Temple ice hockey thought it was playing Marist College in day two of the Atlantic Collegiate Hockey Association Division II showcase until a schedule change last night.

The last minute change in opposition apparently didn’t faze Temple ice hockey as the Owls knocked off Texas State University by a resounding 9-3 score.

After falling in a 2-0 hole, Temple outscored Texas State 9-1 the rest of the way en route to the win. Freshman forward Dave Brewer netted his first three goals in a Temple uniform with a hat trick, and senior defenseman Jordan Lawrence scored his first goal in almost two years.

Senior forward Sean Nealis also had his second consecutive two-goal game after going scoreless in Temple’s first five contests.

Freshman forwards Cody Vassa and Jayson Marbach also added goals for the Owls, with Vassa scoring twice.

“We had a horrific first period,” coach Jerry Roberts said.“We were down 2-0 and we turned it around in final two periods. We were disappointed in everything we did in first period, but bounced back well.

Brewer had gone scoreless in his first five Temple games before his three-goal outburst against Texas State.

“He’s by far our most underrated player,” coach Jerry Roberts said.“It was nice to see him get some recognition with the hat trick tonight and really plan on him being a big part of offensive core the next few years.”

Sophomore goalie Eric Semborskihad his first start of the weekend in net.

The Owls will face East Carolina University tomorrow at 9 p.m. for their last game of this year’s ACHA showcase.

“They’re in our conference and we haven’t played them in two years,” Roberts said. “They’re a decent team and they’re a team who is capable of beating us if we’re not committed to executing our game plan. If we do that and keep our focus throughout, we should be fine.”

-Andrew Parent