The Sun Devils represented Arizona State University and were coached by Greg Powers, in his 11th season.

That, and playing against stronger competition that previous years, led to the Sun Devils' facing an uphill battle in their pursuit of a second NCAA berth.

In ASU's first series of the season they were swept by Michigan but were dealt a serious blow when senior captain and all-time leading goal scorer, Johnny Walker, suffered a knee injury that would keep him out for 6 weeks.

[2] After another offensively inept series, the Sun Devils suddenly came to life against Wisconsin, taking both games and jumping back into the USCHO rankings.

When the dust settled, ASU's record had plummeted and the team had virtually no chance of making the national tournament.