The USD hockey team looked to bounce back after a shaky start to pick up their first win this weekend at home against Colorado College and the University of Wyoming.
The first game on Saturday night was against Colorado College. The Coyotes took the early lead in the first period, but would end up dropping their 13th loss of the season 8-4. Sophomore Reid Meierkort scored first, followed by goals from freshman Garrett Califano, senior Chase Kinchen, and sophomore Jordan Heckenlaible.
‘The game was definitely a new experience,’ sophomore goalie Collin Smith said. ‘I had to trust everyone in front of me and having a lack of players, I took a lot of shots on goal.’
The second game on Sunday afternoon wasn’t what the team was hoping for either. Wyoming came out strong and they ended up shutting out USD for the Coyotes’ 14th loss on the season.
‘We had some bumps and bruises from the night before,’ Smith said. ‘Wyoming came out to play and they made a statement, and we weren’t able to keep up with them.’
Coach Anthony Hegstrom was impressed with Smith’s first performances of the year.
‘I thought that Collin did a excellent job this weekend,’ Hegstrom said. ‘Our whole team was really impressed with how Collin stepped up in goal.’
The hockey team will have their next home game against Dordt College on Jan. 22, which is ranked fourth in the American Collegiate Hockey Association.
‘We need everyone to be there,’ Hegstrom said. ‘Dordt is definitely one of the best teams that we will play this year. We are going to have a work on a few things, but we need to come out prepared to play against Dordt.’
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