January 14, 2017
Provo, UT
The University of Utah Skatin’ Utes begin the second semester on the road this Saturday night a they take on the BYU Cougars for the final time this season. With just a couple of games left until the field of 20 is set for the National Championship tournament in Columbus, here’s a look at what to expect between the Utes and Cougars in Provo.
ABOUT THE SERIES:
Saturday’s game is the 52nd meeting between Utah and BYU since the Utes came back to the ACHA in 2006. Utah currently leads the all-time series 31-19-1. The Utes also have a 26-game unbeaten streak over BYU, a streak that dates back to February of 2011. The Utes beat BYU in Salt Lake in the first meeting this season, an 8-2 win on Teddy Bear Toss night in December
ABOUT THE UTES:
The Utes are coming off their winter break after finishing 2016 with a five-game winning streak across all competitions. The last game for Utah was back on December 10th when the Utes got the 2-0 win at Utah State, their first shutout in Logan in team history. Utah is 12-7 on the season and is 10-0 against Division II opponents this season. The Utes are ranked 28th in the latest ACHA Division I computer rankings that were released this week, just eight spots away from clinching a spot at Nationals.
ABOUT THE COUGARS:
The BYU Cougars began their second semester last weekend as they played host to Utah State last Saturday, picking up a 2-1 win over the Aggies. It’s the first time in ten years that the Cougars have beaten the Aggies. BYU is 8-7-2 on the season after their 13-2 win vs Utah Valley last night in Provo. The Cougars have won three straight games, with their last loss coming to Utah 8-2 back in December. The Cougars are ranked 14th in the latest ACHA Division II West Regional rankings, just two spots out of the ACHA West Regional tournament which will happen in February in Greeley, CO.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
FOR UTAH:
Brett Myer leads the Utes in scoring with 30 points so far on the season and also leads the team in assists with 21. Alex King is the leading goal scorer for Utah, with the rookie scoring 12 goals on the season. All three goalies for Utah are undefeated against Division II opponents this season, with Chris Komma posting a 2.65 GAA and .925 save %, Jared Manzella with a 3.89 GAA and .899 save %, and Patrick Kasper with a 3.00 GAA and .875 save %.
FOR BYU:
Ben Gannt and Axel Boyer are tied for the team lead in points with 23 each. Boyer leads the team in goals with 14 this season and Payden Tanner leads the team in assists with 11. BYU has had three different goaltenders so far this season as well. Brandon Ward (2-4, 4.13 GAA, .908 save %) was in net the last time these two teams met, and was pulled after allowing 4 goals in the first period of Utah’s 8-2 win. Ward was also in net for their win over Utah State last weekend, stopping 35 of 36 shots.
Saturday night’s game is at the Seven Peaks Ice Arena in Provo, UT and will start at 7pm MT. The game will be streamed live on BYU’s feed with Black Dog Enterprises.
