Instant Reaction: Arizona State beats St. Cloud State in NCHC Kickoff 3-2, Take Friday Series Opener

Instant Reaction: Arizona State beats St. Cloud State in NCHC Kickoff 3-2, Take Friday Series Opener

In Dave Hakstol's return to the NCHC, he'll be treated with a win.

The Sun Devils defeat St. Cloud State on the road in a tightly contested game, edging the Huskies 3-2 with a 3rd period goal from Jack Beck.

Fast Start

Arizona State got off to a quick start in the state of hockey, scoring via their captain Kyle Smolen less than seven minutes in to the contest. It was the first of two goals they would net in the opening frame, as Ben Murthersbaugh was able to follow up an assist on the first goal, with a goal of his own in the final two minutes of the period.

The two Sun Devil scores were split by two goals for the Huskies, as their leading scorer Gayvn Thoreson, along with Noah Urness, were able to give St. Cloud State a brief 2-1 lead.

After a four goal first, the scoring grinded to a halt, as the next would be the game winner. On a long shot from the point, it was originally what looked like Rylan Brown's first goal of the year, before being corrected to Jack Beck's tuck, that helped propel Arizona State to their third win under Dave Hakstol in as many games.

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