Denver hockey (1-0) kicked off the 2021-22 season Friday night at Magness Arena with a non-conference tilt against Arizona State (1-2). The game also marked the beginning of homecoming weekend for the 12th ranked Pioneers. The Pioneers started off their new season with a bang.

Johnny Walker scored a shorthanded goal at 1:38 of the first period for ASU before the roof caved in on the Sun Devils. DU ripped off three straight goals in the first period, outshooting the visitors 16-5 to take a 3-1 lead to the first break.

Carter Savoie picks up where he left off last season, scoring the first goal of the year for the Pios at 10:38.

Bobby Brink & Justin Lee with the helpers.

DU & ASU all knotted at 1-1. pic.twitter.com/FbVwC9TeoF

— Denver Hockey (@DU_Hockey) October 9, 2021

Frosh to Frosh: Massimo Rizzo feeds Carter Mazur in front to give DU a 2-1 lead with 1:26 left in the period. pic.twitter.com/z22iUAoZc9

— Denver Hockey (@DU_Hockey) October 9, 2021

A look at Stapley's goal that made 3-1 at the end of the period. pic.twitter.com/bhEsLe4jP6

— Denver Hockey (@DU_Hockey) October 9, 2021

The Pioneers continued the onslaught and poured it on in the second period, torching the Sun Devils 4-1 to take a commanding 7-2 lead into the third period.

A goal as a souvenir for senior captain Cole Guttman in his 100th career game. pic.twitter.com/HgeWNsivfw

— Denver Hockey (@DU_Hockey) October 9, 2021

Kyle Mayhew makes it a 5-1 game midway through the 2nd. pic.twitter.com/KlOZFPiHkB

— Denver Hockey (@DU_Hockey) October 9, 2021

And we have a good goal.

Goal #2 for Cole Guttman.

DU 6, ASU 2 pic.twitter.com/uGl4RtvGgG

— Denver Hockey (@DU_Hockey) October 9, 2021

It doesn't matter how… they count all the same.

7-1 Pios now late in the 2nd. pic.twitter.com/y1uXTSCYXz

— Denver Hockey (@DU_Hockey) October 9, 2021

Denver coasted in the third period as each team added a goal to make it an 8-3 final score. The game was marred by penalties as the frustrated visitors fell further behind. The Sun Devils had 13 penalties and spent 26 minutes in the box. The Pioneers had 9 penalties for 18 minutes.

Massimo Rizzo records his second point of the (also an assist) and extends DU's lead to 8-2 with is first college goal. pic.twitter.com/Sb9zLhm4xS

— Denver Hockey (@DU_Hockey) October 9, 2021

Denver showed excellent speed entering the offensive zone and was clearly quicker than ASU.  DU controlled play in the visitor’s offensive zone, especially during the first two periods. Denver won the faceoff battle, 44-28, and was not afraid to mix it up with the larger Sun Devil squad.

Finally, hockey fans and the student section were in full-throat with a return to Magness Arena. Denver has a rematch with ASU Saturday evening at 6:00 pm MT.