Sunday, April 8, 2012
AlexWatch2012: Okotoks earns silver in Provincials; Alex records 25 saves, shutout
Alex started in net on Friday in the team's last preliminary game, recording 25 saves and a shutout en route to a 6-0 defeat of the Killam Wheat Kings. He was also named the game's Most Valuable Player.
The Bisons recorded a 2-1 record in pool play, also defeating the Spruce Grove Regals 3-2, but coming up short to eventual Provincial champion Whitecourt Wolverines 4-3.
In the semifinals, Okotoks downed the Edmonton Royals 5-2 to advance to the finals against Whitecourt, but fell again to the Wolverines 5-1.
Fight On, Alex!
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Okotoks Bisons win HJHL, move onto Provincials
Last night the Bisons completed a sweep of their opponents (and remained undefeated in post-season play), 3 games to none, to win the HJHL Championship and move on to the Hockey Alberta Junior B Provincial tournament, which will run April 5-8 and hosted by Okotoks. We'll be following closely from So Cal.
Fight On, Bisons!
HJHL Playoff Info
Okotoks Bisons website
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Wait... where did Alex go?
Alex makes his debut for the Okotoks Bisons Junior B. Photo courtesy of Okotoks Western Wheel. |
The Bisons finished the regular season with an impressive 31-6-1-0 record, and Alex has a 4-0 record since joining the team, including one shutout.
Okotoks was last season's HJHL champions, and is currently defending its title in the HJHL Championship series against last year's runners-up, the Blackfalds Wranglers.
The Bisons are leading the best-of-5 series 2-0, with Game 3 set for Friday, March 23 in their home rink.
Go Bisons Go!
http://www.okotoksbisons.com/
2012-13 schedule released; New PAC-8 ranking system in place
- Currently scheduled are 12 home games and 14 away games = 26 games total.
- There will be road trips to the Bay Area, Salt Lake City, Spokane.
- Because only 2 games against any given PAC-8 opponent count for PAC-8 standings, USC and ucla have elected to count Games 3 & 4 (of our 5-game series). While Games 1, 2, & 5 will not count for conference standings, they will still count towards ACHA rankings & for the Crosstown Cup.
- After a 2 season hiatus, San Jose State is on the schedule for a home-and-home series (Oct 5 at SJSU, Oct 19 at USC). Last season, the Spartans entered the ACHA West Regionals as the 7th seed but did not advance to Nationals.
- Cal State Northridge is also a new addition with 2 games (Dec 8 at CSUN, Feb 2 at USC). CSUN joins the ACHA's Division II for next season; previously, the Matadors were competing in the Division III level, finishing in 9th place overall last season.
- San Diego State is not booked next season because of scheduling conflicts.
- We anticipate that there will be another pre-season exhibition game against ucla at the Honda Center, but we will have to wait for the NHL schedule to be announced, which occurs over the summer.
- There will be NO game at Staples Center.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
GAME ON! Saturday's game vs. ucla reinstated; Senior Night moved
Help USC reinstate Game 5 of the Crosstown Cup series; email in support of UCLA's appeal of their suspension
- Club Sports Program Director Jason Zeck (the person who suspended them) - jzeck@recreation.ucla.edu
- Club Sports Executive Council (who will conduct the appeals hearing) - csecouncil@gmail.com
- Copy/Paste for your convenience: jzeck@recreation.ucla.edu, csecouncil@gmail.com
"I am writing in support of the UCLA men's ice hockey club's appeal of their suspension effective February 1-7, 2012. As a result of the suspension, Game 5 between USC & UCLA on February 4 to determine the winner of this year's Crosstown Cup has been canceled. Not only should the winner of the Crosstown Cup be decided in competition, the cancellation of this game will have consequences for UCLA's team as well as far-reaching and detrimental repercussions for USC's program.This game has been anticipated all year, with family and friends coming in from out of town to send off our graduating seniors in the proper manner and play out the rivalry as it was meant to be. Because of UCLA's suspension, the USC hockey team will lose significant revenue from our biggest game of the year -- revenue that would have helped them cover their costs of traveling to the PAC 8 playoffs in Seattle next week. Instead, they are stuck with a large nonrefundable bill for ice time and referees, and will also lose a game that counts towards their rankings -- not to mention the blemish this cancellation would have on the rivalry itself.In the spirit of our rivalry, I respectfully ask you to overturn UCLA's suspension.Thank you for your consideration."
