The no. 10 ranked DU hockey team defeated unranked Colorado College by a score of 4-1 at the Battle on Blake, emerging victorious in the first-ever outdoor meeting between the two schools.

The game was played in downtown Denver at Coors Field, where 35,144 fans attended the chilly February match-up. The amount of fans set an athletic event record for DU.

Shortly after sunset, the puck was dropped at 6:10 p.m. and the Rocky Mountain sky turned a familiar dark blue. Crimson and gold lined the first base side of the stadium where the student section was ecstatic, the overjoyed band played with enthusiasm and alumni scurried to their seats in anticipation of a memorable experience in a unique setting.

The grand stage didn’t prove too much for the younger Pioneer players, as three freshmen recorded goals on the night. While both goaltenders saw action, junior Tanner Jaillet (Red Deer, Alberta) was awarded the win on the night after playing the first 55 minutes and making 19 saves.

Head coach Jim Montgomery commented on the feel of the historic game after it was complete.

“It wasn’t the usual intensity you feel from the fans. It felt like it was more of a big event, like a Super Bowl,” said Montgomery.

DU was able to put emotions aside and perform under the bright Coors Field lights. The game began with a competitive and intense edge from both teams, as most Denver vs. CC games do. Players began getting more comfortable with the atmosphere and outdoor conditions once their nerves had settled.

Eager to claim a victory and the three points at stake, Denver’s cohesiveness increased midway through the first frame, putting increased pressure on CC goalie Jacob Nehama. DU outshot CC in the first period 15-8.

The scoring kicked-off when sophomore defenseman Tariq Hammond (Calgary, Alberta) centered the puck with just over three minutes left in the period. It careened off freshman Jarid Lukosevicius (Squamish, British Columbia), hit a CC player’s skate and slid by Nehama’s left pad. Not to be outdone, freshman Colin Staub (Colorado Springs, Colorado) tucked home a wrap-around goal only 90 seconds later thanks to a buzzing effort from fellow forwards junior Emil Romig (Vienna, Austria) and senior Gabe Levin (Marina del Rey, California) in the offensive zone. Sophomore defenseman Adam Plant (Penticton, British Columbia) and Romig assisted on the score, putting DU up 2-0.

There was praise for the gritty line after the game. It was a much-needed goal which propelled the team, coming from a hard-working line.

“Gabe Levin’s line has been our best line consistently the last three games. They had one goal, but they could have had four goals in that first period,” said Montgomery.

Denver outshot CC again in the second period, but Nehema found a solid goaltending rhythm while Colorado College freshman defenseman Cole McCaskill found the back of the net. He scored on a wrist shot near the right boards, beating Jaillet through the five-hole.

Despite DU severely outshooting CC, it was only a one-goal game entering the third period with Denver leading 2-1. With the stakes of the game reaching a high-point in such an incredible setting, the pressure forced a critical error from a CC player.

A big hit from Colorado College freshman defenseman Ben Israel delivered in his own defensive zone resulted in an interference call. Although the DU player had possessed the puck a few seconds before, the referees decided it was a late hit. About one minute into the powerplay, CC was penalized for having too many men on the ice, resulting in a 5-on-3 advantage for the Pioneers.

Having carried the team to a win over CC just days prior, the “Pacific Rim” line of Danton Heinen (Langley, British Columbia), Trevor Moore (Thousand Oaks, California) and Dylan Gambrell (Bonney Lake, Washington) once again led by example for the Pioneers.

Heinen boomed a one-timer from just inside the circle, beating Nehama and giving Denver some breathing room. Junior defenseman Will Butcher (Sun Prairie, Wisconsin) had slid the puck over to Heinen, while Gambrell was also credited with an assist.

With Denver still on the powerplay, Gambrell sped through the neutral zone and caught the CC defense sleeping. He entered the zone and fired a shot from the right slot which was partially blocked, but the rebound glided towards the right corner. Gambrell slithered a second shot past an out-of-position Nehama from a near impossible angle just 15 seconds after Heinen had scored. DU had secured a three-goal lead in the blink of an eye with about 17 minutes left to play in the game. Assists were given to Heinen and Butcher on the Gambrell goal.

The rest of the third period saw tempers flare, most notably when junior Evan Janssen (Green Bay, Wisconsin) received a kneeing penalty and another occasion when freshman Troy Terry was involved in a small, open-ice scuffle.

Both teams substituted in backup goalies with four minutes left in the game, a kind gesture to allow both players the chance to participate in live, outdoor-game action. Junior Evan Cowley (Evergreen, Colorado) stopped all five shots he faced.

The 4-1 victory was a sweet one for the Pioneers, as the win secured home-ice advantage for the team in the NCHC Tournament and third place in the conference. It took special contributions from role and star players alike for Denver to come away with the win.

Coach Montgomery commended the depth of the team and their ability to mesh.

“Everyone brings something different, but we all have to play the same way when we don’t have the puck. That’s the part that’s been really good,” he said.

The team recorded a staggering 47 shots on net, the result of having four balanced lines with abundant skill, leadership and determination.

The special night turned into a dream come true for DU hockey, as the team celebrated and took photos on the ice after completing the four-game, season series sweep of archrival Colorado College.

The event was of incredible magnitude, allowing players and fans alike the unique opportunity to soak in the outdoor experience and festivities in a once-in-a-lifetime game.