The Oregon club hockey team earned itself a healthy shot of self-confidence in beating Western Washington, 5-3, Saturday.
The Vikings returned home with a split as they captured the 4-2 win on Friday.
“We had two great games,” said Oregon captain Tyler Shaffar. “Both teams are almost identical in style and talent.”
The similarities meant that the Ducks had to push the metal to the ice and execute, which has been the theme of last week’s team practices.
“Everyone skated really hard,” Shaffar said of Saturday’s game. “Friday, we felt like we could have won. We dominated the third period, but we started too late.”
That game’s first period ended with a one-one tie. Then the Vikings shoved it in three times in what Shaffar labeled as “stupid goals.” The Ducks dragged until the third period before they found the groove and scored again.
On Saturday, the intensity of the Ducks topped that of the Vikings.
With starting goalie Josh Hardin back in business, Oregon confidently dominated the ice. Although the Ducks were down 1-0 by the end of the first period, they put it together and skated their way to a 3-1 lead.
Western had a chance to get in two goals for a 3-3 tie, but Oregon took advantage of a power play, scored and ended the third period with the 5-3 win.
While Shaffar is content with the entire team’s performance, defenseman Rob Starkey, who had two assists on Saturday and an all-around outstanding game on Friday, stood out, Shaffar said.
“Rob played awesome both games,” Shaffar said. “We needed other guys to step up, and he did.”
Other highlights were Mike Tornabene and Andrew Belcher, who each recorded two points Saturday, and Shaffar, who had three assists.
UO hockey splits two with Western
Daily Emerald
December 3, 2000
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