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
PAC 8 playoff schedule announced
The PAC 8 Hockey Conference has released the game and event schedule for the 2012 Championship Tournament in Seattle, WA on February 10-11.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10
- 4:00pm: #2 Utah vs. #3 USC
- 7:15pm: #1 Washington vs. #4 ucla
- 2:00pm: 3rd Place Consolation Game
- 5:15pm: Championship Game
Statement: Saturday's game vs. UCLA canceled
Johnny Nguyen
Monday, January 30, 2012
USC Hockey's CHOC Night & Teddy Bear Toss a Success
While a charity game, this was still a regular season matchup between USC and the visiting Oregon Ducks, and the Ducks showed no charity towards the Trojans, scoring the first two goals of the game including their first just 25 seconds into the 1st period.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
It's official: USC is going to PAC 8s
Press Release: USC Ice Hockey Hosts 2nd Annual Charity Game for CHOC Children's Hospital
CHOC Night to include family-oriented activities & demonstrations before the game.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(click here for a .pdf version)
ANAHEIM, Calif., January 26, 2012 – The University of Southern California men’s ice hockey team, in partnership with the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League and The Rinks – Anaheim ICE, hosts their 2nd Annual “CHOC Night & Teddy Bear Toss” on Saturday, January 28, to benefit the Children’s Hospital of Orange County.
Full details can be found on the event webpage, USCIceHockey.com/CHOC.
The game itself will feature a regular-season matchup between the USC Trojans and the visiting University of Oregon Ducks. Warmups will begin at 7:15pm, with the game to start at approximately 7:30pm.
This year’s game will include a “Teddy Bear Toss,” where spectators can bring a new, unwrapped teddy bear or stuffed animal to throw onto the ice after USC’s first goal. All the bears collected, as well as proceeds from the night, will be donated to CHOC; plastic bags will be provided to keep them dry and clean.
Those bringing stuffed animals will receive $5 off their admission to the game (usually $10), as well as a special flyer of deals from various local businesses. Those with military, fire, or police ID or USC student IDs will receive a further $5 discount.
There will also be a silent auction during the game of autographed Ducks memorabilia and other items.
Starting at 6:00pm, there will be family-friendly pre-game festivities in front of Anaheim ICE. Scheduled to participate are SWAT and K-9 units from the Anaheim Police Department; fire trucks from Anaheim Fire & Rescue; and the Anaheim Ducks Street Team with a street hockey rink. Food and refreshments will be available from the Refresh Truck.
The pre-game portion of CHOC Night is free and open to the public.
The USC Ice Girls, collegiate hockey’s only ice crew, will also be on hand to meet and greet fans during the festivities and game.
CHOC Night is one of the highlights of the formal partnership announced last season between USC Ice Hockey and the Anaheim Ducks, the first and only one of its kind between a Southern California college hockey team and an NHL club. (more on next page)
# # #
Johnny Nguyen
Assistant General Manager/Executive Director of Operations | USC Ice Hockey
Email - jnguyen@uscicehockey.com | Phone - (213) 290-6080
Lyon University Center | 1026 West 34th Street | Los Angeles, CA 90089-2500
USCIceHockey.com | facebook.com/USCIceHockey | twitter.com/USCHockey, @USCHockey
USCIceGirls.com | facebook.com/USCIceGirls | twitter.com/USCIceGirls, @USCIceGirls
About USC Ice Hockey
Established in 1925, USC Ice Hockey is a student-run, student-funded organization at the University of Southern California. The Trojans are members of the PAC 8 Conference, and are the reigning 2010 champions. The team is a sanctioned member of USA Hockey and the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA), the national governing body of non-varsity intercollegiate college hockey. USC Ice Hockey plays approximately 25 games a season, playing teams locally, nationally, and even internationally. In 2002, USC became the first American collegiate hockey team to visit China, and also the first to play against their national team. Other past trips include to Iceland, Italy, and Japan.
