The UTEP hockey team is currently on a 13-game winning streak and looks to close out the season on the same pace.
The Miners last won the Texas Collegiate Hockey Conference Championship in 2017 and look to do the same this year. The Miners have just two defeats this season (20-2-1).UTEP won their quarterfinal matchup against Texas A&M 5-4 in the TCHC playoffs last season before falling against North Texas 2-1 finishing the season 19-11.The Miners are currently in first place in the TCHC South Division.
Here are the reasons the Miners have not lost on the ice since November.
Main Scorers
Sophomore forward Austin Simpson has been a main factor in the Miners success. Simpson leads the team with 109 points and 11 assists. Team chemistry of the Miners is a major element in Simpsons game, according to the UTEP and El Paso Rhinos star.
“It’s really easy playing with the people I live with,” Simpson said, “It’s been an easy transition.”
Another scoring threat on this experienced Miners team is sophomore forward Carlo Wittor. Wittor comes in as the team’s leading scorer with 35 goals and is second on the team with 33 assists.
“Passing a lot, along with backdoor goals, and shooting a lot, that’s how it always worked and it’s going to work in the future too,” Wittor said.
Stifling defense for UTEP
The Miners defense has been on another level with three straight shutouts and allowing only two goals in their last five games. Sophomore goalie John-Luke Prystayko has four shutouts this season and a save percentage of .883.
“Our goalie has been doing a good job blocking a lot of shots and preventing shots around the net,” Wittor said.
“Playing good defense and scoring, that’s going to be the recipe to win the conference championship.”.
Team has scored a total of 223 goals and allowed a total of 51 goals.
Undefeated record at home
UTEP is currently 12-0 at home and has the best home record in the TCHC.
“It’s really nice to have a big support group and it is really nice to see the large amount of support out here,” Simpson said.
The Miners will be in action against the Texas State Bobcats at 11 am Feb. 1 and 3:30 p.m. Feb. 2 at the El Paso County Events Center.
