The performance of Arizona State’s freshman class was a major storyline throughout the 2020-21 season. In the midst of a deeply frustrating campaign for the team at large, the Sun Devils’ first year players provided a glimmer of hope, and no first-year player made a bigger impact than right winger Matthew Kopperud.
The Denver native immediately established himself as a prolific scorer, potting 12 goals in his first 16 NCAA games and leading all of college hockey in goals for a short stretch. Although he faded at the tail end of the season, Kopperud still finished the year as ASU’s leading scorer with 13 goals and 19 points.