The USC Ice Girls were formed in 2010 and is the only NHL-style ice crew for any college hockey team at any level in the United States.
In October of 2010, USC Ice Hockey and the Anaheim Ducks signed a formal partnership and marketing agreement to support and promote both teams, as well as help develop the sport of hockey in the Southern California region. The Rinks – Anaheim ICE is the official practice and training facility for the Ducks, and has served as the Trojans’ home rink for the past fifteen seasons.
END
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Game Recap: Trojans take two vs. UCLA, tie series 2-2, clinch PAC 8 berth.
UCLA won the previous two regular season meetings by close margins: a 4-3 shootout victory on October 15, and a 5-4 win on November 8, where game-winning goal was scored with 12.6 seconds left on the clock. The Bruins also won a pre-season contest on September 21, 5-4.
From the Stands: USC Sweeps UCLA
The crosstown rivalry intensified this past weekend, as the USC Trojans swept the UCLA Bruins in back-to-back wins, positioning themselves to keep the Crosstown Cup closer to Downtown Los Angeles.
UCLA had swept all three previous meetings this season, which meant that one more win and the Trojans would have to hand over the treasured piece of hardware.
Senior Adam Zacuto and graduate student Dave Knight each had three goals this past weekend, as they and four other Trojans rallied together to outscore their rivals 10-4 in two games.
Friday night’s game-time atmosphere had a serious undertone to it, as the Trojans on and off the ice knew what was at stake. Not only were bragging rights in Los Angeles on the line, but USC was still fighting for PAC 8 playoff contention.
Regardless of potentially losing the Crosstown Cup this season after sweeping the best of five series last year, the Trojans marched into battle and ended up victorious.
Friday’s game took place at The Rinks - Anaheim ICE California in front of enthusiastic fans ready to see either a USC victory or a Bruins sweep.
‘SC produced a solid first period, resulting in senior Mike Mowrey’s scoring the first goal of the night, with sophomore Ryan Manning and grad student Luke Walker on the assist.
Manning was the first sent off to the penalty box for a check from behind, but the Trojans were successful and killed off the penalty.
UCLA eventually managed to tie the game up with just seven minutes left to the first, when Zack Tenney was fed the puck from Jonathan Lee.
Play was momentarily stopped when a fan in the stands blew a whistle that caused confusion on the ice. The game resumed uninterrupted after taking time to resolve the situation and announcing that such noise making devices were prohibited.
With just 53.1 seconds until the first intermission Zacuto rifled the puck bar down regaining the Trojan’s lead.
Despite an exciting start to the game the Trojans returned to the ice with an uninspiring second period performance. The referees penalized Trojans’ sophomore Thomas Duffy twice: once for holding and then for tripping, while UCLA only had Mark Yost called for tripping.
The mundane play ended when USC goalie junior Eric Chiccone injected life back into the game, making an unreal glove save that proved to be the game changing moment.
The Trojans were able to hold the Bruins from scoring for the rest of the night, but picked up a few penalties along the way. USC junior James Anderson was called for a boarding penalty just a couple minutes into the start of the third, while sophomore Derek Peters was called for slashing just a couple minutes later.
UCLA managed to kill ‘SC’s powerplay when Michael Carder was called for crosschecking. However, when Lee was called for tripping with just three minutes left in regulation, Knight took advantage of the fantastic opportunity and scored just 15 seconds into the power play, scoring the final goal of the game and extending the lead to 3-1.
USC’s momentum continued into UCLA’s home rink, as the Trojans confidently took to the ice the following evening in Bruins’ territory at the Valley Ice Center in Panorama City, California.
Halfway through the first period, senior Eliot Dawson sent the puck to Manning who then put ‘SC on the scoreboard.
Ten seconds later, USC freshman Cory Newman was called for tripping, giving the Bruins their first of nine power plays.
