Arizona State Sun Devils Comeback in 4-3 Shootout Win Over Colorado College

The Arizona State Sun Devils pulled off a dramatic comeback to secure a thrilling 4-3 shootout victory over the No. 20 Colorado College Tigers at Mullett Arena in Tempe on November 7, 2025. After falling behind 3-0 in a disastrous first period, the Sun Devils showcased resilience and determination, clawing their way back into the contest before ultimately prevailing in the shootout. The comeback win marked an important two points in the NCHC standings for Greg Powers’ squad, who hadn’t played at home since their October Ice Breaker Tournament victory.

The game served as a testament to the character of the Sun Devils program, demonstrating their ability to overcome adversity even when facing a ranked opponent and a three-goal deficit. With Mullett Arena roaring its approval throughout the comeback, Arizona State proved that they could respond to challenges and find a way to win even when nothing seemed to be going their way early on.

The disastrous start for Arizona State Sun Devils hockey vs Colorado College in the 4-3 shootout

The opening period was nothing short of a nightmare for the Sun Devils. Colorado College came out flying, taking advantage of Arizona State’s sluggish start to jump out to a commanding 3-0 lead. Sophomore forward Owen Beckner opened the scoring, followed by junior forward Drew Montgomery, before sophomore Gavin Lindberg added a power-play goal to complete the first-period onslaught.

Head coach Greg Powers didn’t mince words when describing his team’s opening frame. “It was the same kind of downward spiral that we experienced at Miami with a really bad first period and one mistake became two, became three, became four, probably became seven, eight,” Powers said. “They were really good.” The Tigers controlled the tempo and execution, capitalizing on every Sun Devils mistake while generating quality scoring chances.

Despite the three goals against, freshman goaltender Samuel Urban remained composed between the pipes. The young netminder knew he needed to keep his team within striking distance if they were going to have any chance of mounting a comeback. Urban’s mental approach following the difficult first period would prove crucial to Arizona State’s eventual victory.

The Sun Devils returned to the locker room facing their largest deficit of the season and needing to find answers quickly. The momentum was entirely in Colorado College’s favor, and it appeared that the Tigers might run away with the game in the middle frame. Instead, Arizona State would dig deep and begin their remarkable comeback attempt.

The Arizona State Sun Devils hockey vs Colorado College 4-3 shootout comeback begins

The second period saw a completely different Arizona State team take the ice. The Sun Devils came out with renewed energy and purpose, immediately applying pressure to Colorado College’s senior goaltender Kaiden Mbereko. The home team’s intensity increased dramatically, and they began to generate sustained offensive zone time that had been absent in the opening frame.

Jack Beck struck first for the Sun Devils on the power play, cutting the deficit to 3-1 and giving his team life. Beck’s line, featuring highly-touted prospect Cullen Potter and Johnny Waldron, created numerous chances throughout the period despite not finding the net at even strength.

Shortly after Beck’s goal, Cruz Lucius added another power-play marker to bring the Sun Devils within one goal. The special teams success proved pivotal, as Arizona State’s power play converted when it mattered most. The momentum had completely shifted, with Colorado College now on their heels trying to withstand the Sun Devils’ relentless attack.

(“He) might be the fastest kid in college hockey, and when he uses his speed, I think he’s untouchable,” Beck said of linemate Potter. “I know he hasn’t got in his goal groove yet, but once he does, he’s gonna start scoring almost every night.” The chemistry between Beck and Potter was evident throughout the game, even if Potter didn’t find the scoresheet.

Urban continued his strong play between the pipes, making several key saves to keep his team within striking distance. The freshman goaltender had settled into the game nicely after the rough first period. “I gave a couple s**** ones,” Urban said, laughing. “So I try to stay positive. (I) look on the board and think it’s 0-0. I try to stay, make those big saves. So try to stay positive and give the team a chance to win the game.”

The Sun Devils entered the third period trailing 3-2 but with all the momentum on their side. The crowd at Mullett Arena sensed that something special might be brewing, and the atmosphere reached a fever pitch as the final frame got underway.

The dramatic late-game heroics in Arizona State Sun Devils hockey vs Colorado College 4-3 shootout

The third period was a tense, back-and-forth affair with both teams creating chances but neither able to capitalize. Colorado College tried to reassert control and protect their slim lead, while Arizona State continued pressing for the equalizer. As the clock ticked down and time began to run out on the Sun Devils, desperation started to set in.

With just 1:09 remaining in regulation, Powers called timeout to set up one final push. The sold-out crowd at Mullett Arena rose to its feet, sensing this might be the Sun Devils’ last real opportunity to tie the game. The atmosphere was electric as Arizona State prepared for the crucial faceoff with their season potentially hanging in the balance.

