will close out the weekend with a 3 p.m. game against rival Marquette on Sunday.
“We are playing a tough stretch. We have gotten into the tough games right away. We didn’t schedule any patsies. Hopefully, this weekend we can come off our win against the powerhouse Arizona and improve on our record,” Bosch said.