Bruins’ Doo Soo Kim was called for slashing, but the Trojans’ could not find a way to capitalize on the power play.
USC had two players find their way to the penalty box when grad student Ryan Kucinski was called for tripping and sophomore James Huebner for highsticking.
There was some sort of confusion when Kucinski returned to the ice that led to the Trojans receiving an icing call. Although the Trojans contested, the ruling on ice stood and the Bruins were given the faceoff in the Trojan’s zone.
The Bruins got a shot on goal right off the faceoff, but Chiccone was there to snatch it out of the air with a glorious glove save that had the stands and players stunned. Yet again, Chiccone’s spot-on play provided the Trojan’s with a boost of confidence that helped carry them through the end of the game.
Immediately after returning to full strength after Huebner’s penalty, Zack Tenney tied it up giving his team the hope of turning the game around in their favor.
UCLA was given a power play just a couple minutes into the second when Chiccone got called for roughing after he shoved a UCLA player behind his net. The Trojans were able to kill off the power play and resume their attempts to increase their lead.
Zacuto wasted no time in finding the net, as he and Huebner slithered and zoomed through the Bruins’ players and down the ice to regain the Trojans’ lead once more.
Yost responded almost immediately by scoring a goal of his own after he, Carder and Kim found a way to get past Chiccone.
David Giroux gave the Trojans a power play when he was called for interference. Although the Bruins had a successful penalty kill, they were not able to stop Knight from scoring an unassisted goal, bringing the score to 3-2.
The goal happened after a cluster of players fought for the puck in front of UCLA’s net. For a brief moment, Knight was the only one in the building who knew that the puck went in, as the dog pile of players lost track of the puck’s actual location. Once his teammates realized what had happened, the arena erupted in cheers.
Afterward, UCLA’s Tenney scored his second goal of the evening, but it would be the last time. UCLA would score that night. (You don’t really attempt hat tricks, they just are)
Tension intensified during the third period as USC dominated in every possible way.
Huebner scored his first goal of the evening 45 seconds into the period and the realization that the Trojans just may pull off the finally sunk in.
Zacuto found the net for the second time that night on a three-on-one breakaway goal assisted by Newman and Huebner.
Halfway through the period, Manning received a two-and-ten penalty: two minutes for holding and a ten-minute game misconduct for a hit deemed malicious by the referees.
Peaceful relations ceased in the final three minutes once Yost was called for roughing, followed by a tripping penalty given to UCLA’s Frank Witt.
Unbeknownst to the officials, the clock did not run for about 45 seconds of play. However, once the oversight was acknowledged only 15 seconds was subtracted on the clock.
With just a minute left in regulation, ‘SC’s Kucinski was called for slashing and UCLA’s Carder for roughing.
Frustration got the best of Carder when he began to antagonize Zacuto. Words were not enough and Carder took a swing at Zacuto that landed the UCLA player with a two-minute roughing call that sent the Bruin to the lockerroom early, with only 5 seconds left on the clock.
Following Carder’s exit, a brawl broke out and chirping between the teams continued past the final buzzer. Bruin Nick Panzica tangled with Trojan captain Noah Comisar, which lead to players mobbing around them. Panzica was given a two-minute minor penalty for roughing, a 10-minute misconduct penalty and a game misconduct penalty, resulting in a technical ejection from the game, which had already ended. Three other players were given minor penalties, but no disqualifications were assessed. Players were riled up and clearly displeased with each other. Even the teams’ coaches got in on the action as they exchanged heated words briefly as both teams slowly left the ice; the teams skipped the traditional handshake.
After a tumultuous ending to a thrilling game, the Trojans left with the Crosstown Cup still in their possession and a 7-3 win over their archrivals.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Game Preview: USC vs. UCLA – January 20-21
Not an enviable position for USC to be in.
In the second to last weekend of games that count for PAC 8 Conference Standings, the Trojans (8-10-1, 4-5-1 PAC 8) find themselves in the precarious situation of having to face their crosstown rivals not only to keep their playoff chances alive, but also to maintain possession of the Crosstown Cup.
