LBSU freshman defenseman Thomas John delivers a hit against a Chapman player during the first period. The Beach defeated the Panthers 5–4 on Friday, Oct. 18 at The Rinks at Lakewood ICE. Photo courtesy of Sierra Pena of LBSU Club Hockey

Long Beach State club hockey picked up a hard-fought 5-4 win over Chapman University on Friday, Oct. 17, fueled by strong offensive performances at Lakewood ICE. 

 The action started early, with Chapman striking first at 19:12 in the opening of the period.

However, the lead did not last long, as just two minutes later freshman forward Boston Parcher tied the game for The Beach, finishing off a clean pass from junior forward Nathan Compton in front of the net. 

LBSU continued to press offensively, outshooting the Panthers in the early minutes. Midway through the period, senior Sergio Grotano added another goal, assisted by senior forward David Nguyen to give The Beach their first lead of the night. 

Physical play ramped up soon after, with both teams trading penalties and big hits. After Chapman capitalized on a 4-on-4 situation to tie the game at 2-2, Compton responded quickly, slicing through the Panthers traffic on a breakaway to restore the LBSU lead.

LBSU senior forward David Nguyen battles for the puck in front of the Chapman net during the second period in The Beach’s 5-4 victory over the Panthers on Friday, Oct. 17. Photo courtesy of Sierra Pena of LBSU Club Hockey

I kind of just cavemanned through it,” Compton said. “I had a few guys grabbing me and just put it on net and it went in.”

A series of key saves from LBSU sophomore goalkeeper Jacob Ribeiro helped save the advantage as the period ended 3-2 in favor of the Beach. 

The Panthers came out strong to open the second period, scoring the equalizing goal to make it 3-3.

But LBSU regained control midway through the frame when Parcher scored his second score of the night, finishing a perfect set up from junior JT Hester and Compton. 

Despite taking a late interference penalty, LBSU’s goaltending held firm, keeping the score 4-3 heading into the final period. 

Early in the third, Compton also got his second goal of the night, assisted by Hester to extend the lead to 5-3.

In moments like those, you just have to score them, every little one counts,” Compton said.

Chapman refused to go quietly, scoring shortly after but LBSU’s defense held strong down the stretch to secure the 5-4 win.  

The teamwork and chemistry between The Beach’s star trio of Compton, Hester and Parcher was on full display in the victory.

“We’ve been playing together for like three or four games now,” Parcher said. “Over time we’ve just built chemistry, knowing where we are, communicating. The more time we spend together, the chemistry just builds.”

With this win, The Beach will look to continue to build on momentum heading into their next matchup against San Diego State University on Saturday, Oct. 18. 

“It’s going to be a grind for sure,” Parcher said. “They’re going to be way faster and more physical, so we’ve just got to go in with the mindset that it’s going to be tough and be ready to grind.”