The 2022-2023 University of Central Oklahoma Hockey Team advanced to the next round at the ACHA Men’s DI National Championship which was held in Marlborough, Massachusetts. The Bronchos faced Western Collegiate Hockey Association member, Arizona on day two of the Championship. UCO was first on the scoreboard as forward, Vitalii Mikhailov placed one past Nolan Bivolcic who was in net for the Wildcats. Vitalii was assisted by defenseman, Jaxon Bombardir on the play. Four minutes later, the Bronchos found themselves on the power play as Arizona’s Nicholas Chiocca was called for cross checking. Sam Sykes capitalized on the opportunity, assisted by Zach Guerra and Vitalii Mikhailov to put the Bronchos up by two heading into the second period.
Sykes found himself in the penalty box early in the second period as he was called for tripping. However, UCO would not let that cool their shooting. Donald Alchin found the back of the net on a short handed goal, assisted by Austin Simpson. Brody Selman for the Wildcats and Donald Alchin were called on matching penalties placing both teams on 4v4 play for the next 25 seconds until Sam Sykes was called for kneeing, placing the Wildcats on the power play. Nicholas Chiocca took advantage for Arizona, scoring their first and only goal of the contest. Late in the period, Arizona Wildcat, Will Josephson was in the penalty box for holding. Sam Sykes scored again for the Bronchos, extending the lead to close out the period.
The third period was all UCO as Zach Guerra added two more to the tally to end the contest and advance the Bronchos to the next round. The Bronchos will face Adrian University in the Quarter Finals at the New England Sports Center.