Pioneers Sweep Fighting Hawks in Thrilling NCHC Series
The No. 1 Denver Pioneers showcased their resilience and skill this weekend, sweeping the No. 9 North Dakota Fighting Hawks with a 3-2 victory on Saturday at Ralph Engelstad Arena. This win marked the Pioneers’ 12th consecutive victory to start the season, breaking the school’s record for the longest season-opening win streak.
After a strong performance on Friday where Denver won 5-2, Saturday’s game proved more challenging. North Dakota looked to take control early, with Sacha Boisvert scoring a power-play goal. However, Denver quickly equalized thanks to James Reeder’s mid-air tip. The Pioneers faced adversity when North Dakota’s Dylan James scored a short-handed goal, putting the Fighting Hawks ahead 2-1. Yet, Denver turned the tide with a power-play goal from Aidan Thompson and a late second-period strike from Boston Buckberger, giving them the lead for good.
Head Coach David Carle praised the team’s mental fortitude, noting, “I’m really proud of our team … We get down, find a way to tie, and then take the lead at the end of the second.” Freshman goalie Matt Davis recorded 21 saves, while Thompson extended his point streak to 12 games, becoming the first Pioneer in a decade to do so in the season’s opening stretch.
Denver’s remarkable defensive efforts continued with a season-high 18 blocked shots. The Pioneers will look to maintain their winning momentum next week as they host Arizona State for the NCHC series at Magness Arena. The games are scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m. MT and Saturday at 6 p.m. MT, marking a significant match-up against a formidable conference opponent.
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Photo credit denverpioneers.com