“We didn’t draw up any crazy faceoff play,” Powers explained. “Get the puck on our stick and get it to the net. We got an extra stick on the ice, and we got a goal. It was honestly probably the first bounce we got all year but Becker (Beck) made a good play, and Shim (Schimek) had a stick on the ice.” Bennett Schimek’s goal sent Mullett Arena into absolute pandemonium, completing the improbable comeback and forcing overtime.

The overtime period was scoreless despite quality chances for both teams, leading to the shootout that would determine the winner. In the shootout, Arizona State’s shooters proved clutch while Urban made the saves necessary to secure the victory. The 4-3 shootout win gave the Sun Devils two crucial NCHC points, though the game officially counts as a tie in NCAA statistics.

Much like the Avalanche’s recent shootout experience, this game showcased the drama and excitement that shootouts can provide in determining close contests. Powers expressed pride in his team’s resilience while acknowledging areas that need improvement. “I guess, as embarrassed as I was about our effort in the first I’m even more proud of how we came back and found a way to get two points tonight,” the coach said. “Really proud of the guys.”

Key performances shape Arizona State Sun Devils hockey vs Colorado College 4-3 shootout

Samuel Urban’s performance stood as arguably the most important factor in Arizona State’s comeback victory. After surrendering three first-period goals, the freshman goaltender locked down and was nearly perfect the rest of the way. His ability to reset mentally between periods and maintain his composure under pressure demonstrated maturity beyond his years. Urban’s positive mindset and determination to give his team a chance proved instrumental in keeping the Sun Devils within striking distance.

Jack Beck continued his strong season for Arizona State, scoring one of the team’s three regulation goals and setting up the game-tying tally. His chemistry with Cullen Potter and Johnny Waldron created matchup problems for Colorado College throughout the game. While Potter hasn’t found his scoring touch yet this season, his blazing speed and playmaking ability make him a constant threat every time he touches the ice.

Cruz Lucius provided the other power-play goal for the Sun Devils, showcasing his offensive skills and helping to swing momentum back in Arizona State’s favor. The power play’s performance was critical to the comeback, as both second-period goals came with the man advantage. The special teams success represented a stark contrast to the five-on-five struggles that plagued the Sun Devils in the first period.

Bennett Schimek emerged as the hero with his late third-period goal that tied the game and sent it to overtime. His awareness and positioning to have his stick in the right place at the right time exemplified the opportunistic play that defines successful hockey teams. Following Arizona State’s strong performance against Miami earlier in the season, the Sun Devils have shown they can compete with quality opponents when playing their style.

For Colorado College, Owen Beckner, Drew Montgomery, and Gavin Lindberg all found the back of the net, but their hot start ultimately wasn’t enough. Kaiden Mbereko made numerous saves in the Tigers’ crease but couldn’t hold off the Sun Devils’ sustained pressure in the final two periods. The Tigers will need to find a way to close out games when holding multi-goal leads.

Looking ahead after the Arizona State Sun Devils hockey vs Colorado College 4-3 shootout thriller

The rematch between these two teams took place the following day, November 8, at Mullett Arena, giving Arizona State an immediate opportunity to build on their comeback victory. Powers emphasized the importance of putting together a complete 60-minute effort in that second game. “We got to put 60 minutes together,” Powers said. “We got to have a good start. We got to have just as good of a finish. It’s pretty simple, like if we’re going to get on a roll here and start to string together some wins and be the team we know we can be, those lapses just can’t happen.”

The victory provided the Sun Devils with crucial confidence moving forward in NCHC play. Learning how to win games when not playing their best hockey early is a valuable lesson that could pay dividends throughout the season. The ability to battle back from adversity often separates good teams from great ones, and Arizona State demonstrated that resilience in dramatic fashion.

For Colorado College, the disappointing finish after dominating the first period serves as a learning experience. Protecting leads and closing out games against quality opponents will be essential as the Tigers navigate the competitive NCHC landscape. The shootout loss still earned them a point in the conference standings, but letting two points slip away stings nonetheless.

The thrilling Arizona State Sun Devils hockey vs Colorado College 4-3 shootout victory showcased everything that makes college hockey compelling—momentum swings, clutch performances, incredible atmosphere, and drama until the final shot. As both teams continue their seasons, this game will be remembered as a defining moment that tested their character and resolve. For the Sun Devils, it proved they have the mental toughness to compete with ranked opponents and overcome significant adversity, qualities that will serve them well as they chase their championship aspirations in the NCHC.