Arizona State hockey has simply decided to not allow any goals next year.
That seems to be the plan with the influx of defensemen recruits. The latest is Ed McGovern, a Scottsdale native who becomes the third blue liner of the offseason to come to Arizona State.
"Eddie is a leader on and off of the ice, he exemplifies what we want in our program in every way," coach Greg Powers said in a statement. "Eddie is the kind of kid who can take our program to the next level with the presence he brings. He's that good."
Very excited to add another local standout @BardownMcGovern to the ASU Family. Welcome home Eddie! #wedontrebuildwereload, @ASUD1Hockey
— Greg Powers (@asucoachpowers) June 16, 2014
McGovern comes from the United States Hockey League, a league whose alumni include current Sun Devils Sean Murphy, Drew Newmeyer, Jordan Young and Connor Schmidt. It is considered one of the top junior hockey leagues in the nation.
"It helps playing with a couple of the guys, knowing them, asking them their experience and everything," McGovern said. "They kind of helped me out as well."
McGovern spent three years with Sioux Falls Stampede of the USHL, where last season he totaled eight goals and 17 assists for 25 points in 60 games. Before Sioux Falls, he played with the Phoenix Jr. Coyotes, and the allure to come home was too much for him resist.
McGovern joins a young core at the back end of the ice, which includes junior captain Brett Blomgren, junior assistant captain Young, sophomores Newmeyer, Alex Temby, Jarrod Levos, Troy Hoban and incoming freshmen Gianni Mangone and Schmidt. Throw in sophomore goalie Robert Levin, fresh off a Rookie of the Year award and ACHA tournament MVP, and goals will be at a premium for the Sun Devils' opponents.
McGovern said he wasn't scared off by the level of competition he will be competing against forn playing time.
"I take it like a challenge," he said. "I'm kind of the guy that puts in work every day and earn my spot, and I look forward to doing that."
Powers sees it as a good problem to have.
"Our depth at that position is scary," Powers said. "I believe without any shadow of a doubt that our ‘D' core is the best the ACHA has ever seen."