By DREW GRANTHUM/Sports Writer

PELHAM — The University of Alabama Frozen Tide hockey team swept archrival Auburn 3-0 Jan. 17-19 to capture its fourth-consecutive Iron Cup trophy.

Opening night, the Tide set the tone for the series with a commanding 9-1 win over the Tigers. The game was a combination of big hits, hard checking and a high-powered offense as the Frozen Tide pounded the Tigers.

Alabama controlled the game, with the Frozen Tide keeping the puck in the Auburn zone for the majority of the game. Goalie Sean Vinson came up huge for Tide, stopping all but one shot faced. With the win, the Frozen Tide captured the momentum in the series headed into the following night’s contest.

While the score was a great deal closer, the Jan. 18 matchup was a continuation of the series opener, with the Frozen Tide taking a 3-0 win. The Tide posted a goal in each period, while strong defense and sharp goaltending came up big again for the home team.Brendan Dickerson, Clay Link and Andre Morard each registered a goal for the Tide, with Thomas Condon recording the shutout in the net minder’s position.

The win gave Alabama it’s 10-straight game win in the series, as the Tide has not lost a game since the Iron Cup series began play in 2010.

While the Iron Cup was secured with a game remaining between the two squads, Alabama appeared to save its best for last. At 1 p.m. matinee on Jan. 19, the Frozen Tide took charge of the game, taking down the Tigers 13-1. Ryan Greenhut led the team scoring, posted a hat trick as well as an assist while Dan Nolte netted two goals. In goal, Jack Safford went 21-for-22, allowing just one shot past.

With the sweep, Alabama has won five-straight games and moved to 13-8-0-1 on the season. The Frozen Tide will face Ole Miss in Pelham on Jan. 24.