ASU hockey ranked for first time in program history

Is Arizona State a hockey school? Those are six words Arizonans thought they’d never mutter a few years ago.

In its fourth season at the Division I level, ASU has cracked the USCHO Coaches Poll Top 20 for the first time in program history. A week after receiving the most votes of any unranked program, the Sun Devils finally cracked the poll at No. 18.

Now 9-3-0, Arizona State is among the hottest teams in collegiate hockey. The Sun Devils have won five of their last six games, including a win over then-No. 6 Penn State and a sweep over Michigan State.

Additionally, the Sun Devils are ranked fifth in the nation in RPI (rating percentage index).

Much of Arizona State’s success this season can be attributed to Johnny Walker. The sophomore forward leads the NCAA in scoring with 17 points and 11 goals. Goaltender Joey Daccord has also been a force protecting the net, allowing just 2.09 goals per game.

The 18th-ranked Sun Devils now set their sights toward Harvard. As a whole, the Crimson have been up and down this year with a 1-2-2 record.

This weekend’s series with Harvard begins Friday at 5 p.m.

Follow @CarsonDField