Tech Skates past Temple

After a 7 hour bus trip and late practice the previous night the Virginia Tech Ice hockey team were set to take on the Temple Owls on Saturday January, 31st in Philadelphia, Pa at 2:30PM. Temple University were ranked the number 7th team in the Southeast Region of ACHA division 2 prior to the start of the game, while the Hokies were still receiving votes.

The Hokies showed no signs of bus legs as the game started off at a fast pace and the first period would see plenty of scoring. Temple started the scoring off in the game however putting the Hokies in an early 1-0 hole. Tech would respond almost immediately with an odd man rush goal from senior Jimmy Pope making it 1-1. Tech would continue their first period surge with goals from senior Matt Harrison and another from freshman Andres Morales putting the Hokies in a strong position at 3-1. A small let down at the end of the period allowed Temple to add a goal finishing the first at 3-2 Tech.

The scoring in the second period slowed down as both teams found themselves constantly in penalty trouble. The Hokies were able to score their only goal in the period on a rare 3 on 3 situation. Jimmy Pope was able to create a scoring chance for himself and finished putting Tech up 4-2. Temple was once again able to respond before the end of the second making the score 4-3 Hokies.

The play in the third period evened and as both teams would get scoring chances. There was no scoring until late in the third when Temple were able to get the game tying goal at 4. Virginia Tech would receive a great opportunity when they were given a power play with little time left in the game. Tech made the most of their odd man chance when sophomore forward Corey Abro was able to get a quick shot off from the side boards putting Tech back in the lead at 5-4. Temple would pull their goalie with under a minute left but were unable to score and the Hokies pulled off the victory.

Virginia Tech will face ACCHL foes Georgetown on Saturday February, 7th at 8:45PM. The game will take place in Arlington, VA at the Kettler Capitals Iceplex.