Normally, getting swept at home would be a mighty disappointing result for Arizona.
But the Icecats nearly pulled an upset in a "heartening performance."
Although No. 11 UA (5-3-1) lost both weekend games to No. 6 Weber State (13-7-1), 6-2 on Friday and 4-2 on Saturday, Icecats head coach Leo Golembiewski wasn't down about it.
"We're really happy with tonight's performance all in all," Golembiewski said. "We thought that the preparation we did was good."
WSU's third goal in Saturday's game appeared to be on an illegal high stick ÷ which Golembiewski said hurt the Icecats a lot ÷ making the score 3-1.
"That puck was going over Aronchick's glove, over his head and the guy hit it in and none of the three (officials) saw it. That's a big, big difference," Golembiewski said. "So I thought the refereeing this weekend was interesting. You can quote me on that."
The Icecats had a couple of late power play chances but were unable to add to junior forward Don Holtz's two goals in the second game. Sophomore forward Tim Wochok and junior forward Micky Meehan had the assists.
Holtz has gone from preseason question mark to leading scorer for Arizona.
"Holtz was nonstop," Golembiewski said. "When we were putting things together to start the season ÷ we were really wondering about question marks ÷ we thought Holtzie was a question mark. Holtz is our leading scorer and just comes to play."
Golembiewski was impressed with his team's performance, especially since the UA was hurting on defense. Sophomore Banks Concepcion was out, along with star senior Keith Mitchell, leaving the Icecats with just five defenders to rotate.
"I thought the guys put together three pretty good periods," Golembiewski said. "Our defense was quarterbacked very well by D. J. Pelletier and Andrew Fredricks. Dan Whitlock (also) came on. Those three were solid as heck."
Golembiewski pointed out that Weber State has already played 21 games this season. The Icecats have played only nine.
"This was a heartening performance," Golembiewski said.
In Friday's game, Weber State scored two goals in each period. Holtz, on an assist by junior forward Shaun Brooks, scored the Icecats' first goal, and junior forward Mike Smith had the other via an assist from sophomore forward Brian Pollock.
After the Friday loss, Golembiewski met with his three co-captains until midnight, and said he was happy with the results.
"This is potentially a really, really good hockey team," Golembiewski said. "Weber State came in here ranked sixth and I thought our kids really rebounded."
The Icecats look to get off the slide this weekend on Friday and Saturday when Western Michigan (3-9-1) visits the Tucson Convention Center. The Stallions were No. 14 in this year's preseason poll.