UCLA (9-6-0, 8-2-0) has a 2-games-to-none lead on USC in the best-of-5 season series. Both of the previous meetings between the teams came down to the wire, with the first game going to a shootout, and the second won by the Bruins in the last :26 of regulation time.
The Trojans look to turn the tide this weekend; Game 3 is on Friday, January 20 at The Rinks – Anaheim ICE, with Game 4 the following day at Valley Ice in Panorama City. A sweep of the Bruins would force the Crosstown Cup winner to be decided in Game 5, to be held at the Trojans’ home rink in Anaheim on February 4.
Two wins this weekend would also solidify USC’s hold on the 4th and final PAC 8 playoff spot, with Oregon (9-7-0, 4-5-0) just behind in the standings in the 5th spot and facing top-ranked Washington for two games this same weekend.
This weekend's results then set up the final showdown for 4th, as Oregon travels down to Southern California to face USC January 27-28.
UCLA has already clinched their invitation to the PAC 8s as the 3rd place team, as have 2nd-place Utah (22-6-0, 7-2-0) and Washington (12-6-1, 10-0-0), who is hosting this year’s playoffs near Seattle.
The PAC 8 uses a complicated but proven weighted-point system based on records of opponents, so knowing playoff scenarios requires more than a simple glance at team records and upcoming schedule.
Under the system, USC has a slight advantage over the Ducks, but could still use some help from the Huskies. Because of Washington’s high value as the top team, a sweep by the Ducks would turn the fortunes and place USC in the hole playoff-wise.
Below is a table of possible playoff scenarios and outcomes for USC and Oregon.
For the Trojans, it’s all too simple: sweep both UCLA and Oregon, and there’s nothing to worry about.
USC/ucla results | ||||
USC sweeps ucla | USC splits with ucla | USC loses both to ucla | ||
UO/UW results | UO sweeps UW | USC must sweep UO | UO goes to PAC 8s | UO goes to PAC 8s |
UO splits with UW | UO must sweep USC | UO must sweep USC | USC must sweep UO | |
UO loses both to UW | UO must sweep USC | UO must sweep USC | UO must sweep USC |
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Player Profile: Luke Walker
Defenseman Luke Walker is a 22-year-old graduate student in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Southern California. He previously attended the University of Wyoming for undergrad, where he played for four years with the Cowboys.
In addition to hockey, Luke also played soccer and has an affinity for kayaking.Born in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Luke was inspired by his parents and friends to play hockey at the age of four. Luke insists that it requires no work to love this demanding sport, “I have been playing basically all my life. It’s not hard to keep loving hockey.”
An effervescent person both on and off the ice, Luke believes that “there is no such thing as too much fun” in life. Watching him play hockey or spending time with him off the ice, it is easy to realize that Luke loves to enjoy every moment and live it to the fullest.
Over his 18-year career, there have been many memorable events that Luke can be proud of. However, winning state and placing second at the Rocky Mountain Regionals are particularly special to him, “There were two years in high school that we won Wyoming State and then went to the Rocky Mountain Regional Tournament and lost in the championship.
Luke brings his experience to the Trojans, and has made his presence known on defense, with bone crushing hits worthy of the highlight reel. Just this past weekend, Luke annihilated an LMU player that sent the player’s body and hockey stick flying in opposite directions. While the crowd was riled up, Luke just looked back at his team on the bench with an accomplished look on his face. Moments like these show just how much of his heart and soul he puts into the game.
Get to know Luke:
1. If you could trade places with any NHL player, living or dead, who would it be and why? Peter Forsberg (recently retired from the Colorado Avalanche)
2. If Hollywood were to make a movie about your life, who would play you? Chuck Norris
3. What would the title of your movie be? Walker, Wyoming Ranger
4. If you could time travel to any time before our own, which would it be and why? 1960 and on because you could do whatever you want.
