CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Austin Peay State University hockey kicked off their inaugural season this weekend against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels.
Beginning Saturday afternoon, the Governors picked up a 6-2 victory, and on Sunday, APSU kept the offensive push with another dominating win, ending 9-2.
In Saturday’s matchup, Govs head coach Kane Eastwood said he wanted to focus on space for Sunday. “It was all about space and support, so working as a team, offense supporting the defense.” Eastwood said his team would skate directly into defenders, leaving unoccupied space for attacks.
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Making those corrections for Sunday, the Governors’ scoring was highlighted by Jackson Smith pulling off a hat trick and ultimately receiving the game puck. Austin Peay also saw goals from Ethan Goins, Sam Singelyn, Brendan Sullivan and Cael Lewis, and two goals from Ryan Moyer.
Eastwood said there was a lot of emotion behind this weekend. “As far as myself and the guys, they are really happy and excited. We know we have a lot of work cut out for us with the season ahead of us, but to come out of the gate with two wins, we’re ecstatic.”
Eastwood also shared his thoughts on Smith’s hat trick. “He is our locker room guy; he is a guy who is going to go out there and lift the team up.”
Austin Peay hockey starts the season 2-0, as they prepare now to face the Ice Vols of the University of Tennessee on Sept. 27 and 28. Puck is scheduled to drop at 9 p.m. in Knoxville. Governors Ice Hockey will return to home ice on Friday, Oct. 18, at 7 p.m. inside the Ford Ice Center.
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