Utah Falls Short in Logan

December 9, 2013 Logan, UT Defense is said to win championships in all sports, including the game of hockey. For the second game in a row the #4 Utah Skatin’ Utes’ defense failed to show as the Utes fell 7-5 to #2 Utah State in Logan on Friday. It’s the most goals allowed by the Skatin’ Utes this year and now makes it 13 goals allowed in the last two games for the Utes. In perspective, the Utes have given up that many goals in their previous seven games before the current two-game losing span. Devan Betts picked up his second loss of the season with 39 saves on 46 shots, filling in for Chris Komma who is still out with a concussion. The Aggies found the back of the net early and often, putting up five goals in the first half of the game to take a 5-0 lead halfway through the second period. Chase McDonald was able to stop the bleeding with a goal of his own at the 10:06 mark but the Utes gave up a late goal in the second to to trail 6-1 after two periods. Utah’s offense finally came to life in the third period as the Utes outscored the Aggies 4-1 in the final period to make it a two goal loss, which is the largest margin of defeat the Utes have suffered this season. Despite the close score the Aggies controlled most of the game, outshooting the Utes 46-32 in the game. With the loss, Utah State now leads the season series two games to one with one game remaining. The two teams will meet in Salt Lake City in January for their final meeting. Utah fell to 17-6 on the season while Utah State improved to 14-4-1. The loss also continues the streak of the home teams in games between Utah, Utah State, and Weber State. In all contests between these three teams, the home team has a 9-0-1 record. Ryan Huras had the best point total for the Utes, picking up two goals in the game. He now has 12 goals on the year, which leads all defensemen. Shaymus Bertagnolli and Josh Dangel also had two points in the game with Bertagnolli tallying a goal and assist while Dangel had two assists. The Utes wrap up the first semester this weekend at home against Boise State on Friday and at BYU on Saturday before the Utes take the rest of the month off for the Christmas holiday.