Dec. 7, 2001

Box Score

The University of Denver hockey team lost for the first time in Western Collegiate Hockey Association play, falling to Minnesota, 2-1, Friday at Magness Arena. The Pioneers drop to 11-2-0 overall and 8-1-0 in the WCHA, while Minnesota improves to 12-1-3 (6-1-2 WCHA).

In front of 6,013 fans at Magness Arena, the Golden Gophers struck first, scoring the opening goal at 12:46 in the first period.

The Pioneers came out and seemed to control the action throughout most of the second period, outshooting UM 12-6, but it was Minnesota capitalizing again just 7:11 into the period. After two periods, the Pioneers trailed 2-0.

With 7:40 left to play, Denver notched its first goal on a great redirection from freshman Luke Fulghum (Colorado Springs, Colo.). Junior defenseman Aaron MacKenzie (Terrace Bay, Ontario) rifled a shot from the point that Fulghum some how slapped out of the air and between the legs of Minnesota?s goaltender, Adam Hauser. The Gophers closed the door through the final seven minutes of play, however, and held onto the one-goal advantage to earn the 2-1 victory. Both teams were scoreless on the power play as Denver failed on six tries and Minnesota went scoreless in five extra-attacker situations.

Denver and Minnesota will close the two-game conference series tomorrow (Dec. 8) with a 7:05 p.m., faceoff at Magness Arena.