Denver Pioneers Suffer Narrow Loss to Arizona State in Season Opener
DENVER – The University of Denver hockey team, ranked No. 1 in the nation, faced a surprising setback on Friday night, suffering a 3-2 defeat against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Magness Arena. This loss marks the end of Denver’s impressive 12-game season-opening winning streak, breaking a 21-game overall winning streak that dated back to March 9.
The game started dramatically with Arizona State’s Artem Shlaine scoring just 35 seconds into the first period. The Pioneers responded with senior captain Carter King leveling the score with a power-play goal late in the first. Shlaine struck again, scoring the game-winning goal with only 45 seconds left in the third period after King had tied the game again earlier, thus showcasing a competitive back-and-forth.
Head Coach David Carle noted that Arizona State’s physical play and proactive forechecking hindered Denver’s offensive performance. He acknowledged that the Pioneers’ special teams had shone brightly, as they have scored on the power play for ten consecutive games.
Despite Denver’s offensive edge, outshooting ASU 32-30 and dominating the third period with a 14-5 shot advantage, the Sun Devils’ defense and goaltender Luke Pavicich held strong, stopping 30 shots.
Looking ahead, the Pioneers will seek to bounce back in their rematch against ASU on Saturday at 6 p.m. MT. This game marks the first of NCHC competition between both teams, as Arizona State joins the conference this season. With limited tickets remaining for their season and 75th anniversary next year, excitement continues to build for Pioneers hockey fans.
This surprising loss offers the Pioneers a chance to regroup as they prepare for the rest of the season, aiming to reclaim their winning momentum.
Source
Photo credit denverpioneers.com
