Hockey team sweeps in Provo

The Weber State University Hockey Team swept its three games at the Western Showcase last weekend, held in Provo, to prepare for some important upcoming games. The Wildcats annihilated Utah Valley University and Boise State University, 13-3 and 17-2 respectively. They faced a tougher task against the host team Brigham Young University, but, powered by a huge third period, came back to beat the Cougars 7-4. The Wildcats now shift their focus to a key roadtrip to Colorado this weekend. The 'Cats will take on Colorado State University Friday, and the University of Colorado Saturday. CSU finished last season ranked third in the ACHA West Region, and Colorado finished first in the region. "We didn't want anyone picking up any bad habits," said Wildcat Head Coach Steve Soto about last weekend's performances, "going back to playing the way they were in summer league games. We definitely had to keep an intense level, especially with the weekend we're about to have. These Colorado teams are definitely going to be a test of how we're going to do in the rankings. The points in these games are huge." The first rankings of the season will be posted at the end of the month. The Wildcats are 6-4 this season, but the rankings - which are voted on by the league's coaches - are weighed considerably by strength of schedule and becomes a game of who-beats-who. So, beating the two perennial powerhouses in the region this weekend would be huge for the Wildcats. "We want to leave our mark on those teams and let the whole league know that we're for real," Soto said. The Wildcats have had to battle the injury bug throughout the early part of the season, and still have a few players out. A few more players picked up minor injuries last weekend, but Soto said those players are still probable for the coming weekend. "Hopefully we'll get them out on the ice this week," he said, "but if not, we'll just roll with what we've got and do the best we can." Rolling with what they've got, the 'Cats have relied on different players to carry the offensive and defensive loads throughout the season. Last weekend was an evidence of that. "Everyone had points," Soto said. "There wasn't really anyone who stood out more than another player." One player Soto was watching closely, however, was Tucker Dougherty, a freshman from Alaska recently added to the Wildcat roster to help fill what's become a short bench. "He's a great player, a good pickup," Soto said. "We're excited to have him." Dougherty, a forward, quickly proved his worth and jumped up to the Wildcat first line, on the wing with Dave Lorenzon and Ian Soldano. Soto gave all three of his goaltenders time between the pipes over the weekend as Kyle Gover started one game, Oliver Freij started another and Derek Bekins another. Following this weekend's action in Colorado, the Wildcats will face BYU in Provo again on Oct. 31. The 'Cats return home for what will be their first home game in 34 days when the University of Utah visits the Weber County Ice Sheet Nov. 7. On Nov. 14th the 'Cats will host Utah State University at 8 p.m.