TEMPE, Ariz. – Augustana hockey (7-12-3) fell short to No. 16 Arizona State (17-6-5) in a Saturday night thriller inside Mullett Arena, 3-2. 

Augustana started the game short-handed as the Vikings were assigned a two-minute minor for delay of game due to a player staying on the ice too long during warmups. AU battled through the opening penalty before Uula Ruikka potted the first goal of the game off a shot from the point. Ruikka's goal was assisted by Colton Friesen and Ryan Naumovski. 

ASU bounced back in the second period as it tied the game three minutes into play off a shot from Tim Lovell. The Sun Devils gained their first lead of the game 40 seconds later as Charlie Schoen took advantage of an Augustana turnover and made the game 2-1 headed into the third period. 

Sophomore Ben Troumbly netted his third of the season out in front off a pass from Brett Meerman as Augustana tied the game 2-2. The Sun Devils controlled the pace of play as Brian Chambers found himself alone in front of the net as he scored the eventual game-winner five-hole on Josh Kotai. 

Head coach Garrett Raboin made a last ditch effort in the third period as he pulled Kotai with just over 2:30 to play. The Vikings fired a handful of shots but ASU held on for the win by a score of 3-2. 

Game Moments

• Augustana recorded 29 shots through three periods as Uula Ruikka tallied a team-high five shots. 
• Josh Kotai stopped 27 shots in his 10th career game. 
• Five different Vikings secured points.

Goals

• Uula Ruikka opened up the game with a shot from the point for his fourth of the season. 
• Tim Lovell tied the game for ASU in the start of the second period as he generated offensive momentum for the Sun Devils. 
• Charlie Schoen scored ASU's second goal of the game to take a 2-1 lead into the third period. 
• Ben Troumbly ripped in his third of the season off a pass from Brett Meerman. 
• Brian Chambers scored the game-winner as he secured ASU's 17th win of the season. 

Up Next
Augustana returns home to open Midco Arena on Friday, Jan. 26 and Saturday, Jan. 27 against Ferris State at 7:07 p.m. and 6:07 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at GoAugie.com/HockeyTickets.