Central Washington University and the ice hockey team at the University
of Washington both set skates down on Olympicview Arena ice with a
much different attitude than the night before, where Central was out
skated in every aspect of the game. This attitude resulted in a much
more physical game and a seemingly revived CWU team, however even
with the new attitude carried by the Wildcats resulted in another
lopsided loss of 15-0.

Following the rout that occurred last night of 29-0, the Wildcats came to
Olympiview with a different attitude. Coming out strong, CWU defenders
Ryan Harvey and James Hogan started delivering checks that the Dawgs
haven’t seen yet this season.

Also improving on his dismal performance yesterday was Central
Goaltender Aaron Harvey. Shots that seemed to get past him without
resistance on Friday started to find his blocker and his stick. Harvey
improved on last night’s performance, only allowing four goals in the first
period, opposed to the nine that he allowed the night before.

However, it was still too much for the visiting Wildcats as Husky forward
Sean O’Brien scored his second consecutive hat trick, putting his season
total at 10 goals. Captain Brett Lawrence also chipped in with another
hat trick and two assists, raising his season point total to 17.

In the first period, it took the Huskies a little longer than expected to
start lighting up the scoreboard. At 16:27, Husky forward Charlie Walters
redirected a Jamie O’Brien shot from the blue line past goalie Aaron
Harvey. Walters was able to put the blade of his stick in the air while
falling to change the path of the puck and effectively fool the CWU
goaltender.

Later in the 1st period, tempers flared as the new found aggression in
the CWU offense got a little too close to UW goalie Matt Harrow. A
scuffle broke out in front of the Husky net, with Harrow’s helmet and
equipment getting caught up in the action. Harrow took exception to this
and got into the scrum that was quickly dissipated by the officials on the
ice.

Wildcat defenders Nate Harlan and Ryan Harvey were both sent to the
box for roughing, and Washington defender Doug Faust along with
forward Charlie Walters were sent to the box for roughing. Walters
served the penalty for Harrow.

“In a game like this, it’s really hard when sticks get flying and fists get
going, but that is part of the game. What we want to do is try to stay
out of the penalty box and do the right things,” Coach Cindy Dayley
concerning the incident.

The second period also was no stranger to physical play. With 32
seconds remaining, Central Defender James Hogan was ejected from
the game for spearing Husky defender TJ Anderson. Anderson was sent
to the box for the roughing retaliation, and CWU utility man Joey Dilley
served time in the box for Hogan’s ejection.

However, the second period was different for the Huskies offensively as
they adjusted their systems from the first. Husky sharp shooting broke
the Wildcats back with seven goals, including two more shorthanded
goals to up the season total to four. Within 15 seconds of each other,
the deadly combination of Brett Lawrence and Sean O’Brien struck again
during the penalty kill, with each scoring a goal, and O’Brien racking up
an assist.

Another two hit combo was served in the second period with two more
goals being posted in a mere six seconds. After another Sean
O’Brien/Lawrence connection, forward Charlie Walters single-handedly
pounded another goal in to increase an ever-growing Washington lead.

The third period was another disappointing period for the Wildcats. On
their lone scoring opportunity of the night, CWU forward Gus Sivak of
Ellensburg missed a breakaway shot wide right of UW Goalie Robert
Branom, who looked on and preserved his second consecutive shutout.

Washington lefty forward Hadley Ma drove the nail in the coffin with 2:24
remaining with a deep slap shot from the blue line, assisted by Cody
Vandermyn, netting the 15th and final goal.

Even with the impressive performance of the Husky Hockey team this
weekend, Coach Dayley says there still is room for improvement. Next
weekend, they face a top-10-ranked opponent from last year in Eastern
Washington.

“We need to move the puck faster. In games like this, we have a
tendency to take our time passing the puck,” said Coach Dayley after the
game. “…we made a lot of casual mistakes that will hurt us in a more
physical, faster, and stronger game. I know we can make the
adjustment.”