Freshman goalie Johnny Hicks pitched a shutout and Rieger Lorenz scored the game’s only goal in three-on-three overtime off of a perfect pass from Eric Pohlkamp as the #11 Denver Pioneers (16-11-2, 12-6-0 NCHC) topped the #7 Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs (17-11-0, 8-10-0 NCHC) 1-0 in game two of the weekend series at Magness Arena. The Pioneers claimed five of the six possible points for NCHC standings purposes and remained at #11 in the NPI. Continue reading Denver Earns 5-Point Weekend Sweep Over Minnesota Duluth With Thrilling 1-0 OT Victory
Category Archives: Hockey
Pioneers Survive Bulldogs’ Third-Period Rally to Earn Huge NPI Victory
Everything was going swimmingly for the #11 Denver Pioneers (15-11-2, 11-6-0 NCHC)…until it wasn’t. Sam Harris scored in the closing moments of the first period before three different Pioneers scored in the second period to take a 4-0 lead over the #7 Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs (17-10-0, 8-9-0 NCHC) into the third period. But a Tory Pitner major penalty for cross-checking with six seconds left in the second period opened the door for the Bulldogs to begin their comeback. Three UMD goals later, one allowed by starter Johnny Hicks and two by backup Paxton Geisel, who came in after Hicks went down with a leg injury, the Pioneers were holding on for dear life over the final six minutes. Fortunately for DU, the Bulldogs and their #1-ranked power play unit were unable to find their fourth goal, and the Pioneers escaped with a 4-3 victory for their first Friday victory of 2026. Continue reading Pioneers Survive Bulldogs’ Third-Period Rally to Earn Huge NPI Victory
Pohlkamp Breaks NCHC Record as Pioneers Rebound from Friday Night Collapse with Huskies Shutout
The #9 Denver Pioneers (14-11-2, 10-6-0 NCHC) were in real danger of being swept at Magness Arena for the second-straight time after last night’s collapse. Instead, they weathered a slow, sloggy start and an injury to their starting goalie before potting two goals at the end of the opening period and cruised to a 6-0 shutout victory over the St. Cloud State Huskies (13-13-0, 6-10-0 NCHC). Every game and win from here on out is incredibly important for a team fighting for its NCAA Tournament life. Continue reading Pohlkamp Breaks NCHC Record as Pioneers Rebound from Friday Night Collapse with Huskies Shutout
Pioneers Surrender Four Straight Goals in 4-2 Loss to Huskies
It was a strong start for the #9 Denver Pioneers (13-11-2, 9-6-0 NCHC) as they tallied the game’s first two goals over the 21-and-a-half minutes, but apparently, that’s also when they thought their series-opening game against the St. Cloud State Huskies (13-12-0, 6-9-0 NCHC) ended. The Huskies scored four-straight goals, including an empty-netter with 1:11 left, to ice the game and deliver the Pioneers their 6th home loss in 12 contests in a wildly underwhelming and disappointing season. Continue reading Pioneers Surrender Four Straight Goals in 4-2 Loss to Huskies
DU Bowes-Up in the Third Period, Beats UND 3-2
This game was BIG following a six-game non-winning skid by DU men’s hockey (13-10-2, 9-5). All the recent issues that plagued DU men’s hockey evaporated in the third period at Ralph Engelstad Arena. After being pulled during the prior two games, goaltender Quentin Miller was outstanding the entire game and, especially, effective in the final period when it counted the most. With the score knotted 2-2 exiting the second period, the Pioneers James Reeder scored the critical game-winning power-play goal (8:41) in the third period. Unlike Friday night, Denver’s defense held strong, showing fight and resolve in the final minutes to secure the win. DU was tenacious and pesky during the third period and earned the critical road split. Continue reading DU Bowes-Up in the Third Period, Beats UND 3-2
North Dakota Blitzes Denver in Opener, 5-0
Denver men’s hockey (12-10-2, 8-5-0) visited The Ralph Friday night for a two-game set against the Fighting Hawks in Grand Forks. It was a recurring theme for the Pioneers as they fell behind early, struggled on the powerplay and had uncharacteristic breakdowns on both ends of the ice in a 5-0 rout. Continue reading North Dakota Blitzes Denver in Opener, 5-0
LetsGoDU Exposé: Dakotas Hotel 10-Point Watch List
DU hockey fans traveling to Grand Forks for this weekend’s DU-North Dakota rivalry series, be warned. Following a news report that a Fargo hotel was doing its laundry in a public hot tub (and stirring with a broom), our in-depth research has identified 10 other tricks used by North Dakota Hoteliers to ‘streamline’ their business operations: Continue reading LetsGoDU Exposé: Dakotas Hotel 10-Point Watch List
WMU Dominates DU in Home Sweep, 6-2
DU men’s hockey, reeling after the holiday break, looked to restablish their power play and reignite their confidence Saturday night. Neither happened as another shakey performance resulted in a decisive conference home loss. Denver looked like a cinch for an NCAA Tournament host berth in Loveland with mostly home games and a solid conference record but now, Denver is left fighting for their playoff lives. Continue reading WMU Dominates DU in Home Sweep, 6-2
Power Play Woes Bite Denver in loss to Western Michigan, 4-1
DU men’s hockey (12-8-2, 8-3-0) fell behind the Broncos early when Liam Valente scored for WMU one minute into the game, 1- 0. The score held throughout the period and Denver squandered two power play opportunities – a harbinger of things to come. Continue reading Power Play Woes Bite Denver in loss to Western Michigan, 4-1
Maine’s Third Period Surge Forges 3-3 Tie
Knowledgeable hockey fans knew Maine had a solid team coming into Denver (12-8-1, 8-2-0). However, few would have predicted Maine’s results – in convincing fashion no less. The Maine Black Bears were by far the superior team all weekend and they added the exclamation point Saturday night with a late third period comeback tie (and shootout ‘win’). Continue reading Maine’s Third Period Surge Forges 3-3 Tie