Ryan Hoeke skates with the puck into the offensive zone during BYU's game against Weber State. (Elliott Miller)
The BYU hockey team ended its home season on a sour note, losing 5-4 in a shootout Thursday night against Weber State.
'Both teams locked down and played very solid defensive hockey, and I wasn't surprised that the game went into overtime,' BYU Head Coach Ed Gantt said. 'The guys played great, and they were positive throughout.'
In an evenly matched game, Weber State and BYU battled back and forth throughout the first period for a scoreless tie.
The second period started much the same until Weber State took control by scoring back-to-back goals within minutes of each other. The Cougars rallied back to put in their first goal of the game, which was credited to senior Josh Patrick and assisted by Robbie Graul.
An exciting third period saw Weber State score right away, only for BYU's Axel Boyer to respond with a goal a minute later. Boyer then tied the game after two more minutes of play on a goal assisted by Ben Gantt. The duo later reversed roles as Gantt scored on an assist from Boyer, giving the team a 4-3 lead.
'We kept our intensity, and we all battled back,' Coach Gantt said. 'We haven't played Weber this close in a long time.'
Weber State tied the game with nine minutes left in the period, which eventually sent the game into overtime. Both teams remained scoreless as the extra five minutes dried up, sending the game to a shootout.
After BYU and Weber State missed their first three attempts, the Wildcats were successful on their fourth, leaving it up to Ryan Hoeke to respond. Hoeke proceeded to make a clutch goal, continuing the shootout. Weber State then scored on the fifth attempt, and BYU was not able to answer.
Thursday night's game was the last home game for Senior Josh Patrick.
'Our team is really different than any other teams. The guys are amazing. It's great to get to know them and play with them,' Patrick said. 'I'm happy with the way we're ending the season, and hopefully we'll be able to get a couple of wins before our season ends.'
The Cougars play Weber State again tomorrow, Feb. 13, in Ogden before finishing their season against Utah State next week in Logan.