The BYU Cougar Hockey team lost 14–1 to the Utah State Aggies in Logan Nov. 15, showing that its season is starting to struggle with the prolonged absence of injured players.
BYU has faced an increasing amount of adversity this season. The team started the season with only 19 players including three goalies, which is significantly fewer players than what most teams have. BYU head coach Josh Burkart said they played the Aggies only having eight forwards and four defenders.
Playing with so few game in and game out is taking its toll on BYU, both physically and mentally.
“The guys that are here, they’re working their butts off,” Burkart said.
Burkart expressed frustration that more players from previous teams did not return this season, knowing that simply having more players would help the success of the Cougars. Burkart said he’s proud of his players’ work ethic, especially in such circumstances.
BYU will continue its road trip Nov. 21 against Boise State.