ASU Hockey Recruiting: Sun Devils Sign Defenseman Alex Temby

Arizona State hockey finished their season with a Final Four appearance in the National Tournament, and now it is time to add to an already proven program. The 2013 recruiting class is expected to be one of the biggest and best classes under head coach Greg Powers.

Powers officially announced that Alex Temby will join the Sun Devils in the fall. The 6-foot, 190-pound defenseman played in the prestigious North American Hockey League (NAHL) for three years and won a National Championship with the Texas Tornado in 2012

"Alex was a huge get for us. Players with his ability coupled with tremendous character and leadership ability do not come around often. Alex will be a difference maker from the minute he steps into our locker-room," Powers said. "We are very fortunate he chose to be a Sun Devil."

Temby has always been a defensive-minded blueliner, but he has worked on his offensive skills the last two seasons to be more of a two-way skater. He is a well-rounded defenseman whose best attributes on the ice are his skating ability and vision.

"Throughout my career, I have always taken pride in my defensive play. Over the last couple years, I have tried to emphasize contributing on the offensive side of the game whether it be joining the rush or getting quality shots on net," Temby said.

In the past two seasons, Temby scored five goals and tallied 18 assists. Six of those points came on the power play, but what's more impressive over that span is that he accumulated a plus-14 rating.

Coach Powers got some help from his newest assistant captain Jordan Young in bringing in the talented freshman.

"After talking to Coach Powers, visiting the campus, and discussing with my longtime friend Jordan Young, I immediately knew ASU was a great fit for me athletically and academically," Temby said. "I have played with and against Jordan since peewees and I respect his opinion. He introduced me to the program and had nothing but positive things to say about it."

So perhaps Jordan Young is as much to thank for bringing in the Littleton, Colorado native to Arizona State. So what is it like to have two long-time buddies reunited for the first time in a few years?

"It's awesome having him come down here (to Arizona State). Not only has he been a good buddy for a long time, but he's a stud on D. It would be a treat to play along side of him," Young commented on the signing.

Temby does not get beat very often on one-on-one situations and he is very good at making outlet passes from the defensive zone.

Even though Ryan Clark, Brian Parson and Darcy Charrois are all graduating on defense, Temby is expected to come in to Tempe and make an immediate impact.

"He adds that experienced defenseman who won a championship before so he will step right in and be an example," Young said.

"I hope to contribute to the team in any way possible in order to help bring national championships back to Tempe," Temby responded.

Temby is expecting more than one championship in his four years at Arizona State and with the team he has around him, that may not be so farfetched of a comment. The Sun Devils are fortunate to have such a talented player joining their organization.

FAST FACTS:

Twitter: @tembinobambino

Nickname: Tembs

Major: Marketing, WP Carey School of Business

Favorite Hockey Moment: Winning the NAHL National Championship with the Texas Tornado

What got you started in hockey?: My next door neighbors (has played since he was five)

Favorite Hockey Team: Colorado Avalanche

Favorite Hockey Player: Kris Letang

Favorite Sports Team (other than hockey): Denver Broncos

What other sports did you play: Lacrosse, Soccer, Track

Fun Facts: Likes to wakeboard, attending concerts and he loves shoes

Drafted by the Fargo Force and the Youngstown Phantoms in the United States Hockey League (USHL) Entry Draft in 2009 and 2010, respectively.