Explosive offense, stifling defense and a scuffle that would make NHL fans proud: that is how the Arizona Icecats opened their season Friday night, embarrassing Arizona State 10-2, and 5-4 Saturday. The Icecats came out firing, jumping out to a four-goal lead in the first period in their season opener Friday at the "Madhouse on Main Street."

Junior forward Andrew Fredericks got the scoring underway midway through the first period, and he never let up from there, lighting the lamp a total of four times for his first career hat-trick. He also added an assist.

"Andrew has really come into his own," Icecat head coach Leo Golembiewski said. "I think he was having some doubts about staying here at Arizona, but we had a great conversation midway through last season that opened everything up."

The line of Fredericks, junior Matt Naylor, and sophomore Shaun Brooks paced the Icecats, scoring five goals and nine assists for 14 total points.

Freshman Mike Pelletier and senior captain Bill Pardue led an impressive defensive front, while sophomore goaltender Bryan Aronchick was sharp in net, posting 23 saves. Pelletier and Pardue each added goals, along with sophomore Mickey Meehan and junior Keith Mitchell. Senior captain Dave Loftus added a goal and two assists on the evening.

The frustration of the blowout seemed to weigh heavy on Arizona State's team, as a major melee broke out late in the third period.

In all, three Icecats and three Sun Devils were given 10-minute majors, disqualification penalties, and automatic suspensions, for their team's next game.

Saturday's game was comparatively low-scoring, with offense at a premium. Most of the third period, which saw only 11 total shots, was played in the neutral zone.

Freshman Don Holtz had a hat trick ÷ the first three goals of his Icecat career ÷ while Brooks and freshman Matt Muller also added goals. Between the pipes, Aronchick stopped 33 of 37 shots faced. For the series, the UA power play led to nine goals in 17 chances.

"I am pretty pleased by the results, the two wins, but we still have a ways to go," Golembiewski said.

Next up for Arizona will be Weber State and Utah State at the Tucson Convention Center.