ASU Hockey: Sun Devils fall in overtime against Alaska-Anchorage in NCAA opener

The Arizona State Sun Devils held a 2-1 lead in the third period last night against Alaska-Anchorage in their first of two games as part of the Kendall Hockey Classic, a lead that would eventually go away.

The Sun Devils found themselves behind the eight ball, trailing 1-0 into the first intermission. Freshman Jack Rowe got the Sun Devils even at the 16:46 mark in the second period, assisted by junior forward Ryan Belonger and freshman d-man Joey Raats on the power play. By way of a 14-shot period, the Sun Devils were all square heading into the final frame.

Five minutes into the third period, the Sun Devils took their first lead of the night after a goal from senior captain Liam Norris, assisted by Eric Rivard and Jordan Masters. Later in the period, Anchorage was able to get even and force overtime.

In their first NCAA game, the Sun Devils needed extra time to decide a winner. With 2:44 separating the Sun Devils and Anchorage from a shootout, Anchorage forward Brad Duwe put home the game-winner for Alaska.

Despite the loss, Robert Levin looked good once again stopping 37 of the 40 shots that came his way. Without that performance from Levin, the Sun Devils wouldn't have gotten to OT. So even though the Sun Devils lost, Levin earns the player of the game honors here.

ASU will take the ice again Saturday evening at 5 pm to take on Alaska-Fairbanks.