EVAN CARAVELLI/Arizona Daily Wildcat Sophomore right wing Josh Parry races toward the goal during the second period of Saturday's 4-0 loss to Oklahoma University. OU defeated the Icecats both Friday and Saturday, outscoring them 8-2 between the two games.

Penalty minutes told the story for the UA Icecats in their series with Oklahoma Friday and Saturday at the Tucson Convention Center Arena.

The visiting Sooners (17-4-2) used power plays to score half of their eight goals on the weekend in 4-2 and 4-0 finishes.

Icecat head coach Leo Golembiewski said the officials "set the tone" in Friday's loss when they penalized junior defenseman Mike Pelletier seven seconds into the contest.

"This was a travesty," Golembiewski said of the officiating. "No matter where we go we spend the whole game in the (penalty) box."

Arizona (9-8-1) spent nearly a half-hour of game time in the sin bin during the two-game set.

The penalties further depleted an already injury-ridden Icecat roster.

Senior forward Mickey Meehan missed his second series due to a knee injury, and Mike Pelletier was taken out of play in the second period Friday with a concussion.

Mike Pelletier was checked from behind by OU sophomore Justin Hall. The play earned Hall a double-minor penalty for roughing and sent Pelletier to the hospital.

"Our kids played with a lot of heart, especially without Mickey and Michael," Golembiewski said.

Returning from a shoulder injury for the UA was freshman center Craig Irwin, who scored a power play rebound goal in the second period of Friday's loss.

Senior goaltender Bryan Aronchick minded the nets for the first time since Jan. 7 because of a broken finger.

"Aronchick played two of his stronger games of the season," Golembiewski said of the goalie's 34- and 35-save performances.

Despite Aronchick's net work, Arizona was unable to stop a tough OU squad.

The Sooners came on strong early Friday with two first period goals by sophomores Michael Gray and Hall.

Freshman wing Trey Snow scored on a one-timer early in the second to put the Sooners ahead 3-0, before Irwin notched UA's first goal of the series.

In the third, freshman center Kyle Chilton took the puck coast-to-coast for a goal to bring Arizona within one.

The Icecats were unable to produce another score before Sooner freshman Mike Gavranovic finished the night with a goal.

Junior defenseman D.J. Pelletier said UA had difficulty recovering from a slow start and the early OU power play - as well as overconfidence among teammates.

"The first four (wins) came too easy," D.J. Pelletier said of Arizona's first two sweeps in 2005. "We came out too cocky from those first four."

The Icecats looked to rebound Saturday, but could not find the net. Arizona went scoreless for the first time this season.

"Their goalie was the difference," Golembiewski said of OU sophomore Aaron Schmeilski.

"Our Achilles' tendon was execution, putting the puck in the net," Golembiewski added.

D.J. Pelletier said playing without captains and team leaders Meehan and Mike Pelletier was "tough."

Despite suffering its first sweep since the October season opener, Golembiewski said he was "proud as hell" of the team.

"The fans can't give up on this group," he said. "We're a little disappointed, but there were a lot of high sides. (Keith) Mitchell, (Nick) Wedster, D.J. played well. Our offensive just couldn't put the puck in the net."

Golembiewski said the team expects to regroup before its road swing that starts Friday in Ogden, Utah, against No. 9 Weber State.