Vikings hockey tops USC 9–3, returns home to host EWU

By Cameron Riggers

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The residency at Sharks Ice in San Jose continued for the Western Washington University hockey team over the weekend, as the Vikings faced the USC Trojans in a two-game set on Sunday and Monday.

A hard-fought battle on Sunday night saw the Trojans edge the Vikings, 4–3.

Photo by Nat Ballard

Brumbaugh’s Hat Trick Sparks 9–3 Victory Over USC

The next morning, Western bounced back in dominant fashion as forward Bret Brumbaugh recorded a hat trick to lead the Vikings to a commanding 9–3 victory. The performance brought Brumbaugh’s season goal total to six. The Vikings combined to outscore opponents 27–18 over their four-game road trip.

Forward Aaron James found the net in each game, finishing the weekend with five goals. Forward Andrew Fan scored twice in Monday’s win, raising his season total to four goals. Additional goals from Jesse Degan, Cooper Huntersmith and Patrick Pierson helped Western pull away in the second period.

Monday’s victory snapped a three-game losing streak against USC, with the Vikings’ previous win coming on Sept. 30, 2023. Western improved to 3–1–0 overall and 3–1–0 in PAC-8 Conference play.

Vikings Open Home Schedule Friday vs. EWU

The Vikings will return home this Friday, Oct. 10, to open their home schedule against Eastern Washington University at the Bellingham Sportsplex. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for Western students with ID.


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Vikings’ Hockey Opens Season with Wins over San Jose State