5. Cats or Dogs: Cats
6. Chocolate or Vanilla: Chocolate
7. Favorite pasta shape? Bowtie
8. What is your favorite language other than your native language? Spanish
9. Your favorite color M&M? Blue
10. The Zombie Apocalypse is here! Who on your team survives, is the first killed, the one who has a plan to survive such an event, and the one who has secretly been a zombie all along. This one has already been answered.
11. Favorite holiday. Why? Thanksgiving for good food and good friends
12. Coke or Pepsi? Gatorade in a double gulp with lots of water
13. Do you prefer hot or cold weather? Cold
14. Do you have a nickname? Wyoming
15. Last song you heard? Right back where we started from... slapshot
16. What is your signature dish? Eggs, bacon, and taters
17. Most recorded show on your DVR? Prison Break
18. If you were an animal which would you be? Peregrine Falcon
19. What is the last book you read? Outliers
20. What super power would you have? Fly
21. Favorite pick up line? Bad dance moves + big grin
22. Your favorite meal? Breakfast
23. How did you end up playing the position that you play? How did you decide on your jersey number? 27 in high school because it was one of the only numbers left.
24. Favorite NHL team? Avalanche
25. Who is your inspiration? Coach fer sure
26. Favorite pre-game meal? Spaghetti
27. What do you do to pass the time on the plane when you fly to away games? Watch movies and talk with the team
28. What do you do to pass the time between games when you are on the road? Usually homework and experience the town.
29. Favorite away game location? Pig barn in Nebraska
30. Before each game, I must... Pick up Ernst and Sunshine
31. After graduation, I am going to... Travel for a while
Friday, January 13, 2012
Recap: Dramatic shootout victory for USC over LMU, 6-5
Harbor City, CA - After a five week break for the winter (except for a single practice this past Monday), the USC Trojans (8-8-1) kicked off the spring semester with a 6-5 shootout win (Game Log | Box Score) over the Loyola Marymount Lions (6-11-0) in front of a raucous hostile crowd in Harbor City on Thursday night.
The game was the start of a three-game weekend for the Trojans, who have won 6 of their last 8 games, including against then-6th ranked San Diego State to go into the break. The win completes a sweep of the annual Century Cup series between USC and LMU, with the Trojans having taken the previous two meetings (5-2, 6-5).
The Century Cup was supposed to have been presented to USC last night, however LMU failed to bring the trophy to the game.
The Trojans were led by the offensive tandem of senior Adam Zacuto (2 goals, 2 assist) and sophomore James Huebner (2 goals, 1 assist), as well as the goaltending of junior Eric Chiccone during the shootout (24 saves).
The first period got off to an electrifying start with Zacuto scoring USC’s first two goals: the first with an assist from James Huebner just 3 minutes into the game, then again shortly afterward while shorthanded (unassisted).
About a minute after the second goal, LMU responded with their first goal of the game, on a power play by Nick DelBueno (Michael Indigaro, Robert Yanotta) after USC’s Ryan Manning was called for slashing.
USC’s Hank Griesbach scored unassisted to extend the lead to 3-1. LMU’s starting goalie, Tyler Payne, was replaced by Vitto Banez after allowing the 3 goals on just 6 shots.
Total shots-on-goal for the game was 32-29 in USC’s favor.
The physicality of the match picked up when Luke Walker delivered a bone crushing hit on an LMU attacker late in the period that sent the Lion’s stick flying in the opposite direction than his body.
With just 7 minutes before the first intermission LMU’s Indigaro (Kevin Keomanee, Kyle Burch) cut into the lead and the period ended with USC maintaining a 3-2 advantage.
The 2nd period was more physical and defensive in nature. USC’s Huebner scored his first goal of the game trailing on a 2-on-1 shorthanded breakaway, receiving a pass on the weak side from Zacuto and putting in the backhand to extend the Trojans’ lead to 4-2.
Three minutes later, the Lions answered with their own shorthanded goal to make it 4-3, when Jack Hyman blocked a slapshot from the blue line that careened toward center ice, leading to a 1-on-0 breakaway for Hyman, who put it around USC goalie Eric Chiccone.
