ASU Hockey: Powers picks up two more additions for the fall

On Thursday, Sun Devil hockey made news with the announcement of Gage Mackie’s early arrival on campus in the fall, but after yet another big announcement, head coach Greg Powers reeled in two more new faces to the program as well.

In continuing the already big day, the Sun Devils welcomed forward Andrew Taverner and goaltender Michael DePhillips to the team on Thursday.

Taverner is transferring to ASU from Quinnipiac University where he spent the last three seasons. He tallied 32 points (15 G, 17 A) over 93 games in his career as a Bobcat. Prior to his time at Quinnipiac, Taverner played for the Sherwood Park Crusaders where he recorded 106 total points (50 G, 56 A) over 150 games spread across three seasons.

Following his time in Sherwood Park, Taverner garnered tons of attention. Going from 12 points (5 G, 7A) his first year to 32 (17 G, 15 A) in his second and finally 62 (28 G, 34 A) in his third and final season, Taverner increased his scoring per season exponentially over his time as a Crusader.

His experience at the NCAA level as a member of a Quinnipiac team that made it all the way to the National Championship in 2016 will be welcomed with open arms by the youthful Sun Devil squad.

Goalie Michael “Mike” DePhillips was also welcomed to the team yesterday. DePhillips will look to fill the gap left by Robert Levin following his graduation and subsequent departure from the team.

DePhillips played his junior hockey in the same league as his now ASU teammate Austin Lemieux in the USPHL Premier where he was a member of the P.A.L. Junior Islanders.

In just 18 regular season appearances DePhillips had a record of 7-6-1 with a .923 SV %, an impressive feat considering his team finished in second to last place in the USPHL Premier.

DePhillips’s goals against average of 3.19 was less than stellar, but in just 18 appearances he faced 581 shots — an average of roughly 32 shots per game. He made on average 30 saves per game, so all thing considered, the Sun Devils should feel good about having DePhillips pontetially defend the four-by-six in the near future.

It was a busy day all-in-all for ASU hockey as the team welcomed three new players to the fold as they prepare for their third season as an NCAA program with both excitement and expectations surrounding the team at an all-time high.