WSU is coming off a tough 6-3 loss to the No. 1 ranked team in the Pac-8. However, they now battle the opposite end of the spectrum, as UCSD sits dead last in the Pac-8 with a 4-13 record. California-San Diego has played nearly half the games as Washington State but holds a struggling 1-10 conference record.
Cole Carlson skates into a play against the Western Washington hockey team on Jan. 18 2026.
Despite the loss, the Cougs’ last performance was possibly the most complete game they have played all year. The Cougars got goals from young and old members, strong penalty kills, effective powerplays and a comeback effort. They held with Western for a majority of the contest and looked confident in all facets on the ice. With the Cougars firing on all cylinders, they could be a real nightmare for this Tritons team.
The University of California-San Diego has struggled offensively, scoring only 40 goals in the first 14 games of the season. On top of that, the Tritons top three scorers are all tied with just 12 points.
In the blue paint, Alexei Kuhl seemed to have hit a rough patch to start the new year. Kuhl has not reached above a .900 save percentage in his last five contests, dating back to the 10-0 loss to the University of Washington. Prior to this, he was spackling the WSU cage. He recorded above a .900 save percentage in seven of the last nine games. Kuhl is hoping to boost his confidence this weekend against a struggling offense, aiding a Cougar playoff push in two weeks.
WSU goaltender Alexei Kuhl warms up for a game against the Western Washington hockey team on Jan. 18 2026.
UCSD has not been great defensively, which has led to a collapse in net. Matthew Mahlow has been the starter for the Tritons this season, registering a .857 save percentage as well as allowing over seven goals per game. However, he has been the reason for three of their wins this season. The senior netminder will have his hands full against a rolling Cougar attack.
WSU participated in an extra game against a Division-I San Diego State team Thursday night, holding with them for the first 40 minutes, before falling 5-1.
Washington State will battle the University of California-San Diego in game one of their weekend series Friday night at 9:45p.m. at Aliso Viejo Ice Palace.
