By Matthew Hargreaves
The IceCats are hoping that recent success on the road trip to California will bleed into their crucial game against Utah State this week.
Provo returns from the sunshine state with a win and tie against their last two opponents, but the Aggies look to be a much tougher team.
“They are just a very good overall team,” assistant coach Timmy Chou said. “They aren”t the biggest team, but they just do everything very efficiently.”
The IceCats are working on being more efficient on defense, really working to keep the puck away from the opposing team.
“We”re really going to watch for Robert Hashimoto streaking in from the left side,” assistant coach Pat Perrett said.
Greg Howard and Deryk Anderson are two other forwards that the IceCats will have to contain if they wish to win the game.
In 18 games, Howard has recorded 40 points, and Anderson has recorded 38.
Offensively, the team wants to spread the puck around to different players and give their defensemen enough time to make the right pass.
Following the game Thursday night, the IceCats come home to the Peaks Ice Arena for two home games against the University of New Mexico IceWolves.
Provo handled the IceWolves easily last season and are looking forward to improving their record in the American Collegiate Hockey Association”s west division.
The top four teams from each division advance to the ACHA”s national championship. Currently, the IceCats rank 9th in the division, but they can gain a lot of ground with three victories this weekend.
Friday”s game will also mark a special occasion for the IceCats as they will have the game broadcast over a Web cast.
Amy Fager, the team”s manager, said the families of the players are excited to watch the game.
“Most of the players live over on the East Coast, so it will be a chance for the families to watch their kids play.”
