Utah Wraps Up First Semester With BSU, BYU

December 12, 2013 Salt Lake City, UT Revenge and Holy War bragging rights are on the line for the 4th ranked Utah Skatin’ Utes this weekend as they wrap up the first semester with games against Boise State and BYU. Friday’s game will be the final home game before the winter break as the Utes will look to avenge their loss in the Beehive Showcase against the Boise State Broncos. BSU was able to pick up a 3-1 win over the Utes back in November which was was their first ever win against Utah in the state of Utah. With a full and healhty bench this time around, the Utes will look to even the score and send the home fans hoem for the holidays with a win. Boise State will come into the contest as one of the hottest teams in the ACHA West Division. With an impressive 6-0-2 record since the end of October, the Broncos are expected to crack the top 10 of the next ACHA rankings which will be released over the break. As for the Utes, they will be looking to snap the two-game skid they’re on after losing 6-5 to #5 Northern Arizona and 7-5 #2 Utah State. Goaltender Chris Komma is expected to be back in net after missing the last two games with a concussion which adds to the returns of forwards Beau Bertagnolli and Chase McDonald, both of which missed the last game against Boise State. Friday’s game is also Utah’s 1st Annual Teddy Bear Toss night at the Utah Ice Sheet. Fans are asked to bring a new or slightly used teddy bear or small stuffed animal and throw them onto the ice after Utah scores its first goal. The stuffed animals will be donated to various charities in the Salt Lake City area. The game on Friday starts at 8:15pm at the Salt Lake City Sports Complex. After the game against Boise State, attention shifts to Provo as the Utes and Cougars meet for Game 3 of this year’s Holy War Series. Utah currently leads the series 2-0 after winning both contests all the way back in September. The Utes lead the all-time series 21-19 and have won 15 straight against the Cougars. BYU has had a rough go of it this season, posting a 2-21 record so far this season. They have lost 13 straight and will look for their first win against Utah in over two years. With a win on Saturday, the Utes will win this year’s Holy War Series with only one game remaining this year. It will mark the fourth straight year the Utes have won the rivalry title. Saturday’s game is at 7pm and will be broadcasted here. The Utes are 17-6 on the year with only 9 games left on the season after this weekend’s games before the PAC-8 Championships in February. The Utes have already clinched the PAC-8 North Division title and will be one of the top teams at February’s championships. The Utes will look to make one final statement this weekend before the third ACHA Rankings come out over the holiday season. Rookie Josh Dangel continues to lead the Utes in all stat categories and is currently tied for 10th in the nation in points and tied for 14th in goals. Chris Komma has slid back into the top five in the nation at number five in save percentage with .933 and ninth in goals allowed average with 2.03.