A new Rivalry is born, UCO upsets OU

By Rocky Wiles

The University of Central Oklahoma took a page from a Hollywood script and defeated the #2 Nationally ranked and unbeaten University of Oklahoma hockey team Friday night 3-2.

Before a sold out emotionally charged Arctic Edge Ice Arena, a loud and crazed UCO crowd energized their hockey team.   The play was fast and furious as both teams raced up and down the ice, but it was the Bronchos who would strike first.  Behind a powerplay goal by Ray Wingfield, off a Kyle Hirsch shot, the Bronchos jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first period.

The second period saw the play once again tilt in UCO’s favor as AJ Alfrey scored a short handed breakaway goal.  That was followed by a tremendous play just as time was expiring from a Broncho penalty.  AJ Alfrey gained the offensive zone and passed to Brian Thompson who touched passed the puck to Rob Duebel.  Duebel then sniped a perfect shot past the Sooners Smeilski’s glove side, and giving the Bronchos a 3-0 lead.

The third period saw the Sooners battle back midway thru the period on the strength of two Doug Gebbie goals to close the gap to one goal.

But this night belonged to the Bronchos and their fans.  As the final buzzer sounded, the arena  erupted to pandemonium and the UCO Bronchos had defeated the University of Oklahoma 3-2.

Assistant coach, Brian Bradley said “Our goalie Robbie Mattison played exceptional tonight.  That was the goalie that we thought he could be, stopping several point blank opportunities”.  Mattison ended up being the “player of the game” with the much improved aggressive style.  “The coaches were working on me to become more aggressive with my play and start to challenge the shooter more and it defiantly worked tonight”, Mattison said.

Saturday night the Bronchos traveled to the Sooners arena and could not find the magic they possessed Friday night.  Eventually losing to the Sooners 5-0.

“Our depth was a big concern coming into the Saturday night game.  One of our main stays on defense, Kenny Jacobs broke his collarbone during Friday nights game and put us in a difficult defensive position”, head coach Craig McAlister said.  “I think we were emotionally spent after our big win on Friday night and it took a toll on us as we were unable to mount the same pressure we exhibited before.” 

To make matters worse, defenseman, Mike Haszto and Shawn Steggles both were ejected on Saturday night for altercations during a melee in front of the Sooners net in the second period. 

Yes, a rivalry was born this past weekend with a series split.  “People were coming up to us after Friday nights game asking for tickets for next years game,” Arctic Edges General Manager Daryl Rowley said.