The IceCats played their final games of the season this past weekend in Provo, dropping their game Thursday night against Utah State, but then coming back to finish strong with a win against UVSC on Saturday night.

Thursday night against Utah State, the team played a hard game just coming short in the end losing 6-3.

Utah State struck first scoring after two minutes of play. The IceCats answered with a goal by freshman, Gage Rasmussen, several minutes later. The Aggies took control in the third period, scoring three more unanswered goals taking the game 6-3.

Saturday night the IceCats squared off against cross-town rival UVSC. The last time the teams met UVSC edged out the victory. BYU proved that the last game was a fluke, as they destroyed the Wolverines 12-5 in a very physical game.

The Wolverines began the game very physical and were relentless in their attack. After exchanging goals the first period ended with BYU leading 3-2. In the second period the IceCats took complete control of the game scoring seven goals. Five goals came during a five-minute power play after UVSC lost a man for high-sticking.

"After the last game with them, we changed our power play strategy specifically for the rematch, and it definitely paid off," coach Ed Gantt said.

The team showed great character as they avoided the violence incited by UVSC. The Wolverines had two players sent out of the game for taking things too far.

Coach Gantt said that he knew UVSC would come out and play in the manner they did. He said they were expecting it, and that he prepared his players for it.

"We knew they had discipline problems, and we talked about it all week. We played BYU hockey, and we won on the scoreboard," Gantt said.

This season was the first time in 25 years that the IceCats have been tied to BYU. The team has gone to great lengths to show their opponents the character and integrity that comes with representing the school.

"We're concerned as a team with our image. We represent BYU, and it's been 25 years since we've had that. I was very pleased with the guys tonight, they showed a great deal of discipline. I've never seen us as focused as our guys were tonight. I'm very proud of them and how they represented BYU," Gantt said.



Copyright Brigham Young University 4 Mar 2007