Arizona’s men’s hockey team, for the first time in nine years, did not take home the Cactus Cup after losing to instate rivals ASU 1-0 Friday night at Tucson Arena.
In a game fraught with penalties, the Wildcats were unable to efficiently deliver passes, resulting in turnovers, including one that the Sun Devils converted to the game’s lone goal.
Forward Jacob Vockler, center, makes an attempt at a shot against ASU in the third period of the Wildcats season finale at Tucson Arena on Feb. 20. The Wildcats lost this match 1-0.
The Wildcats seemed to be playing with distracted urgency, resulting in overpowered passes that allowed ASU’s defense to reset and block any UA attempts at the goal.
Friday’s game included a number of penalties on both sides, from minor fouls to several big calls for holding, slashing and cross-checks. Players were skating so aggressively that at least four players’ twigs snapped and had to be replaced.
No. 6-ranked UA came into Friday’s match tied 2-2 against ASU and had won its past three games, including recent matches against Grand Canyon University, ranked second in the WCHL division. The Sun Devils were ranked No. 10.
After Friday night’s loss, the Wildcats went into the locker room. A team representative came out several minutes later and stated that there would be no post-game comments.
The Wildcats put up a strong defense for most of the first period and were consistent on offense, having six shots on goal in the first 10 minutes.
In the final six minutes of the period, ASU forward Tony Achille received the puck and shifted down the ice through the Wildcats defense, sending an assist to ASU forward Noah Powell, who scored the only goal of the game.
The intensity between the rivals was at an all-time high with five penalties for the period. The Sun Devils maneuvered through the Wildcats with fast and clean passes, using their time on offense to quickly position themselves for a shot on goal.
The Wildcats defense dominated the second period, with UA goalie Hayden Gould making rapid saves against the ASU offense throughout the period. There were two more penalties in the period, including two-minute charges for ASU center Sean McGurn for a slash and UA defenseman Billy Moloney for holding.
The Wildcats began the third period with three immediate shots on goal from UA forward Dylan Walker, each more powerful than the last. ASU deflected all of them.
The third period saw both teams playing their most aggressively, leading to brief fights on the ice that had to be broken up by referees.
Despite Friday’s loss, the Wildcats will continue on to the 2026 ACHA National Championships on March 12-22 at the Centene Community Ice Center in Maryland Heights, Missouri.
