Washington State hockey put together a high-performance game March 9 at the Palouse Ice Rink, defeating the University of Idaho Vandals 10–4 in a spring season matchup.

The Cougars spread the scoring across the lineup in a dominant performance, highlighted by a hat trick from captain Cole Carlson. Carlson finished with three goals, while assistant captain Van Rayner added two goals of his own.

Washington State jumped out early, getting on the board when Lucas Clark opened the scoring for WSU in the first period. From there, the Cougars kept the pressure on offensively, with two goals from senior Sam Hembree, one from freshman Matthew Taylor and one from six-year student Luke Juergensen.

Carlson’s hat trick included a shorthanded breakaway goal and a late top-shelf finish, helping Washington State reach double digits on the scoreboard for the first time in several games.

Following the win, head coach Johnny Lupinacci said the spring matchup was a valuable opportunity to experiment with new combinations and build chemistry heading into next season.

“We want to try out some new things that have been working, staying positive on the bench, looking to make passes, getting pucks in deep, and playing our systems instead of trying to do everything ourselves,” Lupinacci said. “It worked for the guys tonight. There was good chemistry, and it was a really enjoyable game.”

The spring game also allowed younger players to see expanded roles, including Clark, who made an immediate impact with his early goal. Lupinacci noted the coaching staff has been experimenting with new line combinations and defensive pairings as they evaluate the roster ahead of next season.

Carlson said the team approached the game with a relaxed mindset while still focusing on execution.

“It was pretty loose for us,” Carlson said. “It’s a fun charity-style game, but we still want to come out and win. We tried to keep it light while still getting the job done.”

Late in the game, the Cougars also showed some personality after earning a comfortable lead. Freshman defenseman Keegan Lucas stepped onto the ice wearing a gold chrome bubble visor,  a moment Lupinacci described as part of the team’s “earned fun” mentality.

“We’re learning this group needs to have a little more fun,” Lupinacci said. “The pressure isn’t always the best recipe for success. We tell them they can have fun if they earn the fun, and tonight they earned it.”

The game also served as a chance to honor several graduating seniors who have played key leadership roles on the roster this season. Both Lupinacci and the team’s veterans acknowledged the impact those players have had on the program.

“They’re big shoes to fill,” Lupinacci said. “But they’re leaving the younger guys with great energy and a lot of wisdom.”

With a strong recruiting class expected to arrive next season and returning leadership in place, Carlson believes the program is building toward a major goal.

“Next year, honestly, the goal is to win the Pac,” Carlson said. “If everyone takes the offseason seriously, I think we’ve got a real shot.”

Washington State continues its spring schedule in the coming weeks as the Cougars look to build momentum heading into next year’s season.