It was definitely not a weekend that the University of Denver hockey team wants to remember, as the Pioneers lost to Michigan Tech 3-0 on Friday and followed it up with a 1-0 win on Saturday.

After coming off New Year’s weekend, where the team combined to score 13 goals, its offense came to a sudden standstill and Michigan Tech’s goaltender Cam Ellsworth put forth quite a performance.

“We were outplayed in every aspect of the game and we flat came out and layed an egg tonight,” senior defenseman Matt Laatsch said of Friday’s defeat.

The Pioneers did not show much effort and it led to two second period goals for the Huskies and then later a third period netter to put the game away.

“I am not upset when we lose. The thing I am most disappointed in is our effort,” said Head Coach George Gwozdecky.

After the loss on Friday, Denver followed it up with a much better performance on Saturday and came away with a win.

“Michigan Tech is a very good team, but tonight we came out and got the win and didn’t want to lose two games in a row,” stated freshman goaltender Peter Mannino, who got his second straight shutout Saturday night.

The Pioneers received a first period and career goal from freshman Andrew Thomas, which ended up being the game winner.

Denver will now have its final bye week of the season and next play Jan. 20 and 21st at St. Cloud State.

For the fifth time this season the Pioneers lost on Friday and followed it up with a win on Saturday. The loss snapped the nine-game unbeaten streak the team had going.

The shutout by the Huskies on Friday was their first over Denver since 1979.

“This series was a very valuable reminder of how hard you have to play in the WCHA, and how you can’t take anything for granted,” remarked Gwozdecky.

The hockey team started 2005 with a fifth consecutive Wells Fargo Denver Cup tournament championship at Magness Arena Jan. 2.

The Pioneers won the tournament by defeating the Air Force Academy 9-4, followed by a convincing 4-0 victory over Northeastern in the championship match.

“We weren’t world beaters in either game that we played,” said Gwozdecky afterwards.

“But we won both games. More importantly, after having a two-week break and only two days to prepare for the tournament, we won two games and now we can prepare for the rest of the WCHA season.”

DU, seventh-ranked nationally going into the tournament, moved up to five as a result of its triumph.

“I think even if you play supposedly weaker teams, we still got to show up and play the same game and play them like they are the best team in the league,” said freshman Paul Stastny.

Stastny, a heavily recruited player out of the United States Hockey League, has more than lived up to high expectations this year with eight goals and 10 assists in 20 games.

Stastny was honored as the Wells Fargo tournament MVP as he scored three goals and three assists in the two victories, including an unassisted tally in the final game that staked DU to a 2-0 lead early in the second stanza.

Gwozdecky has kept DU in top form following last season’s championship campaign by preparing the team carefully for each game.

“One thing I think you are always concerned about is how your team evaluates the opponent,” explained Gwozdecky.

“If you don’t respect your opponent, and if you are not prepared to play as hard as you possibly can, then you are setting yourself up for failure.”

The Pioneers may not have played their best games of the season against Air Force or Northeastern, but they successfully defended their claim on the Wells Fargo tournament crown, while building big momentum heading into a tough remaining schedule.

“We respect the heck out of the Air Force Academy, and what those student athletes at the Academy are required to do over and above academics and hockey,” said Gwozdecky.

In the 9-4 win over the Air Force Academy, senior Jon Foster led the way with three goals, an assist and a +4 rating. Freshman Geoff Paukovich contributed with two goals and an assist.

Stastny said the team’s success is due in part to a full team effort.

“At the beginning we were just inconsistent and lately all the lines are chipping in and you can really see the chemistry throughout all four lines,” said Stastny.

“If we come in day in and day out and play our best defensively and offensively, we should have a good chance.”

According to Gwozdecky, there is no such thing as an easy game, particularly with the defending national champion Pioneers being a prime target for each opponent.

“No matter who you play in this league, it is extremely challenging. The depth of this league and the challenge is to play your best and if you don’t play your best there is a good chance you are going to lose.”

“Nobody has so much talent that they can just show up and beat you on talent,” said Gwozdecky.