Emotions boiled over for both teams with 19 seconds left in the 2nd, when a couple of LMU players got too close to Chiccone and a shoveling match broke out in and around the USC crease. However, no penalties were called and the teams went into the locker rooms with the score at 4-3 USC.
The Lions mounted a strong comeback in the 3rd period. LMU took advantage of an interference call on Max Ernst halfway through the period, and scored the power play goal (Hunter Costin, assisted by Yanotta) to tie the game up at 4 goals apiece.
Another penalty on USC with 3:27 left (Tom Duffy – 2 minutes for slashing) almost proved costly for the Trojans, as LMU’s Jim McDonald (Kalei Tipon) scored just 6 seconds into the power play to take the lead, 5-4.
The Lions’ aggressive forechecking contained the Trojans in the USC zone for most of the remaining time, preventing Chiccone from reaching the bench for the extra attacker until just 40 seconds remained.
LMU had an opportunity to put the game away after gaining possession of the puck in the neutral zone with an empty net, but shot the puck wide. A subsequent blown whistle for a dislodged net allowed USC to call a timeout with 25 seconds remaining to set up one last push; however the faceoff remained on the USC end, forcing Chiccone back into the net.
After the faceoff, the Trojans grabbed the puck behind the net, and Mike Mowrey stretched a pass up to Zacuto, who drove to the net and passed off to Huebner who buried the equalizer with just 3 seconds remaining on the clock, sending the game into overtime with the teams tied 5-5.
The Trojans carried the momentum into the 4-on-4 OT period and outshot LMU 3-1, but with no goals for either team, the game went to a shootout.
ACHA shootout rules are similar to the NHL, with 3 players from each team having an opportunity to go against the opposing goalie, followed by 1-and-1 if still tied after the initial three.
Both goalies stood their ground, keeping denying the shooters through the first 4 rounds.
Shooting for USC were Zacuto, Huebner, graduate David Knight, and junior Corey Newman, who were all stopped on their attempts.
Finally in the fifth frame, USC graduate Ryan Kucinski deked to his right and sent a forehand wrister past Banez, leaving LMU having to answer to keep the game going.
However Chiccone had other plans, and with his fifth consecutive shootout save, captured the win and the Trojans rushed the ice to celebrate their win and sweep of the season series.
The Trojans continue their weekend tonight and tomorrow in Anaheim against the visiting 6th-ranked (and PAC 8 newcomer) Utah Utes (19-6-0), who defeated 7th-ranked SDSU (12-10-0) last night 3-1.
Warmups for tonight starts at 8:20; tomorrow, 7:15pm.
LMU hosts SDSU in Harbor City on Saturday.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Player Profile: Dante Caravaggio
Dante Caravaggio is a 21-year-old senior at the University of Southern California majoring in Chemical Engineering with a Petroleum emphasis. Born in Southern California, Dante has moved around the map but most recently calls Newport Beach, California home. He has three siblings: Alex, 19 (and also a goalie for USC); Lauren, 16; and Nicholas, 15.
Growing up, Dante played soccer and swam competitively. However, when the future ‘SC defenseman saw “The Mighty Ducks” movies in first grade, he began playing roller hockey, then in second grade he made the transition to Ice Hockey where he played for the “Irvine Ice Puppies.”
Having played forward most of his life, Dante came to the realization that he was better suited as a defenseman and ultimately became more successful on the ice after making the switch. “At a certain point, though, you find out if you are capable of scoring goals at higher levels [.] I was physical but lacked the ability to produce consistently. Defense kept me playing at the higher levels through high school.”
Not surprisingly, the hockey world in Southern California is quite small, so it should come as no surprise that Dante and USC teammate, senior Adam Zacuto, unknowingly crossed paths when they were much younger. They skated together during the Under-16 and Under-17 USA Pacific Development Camps in Washington. This camp was a distinct honor as only the top 30 players of each position from six states are invited to participate.
Dante also had the privilege of playing AA Midget in Calgary for the Bruins during his junior and senior years in high school. At USC, he was Rookie of the Year (2009), Defensive MVP (2009, 2010), and was named Second Team All PAC 8 in 2010, which he says, “was a surreal experience.”
