The 2012-13 Arizona State hockey recruiting class was arguably the best class in program history. Head coach Greg Powers gets to boast his talented recruits next season when ASU looks to improve on its semifinal finish this year.
A couple skaters could be deserving of winning the newcomer of the year award, but one forward in particular stands out and he continued a family legacy of playing at Arizona State.
Sophomore Faiz Khan had a very productive year in his first as a Sun Devil despite missing approximately a month back in December due to a hand injury. The Newhall, California native played in 35 games and finished ninth on the team with 27 points.
"I can't measure in anyway how much Faiz means to our team," head coach Greg Powers said. "He is tremendously skilled offensively, incredibly sound and responsible defensively. He can work the power play, penalty kill, and literally anything else I ask."
Khan accumulated 13 goals, averaging .371 goals per game. Out of the recruiting class, only Stephen Collins had a higher goals per game average with a .628.
Khan spent the majority of the second half on the team's top line alongside Colin Hekle and Dan Styrna when they were healthy. Despite Hekle missing every game but one in the month of February, Khan finished tied for a team high with four goals and he also had two assists that month.
"He is positive in the room and is one of the most popular team guys we have," Powers said.
The Sun Devils boasted arguably the best line in the American Collegiate Hockey Association and it is not a surprise that Khan is on that explosive line. Be prepared Sun Devil fans to hear a lot about Khan next season as the team looks for back-to-back top three ranking to start the season.
Khan also scored two goals and tallied two more assists in the Penn State series back as the calendars turned from November to December.
He had two assists in the National Tournament and he will continue to grow into a talented forward who can play either the wing or center in his remaining two years as a Sun Devil.
"Faiz is a building block. He is a piece we can build around and I couldn't be more thrilled I get to see him play as a Sun Devil for two more years," Powers said.
If you aren't convinced, then take a look at some of these phenomenal goals and notice that all of these goals came at a big time during the game, especially the eventual game winner against the Wildcats.