Another chapter in the rivalry between CSU and CU-Boulder ended Saturday with the Rams embarrassing the Buffaloes in a 9-2 win at the NoCO Ice Center.
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Starting out strong in the first five minutes, freshman Connor Tamai put the first point on the board with 11:34 in the first period from a pass up the center from senior Ben Smoot.
But CU kept it close as they tied it nine minutes later.
CSU couldn’t stay out of the penalty box in the second period, as the Ram’s were called for elbowing, roughing and tripping.
Although no goals were scored during a power play, CSU needs to look at the time served in the box as a weakness in the upcoming games against ACHA Division I DU and Utah.
The Rams scored two goals in the first two minutes of the second period to increase their lead to 5-2.
“We knew coming in that CU’s season was almost over and that they were struggling,” Tamia said. “The best thing is keep it simple and work as a team.”
Colorado State shut down the Buffaloes offense during third period and caused CU to put in the back up goalkeeper.
Head Coach, Kelly Newton remained composed knowing that Saturday’s game against DU’s club team will prove more challenging.
“It is important for us to come out and play a good 60 minutes,” he said. “Today we played the first five minutes and then backed off after the first goal… we were too
fancy for the crowd.”
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CSU came in on a three game losing streak to Oklahoma over the weekend, so today served as a confidence builder in the up coming games against DU and Utah.
“Today is a big win and tomorrow needs to be too,” Newton said. “We need to win the next six games in order to punch our tickets for nationals.”
Although Friday was a big confidence booster, coaches and teammates remained focused for the upcoming games.
“We need to knock them off one at a time,” Parker Harrison said. “It is about tightening up and focusing.” Harrison stopped a breakaway by the Buffs and scored one goal during the third period.
CSU will host DU tonight at 7:35 p.m. at the NoCo Ice Rink and challenge CU again on Feb. 12 for an orange out.
“It will be a tough game tomorrow, and we need to focus on the first 20 minutes, and then look to the next 20 minutes,” Newton said.
