After a successful weekend against Portland State University where Oregon came home with two wins by scores of 6-1 and 7-2, the Ducks lost 4-1 to defending Pac-8 champions Utah.
Utah, who already had seven games under their belt, looked to extend their winning streak to eight with tonight’s game. The Ducks on the other hand, looked to beat the team who they had lost to last season in the Pac-8 finals.
For the Ducks, it started with a rough first period. Just before the eight minute mark, Utah scored their first goal against goalie Danny Cockriel.
The celebration was cut short for the Utes after committing a tripping penalty five seconds after their goal and then getting a double penalty called on forward Josh Dangel for both tripping and unsportsmanlike conduct.
The Ducks were unable to capitalize on their power plays and Utah finished off the period with another two goals, leaving the score at 3-0.
Tensions rose in the second period as Utah’s offense went on a rampage, outshooting the Ducks 30-3.
Although the period remained scoreless for both teams, the Ducks logged two penalties, one for roughing, one for charging and a huge save.
The first penalty of the third period was given to defenseman Terran Donnelly when he retaliated after Utes player hit goalie Cockriel during a scuffle in front of the Oregon net. The charging call was given to rookie forward Matt Ackman after a check flattened a player on the ice.
Right when Oregon got back to even strength from the charging penalty, it looked as if Utah was going to increase their lead as a puck rocketed across the ice toward the Oregon goal.
It didn’t rocket fast enough.
Cockriel proved his skill when he nabbed the puck out of the air while it was already behind him and nearly in the back of the net.
The third period started off with an Oregon penalty which was first of what would become many penalties for both teams. The Ducks perservered though, improving their fore-check and with 9.23 seconds remaining the in the game, Alex Sulitzer scored Oregon’s first and only goal of the game.
Even though the first home game of the season went poorly for Oregon, captain Tyler Halverson believed it’s not something that foreshadows the future success of the team.
“We’ve only been together on the ice as a team for three practices,” he said. “We had our season opener against Portland State, who wasn’t the best competition, then stepped out on the ice against Utah, who has already played seven games against great competition. We knew they were going to come out pretty hot and heavy.”
“I think we can [beat their undefeated streak],” Halverson continued. “We’ve just got to come out with confidence. The guys were a little shaky tonight because they knew [Utah was good] and some of the rookies had heard how good this team was and that they were our main competition. If we can calm down, find our feet, and just play a gritty game, I really think we can take it to these guys. There were some moments of brilliance tonight. There really were.”