The U hockey team continues to fall on hard times. Two weeks after its first win of the season over Metro State–a victory that gave hope to a team that had known nothing but the ache of heart-breaking losses–the maladies continue for the Utes.
After a hard-fought game against UVSC Friday night that was tied at four late in the contest but ended in a 6-4 Ute loss, players from both schools got into a brawl.
“One of their guys was taunting us, skating by our bench and taunting us,” said coach Bob Wilkinson on what sparked the fight.
“There was a lot of pushing and wrestling going on,” Wilkinson said.
Three Utes–Nick Cogswell, Cole Fisher and Derek Preble–were suspended from the following night’s game against BYU.
At least two Wolverines were suspended as well, Wilkinson said.
“I think it was just some frustration-theirs and ours,” he said.
On Saturday, the Utes fell to BYU 13-1 in a game in which Utah was severely outmanned. The Utes suited up just 11 skaters compared to 20 for BYU. Utah was already down three players because of the UVSC post-game wrestling match, and four others were absent because of work or other reasons.
“By the third period, our guys were just exhausted,” Wilkinson said.
It is yet to be seen how Campus Recreation, the organization that oversees the U Hockey Club, will respond.
The Utes, who are in their first year back after being suspended for breaking campus rules three years ago, will rematch UVSC Saturday night.