From Long Beach Current
By Monica Badolian
Long Beach State club hockey kicked off its season on Friday, Sept. 19, battling Northern Arizona University to a thrilling finish, but fell during overtime, 5-4.
NAU scored first in the opening period; however, LBSU forward David Nguyen responded with a power play goal to tie the game 1-1 heading into the first intermission.
The Lumberjacks started strong, but the Beach controlled the pace later on, outshooting NAU 13-6 in the opening frame.
The second period took off quickly with forward Ethan Rhodes putting LBSU ahead 2-1 with assists from team captain forward James Mcguire and defenseman Tommy John.
Just minutes later, Beach forward Nate Compton added another goal to the board, making it 3-1 in favor of LBSU.
During the third period, NAU clawed back with two goals to even the score. But shortly after, captain Mcguire struck on the penalty kill, breaking free for a shorthanded breakaway goal that put Long Beach ahead 4-3.
“There it was in our own zone, and I blocked the shot,” Mcguire said. “I wasn’t really thinking, I kind of just threw my body in front of it and then just tried to get up ice, and that puck up the ice just looked like a big pizza.”
The Lumberjacks answered once more with a power play goal, tying the game at 4-4, with just four minutes remaining in the third.
Stuck at 4-4 at the end of regulation, LBSU fought hard during overtime and had a potential two-on-one; however, NAU’s forward Logan Rowland scored the game-winning goal.
Long Beach outshout NAU 25-23 and displayed resilience throughout the game, but penalties proved costly as the Lumberjacks capitalized on key opportunities.
“Coming in, we knew they were going to be tough. Going through it, we were physical and we knew they couldn’t handle that,” Rhodes said. “Unfortunately, it didn’t end the way we wanted it, but we’ll get them tomorrow.”
LBSU is looking to regroup and take the win in a rematch against NAU on Saturday, Sept. 20, at 7:30 p.m. at Lakewood Ice.
Mcguire emphasized the importance of moving forward, focusing on the next game and not dwelling on the previous one.
“A lot of our guys had really strong performances this game, the veterans and the rookies,” Mcguire said. “ I was super proud of everyone’s effort.”
(Originally published at https://lbcurrent.com/sports/2025/09/20/electric-home-kickoff-for-lbsu-hockey-ends-in-overtime-loss/)
