In a clash of two heavy-weight college programs, DU faced perennial power Boston College over the Halloween weekend. DU entered the weekend ranked no. 11, while BC held the no. 5 spot in the national rankings. The two teams were expected to create some great matchups, and they did not disappoint.

Despite a strong performance on Oct. 31, the Pioneers fell by a score of 2-1 to BC. After a very even first period, Denver began the scoring early in the second period, when two defensive partners met for a timely and much needed goal.

Senior Joey LaLeggia skated behind the BC net, only to throw the puck into the slot for fellow defenseman junior Nolan Zajac, who then fired the puck past the blocker of the elite and powerful BC goaltending prospect, Thatcher Demko.

The lead didn’t last long, however, as Ryan Fitzgerald of Boston College tapped in a pass from Austin Cangelosi only seven minutes later. The goal calmed the enthusiasm in the building, while also raising the tension for both teams. DU sophomore goaltender Evan Cowley demonstrated great poise by stopping a couple chances on odd-man rushes, one being a complete breakaway towards goal.

The third period provided the climactic ending, though it wasn’t in the Pioneers’ favor.

A heart breaking end to a very complete effort from DU, this game provided a solid barometer which the team can use to track both their own levels of talent and competitiveness through the rest of the season.
The Pioneers went toe to toe with one of the most NHL-prospect laden teams in the country and nearly pulled off the win.