Arizona Rubber

Arizona’s and New Mexico’s Authoritative Voice of Hockey

IceJacks’ D-II team gearing up for crucial spring stretch drive

 

The goal is simple for the Northern Arizona University ACHA Division II team: get to the national tournament – and win it.

That is obviously easier said than done, but NAU coach Travis Johanson has confidence in his squad.

“We had a strong first half, but had a few hiccups – that has to do with consistency,” said Johanson. “We will need to stay consistent in the second half to earn the bye to nationals and hopefully, put ourselves in a good position for a strong postseason run for a championship. It really has been a strong group effort.”

READ OUR JANUARY 2018 ISSUE

Flagstaff native and NAU captain Rayce Miller (pictured top) knows there is still room for improvement with his team.

“I believe our expectations for the second half should be no less than taking No. 1 in the West and going on to win a national championship,” Miller said. “We have outstanding chemistry and depth throughout the lineup, as well as skill that is deadly in this league and is capable of beating any team we play. If we strive to bring the same game night in and night out, there is no reason these goals aren’t achievable.”

Lucas Lomax, a Peoria product and assistant captain for the IceJacks, said having a successful team starts with accountability across the board.

lucas_lomax

“I believe this second half of the season will be a good test for us and our resilience,” said Lomax (pictured above). “Being on top of our division means we’re the team to beat and we’re going to get every team’s best game. As long as we all stay on the same page and can put a consistent product on the ice night in and night out, we can accomplish something special here and I believe win a national championship, which is the ultimate goal.”

— Matt Mackinder

(Jan. 31, 2018)

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