Davis, CA- Despite facing losses in October’s two games, both of which were on the road, the Aggies will be taking note of the many positives for their home opener on November 3rd.
In particular, the exciting potential of the rookie class this season will be worth paying attention to. Defensemen Michael Applegate (#11) and Travis Wood (#87) both showed offensive creativity from the blueline. Returning to the Davis roster is defenseman Alex Sloan (#24), who potted a goal in each of the first two games. These new additions, along with Alex Fisher-Wagner (#8) up front are the main reason head coach Niklas Braun remains optimistic about what the Aggies can accomplish this season.
“We have a lot to look forward to with our group, I liked our intensity and push-back” said Braun at this week’s practice.
The season opener at Santa Rosa Junior College was a 17-3 loss. The rowdy, and some inebriated, fans at Snoopy’s Home Ice were entertained to a hard-hitting and fast-paced game. The scorers for the Aggies were William Teeple (#80), Alex Sloan, and Matt Mills (#30). Goaltender Jordan Byrnes (#30) was forced to make many spectacular saves and played a solid game.
The following weekend, UC Davis traveled to San Mateo to skate with UC Santa Cruz. Once again, Byrnes played a strong game in net. The game started with scoring chances exchanged by both teams. A powerplay goal by Kaz Machida (#19) gave the Aggies their first lead of the young season. After the Banana Slugs tied the game, rookie Michael Applegate scored his first ACHA goal to make it 2-1 Aggies. To make the night even more special, rookie Travis Wood scored the first of his career in the second frame. Alex Sloan added another goal, capping off a successful first two games back in his second stint as an Aggie. Mid-way through the second period, Fisher-Wagner joined the team on the bench and played his first shift of the season a few moments later. In the third period, Travis Wood scored two more times to complete his hat trick.
The Aggies’ next game will be November 3rd, a home-opener rematch against the Banana Slugs.