Omaha hockey falls to Arizona State

TEMPE, Ariz. – Ryan Alexander had a goal and an assist as Arizona State earned its first NCHC victory, beating Omaha 3-2 on Saturday at Mullet Arena.

The win snapped a split for the Sun Devils (4-7-1, 1-3-0 in the NCHC) after the Mavericks won 4-2 on Friday to snap a six-game losing streak.

Arizona State, the NCHC’s newest team, outscored the Mavs 44-22 on Saturday and UNO (3-7-0, 1-3-0) goalie Kevin Reidler made 41 saves.

But after pulling within one on Marcus Broberg’s goal with 7:38 left, UNO ultimately couldn’t find the equalizer.

The Sun Devils took a 1-0 lead in the first on Artem Shlaine’s goal, but Omaha pulled even just under four minutes into the second period when Sam Strange scored on a 2-on-1 rush.

But Arizona State answered less than three minutes later on Alexander’s goal.

David Hymovitch gave ASU breathing room with his goal 1:18 into the third period.

Broberg then scored on a wrist shot from the slot to make it 3-2.

UNO killed four penalties, but the Mavs also came up empty on their three power-play attempts.

The Mavs return home for a two-game series against Miami beginning Friday at 19:07 at Baxter Arena.