With more than enough memories to last a lifetime, Dante feels that some of his “favorite hockey memories stem from skating on lakes and outdoor rinks with friends and family when we lived in Calgary, Alberta. Alex and I loved how unique of an experience it was [.] We can’t get that type of atmosphere in California, Houston or anywhere else we’ve lived.”
Family is near and dear to Dante’s heart and he cites his family as his source of inspiration that pushes him and ultimately keeps him going. “I draw inspiration from a lot of sources, but my family has always kept me pushing my limits. I helped train my brother Alex in high school for his junior year. He had already won several awards on previous teams, but he continued to set his sights higher […] He has given up everything since age 12 to play hockey, and somehow he isn’t sick of it. This really kept my love for hockey alive, as I have been prone to injury throughout my life, and sometimes it’s hard to find motivation to keep the skills high.”
After graduating this May, Dante will move to Dallas, Texas where he will work for Encana as a petroleum engineer. A hockey player in every sense of the word, he hopes to find an adult hockey league there to continue playing the game he loves.
- Full name: Dante Matthew Caravaggio
- Favorite NHL team? Calgary Flames or Anaheim Ducks
- Best advice you ever received? Don’t always live in the present, or you’ll lose your way.
- Favorite pre-game meal? Spaghetti & Meatballs
- What do you do to pass the time on the plane when you fly to away games? Sleeping, reading, and listening to music, typically. I love flying.
- What do you do to pass the time between games when you are on the road? Every guy on this team I’ve met over the four years has been hilarious. Between games on the road, going out anywhere is usually a good story.
- Favorite away game location? Oregon
- Before each game, I must…stay focused or I’ll end up too loose on the ice.
- What would I find in your refrigerator right now? Frank’s Red Hot sauce, leftover pad thai, and a bottle of wine. Not much else, actually.
- If you could trade places with any NHL player, living or dead, who would it be and why? Jerome Iginla because he lives the dream. Calgary loves him, and I hope they never trade him.
- If Hollywood were to make a movie about your life, who would play you? Ben Schwartz
- What would the title of your movie be? Livin’ La Vida Loca
- If you could time travel to any time before our own, which would it be and why? Yesterday. I’m now rethinking my choice of going to Chipotle and El Cholo in the same day.
- Cats or Dogs: Dogs
- Chocolate or Vanilla: Chocolate
- Favorite pasta shape: Penne
- What is your favorite language other than your native language? Italian, unfortunately I do not speak it.
- Your favorite color M&M? I eat them so fast I couldn’t tell you.
- The Zombie Apocalypse is here! Who on your team survives, is the first killed, the one who has a plan to survive such an event, and the one who has secretly been a zombie all along. Everyone in the hockey house dies except Hite and Alex because they have zombie plans. Ernst dies prior to infection while cooking up too much crack. Elliot and Noah die by trying to bite zombies themselves. Mowrey and I fight until we’re starving and tired, and then get lazy and superman dive into a pile of zombies. Yen dies while dancing in the common room. Dave was a zombie the whole time. James was missing.
- Favorite holiday. Why? Christmas. Everyone is happy during the Holidays.
- If you owned your own hockey team, what would you name it? Cheese Wranglers
- Coke or Pepsi? Coke
- Do you prefer hot or cold weather? Hot
- Do you have a nickname? Nope.
- What is your signature dish? Kraft Dinner
- Most recorded show on your DVR? Sadly I don’t record TV
- If you were an animal which would you be? Pterodactyl
- What is the last book you read? The Sun Also Rises – Ernest Hemingway. Surprisingly no, it wasn’t for a class.
- What super power would you have? Fly
- Favorite pick up/wing-man line? –Without any introduction: “Have you met my friend?” compliments of Mike Mowrey
- Your favorite meal? Chipotle Burrito
- How did you decide on your jersey number? I chose 2 because it’s been a frequent part of my hockey life. Somehow, tryout after tryout and camp after camp, the number 2 always came up. I decided not to fight it, and just wear number 2.