The small
chance of the Appalachian Club Hockey Team grabbing a playoff berth
is growing more probable with every game they play.
In a dramatic turn of events, Appalachian State University swept
a doubleheader Feb. 1 and Feb. 2 against Mary Washington College,
positioning the team to make one final charge toward the playoffs.
Appalachian held on to claim victory in the first game, outgunning
Mary Washington 9-8. The second game was another high scoring affair
and another Appalachian victory, 9-5.
The two wins have capped a remarkable five-game stretch where the
team has gone 5-0, including a victory against top-ranked Radford
University.
For the team to have a chance at sneaking into the tournament, they
must do well in their final four games.
Those games are doubleheaders, one against North Carolina State
University and one against Clemson University.
“We’re really hoping to make the playoffs,” said
leading scorer Andy Bullin.
“For us to make it, we really need to win the next four league
games.”
The sudden 180-degree turn from poor playing to great playing can
be attributed to a number of factors. In the Mountaineer’s
first six league games they were outscored 57-14. Their last five
games, they have outscored their opponents 36-22.
The scoring is up thanks to performances by Bullin and Bobby Hathaway.
The defense has also been spectacular. Goalie Brett Dabb’s
goals-per-game average has decreased from 9.5 before winter break
to 4.4 afterwards.
“We all started going to the gym a few nights a week together,
and that’s helped in the third period too,” Bullin said.
For ASU to have any chance at the playoffs, it will need to help
them in the last four games as well. |
