BYU hockey captain Adam Farero expressed his gratitude for the protection he and his family were afforded while traveling home from Colorado.
Farero was heading home after interviews for grad school when he, and his seven-months-pregnant wife, were cut off by a semi and struck another.
'Every single part of the car was smashed except for where we were sitting,' Farero said. 'The windows were destroyed, and we found a lug nut right on the steering wheel. It was a miracle we got here and a testimony of prayer.'
Despite the hectic events leading up to the game, Farero was able to put it all behind him and join his team for the last home game of the season and a 4-2 win over San Jose State on Saturday.
'On paper it seemed as if we were two pretty evenly matched teams,'
The Cougars started the game strong with two quick goals and continued dominating the game right until the final buzzer.
BYU forward Tate Cowley lit the lamp first early in the first period with a backhanded goal off a pass from freshman Tanner Gray which beat the SJSU goalie. Sophomore Mitch Facer scored the insurance marker just under seven minutes later on a scramble in front of the net.
The two-goal lead didn't last long, however, as San Jose fought back and tied the game in the second period, making it 2-2.
With the score tied at two heading into the third, the Cougars rallied together, battling for the home game win.
The Cougars hit the ice hard and the started the final period strong by scoring a quick goal within the opening minute and a second goal less than five minutes later, making the score 4-2.
San Jose continued to play tough until the final buzzer, but the two unanswered goals proved insurmountable and carried BYU to a victory.
The Cougars outshot San Jose State 61 to 27, demonstrating their strong positional play and ability to get the puck to the net.
'On paper it seemed as if we were two pretty evenly matched teams,' said BYU head coach Jeremy Weiss. 'However, our strong offensive ability, system play and goal tending gave us the edge we needed to come out on top.'
Despite the tough season the team faced, Weiss is optimistic about the future of BYU hockey.
'Most of our team is comprised of guys playing their first year of college hockey,' Weiss said. 'We have lots of talent, but we are lacking some experience. Next season is looking good as we have guys returning from missions and we'll have a greater maturity level.'
Justin Lees, a proud BYU hockey supporter, also expressed his excitement for next season.
'I've come out to almost every game this season because it's a lot of fun to watch these guys play,' Lees said. 'They're a young team I'm really looking forward to seeing their success next season.'
Along with the home-game win, BYU celebrated the graduation of three of its players.
Mark Boivin, Eric Peterson and Adam Farero were honored for their hard work as part of the team and given an ovation for their accomplishments.
The season isn't finished yet as BYU faces the University of Utah next week for its final game of the season.