The Husky hockey team unveiled their own version of the purple storm over the weekend as they dominated Eastern Washington allowing only one goal in 90 minutes of play. The Dawgs were also successful in setting the pace early, scoring quickly in Friday's and Saturday's games, demoralizing EWU's spirit.
The season-high crowd over the weekend witnessed a Husky team in control of every facet of the game. Husky freshman goalie Alex Huynh shut out EWU entirely in the second game 7-0.
On Saturday night Forward Paul Margolis scored on the Huskies first shot of the game just 32 seconds into the first period, which was followed 20 seconds later by Jim Helfield's goal off a cross-ice pass from Clay Josephy. Even though the Eagle goal tender and defense settled down and were able to hold the UW scoreless for the next 22 minutes, the Dawgs controlled the puck on EWU's side of the ice throughout the game.
"We really wanted to set the tone early and show them that we came ready to play and play hard," said forward Brian Mead, who chipped in with a goal and an assist on the evening. "We wanted to score the goals fast enough to really help Alex get the shutout and give Eastern no hope of winning."
During the Dawgs scoring drought, Huynh played a key role in keeping the Huskies ahead, providing Eastern with no chances to gain momentum. Huynh has now gone 75 minutes in the net without allowing a goal and should be a key factor in the Huskies' stretch run towards the Pac-8 championship.
"I am glad I could just keep the team in it," said Huynh, who recorded the first shutout of his collegiate career. "It was the whole team that pitched that shutout, it was not just me."
Early in the third period, Huynh was in the spotlight once again as he did the splits to make a save on an EWU breakaway. The UW finally put the game out of reach when Mead found the back of the net five minutes into the third period.
On Friday night the Huskies were also able to set the tone early, recording six first period goals to put the game away. Brian Mead led the Husky scoring with a hat trick, as the UW recorded a 10-1 victory. The Husky defense was solid as well, and were successful in killing off five of six power plays. The lone Eagle goal came early in the second period after Steve Hyun drew a cross-checking penalty.
The Huskies (7-5-0) non-conference schedule is now over and the Dawgs' next six games are against Pac-8 rivals Washington State and Oregon for the right to play in the conference championship. The road to victory starts with solid goaltending and defense, which the Huskies appear to have after this weekend.
"It is really nice to have a goal tender back there who can set the tone and if we can't score we can gain fuel from his big saves, " Mead said. "We will be back in shape and ready for WSU and really take it to them."
Next weekend against WSU will be Greek night at Olympic View Arena in Mountlake Terrace. All Fraternity and Sorority members will be admitted for $2. on Friday and Saturday night.
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