Two struggling hockey teams meet this week as BYU takes on Boise State.
Boise State has lost six games in a row, having started three goaltenders this season. BYU is still looking for its first win of the season and will start freshman Taylor Barr in goal for his second start of the season as the Cougars and Broncos meet in a two-game series Friday and Saturday in Boise.
“I’d give ourselves a B- so far, because the last few games have been a lot more competitive, but we need to do more to get over the hump and pile up some wins,” forward Tate Cowley said.
[/media-credit]BYU has enjoyed success against Boise State. The Cougars beat the Broncos in three of their last four games last year, bya combined score of 19-15. BYU was also able to win both games in Boise, 5-3 and 5-4.
The Cougars need to find a way to get the puck on the sticks of forwards Cam Hymas and Tate Cowley. Hymas has five goals with two assists, and Cowley has two goals with five assists in seven games this season.
“Our goalies have been playing well, but our offense needs to score more goals,” Cowley said.
The team has to play strong behind its new starting goaltender. Former goaltender Jesse Welch left the team last week, but the team feels confident with Barr between the posts.
“It feels exciting to start,” Barr said. “I’ve been practicing my quickness and techniques to just prepare for the game.”
Coach Jeremy Weiss is not able to make the trip this weekend, but former player Ryan Newton, who is helping the team by coaching this season, will man the bench for the Cougars.
“I’ll be saying the same things coach Weiss would because we’re just preaching the system to the team,” Newton said. “There will be a little more responsibility because I’ll be having to make the decisions, so it’ll be a new experience.”
Boise State has relied on forward Eric Haskins for its goals this season. He has scored six goals, which is 40 percent of the Broncos’ scoring.
“They have a reputation as a physical team, sort of like Weber State,” Cowley said. “So we are just going to have to go out there and have more character than they do so we can get that win.”
The games, although on the road, are available for fans to watch by clicking on the links found on byuhockey.org. The starting time is 7:30 p.m. for both games.
