Note: This article was finalized on Monday, Oct. 12 and does not take into account any events that have transpired since then.
Denver hockey took the ice at Magness Arena on Saturday Oct. 10 in a rematch against the Air Force Falcons for the 2015-16 season home opener. The Pioneers received their first win of the season after losing 5-4 in overtime on Friday Oct. 9 at Air Force’s Cadet Ice Arena.
Photo by Simon Chen
Friday’s outcome was a “disappointing loss [for Denver]” according to senior forward, Quentin Shore (Denver, Colorado) who was “excited to return home with the incredible fan and student support at Magness.”
Following the loss to Air Force, “[We] wanted to be a lot harder of a team to beat,” as stated by junior forward, Matt Marcinew (Calgary, Alberta) who contributed greatly to the Pio’s offense on Saturday night.
Marcinew netted a wrist-shot goal outside of the right face-off circle in the 13th minute of the first period to equalize Denver 1-1, followed by an assist in the third period.
Denver’s energy picked up during the second period as the Pios advanced 2-1. Senior defenseman, Nolan Zajac’s (Winnipeg, Manitoba) first shot was blocked by the Falcon’s goaltender, Billy Christopoulos (Raleigh, North Carolina) and was picked up by forward Pioneer freshman Logan O’Connor (Calgary, Alberta) then redistributed back to Zajac for a conversion at the goal-line crease.
“[I] thought the third period looked like the best period [I’ve] seen us look like a team that’s starting to grow and come together,” said Denver Head Coach, Jim Montgomery.
Photo by Dazong Chen
Denver stretched their lead 3-1 from a powerful slap shot taken by junior defenseman Nick Neville (Bloomfield Hills, Michigan) in the 12th minute of the third period.
While Denver secured the victory, Air Force outshot Denver 27-25, but was denied due to the outstanding performance by the NHL Florida Panthers’ prospect, Pioneer and Mike Ritcher Award Watch List recipient, Evan Cowley (Evergreen, Colorado.)
“It’s really fun to play in DU’s atmosphere with home-ice advantage and it was important to bounce back, [going forward] we just need to take each game one at a time,” said Cowley.
Denver’s next game is during Homecoming Weekend on Friday Oct. 16. Puck drop is scheduled at 7:36 p.m. in Magness Arena against the Michigan State University Spartans.
